scholarly journals Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of DHEA on the Outcome of IVF in Endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yanxia Zhang ◽  
Meiqing Li ◽  
Lian Li ◽  
Jianghua Xiao ◽  
Zhe Chen

Objective. To investigate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with endometriosis (EMT). Methods. Female patients diagnosed with EMT in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected. The patients were divided into the control group (n = 22) and the DHEA group (n = 22) according to the random number table. Patients in the control group received placebo and patients in the DHEA group received DHEA. Patients in both groups received either DHEA (25 mg) or placebo orally 3 times a day for 90 days from the first day of menstruation. Patients were subsequently treated with an IVF cycle. In the control group, 22 patients completed the first cycle and 13 patients completed the second cycle. In the DHEA group, 22 patients completed the first cycle and 11 patients completed the second cycle. Serum sex hormone levels including serum E2 on hCG day, mean progesterone on hCG day, FSH on day 2, AMH on day 2, and gonadotropin dose were determined using a chemiluminescent immunoassay kit. The number of antral follicles of the bilateral ovaries was counted by transvaginal B-ultrasound, and the maximum length and transverse diameter of the ovaries were measured at the same time, to calculate the average diameter of the ovaries, observe the morphology of endometrium, and measure the thickness of the endometrium. The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, persistent pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were compared between the two groups. Results. There were no significant differences in serum E2, progesterone, endometrial thickness, recovered oocytes, mean number of transferred embryos, and mean score of leading embryo transfer between the DHEA group and the women who completed the first and second cycles ( P > 0.05 ). The AMH, antral follicle count, serum E2 on hCG day, the number of recovered oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and the fertilization rate in the DHEA group were higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 ). The doses of FSH on day 2, COH on day 3, and gonadotropin were lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 ). There was no significant difference in the total number of embryos, the number of high-quality embryos, and the number of transplanted embryos between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, persistent pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in the DHEA group were higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. DHEA can significantly increase serum E2 level and improve IVF outcome by regulating the hormone synthesis process, thus improving oocyte and embryo quality.

Author(s):  
Pattraporn Chera-aree ◽  
Isarin Thanaboonyawat ◽  
Benjawan Thokha ◽  
Pitak Laokirkkiat

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer between embryos cultured in a time-lapse monitoring system (TLS) and those cultured in a conventional incubator (CI).Methods: The medical records of 250 fertilized embryos from 141 patients undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology at a tertiary hospital from June 2018 to May 2020 were reviewed. The study population was divided into TLS and CI groups at a 1 to 1 ratio (125 embryos per group). The primary outcome was the live birth rate. Results: The TLS group had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (46.4% vs. 27.2%, p=0.002), implantation rate (27.1% vs. 12.0%, p=0.004), and live birth rate (32% vs. 18.4%, p=0.013) than the CI group. Furthermore, subgroup analyses of the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in the different age groups favored the TLS group. However, this difference only reached statistical significance in the live birth rate in women aged over 40 years and the clinical pregnancy rate in women aged 35–40 years (p=0.048 and p=0.031, respectively). The miscarriage rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst rate were comparable.Conclusion: TLS application improved the live birth rate, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate, particularly in the advanced age group in this study, while the other reproductive outcomes were comparable. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to further explore the ramifications of these findings, especially in different age groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-23

Background: Currently, the effect of laser-assisted hatching (LAH) on the outcome of cryopreserved embryo remains controversial and unclear, especially on the cryopreserved embryos using a novel vitrification method. Objective: To compare the pregnancy outcomes of vitrified-warmed cleavage stage embryos transfer using LAH breaching or LAH thinning versus those not using LAH. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with vitrified-warmed cleavage embryo transfer were randomly assigned to a control group without LAH treatment, LAH-breeching group, and LAH-thinning group. The outcome measurements were clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate (35% versus 20% versus 25%) and implantation rate (17.3% versus 11.5% versus 11.3%) were lower in both LAH-breaching and LAH-thinning group than the control group, but not statistically significant (p>0.05). The live birth rate (30% versus 5% versus 5%) was significantly lower in both the LAH-breaching and LAH-thinning group than the control group (p=0.026). Conclusion: LAH regardless of breaching or thinning methods significantly decreases live birth rate in vitrified-warmed cleavage-stage embryo transfer. Keywords: Laser-assisted hatching, Vitrified-warmed, Cleavage embryo


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal Lazer ◽  
Shir Dar ◽  
Ekaterina Shlush ◽  
Basheer S. Al Kudmani ◽  
Kevin Quach ◽  
...  

We examined whether treatment with minimum-dose stimulation (MS) protocol enhances clinical pregnancy rates compared to high-dose stimulation (HS) protocol. A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing IVF and pregnancy outcomes between MS and HS gonadotropin-antagonist protocol for patients with poor ovarian reserve (POR). Inclusion criteria included patients with an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) ≤8 pmol/L and/or antral follicle count (AFC) ≤5 on days 2-3 of the cycle. Patients from 2008 exclusively had a HS protocol treatment, while patients in 2010 had treatment with a MS protocol exclusively. The MS protocol involved letrozole at 2.5 mg over 5 days, starting from day 2, overlapping with gonadotropins, starting from the third day of letrozole at 150 units daily. GnRH antagonist was introduced once one or more follicles reached 14 mm or larger. The HS group received gonadotropins (≥300 IU/day) throughout their antagonist cycle. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the MS protocol compared to the HS protocol (P=0.007). Furthermore, the live birth rate was significantly higher in the MS group compare to the HS group (P=0.034). In conclusion, the MS IVF protocol is less expensive (lower gonadotropin dosage) and resulted in a higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate than a HS protocol for poor responders.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Yang ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Xiaoyan Sun ◽  
Qingyang Li ◽  
Qiumei Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background So far, only few literatures have studied the relationship between blastocyst transfer position and ART outcomes, and the conclusions are still controversial. Our study is to evaluate the effect of air bubble position on ART outcome and to find the optimal embryo transfer position in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Methods This study included a retrospective cohort analysis of 399 frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers ultrasound-guided performed between June 1, 2017 and November 30, 2020. All of the women scheduled for frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers ultrasound-guided. The primary outcome is clinical pregnancy rate and the secondary outcome is live birth rate. Statistical analyses were conducted using One-way Anova, Kruscal Whallis H test, chi-square test and Smooth curve fitting. Results When BFD was less than 19 mm, there was no significant change in clinical pregnancy rate as BFD increased (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.02, P = 0.1373); when BFD was more than 19 mm, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased by 16% for every 1 mm increase in BFD (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.98, P = 0.0363). The effect of BFD on live birth rate were similar to that on clinical pregnancy rate, the inflection point was 19mm, when BFD was more than 19 mm, the live birth rate decreases by 58% for every 1 mm increase in BFD (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.86, P = 0.0174) Conclusions The ideal pregnancy outcome can be achieved within 19mm from uterus fundus after single blastocyst transfer, The clinical pregnancy and live birth at a distance of more 19mm from the uterus fundus have a cliff-like downward trend.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Ding ◽  
Jingwei Yang ◽  
Lan Li ◽  
Na Yang ◽  
Ling Lan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Along with progress in embryo cryopreservation, especially in vitrification has made freeze all strategy more acceptable. Some studies found comparable or higher live birth rate with frozen embryo transfer (FET) than with fresh embryo transfer(ET)in gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. But there were no reports about live birth rate differences between fresh ET and FET with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol. The aim of this study is to analyze whether patients benefit from freeze all strategy in GnRH-a protocol from real-world data.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, in which women undergoing fresh ET or FET with GnRH-a long protocol at Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute from January 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy rate.Results: A total of 7,814 patients met inclusion criteria, implementing 5,216 fresh ET cycles and 2,598 FET cycles, respectively. The demographic characteristics of the patients were significantly different between two groups, except BMI. After controlling for a broad range of potential confounders (including age, infertility duration, BMI, AMH, no. of oocytes retrieved and no. of available embryos), multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in terms of clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss rate between two groups (all P>0.05). However, the implantation rate and live birth rate of fresh ET group were significantly higher than FET group (P<0.001 and P=0.012, respectively).Conclusion: Compared to FET, fresh ET following GnRH-a long protocol could lead to higher implantation rate and live birth rate in infertile patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). The freeze all strategy should be individualized and made with caution especially with GnRH-a long protocol.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Se. Sharma

Abstract Study question Male infertility due to idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia- Does combining Letrozole as antiestrogenic with Coenzyme Q10 as antioxidant give better pregnancy rate ? Summary answer Combination of Co enzyme Q10 with Letrozole can significantly improve semen parameters and outcome of clinical pregnancy rate in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients. What is known already Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) are a major cause of idiopathic male factor infertility which results in sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and apoptosis leading to decrease sperm viability and motility. Antioxidant like Coenzyme Q10 have been used empiricallyin the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia based on its ability to reverse oxidative stress and sperm dysfunction. Aromatase inhibitor like Letrozolehave been used in idiopathic male infertility by reducing estrogenic effect on spermatogenesis and reducing feedback inhibition of hypothalamopituatarygonadal axis. Thus a therapeutic strategy would need to use supplements to increase sperm energy metabilism, minimise free radical damage. Study design, size, duration Study design: prospective comperative clinical study Primary purpose: treatmenr Size: 60 infertile male attending OPD of SHRISTI HEALTHCARE diagnosed as idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Duration: from March2018 to February 2020 Primary outcome: improvement in sperm count, motility and morphology after treatment Secondary outcome: clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Participants/materials, setting, methods Exclusion criteria: Smoker, drug and alcohol abuse, medical treatment with gonadotropin and steroids, varicocele.60 patients were randomisedinto 3 groups. Gr A(N = 20) received Letrozole 2.5mg/day + Co enzyme Q10 300mg/day for 3 months, Gr B(N = 20) received Letrozole 2.5mg/day for 3 months, and Gr C(N = 20) received Coenzyme Q10 300mg/day for 3 months. History taking, general examination, semen analysis, sr.FSH,LH, Testesteron, E2 and scrotal duplex were done for all patients. Main results and the role of chance After treatment, Gr A as compared to Gr B and C showed significant imprivement in all 3 parameters of semen eg sperm count( 3.15±3.38 - 20.9±2.11, p &lt; 0.001), sperm motility( 5.25±3.25 - 42.85±3.30, p &lt; 0.001), sperm morphology( 2.26±7.81 - 25.89±7.05, p &lt; 0.001). Improvement in sperm count and morphology was seen in Gr B(Letrozole gr) but not in sperm motility whereas Gr C ( Co enzyme Q10 gr)showed significant improvement in sperm motility and morphology but not in sperm count. 10 pregnancies occured during follow up period of 1 yr. Clinical pregnancy rate was 30%in Gr A(6/20), 5% in Gr B(1/20), AND 15% in Gr C( 3/20). Live birth rate was 83% in Gr A(5/6), 33.3% inGr C(1/3) whereas sponteneous abortion occured in Gr B pregnancy. Limitations, reasons for caution Limitation of my study was the small sample sizewhich could have some bias in outcome. I did not evaluate DNA fragmentation and level of ROS. Latest evidences report that evaluating ROS can be a diagnostic tool in predictingthe best responder to supplementation. Wider implications of the findings: Majority of studies had investigated the effect of antioxidant and aromatase inhibitor on semen parameter but few concluded their effect on live birth rate. Assisted reproductive techniques are expensive and not universally available, so any pharmacological agent with satisfactory effectiveness should be considered as 1st line treatment of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Trial registration number Not applicable


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1411-1420
Author(s):  
Qi Qiu ◽  
Jia Huang ◽  
Yu Li ◽  
Xiaoli Chen ◽  
Haiyan Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does an artificially induced FSH surge at the time of hCG trigger improve IVF/ICSI outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER An additional FSH bolus administered at the time of hCG trigger has no effect on clinical pregnancy rate, embryo quality, fertilization rate, implantation rate and live birth rate in women undergoing the long GnRH agonist (GnRHa) protocol for IVF/ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Normal ovulation is preceded by a surge in both LH and FSH. Few randomized clinical trials have specifically investigated the role of the FSH surge. Some studies indicated that FSH given at hCG ovulation trigger boosts fertilization rate and even prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a single IVF center, from June 2012 to November 2013. A sample size calculation indicated that 347 women per group would be adequate. A total of 732 women undergoing IVF/ICSI were randomized, using electronically randomized tables, to the intervention or placebo groups. Participants and clinical doctors were blinded to the treatment allocation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Patients aged ≤42 years who were treated with IVF/ICSI owing to tubal factor, male factor, unexplained, endometriosis and multiple factors were enrolled in this trial. Subjects all received a standard long GnRHa protocol for IVF/ICSI and hCG 6000–10 000 IU to trigger oocyte maturation. A total of 364 and 368 patients were randomized to receive a urinary FSH (uFSH) bolus (6 ampules, 450 IU) and placebo, respectively, at the time of the hCG trigger. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. The secondary outcome measures were FSH level on the day of oocyte retrieval, number of oocytes retrieved, good-quality embryo rate, live birth rate and rate of OHSS. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic characteristics between the two study groups. There were also no significant differences between groups in cycle characteristics, such as the mean number of stimulation days, total gonadotrophin dose and peak estradiol. The clinical pregnancy rate was 51.6% in the placebo group and 52.7% in the FSH co-trigger group, with an absolute rate difference of 1.1% (95% CI −6.1% to 8.3%). The number of oocytes retrieved was 10.47 ± 4.52 and 10.74 ± 5.01 (P = 0.44), the rate of good-quality embryos was 37% and 33.9% (P = 0.093) and the implantation rate was 35% and 36% (P = 0.7) in the placebo group and the FSH co-trigger group, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a single-center study, which may limit its effectiveness. The use of uFSH is a limitation, as this is not the same as the natural FSH. We did not collect follicular fluid for further study of molecular changes after the use of uFSH as a co-trigger. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Based on previous data and our results, an additional FSH bolus administered at the time of hCG trigger has no benefit on clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing the long GnRHa protocol in IVF/ICSI: a single hCG trigger is sufficient. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000205); Sun Yat-Sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program (2016004); the Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province (2016A020216011 and 2017A020213028); and Science Technology Research Project of Guangdong Province (S2011010004662). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-12002246). TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 20 May 2012. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 10 June 2012.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myung Joo Kim ◽  
Seung-Ah Choe ◽  
Eun A Park ◽  
Ran Kim ◽  
You Shin Kim

Abstract Backgound: IVM has emerged as a safe and promising alternative procedure to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients with PCOS. Despite the comparable obstetric and perinatal outcomes, there are no definite factors known to affect the outcomes of IVM.Methods: Retrospective analysis of a total of 313 women with PCOS undergoing 427 hCG-primed IVM cycles between January 2010 and February 2016 at the Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. The number of retrieved oocytes and maturation, fertilization, and implantation rates were analyzed. Results: After transferring a mean of 2.4 ± 0.5 fresh embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate was 39.1% (n = 167), and the live birth rate was 30.7% (n = 131) with the implantation rate of 20.9%. The numbers of retrieved (18.1 ± 9.7 vs. 15.6 ± 8.7, p = 0.014), fertilized (8.6 ± 5.2 vs. 6.6 ± 3.8, p < 0.001) oocytes; good-quality embryos (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9, p = 0.001); and blastocyst transfer cycles (22 vs. 15, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the live birth group than in the no live birth group. Among the factors associated with live births, retrieved oocytes had a slightly positive effect on live birth (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.06; p = 0.021).Conclusions: It seems that the number of retrieved oocytes has a favorable effect in increasing the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate during hCG-primed IVM procedure in women with PCOS. Physicians’ skills and cautious efforts may be required to retrieve a higher number of oocytes in IVM procedures.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
xiaoyue Shen ◽  
Min Ding ◽  
Yuan Yan ◽  
Shanshan Wang ◽  
jianjun Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To evaluate the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) outcomes of repeated cryopreservation by vitrification of blastocysts derived from vitrified-warmed day3 embryos in patients who experienced implantation failure previously. Methods We retrospect the files of patients who underwent single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles in our reproductive medical center from January 2013 to December 2019. 127 patients transfer of vitrified-warmed blastocysts derived from vitrified-warmed day3 embryos were defined as twice-cryopreserved group. 1567 patients who transfer blastocysts that had experienced once vitrified-warmed were used as once-cryopreserved group. None of them was pregnant at the previous FET. The outcomes were compared between two groups after a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Results The clinical pregnancy rate was 52.76%, live birth rate was 43.31% in twice-cryopreserved group. After PSM,108 pairs of patients were generated for comparison. The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate or miscarriage rate was not significantly different between two groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that double vitrification-warming procedures did not affect FET outcomes in terms of clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.47-1.42), live birth rate (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.54-1.59), miscarriage rate (OR 0.72 95%CI 0.28-1.85). Furthermore, the pregnancy complications rate, gestational age or neonatal abnormalities rate between two groups was also comparable, while twice vitrification-warming procedures might increase the macrosomia rate (19.6% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.05). Conclusion Transfer of double vitrified-warmed embryo at cleavage stage and subsequent blastocyst stage did not affect live birth rate and neonatal abnormalities rate, but there was a tendency to increase macrosomia rate, which needs further investigation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Trinchant ◽  
M Cruz ◽  
A Requena

Abstract Study question Is adenomyosis associated with worse clinical and perinatal outcomes in ovum donation cycles? Summary answer Adenomyosis was associated with reduced live birth rate per embryo transfer but not with increased risk of miscarriage or worse perinatal outcomes than controls. What is known already The effect of adenomyosis on IVF/ICSI outcomes are controversial as studies addressing this issue are limited in number and heterogeneous. Conclusions withdrawn from previous works differ regarding the prospective or retrospective design of the study. Two different metanalysis conducted showed that adenomyosis reduced implantation and clinical pregnancy rate and increased miscarriage risk. However, current data regarding perinatal outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques cycles in patients diagnosed with uterine adenomyosis is scarce. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study in which 3307 patients undergoing ovum donation cycles were included. Patients who underwent single embryo transfer (SET) between years 2018 and 2019 were included and divided into two groups: adenomyosis (n = 179) and controls (n = 3218). Participants/materials, setting, methods Inclusion criteria consisted of patients in an oocyte donation program who had fresh SET on day 5 blastocyst stage development. Patients diagnosed with miomas and/or severe endometriosis and those who had undergone previous uterine surgical interventions were excluded from the study. Cases consisted of patients with a history of either focal or diffuse adenomyosis diagnosed via transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS). Main results and the role of chance Clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 82/179 (45.8%) in those women diagnosed with adenomyosis versus 1869/3218 (59.8%) in control group (OR = 0.57 95% CI. 0.41–0.78, p &lt; 0.001). Miscarriage rate was similar in the two study groups and differences found were not statistically significant, being 15/82 (18.3%) for adenomyosis and 309/1869 (16.5%) for control group. A lower live birth rate per embryo transfer was observed in women diagnosed with adenomyosis versus control, being 68/179 (38%) and 1560/3128 (49.9%) respectively (OR = 0.615 95% CI 0.44–0.85, p = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between childbirth delivery methods (vaginal versus caesarean section). Furthermore, means of gestational age at the time of delivery, newborn size and weight and incidences of low birth weight, preterm birth and admission in neonate intensive care unit (NICU) did not differ between the two groups. In addition, IVF and perinatal outcomes were similar in patients with diffuse adenomyosis compared to focal adenomyosis. Limitations, reasons for caution This is an observational study and thus possible confounders cannot be completely excluded. Diagnostic of adenomyosis is complex and, despite imaging via TVUS is both sensitive and specific, different criteria may be combined in order to fully assess the diagnostic. Wider implications of the findings: Published literature has described how adenomyosis negatively impacts clinical outcomes in ART cycles; however, data regarding perinatal results is scarce. This study is of interest as it provides a first insight for clinicians showing that adenomyosis affects clinical but not perinatal outcomes in ovum donation cycle. Trial registration number Not applicable


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