Suboptimal response to controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF / ICSI cycles

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Cong Tuan Nguyen ◽  
Dariko A. Niauri ◽  
Lyailya Kh. Dzhemlikhanova ◽  
Igor Yu. Kogan ◽  
Inna O. Krikheli ◽  
...  

Hypothesis/Aims of study. Currently, the frequency of suboptimal response (4-9 retrieved oocytes) to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in woman is quite high; however, its efficacy is poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main characteristics of IVF / ICSI programs in patients with a suboptimal response to COS. Study design, materials and methods. We performed a retrospective study of 412 IVF / ICSI cycles in women with a suboptimal response to COS, including a comparative analysis of clinical and embryological parameters, ovarian reserve and the efficacy of IVF / ICSI protocols. Results. Clinical pregnancy rate in ovarian stimulation cycles with a suboptimal response to COS was 27.9%. The efficacy of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs in women with uterine fibroids was significantly lower than in patients without fibroids (19.1% vs. 30.5%, p = 0.03; OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.31-0.95). Clinical pregnancy rate in patients with male factor infertility was significantly higher than in women with anovulation (37.1% vs. 20.9%, р = 0.005; OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.27-3.94) or tubal factor infertility (37.1% vs. 24.8%, р = 0.02; OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.09-2.94). There were significant correlations between the number of retrieved oocytes with serum anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH) concentration (r = 0.32, p 0.001) and antral follicle count (AFC) (r = 0.38, p 0.001). In addition, the need for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations during COS correlated significantly with ovarian reserve parameters (AMH and AFC) (r = 0.45 and 0.44, both p 0.001, respectively) and the age of patients (r = 0.47; p 0.001). Conclusion. The clinical pregnancy rate in women with a suboptimal response to COS was low. Concomitant uterine fibroids represented an additional factor of negative influence on IVF / ICSI outcomes in women with a suboptimal response to COS. The male factor of infertility in patients with a suboptimal response did not reduce the efficacy of ART programs. Ovarian reserve parameters in women with a suboptimal response correlated with the need for FSH preparations during COS and the number of retrieved oocytes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-203
Author(s):  
Padmalaya Thakur ◽  
Sujata Pradhan

Objective: To compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate and letrozole in combination with low dose human menopausal gonadotropin for controlled ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles.Methods: During January-2018 to December-2019 for intending 496 IUI cycles, controlled ovarian stimulation was performed with either clomiphene or letrozole combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), in two arms:  subjects in one arm (Group A) were with clomiphene and hMG in 222 cycles; those in the second arm (Group B) were with letrozole and hMG in 274 cycles. Pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate of both groups were considered as the primary outcomes.Results: Patient characteristics like female age, indications for IUI, type of IUI, endometrial thickness and total motile fraction (TMF) of spermatozoa of male partners were seen similar in both groups. The letrozole-hMG group (Group B) had significantly higher numbers of cycles with single dominant follicle (P=0.01) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was more frequently used as the ovulation trigger (P=0.03). Pregnancy rate (18.5% vs. 15.3%, P=0.35) and clinical pregnancy rate (18.5% vs. 15.3%, P=0.35) were similar in groups A and B, respectively.Conclusion: Clomiphene citrate and letrozole combined with low dose human menopausal gonadotropin were equally effective for controlled ovarian stimulation in IUI cycles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Tang ◽  
Qian-Dong He ◽  
Ting-Ting Zhang ◽  
Jing-Jing Wang ◽  
Si-Chong Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Some studies have stated that intrauterine insemination (IUI) with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) might increase the pregnancy rate, while others suggest that IUI in the natural cycle (NC) should be the first line of treatment. It remains unclear whether it is necessary to use COS at the same time when IUI is applied to treat isolated male factor infertility. Thus, we aimed to investigate efficacy of IUI with COS for isolated male factor infertility. Methods A total of 601 IUI cycles from 307 couples who sought medical care for isolated male factor infertility between January 2010 and February 2020 were divided into two groups: NC-IUI and COS-IUI. The COS-IUI group was further divided into two subgroups according to the number of pre-ovulatory follicles on the day of HCG: cycles with monofollicular development (one follicle group) and cycles with at least two pre-ovulatory follicles (≥ 2 follicles group). The IUI outcomes, including clinical pregnancy, live birth, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy rates were compared. Results The clinical pregnancy, live birth, spontaneous abortion, and ectopic pregnancy rates were comparable between the NC-IUI and COS-IUI group. Similar results were also observed among the NC-IUI, one follicle, and ≥ 2 follicles groups. However, with respect to the multiple pregnancy rate, a trend toward higher multiple pregnancy rate was observed in the COS-IUI group compared to the NC-IUI group (8.7% vs. 0, P = 0.091), and a significant difference was found between the NC-IUI and ≥ 2 follicles group (0 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.033). Conclusion In COS cycles, especially in those with at least two pre-ovulatory follicles, the multiple pregnancy rate increased without a substantial gain in overall pregnancy rate; thus, COS should not be preferred in IUI for isolated male factor infertility. If COS is required, one stimulated follicle and one healthy baby should be the goal considering the safety of both mothers and foetuses.


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 ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
A.O. Polumiskova ◽  
S.I. Tevkin ◽  
T.M. Jussubaliyeva ◽  
M.S. Shishimorova

In order to increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs, it is essential to improve and develop conditions of embryo culture prior its transfer or cryopreservation of expanded blastocysts on the day 5 or 6. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of human blastocysts’ expansion timing on clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR) and take-home baby rate (THBR) in frozen-thawed cycles during ART programs. The study involved 2275 frozen embryo transfers (FET) of blastocysts expanded on the day 5 (group A) and 170 FET of blastocysts expanded on the day 6 (group B). The pregnancy rates in both groups were 50.8% and 46.5% respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate 37.4% and 37.0%, miscarriage rate 26.0% and 21.5% in both groups, respectively. THBR, as the main indicator of efficiency in the programs with transfer of post thawed expanded blastocysts on the day 5 (group A) or 6 (group B) were 36.5% and 35.2%, respectively (the difference is insignificant). In conclusion, in cryoprotocols the day of blastocyst expansion (day 5 or 6 of development) does not statistically affect PR, MR and THBR. In FET programs the quality of blastocyst (excellent and good) should be prioritized regardless of the day of cryopreservation.


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 < 0.001), sperm motility( 5.25±3.25 - 42.85±3.30, p < 0.001), sperm morphology( 2.26±7.81 - 25.89±7.05, p < 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


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Peng ◽  
Xiang Cao ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Lin Wang ◽  
Jun Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated that progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol was a feasible and efficient method in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. However, its application in women with advanced age has not been determined yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate its efficacy in women aged ≥40 years old. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with ages of ≥40 years old at the time of ovarian stimulation. The embryonic and clinical outcome of mild stimulation and PPOS were compared. Primary outcome was top-quality embryo rate on day 3, and secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Results Baseline characteristics of patients was similar in mild stimulation (122 cycles) and PPOS (47 cycles). No significant difference was found in the number of retrieved and mature oocytes and the fertilization and cleavage rates. Of interest, the rate of top-quality embryos was significantly higher in PPOS group (50.08% vs 33.29%, p = 0.015), with an increasing trend of viable embryo rate (73.55% vs 61.16%). A greater amount of gonadotropin was observed in PPOS group (2061.17 ± 1254.63 IU vs 1518.14 ± 547.25 IU, p < 0.05) in spite of comparable duration of stimulation. After FET cycle, no significant difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rates between mild stimulation (12.5%) and PPOS group (16.7%). Conclusions Higher percentage of top-quality embryos on Day 3 and comparable clinical pregnancy rate was obtained in PPOS protocol, which could be considered as a feasible ovarian stimulation protocol in women aged above 40 years old.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Treasa Joseph ◽  
Mariano Mascarenhas ◽  
Reka Karuppusami ◽  
Muthukumar Karthikeyan ◽  
Aleyamma T Kunjummen ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does oral antioxidant pretreatment for the male partner improve clinical pregnancy rate in couples undergoing ART for male factor subfertility? SUMMARY ANSWER There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate following oral antioxidant pretreatment for male partner in couples undergoing ART for male factor subfertility compared to no pretreatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Damage to sperm mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes significantly to male factor infertility. The ROS-related injury reduces fertilization potential and adversely affects the sperm DNA integrity. Antioxidants act as free radical scavengers to protect spermatozoa against ROS induced damage. During ART, use of sperms which have been exposed to ROS-mediated damage may affect the treatment outcome. Pretreatment with antioxidants may reduce the ROS-mediated sperm DNA damage. Currently, antioxidants are commonly prescribed to men who require ART for male factor subfertility but there is ambiguity regarding their role. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was an open label, randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary level infertility clinic between February 2013 and October 2019. The trial included 200 subfertile couples who were undergoing ART treatment for male factor subfertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Couples were randomized into treatment arm (n = 100) and control arm (n = 100). In the treatment arm, the male partner received oral antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc) for 3 months just prior to the ART cycle. In the control arm, no antioxidant was given to the male partner. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate, while live birth rate (LBR), miscarriage rate and changes in semen parameters were the secondary outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Out of 200 women randomized, 135 underwent embryo transfer as per protocol. Following intention to treat analysis, no significant difference was noted in clinical pregnancy (36/100, 36% vs 26/100, 26%; odds ratio (OR) 1.60, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.93) and LBR (25/100, 25% vs 22/100, 22%; OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.27) between antioxidant and no pretreatment arms. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was significantly higher following antioxidant pretreatment (35/64, 54.7% vs 26/71, 36.6%; OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.16) compared to no pretreatment. There was no significant difference in LBR per embryo transfer (25/64, 39.1%, vs 22/71, 31.0%; OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.91) after antioxidant pretreatment versus no pretreatment. The semen parameters of sperm concentration (median, interquartile range, IQR) (18.2, 8.6 to 37.5 vs 20.5, 8.0 to 52.5, million/ml; P = 0.97), motility (median, IQR) (34, 20 to 45 vs 31, 18 to 45%; P = 0.38) and morphology (mean ± SD) (2.0 ± 1.4 vs 2.2 ± 1.5%; P = 0.69) did not show any significant improvement after intake of antioxidant compared to no treatment, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The objective assessment of sperm DNA damage was not carried out before and after the antioxidant pretreatment. Since the clinicians were aware of the group allotment, performance bias cannot be ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The current study did not show any significant difference in clinical pregnancy and LBR following antioxidant pretreatment for the male partner in couples undergoing ART for male subfertility. The findings need further validation in a larger placebo-controlled randomized trial. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This trial has been funded by Fluid Research grant of Christian Medical College, Vellore (internal funding). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2013/02/003431 TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 26 February 2013 DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 11 February 2013


1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Bourne ◽  
N Richings ◽  
O Harari ◽  
W Watkins ◽  
AL Speirs ◽  
...  

The outcome of treatment by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is described for patients with severe male infertility. In 296 consecutive cycles, a normal fertilization rate of 69% was achieved with 288 cycles (97%) resulting in embryos suitable for transfer. A total of 32 clinical pregnancies were achieved from the transfer of fresh embryos (clinical pregnancy rate of 12% per transfer) and an additional 44 clinical pregnancies were obtained after the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos (clinical pregnancy rate of 16% per transfer). Overall, 57 of the 76 pregnancies were ongoing or delivered. An analysis of outcome in 5 male factor subgroups revealed no significant differences in pregnancy and implantation rates between the categories. However, the fertilization rate was significantly lower in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and significantly higher in those patients for whom epididymal sperm were used for insemination. The treatment of patients with extreme male infertility is also described; normal fertilization and embryo development were obtained using ICSI in patients with mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome, severe sperm autoimmunity, round-headed acrosomeless sperm (globozoospermia), completely immotile sperm selected by hypo-osmotic swelling and sperm isolated from testicular biopsies. Three ongoing pregnancies were obtained from 6 patients for whom testicular sperm were used. These results demonstrate the value of ICSI in the management of severe male infertility, however, the treatment of some types of extreme male infertility using ICSI may be limited.


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