scholarly journals Strengthen Luteal Phase Support for the Patients With Low Serum Progesterone on the Day of Embryo Transfer in Artificial Endometrial Preparation Cycles: a Large-sample Retrospective Trial

Author(s):  
Hongyuan Gao ◽  
Jing Ye ◽  
Hongjuan Ye ◽  
Qingqing Hong ◽  
Lihua Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The low serum progesterone (P) on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) is associated with diminished pregnancy rates in artificial endometrium preparation cycles using vaginal micronized P, but it is no consensus whether the strengthened luteal phase support (LPS) for the patients with low P on the FET day in artificial cycles is beneficial. A single centric, large-sample retrospective trial was aimed to investigate the contribution of strengthened LPS to the pregnancy outcomes for the groups of low P levels on the FET day in artificial endometrium preparation cycles.Methods: Women who had undergone first artificial cycle for endometrium preparation after freeze-all in our clinic during 2016 and 2018 were classified into two groups depending on the serum P levels on the FET day, routine LPS was administered for group B (P ≥10.0ng/ml on the FET day, n=1261) and strengthened LPS (routine LPS+ im P 40mg daily) for group A (P <10.0 ng/ml on the FET day, n=1295), the primary endpoint was the live birth rate and secondary endpoints were clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and neonatal outcomes.Results: The results showed the clinical pregnancy rate in group A was lower than group B (48.4% vs 53.2%, aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68, 0.96), the miscarriage rate was similar between the two groups (16.0% vs 14.7%, aRR 1.09, 95%CI 0.77, 1.54). The live birth rate was slightly lower than group B (39.5% vs 43.3%, aRR 0.84, 95%CI 0.70, 1.0). The birthweights and other neonatal outcomes were found no difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: The strengthened LPS for the section of patients of low P levels on the FET day might help to have a reasonable pregnancy outcome, although the live birth rate was slightly lower than the groups with normal serum P levels on the FET day and usage of routine LPS. Trial registration: no available.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyuan Gao ◽  
Jing Ye ◽  
Hongjuan Ye ◽  
Qingqing Hong ◽  
Lihua Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Low serum progesterone on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) is associated with diminished pregnancy rates in artificial endometrium preparation cycles, but there is no consensus on whether strengthened luteal phase support (LPS) benefits patients with low progesterone on the FET day in artificial cycles. This single-centre, large-sample retrospective trial was designed to investigate the contribution of strengthened LPS to pregnancy outcomes for groups with low progesterone levels on the FET day in artificial endometrium preparation cycles. Methods Women who had undergone the first artificial endometrium preparation cycle after a freeze-all protocol in our clinic from 2016 to 2018 were classified into two groups depending on their serum progesterone levels on the FET day. Routine LPS was administered to group B (P ≥ 10.0 ng/ml on the FET day, n = 1261), and strengthened LPS (routine LPS+ im P 40 mg daily) was administered to group A (P < 10.0 ng/ml on the FET day, n = 1295). The primary endpoint was the live birth rate, and the secondary endpoints were clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and neonatal outcomes. Results The results showed that the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B (48.4% vs 53.2%, adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68, 0.96), whereas miscarriage rates were similar between the two groups (16.0% vs 14.7%, aRR 1.09, 95% CI 0.77, 1.54). The live birth rate was slightly lower in group A than in group B (39.5% vs 43.3%, aRR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70, 1.0). Birthweights and other neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions The results indicated that the serum progesterone level on the FET day was one of the risk factors predicting the chances of pregnancy in artificial endometrium preparation cycles, and strengthened LPS in patients with low progesterone on the FET day might help to provide a reasonable pregnancy outcome in artificial cycles, although further prospective evidence is needed to confirm this possibility.


Author(s):  
Marjan Omidi ◽  
Iman Halvaei ◽  
Fatemeh Akyash ◽  
Mohammad Ali Khalili ◽  
Azam Agha-Rahimi ◽  
...  

Background: Synchronization between the embryonic stage and the uterine endometrial lining is important in the outcomes of the vitrified-warmed embryo transfer (ET) cycles. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of the exact synchronization between the cleavage stage of embryos and the duration of progesterone administration on the improvement of clinical outcomes in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Materials and Methods: 312 FET cycles were categorized into two groups: (A) day- 3 ET after three days of progesterone administration (n = 177) and (B) day-2 or -4 ET after three days of progesterone administration (n = 135). Group B was further divided into two subgroups: B1: day-2 ET cycles, that the stage of embryos were less than the administrated progesterone and B2: day-4 ET cycles, that the stage of embryos were more than the administrated progesterone. The clinical outcome measures were compared between the groups. Results: The pregnancy outcomes between groups A and B showed a significant differences in the chemical (40.1% vs 27.4%; p = 0.010) and clinical pregnancies (32.8% vs 22.2%; p = 0.040), respectively. The rate of miscarriage tended to be higher and live birth rate tended to be lower in group B than in group A. Also, significantly higher rates were noted in chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth in group A when compared with subgroup B2. Conclusion: Higher rates of pregnancy and live birth were achieved in day-3 ET after three days of progesterone administration in FET cycles. Key words: Endometrium, Embryo transfer, Pregnancy, Live birth, Progesterone.


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):  
M J Zamora ◽  
I Katsouni ◽  
D Garcia ◽  
R Vassena ◽  
A Rodríguez

Abstract Study question What is the live birth rate after frozen embryo transfer (FET) of slow-growing embryos frozen on day 5 (D5) or on day 6 (D6)? Summary answer The live birth rate after single FET is significantly higher for slow-growing embryos frozen on D5 compared to those frozen on D6. What is known already Most data on the outcomes of blastocyst transfer stem from studies that evaluate fresh transfer from normal growing D5 blastocyst ET. However not all embryos will begin blastulation nor reach the fully expanded stage by D5; those are the slow-growing embryos. Studies that compare D5 to D6 embryos in FET cycles show contradictory results. Some have reported higher clinical pregnancy rates after D5 FET, while others have reported similar outcomes for D5 and D6 cryopreserved blastocyst transfers. There is a lack of evidence regarding the best approach for vitrifying embryos that exhibit a slow developmental kinetic. Study design, size, duration This retrospective cohort study included 821 single FET of slow-growing embryos frozen on D5 or D6, belonging to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with donor oocytes between January 2011 and October 2019, in a single fertility center. The origin of blastocysts was either supernumerary embryos after fresh embryo transfer or blastocysts from freeze-all cycles. All embryos were transferred 2- 4h after thawing. Participants/materials, setting, methods We compared reproductive outcomes of slow-growing embryos frozen on D5 versus (n = 442) slow-growing embryos frozen on D6 (n = 379). D5 group consisted in embryos graded 0, 1, 2 of Gardner scale and frozen on D5. Similarly, D6 group consisted in embryos graded 3, 4, 5 of Gardner scale (blastocyst stage) and frozen on D6. Differences in pregnancy rates between study groups were compared using a Chi2 test. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance Baseline characteristics were comparable between study groups. Overall, mean age of the woman was 42.3±5.4 years old; donor sperm was used in 25% of cycles, and it was frozen in 73.2% of cycles. Pregnancy rates were significantly higher when transferring slow D5 embryos compared to D6 for all the pregnancy outcomes analyzed: biochemical pregnancy rate was 27.7% vs 20.2%, p &lt; 0.016; clinical pregnancy rate was 17.5% vs 10.2%, p &lt; 0.004); ongoing pregnancy rate was: 15.7% vs 7.8% (p &lt; 0.001); live birth rate was: 15.4% vs 7.5%, (p &lt; 0.001). These results suggest that when embryos exhibit a slow development behavior (not reaching full blastocysts at D5), waiting until D6 for blastulation and expansion does not improve clinical outcomes. Vitrification at D5 will should the preferred option in cases where the oocyte is assumed of high quality Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective design of the study is its main limitation. Also, morphology as sole selection criterion for transfer. However, blastocyst morphology is a very good predictor of implantation and pregnancy, and a good indicator of the embryo’s chromosomal status (higher euploidy rate in higher morphological quality blastocysts). Wider implications of the findings: These results can help to the standardization of laboratory protocols. As the decision of vitrifying slow developing embryos on D5 or D6 is made by the laboratory team or by the gynaecologist in agreement with the patient, having an evidence based strategy simplifies patient counselling and decision making. Trial registration number Not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Xu ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
Zhi-Heng Chen ◽  
Min-Na Yin ◽  
Juan Chen ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the reproductive outcomes of oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa) are impaired.MethodsA total of 2893 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were performed between January 2010 and December 2019 in our center. In 43 transfer cycles, transferred embryos were totally derived from SERa+ oocytes. Each of the 43 cycles was matched with a separate control subject from SERa- patient of the same age ( ± 1 year), embryo condition, main causes of infertility, type of protocols used for fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles. The clinical pregnancy, implantation, ectopic pregnancy and live birth rate were compared between the two groups.Results43 embryo transfer cycles from SERa- patient were matched to the 43 transferred cycles with pure SERa+ oocytes derived embryos. No significant difference was observed in clinical pregnancy rate (55.81% vs. 65.11%, p=0.5081), implantation rate (47.89% vs. 50.70%, p=0.8667) and live birth rate (48.84% vs. 55.81%, p=0.6659) between the SERa+ oocyte group and the matched group. No congenital birth defects were found in the two groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that the implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth and birth defects rate of embryos derived from oocytes with SERa are not impaired.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Racca ◽  
S Santos-Ribeiro ◽  
D Panagiotis ◽  
L Boudry ◽  
S Mackens ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question What is the impact of seven days versus fourteen days’ estrogen (E2) priming on the clinical outcome of frozen-embryo-transfer in artificially prepared endometrium (FET-HRT) cycles? Summary answer No significant difference in clinical/ongoing pregnancy rate was observed when comparing 7 versus 14 days of estrogen priming before starting progesterone (P) supplementation. What is known already One (effective) method for endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a sequential regimen with E2 and P, which aims to mimic the endocrine exposure of the endometrium in a physiological cycle. The average duration of E2 supplementation is generally 12–14 days, however, this protocol has been arbitrarily chosen whereas, the optimal duration of E2 implementation remains unknown. Study design, size, duration This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study. All FET-HRT cycles were performed in a tertiary centre between October 2018 and December 2020. Overall, 150 patients were randomized of whom 132 were included in the analysis after screening failure and drop-out. Participants/materials, setting, methods The included patients were randomized into one of 2 groups; group A (7 days of E2 prior to P supplementation) and group B (14 days of E2 prior to P supplementation). Both groups received blastocyst stage embryos for transfer on the 6th day of vaginal P administration. Pregnancy was assessed by an hCG blood test 12 days after FET and clinical pregnancy was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound at 7 weeks of gestation. Main results and the role of chance Following the exclusion of drop-outs and screening failures, 132 patients were finally included both in group A (69 patients) or group B (63 patients). Demographic characteristics for both groups were comparable. The positive pregnancy rate was 46.4% and 53.9%, (p 0.462) for group A and group B, respectively. With regard to the clinical pregnancy rate at 7 weeks, no statistically significant difference was observed (36.2% vs 36.5% for group A and group B, respectively, p = 0.499). The secondary outcomes of the study (biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rate) were also comparable between the two arms for both PP and ITT analysis. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the HRT scheme is not associated with pregnancy rate, however, the P value on the day of ET is significantly associated with the pregnancy outcome. Limitations, reasons for caution This study was designed as a proof of principle trial with a limited study population and therefore underpowered to determine the superiority of one intervention over another. Instead, the purpose of the present study was to explore trends in outcome differences and to allow us to safely design larger RCTs. Wider implications of the findings: The results of this study give the confidence to perform larger-scale RCTs to confirm whether a FET-HRT can be performed safely in a shorter time frame, thus, reducing the TTP, while maintaining comparable pregnancy and live birth rates. Trial registration number NCT03930706


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Fortunato Genovese ◽  
Maria Cristina Teodoro ◽  
Gabriella Rubbino ◽  
Marco Antonio Palumbo ◽  
Giuseppe Zarbo

Purpose Even at the early stage endometriosis, may be associated with infertility, whose treatment, which is not always straightforward, is often controversial. This study intends to determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic ablation of lesions at an early stage. Methods The charts of 250 women suffering from infertility, admitted from July 1998 to December 2008 to the obstetric and gynecologic departments of Vittorio Emanuele and Santo Bambino hospitals in Catania were reviewed. Among these women, 97 patients (38.8%) affected by stage 1 and 2 endometriosis were found and divided into 2 groups of 53 (A) and 44 (B) patients. According to the approach of the surgeon, group A patients underwent laparoscopic ablation of endometriotic lesions with or without adesiolysis, while group B patients only had diagnostic laparoscopy. Cumulative pregnancy rate, cumulative live birth rate, monthly fertility rate and outcome of pregnancies (miscarriages and live birth), developed within the first year soon after laparoscopy, were determined in each group. Results This study shows that, according to the literature, laparoscopic systematic destruction of minimal and mild stage endometriotic lesions, improves the cumulative pregnancy rate (49.1% in group A versus 22.7% in group B) and cumulative live birth rate (39.6% in group A versus 18.2% in group B) in selected patients. However, this type of intervention, by itself, does not normalize the monthly fertility rate that remains low in both groups (4.1% in group A and 1.9% in group B). Conclusions This study suggests that laparoscopic treatment of minimal-mild endometriotic lesions is a valid therapeutic option because it improves the fertility rate, even if it does not completely resolve the reduced fertility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Shishimorova ◽  
S Tevkin ◽  
T Jussubaliyeva

Abstract Study question How does embryo transfer with a low-level of mosaicism affect the success of ART programs, pregnancy, and live birth in comparison with euploid embryo transfer? Summary answer The transfer of mosaic embryos results in the delivery of a healthy baby however significantly decreases the outcome of ART programs and live birth rate. What is known already Present methods of preimplantation genetic testing of aneuploidy (PGT-A) allow detecting a mixture of euploid and aneuploid cells at the blastocyst stage with high accuracy. Such embryos are classified as mosaics with varying levels according to the guidelines of the International Society for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGDIS). Numerous sources describe that number of mosaic embryos can vary from 4 to 22%. Several publications report that mosaic embryos can lead to successful pregnancies and healthy childbirth, but with a lower frequency and higher rates of pregnancy loss compared to euploid embryos. Nevertheless, the effect of mosaicism on ART outcomes remains controversial. Study design, size, duration It has been analyzed 2506 embryos from 648 patients undergoing the ART program with PGT-A at the Institute of Reproductive Medicine for 2018 - 2019. Embryos after PGT-A were classified as euploid, aneuploid, and having mosaicism of less than 40% as low level and more than 40% as high level following PGDIS guidelines. Patients of (group A) were transferred 467 single euploid embryos, and 43 patients (group B) underwent single low-level mosaic embryo transfer. Participants/materials, setting, methods The embryos on day 5 or 6 were graded by Gardner Scoring System. Approximately 5–10 TE cells were biopsied from good quality blastocysts and subsequently vitrified. PGT-A was performed utilizing an array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) (Agilent). The transfer of mosaic embryos was performed in the absence of an alternative, only after medical genetic counseling with a risk explanation and the subsequent signing of an informed agreement. Statistical tests processed by Pearson’s chi-squared test. Main results and the role of chance Of all analyzed embryos, the proportion of euploid embryos was 48.6% (n = 1002), the total number of mosaics was 18.6% (n = 384) and aneuploid ones were 32.8% (n = 676). Depending on the level of mosaicism, the ratio between embryos with low-level mosaicism (≤40%) / high-level (≥40%) was 38.3% / 61.7%, respectively. According to the study, there was a significant decrease in the indicator of clinical pregnancy rate after embryo transfer with a low-level of mosaicism of 44.1% versus 63.2% transferred euploid embryo (р&lt;0,01), however, despite an increase losses pregnancy in the group B (26.3%) there was no significant difference (p = 0.16) in comparison with the control group (15.4%). The live birth rate (LBR) significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.001) after the transfer of the mosaic embryo by 32.5%, while in the control group the indicator was 53.9%. In all cases, after the transfer of the mosaic embryo, healthy babies were born. There were 2 cases of high-level mosaic embryo transfer as a result of which pregnancy did not occur. According to the survey, about 70% of patients agree to replant mosaic embryos, 20% are ready to go to the new program, and 10% cannot make a decision. Limitations, reasons for caution The number of patients in group B was significantly lower than in group A. Not enough cases of embryo transfer with a high-level of mosaicism. Wider implications of the findings: The current study might help to develop and to select a more appropriate strategy for transfer mosaic embryos. The next series of studies should focus on obstetric and neonatal outcome data from mosaic embryo transfer to gain a better understanding of the chromosomal and physiological health of children. Trial registration number Not applicable


2011 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 534-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Bjuresten ◽  
Britt-Marie Landgren ◽  
Outi Hovatta ◽  
Anneli Stavreus-Evers

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Alyasin ◽  
Marzieh Agha-Hosseini ◽  
Motahareh Kabirinasab ◽  
Hojatollah Saeidi ◽  
Maryam Shabani Nashtaei

Abstract Background Previous observational studies have highlighted the negative effects of serum hormone levels at the minimum threshold during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. However, still the questions regarding the maximum threshold level, and the highest allowed dosage of hormonal medications remain unresolved. The present study was conducted to determine whether there is any relationship between the serum progesterone and estradiol levels on the day of ET, and live birth rate (LBR) in patients receiving HRT in FET cycles. Methods In this prospective cohort study, eligible women who were undergoing their first or second FET cycles with the top graded blastocyst stage embryos were included. All patients received the same HRT regimen. FET was scheduled 5 days after administration of the first dosage of progesterone. On the morning of ET, 4–6 h after the last dose of progesterone supplementation, the serum progesterone (P4, ng/ml) and estradiol (E2, pg/ml) levels were measured. Results Amongst the 258 eligible women that were evaluated, the overall LBR was 34.1 % (88/258). The serum P4 and E2 values were divided into four quartiles. The means of women’s age and BMI were similar between the four quartiles groups. Regarding both P4 and E2 values, it was found that the LBR was significantly lower in the highest quartile group (Q4) compared with the others, (P = 0.002 and P = 0.042, respectively). The analysis of the multivariable logistic regression showed that the serum level of P4 on ET day, was the only significant predictive variable for LBR. The ROC curve revealed a significant predictive value of serum P4 levels on the day of ET for LBR, with an AUC = 0.61 (95 % CI: 0.54–0.68, P = 0.002). The optimum level of serum P4, with 70 % sensitivity and 50 %specificity for LBR, was 32.5 ng/ml. Conclusions The present study suggests that a serum P4 value at the maximum threshold on the day of FET is associated with reduced LBR following blastocyst transfer. Therefore, measuring and monitoring of P4 levels during FET cycles might be necessary. However, the results regarding the necessity for the screening of serum E2 levels before ET, are still controversial, and further prospective studies are required.


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