Fertility & Reproduction
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Published By World Scientific

2661-3174, 2661-3182

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Le Hoang ◽  
Le Duc Thang ◽  
Nguyen Thi Lien Huong ◽  
Nguyen Minh Thuy ◽  
Vu Thi Mai Anh ◽  
...  

Background: Many guidelines have been issued regarding the number of embryos to be transferred after in vitro fertilization (IVF), but patients and clinicians may be reluctant to accept or offer a single embryo transfer due to the expected lower chance of pregnancy or live birth. This study was aimed to provide additional information on cycle outcome according to the number and quality of thawed transferred blastocysts. Methods:A retrospective cohort study was designed to collect the data of 505 patients who performed the first frozen blastocysts transfer at Tam Anh General Hospital from June 2018 to September 2019. One good-quality embryo was transferred for 121 patients (Group 1), two good for 214 patients (Group 2), one good and one poor for 112 patients (Group 3), one good and two poor for 25 patients (Group 4), and one or two poor for 33 patients (Group 5). Results:The pregnancy rate was 71.9%, 74.8%, 69.4%, 84.0%, and 39.4% in Group 1–5, respectively. The multiple pregnancy rate was 36.9%, 16.9%, and 32.0% in Groups 2–4, respectively, higher than Group 1 (4.9%). The live birth rate was 55.6%, 50.9%, and 60.0% in Group 2–4, respectively, but not significantly different from the Group 1 (47.9%). Conclusions:Transferring an additional good or poor embryo, along with a good embryo, does not increase the live birth rate while the incidence of multiple pregnancies rises significantly.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Jason E. Swain

With continued improvements in blastocyst culture, cell sampling approaches, and genetic analysis platforms, the resulting improvements in embryo development and the resolution and accuracy of chromosome analysis have provided valuable insights into the preimplantation embryo. This includes the impact of in vitro culture conditions on chromosomal dynamics. Specifically, through analysis of embryo aneuploidy and mosaicism, a growing number of reports indicate that rates of chromosomal abnormalities can vary between IVF centers. Because differences in mosaicism reflect mitotic errors, this endpoint analysis suggests that IVF laboratory-controlled variables during embryo development may be influencing chromosome separation and segregation. A growing body of literature suggests that culture media may be one variable influencing preimplantation embryo aneuploidy and mosaicism. However, these data are far from definitive in demonstrating cause-and-effect. Whether reported differences may be due to media formulation, use of sequential media or single-step media, or uninterrupted culture approaches is unknown. Importantly, variables directly impacting media performance and embryo development, including pH, temperature, osmolality, and oxygen concentration, must also be considered and make it difficult to isolate the impact of culture media as the sole factor responsible. These IVF laboratory variables will be reviewed and literature suggesting a possible link to mitotic aneuploidy/mosaicism will be discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yun-Chiao Hsieh ◽  
Po-Kai Yang ◽  
Mei-Jou Chen

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Although its essential clinical manifestation includes a plethora of symptoms and signs, which largely reflects the underlying hyperandrogenism, oligo/anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology, PCOS may also be associated with many metabolic derangements. These metabolic derangements happen to overlap with many of the core constituents of the metabolic syndrome (MBS)—increased insulin resistance, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. The two disorders also display similarly increased risks for certain metabolic and vascular diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Due to the many similarities between metabolic syndrome and PCOS, this review aims to examine the evidence concerning the overlapping features, the risks for comorbidities, possible shared mechanisms, and treatment strategies in patients with coexisting PCOS and MBS.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Dung P. Nguyen ◽  
Quan T. Pham ◽  
Thanh L. Tran ◽  
Lan N. Vuong ◽  
Tuong M. Ho

Background:Embryo selection plays an important role in the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, morphological embryo assessment has a number of limitations, including the time required, lack of accuracy, and inconsistency. This study determined whether a machine learning-based model could predict blastocyst formation using day-3 embryo images. Methods:Day-3 embryo images from IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles performed at My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital between August 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed to inform model development. Day-3 embryo images derived from two-pronuclear (2PN) zygotes with known blastocyst formation data were extracted from the CCM-iBIS time-lapse incubator (Astec, Japan) at 67 hours post ICSI, and labeled as blastocyst/non-blastocyst based on results at 116 hours post ICSI. Images were used as the input dataset to train (85%) and validate (15%) the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, then model accuracy was determined using the training and validation dataset. The performance of 13 experienced embryologists for predicting blastocyst formation based on 100 day-3 embryo images was also evaluated. Results:A total of 1,135 images were allocated into training ([Formula: see text] = 967) and validation ([Formula: see text] = 168) sets, with an even distribution for blastocyst formation outcome. The accuracy of the final model for blastocyst formation was 97.72% in the training dataset and 76.19% in the validation dataset. The final model predicted blastocyst formation from day-3 embryo images in the validation dataset with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.81). Embryologists predicted blastocyst formation with the accuracy of 70.07% (95% CI 68.12%–72.03%), sensitivity of 87.04% (95% CI 82.56%–91.52%), and specificity of 30.93% (95% CI 29.35%–32.51%). Conclusions:The CNN-based machine learning model using day-3 embryo images predicted blastocyst formation more accurately than experienced embryologists. The CNN-based model is a potential tool to predict additional IVF outcomes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Serajoom Munira ◽  
Jesmine Banu ◽  
Shakeela Ishrat ◽  
Mehnaz Mustary Shume ◽  
Muhammad Jasim Uddin ◽  
...  

Background: Serum Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two- to threefold higher than in ovulatory women with normal ovaries, corresponding to the two- to threefold increase in the number of small follicles in PCOS. The increased AMH has been hypothesized to reduce follicle sensitivity to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol production, thus preventing follicle selection, resulting in follicular arrest at the small antral phase with failure of dominance. Objective: The study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that high AMH level is associated with poor response to ovulation induction in PCOS women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study of 50 infertile women with PCOS, grouped into those with AMH level <8 ng/mL and those with AMH level [Formula: see text] 8 ng/mL. All participants received an initial dose of 100 mg/day of clomiphene citrate from 2nd to 6th day of menstrual cycle. Ovarian response (follicle size) was assessed by transvaginal monitoring on 12th day of cycle. Results: A total of 50 women were recruited, of which 4 dropped out. Women with AMH [Formula: see text] 8 ng/mL comprised only 23.91% of the PCOS women. AMH and day 12 follicle size had a statistically significant association. Adjusting for other confounding variables in linear, logarithmic, and logistic analysis, serum AMH had significant negative relationship with follicle size (r = 0.511, p < 0.001). AMH was also positively correlated with serum LH, testosterone and negatively correlated with serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum TSH and BMI. Conclusion: We observed that higher AMH level women had poor response to ovulation induction compared to women with low AMH level.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Eileen M. Manalo ◽  
Ina S. Irabon ◽  
Shayne S. Fajutagana

Background: Despite the lack of approved testosterone formulations for women in most countries, testosterone therapy is still being offered to women worldwide. Aging and loss of ovarian or adrenal function, among others, can lower testosterone levels in women. However, international guidelines currently do not routinely recommend androgen replacement therapy due to lack of long-term safety data. Evidence on its benefits and risks still remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to present current studies and guidelines that examined the effects of testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women, including its role on cognition and mood; breast and endometrial cancer risks; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and genitourinary health; and sexual function. Methodology: A review of literature was done using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, OVID, and Google scholar, with the following key words: androgen, testosterone, menopause, and hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction. We identified reviews, clinical trials, and guidelines. The population was limited to postmenopausal women. Results: There is no evidence from current published literature to support the use of testosterone therapy for female well-being, mood and cognition, bone and cardiovascular health. Intravaginal testosterone appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM) but efficacy and safety are yet to be confirmed. Well-designed, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials are needed to establish long-term safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing and route of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy in women is for the treatment of postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Should a trial of testosterone therapy be given for HSDD, the transdermal route is the preferred method of delivery. Baseline total testosterone concentration should be determined before starting treatment, and repeated after 3–6 months. Serum testosterone levels should be monitored at regular intervals to avoid supraphysiologic dosing. Conclusion: Currently, there is no robust evidence to support the use of exogenous testosterone to improve female well-being, musculoskeletal health, mood and cognition, as well as bone and cardiovascular health among postmenopausal women. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy in women is the treatment of postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder, but only after all other causes of sexual dysfunction have been ruled out. To date, testosterone therapy has no US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approval due to the lack of long-term efficacy and safety data.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Jesmine Banu ◽  
Mumtahena Amir ◽  
Shakeela Ishrat ◽  
Sadia Afrin Munmun ◽  
Nighat Sultana

Anomalies of the reproductive tract are common and present in about 3%–5% of the general population and in about 3% of infertile women. In general, they are asymptomatic, but they can also be associated with recurrent abortions or infertility. This is the case of a 27-year-old nulliparous woman presenting with the history of seven consecutive first trimester spontaneous abortions. Since her marriage 10 years back she conceived on repeated times but all the pregnancies ended in spontaneous miscarriage at around 10–12 weeks. Hysterosalpingography revealed a bicornuate/septate uterus. Hysteroscopic septoplasty with concurrent laparoscopy was planned after normalization of the endocrine parameters. She conceived spontaneously 7 months after the surgery. She had luteal phase support with progesterone, cervical cerclage and management of gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. At 37 weeks of gestation, elective caesarean section was done with the delivery of a healthy female baby.


2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 58-77
Author(s):  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Tuong M. Ho ◽  
Atsushi Tanaka ◽  
Vanessa Raggio ◽  
Jung-Ryeol Lee ◽  
...  

Background: ASPIRE (Asia-Pacific Initiative on Reproduction) aims to develop a “patient-centered” guide to provide fertility treatment based on patient preferences, needs, and concerns during and beyond the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Methods: Women, aged 20–45 years old, trying to conceive for more than 6 months and contemplating for pregnancy including IVF treatment. A country wise analysis of patient behavior, attitudes and concerns, reasons for disruption of treatment and availability of assistance from fertility clinics during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic was performed. Six problem statements addressing patient concerns were identified and corresponding solutions to improve patient experience were formulated. A two-tier recommendation was developed. Tier 1 comprises recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” responses were [Formula: see text]60%, whereas tier 2 refers to recommendations in which the rate of “absolutely agree” plus “agree” together was >60%. Results: Women in countries that have better infection control and are living a new normal were less worried about the pandemic influencing their lifestyle and finances. The proportion of women choosing not to continue IVF/IUI treatment during COVID-19 was similar across countries. Sixty-five percent of women in Group A intend to continue treatment during COVID-19 pandemic. Nine out of 10 patients are expected to resume or start treatment once fertility clinics are accessible. A patient-centered guide focusing on management of patient safety concerns, reduction in difficulty of access to hospitals, prioritization of patients, provision of emotional support, and improvement in patient education and acceptance of remote health services was developed. Conclusion: This ASPIRE patient experience report highlights a patient-centered guide on provision of safe fertility treatment across the Asia-Pacific region, which can be adapted to suit country-specific requirements depending on the stage of the pandemic, local restrictions, and availability of resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Y. Ko ◽  
Kevin K.W. Lam ◽  
Heidi H.Y. Cheng ◽  
Man Wa Lui ◽  
Sofie S.F. Yung ◽  
...  

Background: Fertility preservation is increasingly important with improving cancer survival rates and the delay in childbearing in modern societies. The objective of our study was to review the experience of the fertility preservation programme in a tertiary-assisted reproduction unit in Hong Kong. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving men and women who were seen at a tertiary-assisted reproduction unit for fertility preservation counselling before gonadotoxic treatment from January 2005 to December 2020. Their medical records in paper and electronic forms were reviewed. Results: There were 75 consultations for female fertility preservation from 2010 to 2020 involving 72 women. Twenty women underwent 22 cycles of ovarian stimulation for oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, two of whom subsequently transported their oocytes abroad for further management and another two achieved natural conception. Additional four women who did not have oocyte or embryo cryopreservation achieved natural conception after cancer treatment. Eleven (15.2%) women were followed up at a reproductive endocrinology clinic after their cancer treatment. From 2005 to 2020, 265 men had sperm cryopreserved. Twenty-six (9.8%) came back to use the cryopreserved sperms, the wives of 13 (50.0%) of whom achieved an on-going pregnancy. Six of them transferred out and 40 discarded the cryopreserved sperms. Conclusions: There was generally an increasing number of patient consultations for fertility preservation in our Centre over the past decade but a consistently low rate of utilisation of cryopreserved gametes for both women and men. Post-cancer treatment fertility evaluation and monitoring was a major area of deficiency in Hong Kong. More structured post-cancer treatment fertility follow-up is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 108-114
Author(s):  
Akshara Shyamsunder ◽  
Tristan Hardy ◽  
Anusch Yazdani ◽  
Alex Polyakov ◽  
Robert Norman ◽  
...  

Research Question: Does the dose of gonadotropin used for superovulation in IVF affect the proportion of euploid blastocysts obtained after fertilization? Study Design: Multicentre randomized controlled trial recruiting 57 women who were treated with ovarian stimulation using either 150 or 300 IU Menopur per day. Both groups received GnRH antagonist from day 5 of ovarian stimulation and final oocyte maturation was induced using a leuprolide GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) agonist trigger when three or more follicles reached 17 mm diameter. Oocyte collection was scheduled 36–38 hours post trigger. In vitro fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) were performed according to individual unit protocol and embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage. A trophectoderm biopsy was performed on day 5 of embryo culture and used for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Euploid embryos were transferred in subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles with appropriate endometrial preparation. Results: The number of oocytes obtained from women randomized to 150 IU Menopur was between 3 and 17 (mean = 9), whereas the number of oocytes obtained from women randomized to 300 IU Menopur was between 3 and 24 (mean = 11). There was a positive linear relationship between serum AMH concentration and oocyte yield in both the 150 and 300 IU Menopur groups ([Formula: see text] = 0.3359, [Formula: see text] = 0.1129 and [Formula: see text] = 0.3741, [Formula: see text] = 0.1399). The percentage of euploid to aneuploid embryos in the 150 IU Menopur group was 63% and in the 300 IU Menopur group, the proportion was 75%, which was not significantly different ([Formula: see text] = 0.17). Conclusion: The higher dose ovarian stimulation protocol did not significantly increase the number of oocytes retrieved, nor did the higher dose protocol reduce the proportion of euploid embryos created. This study does not support the hypothesis that use of higher doses of gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation results in a reduction in the proportion of euploid embryos obtained after IVF.


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