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Luo Z, Xu S, Hao G. Risk factors, management, and future fertility of empty follicle syndrome: a retrospective study with real-world data. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1424837. [PMID: 39055059 PMCID: PMC11269657 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1424837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a challenging clinical problem. This study aims to identify the risk factors for EFS, to present pregnancy outcomes in both EFS cycle as well as subsequent cycles, and to summarize an effective rescue protocol to improve outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis between 2016 and 2020 was conducted at our center. Stricter criteria were applied to diagnose EFS. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for EFS. Further analyses were performed within the EFS cycle to present pregnancy outcomes and to find optimal rescue protocols. Long-term follow-up was conducted until live birth was achieved, covering at least two complete oocyte retrieval cycles. Results Among 14,066 patients, 54 (0.38%) were identified as EFS. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had a significantly higher risk of developing EFS than non-PCOS ones (aOR = 2.67; 95% CI, 1.47 to 4.83). Within EFS patients, delaying the second oocyte retrieval by 3-6 h significantly improved the rates of obtaining oocyte (97.4% versus 58.3%, P = 0.002), getting embryo available for transfer (92.3% versus 33.3%, P < 0.001), and pregnancy (48.7% versus 8.3%, P = 0.017) compared to other delayed retrieval times. Overall, 31.5% (17/54) and 46.7% (7/15) EFS patients achieved live birth in the EFS cycle and the future cycle, respectively. Conclusions PCOS is an independent risk factor for EFS, indicating that longer exposure time to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be necessary. Delaying the second oocyte retrieval by 3-6 h is an effective rescue protocol for EFS patients to achieve optimal outcomes. EFS in a single cycle does not necessarily indicate future fertility decline, but repeated EFS may result in poor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoye Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Center for Quality Control and Management of Human Assisted Reproductive Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Heredity, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Suxin Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Center for Quality Control and Management of Human Assisted Reproductive Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Heredity, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Center for Quality Control and Management of Human Assisted Reproductive Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Infertility and Heredity, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Shijiazhuang, China
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Duarte-Filho OB, Miyadahira EH, Matsumoto L, Yamakami LYS, Tomioka RB, Podgaec S. Follitropin delta combined with menotropin in patients at risk for poor ovarian response during in vitro fertilization cycles: a prospective controlled clinical study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:7. [PMID: 38166856 PMCID: PMC10759374 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maximum daily dose of follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation in the first in vitro fertilization cycle is 12 μg (180 IU), according to the algorithm developed by the manufacturer, and based on patient's ovarian reserve and weight. This study aimed to assess whether 150 IU of menotropin combined with follitropin delta improves the response to stimulation in women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL. METHODS This study involved a prospective intervention group of 44 women who received 12 μg of follitropin delta combined with 150 IU of menotropin from the beginning of stimulation and a retrospective control group of 297 women who received 12 μg of follitropin delta alone during the phase 3 study of this drug. The inclusion and exclusion criteria and other treatment and follow-up protocols in the two groups were similar. The pituitary suppression was achieved by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. Ovulation triggering with human chorionic gonadotropin or GnRH agonist and the option of transferring fresh embryos or using freeze-all strategy were made according to the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. RESULTS Women who received follitropin delta combined with menotropin had higher estradiol levels on trigger day (2150 pg/mL vs. 1373 pg/mL, p < 0.001), more blastocysts (3.1 vs. 2.4, p = 0.003) and more top-quality blastocysts (1.8 vs. 1.3, p = 0.017). No difference was observed in pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, and live birth rates after the first embryo transfer. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome did not differ between the groups. However, preventive measures for the syndrome were more frequent in the group using both drugs than in the control group (13.6% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL, the administration of 150 IU of menotropin combined with 12 μg of follitropin delta improved the ovarian response, making it a valid therapeutic option in situations where ovulation triggering with a GnRH agonist and freeze-all embryos strategy can be used routinely. TRIAL REGISTRATION U1111-1247-3260 (Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, available at https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2kmyfm ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Podgaec
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Disciplina de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Feferkorn I, Santos-Ribeiro S, Ubaldi FM, Velasco JG, Ata B, Blockeel C, Conforti A, Esteves SC, Fatemi HM, Gianaroli L, Grynberg M, Humaidan P, Lainas GT, La Marca A, LaTasha C, Lathi R, Norman RJ, Orvieto R, Paulson R, Pellicer A, Polyzos NP, Roque M, Sunkara SK, Tan SL, Urman B, Venetis C, Weissman A, Yarali H, Dahan MH. The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2681-2695. [PMID: 37713144 PMCID: PMC10643792 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide agreed-upon guidelines on the management of a hyper-responsive patient undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) METHODS: A literature search was performed regarding the management of hyper-response to OS for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 4 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥66% of the participants agreed, and ≤3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. A total of 28/31 experts responded (selected for global coverage), anonymous to each other. RESULTS A total of 26/28 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. The target number of oocytes to be collected in a stimulation cycle for IVF in an anticipated hyper-responder is 15-19 (89.3% consensus). For a potential hyper-responder, it is preferable to achieve a hyper-response and freeze all than aim for a fresh transfer (71.4% consensus). GnRH agonists should be avoided for pituitary suppression in anticipated hyper-responders performing IVF (96.4% consensus). The preferred starting dose in the first IVF stimulation cycle of an anticipated hyper-responder of average weight is 150 IU/day (82.1% consensus). ICoasting in order to decrease the risk of OHSS should not be used (89.7% consensus). Metformin should be added before/during ovarian stimulation to anticipated hyper-responders only if the patient has PCOS and is insulin resistant (82.1% consensus). In the case of a hyper-response, a dopaminergic agent should be used only if hCG will be used as a trigger (including dual/double trigger) with or without a fresh transfer (67.9% consensus). After using a GnRH agonist trigger due to a perceived risk of OHSS, luteal phase rescue with hCG and an attempt of a fresh transfer is discouraged regardless of the number of oocytes collected (72.4% consensus). The choice of the FET protocol is not influenced by the fact that the patient is a hyper-responder (82.8% consensus). In the cases of freeze all due to OHSS risk, a FET cycle can be performed in the immediate first menstrual cycle (92.9% consensus). CONCLUSION These guidelines for the management of hyper-response can be useful for tailoring patient care and for harmonizing future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Feferkorn
- IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - F M Ubaldi
- GeneraLife Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | | | - B Ata
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Jette, Belgium
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - S C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado 1464, Campinas, SP, 13075-460, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H M Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - L Gianaroli
- Società Italiana Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, S.I.S.Me.R. Reproductive Medicine Institute, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - M Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, University Paris-Sud (Paris XI), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Clamart, France
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Resenvej 25, 7800, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - A La Marca
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - C LaTasha
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - R Lathi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - R J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- FertilitySA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation MCHRI, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CRE-WHiRL), Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - R Paulson
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - A Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
| | - N P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, ORIGEN-Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S K Sunkara
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S L Tan
- OriginElle Fertility Clinic 2110 Boul. Decarie, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assisted Reproduction, American Hospital, Istanbul, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - C Venetis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Dept of OB/Gyn, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Virtus Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Weissman
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - H Yarali
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Anatolia IVF and Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University Health Care Center, 888 Boul. de Maisonneuve E #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
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Palomba S, Costanzi F, Nelson SM, Caserta D, Humaidan P. Interventions to prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a systematic umbrella review of the best clinical evidence. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:67. [PMID: 37480081 PMCID: PMC10360244 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threating iatrogenic complication of the early luteal phase and/or early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The aim of the current study was to identify the most effective methods for preventing of and reducing the incidence and severity of OHSS in IVF patients. A systematic review of systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analysis was used to assess each potential intervention (PROSPERO website, CRD 268626) and only studies with the highest quality were included in the qualitative analysis. Primary outcomes included prevention and reduction of OHSS incidence and severity. Secondary outcomes were maternal death, incidence of hospital admission, days of hospitalization, and reproductive outcomes, such as incidence of live-births, clinical pregnancies, pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriages, and oocytes retrieved. A total of specific interventions related to OHSS were analyzed in 28 systematic reviews of RCTs with meta-analyses. The quality assessment of the included studies was high, moderate, and low for 23, 2, and 3 studies, respectively. The certainty of evidence (CoE) for interventions was reported for 37 specific situations/populations and resulted high, moderate, and low-to-very low for one, 5, and 26 cases, respectively, while it was not reported in 5 cases. Considering the effective interventions without deleterious reproductive effects, GnRH-ant co-treatment (36 RCTs; OR 0.61, 95% C 0.51 to 0.72, n = 7,944; I2 = 31%) and GnRH agonist triggering (8 RCTs; OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.47, n = 989; I2 = 42%) emerged as the most effective interventions for preventing OHSS with a moderate CoE, even though elective embryo cryopreservation exhibited a low CoE. Furthermore, the use of mild ovarian stimulation (9 RCTs; RR 0.26, CI 0.14 to 0.49, n = 1,925; I2 = 0%), and dopaminergic agonists (10 RCTs; OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44, n = 1,202; I2 = 13%) coadministration proved effective and safe with a moderate CoE. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that only a few interventions currently can be considered effective to reduce the incidence of OHSS and its severity with high/moderate CoE despite the numerous published studies on the topic. Further well-designed RCTs are needed, particularly for GnRH-a down-regulated IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy.
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Scott M Nelson
- School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, UK
- TFP, Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Faculty of Health, Skive Regional Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Jiang S, Li W, Zhao X, Chen L, Kuang Y. Nintedanib Treatment After Ovulation is an Effective Therapeutic Strategy for the Alleviation of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in a Mouse Model. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:397-411. [PMID: 35221672 PMCID: PMC8865761 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s351292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shutian Jiang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhi Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinxi Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yanping Kuang; Wenzhi Li, Email ;
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Fatemi H, Bilger W, Denis D, Griesinger G, La Marca A, Longobardi S, Mahony M, Yin X, D'Hooghe T. Dose adjustment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during ovarian stimulation as part of medically-assisted reproduction in clinical studies: a systematic review covering 10 years (2007-2017). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:68. [PMID: 33975610 PMCID: PMC8112039 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individualization of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) starting dose is considered standard clinical practice during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Furthermore, the gonadotropin dose is regularly adjusted during COS to avoid hyper- or hypo-ovarian response, but limited data are currently available to characterize such adjustments. This review describes the frequency and direction (increase/decrease) of recombinant-human FSH (r-hFSH) dose adjustment reported in clinical trials. METHODS We evaluated the proportion of patients undergoing ART treatment who received ≥ 1 r-hFSH dose adjustments. The inclusion criteria included studies (published Sept 2007 to Sept 2017) in women receiving ART treatment that allowed dose adjustment within the study protocol and that reported ≥ 1 dose adjustments of r-hFSH; studies not allowing/reporting dose adjustment were excluded. Data on study design, dose adjustment and patient characteristics were extracted. Point-incidence estimates were calculated per study and overall based on pooled number of cycles with dose adjustment across studies. The Clopper-Pearson method was used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incidence where adjustment occurred in < 10% of patients; otherwise, a normal approximation method was used. RESULTS Initially, 1409 publications were identified, of which 318 were excluded during initial screening and 1073 were excluded after full text review for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies (6630 cycles) reported dose adjustment: 5/18 studies (1359 cycles) reported data for an unspecified dose adjustment (direction not defined), in 10/18 studies (3952 cycles) dose increases were reported, and in 11/18 studies (5123 cycles) dose decreases were reported. The studies were performed in women with poor, normal and high response, with one study reporting in oocyte donors and one in obese women. The median day that dose adjustment was permitted was Day 6 after the start of treatment. The point estimates for incidence (95% CI) for unspecified dose adjustment, dose increases, and dose decreases were 45.3% (42.7, 48.0), 19.2% (18.0, 20.5), and 9.5% (8.7, 10.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights that, in studies in which dose adjustment was allowed and reported, the estimated incidence of r-hFSH dose adjustments during ovarian stimulation was up to 45%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Human Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi & Dubai and Muscat Royal Marina Village, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wilma Bilger
- Medical Affairs Fertility, Endocrinology & General Medicine, Merck Serono GmbH (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Deborah Denis
- Global Clinical Development, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Materno-Infantili e dell'Adulto, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Merck Serono S.p.A (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), 00176, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Mahony
- Medical Affairs - Endocrinology/Reproductive Health, EMD Serono, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Rockland, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Yin
- Research & Development, EMD Serono, Inc (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Department of Development & Regeneration, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Zaat T, Zagers M, Mol F, Goddijn M, van Wely M, Mastenbroek S. Fresh versus frozen embryo transfers in assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 2:CD011184. [PMID: 33539543 PMCID: PMC8095009 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011184.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments conventionally consist of a fresh embryo transfer, possibly followed by one or more cryopreserved embryo transfers in subsequent cycles. An alternative option is to freeze all suitable embryos and transfer cryopreserved embryos in subsequent cycles only, which is known as the 'freeze all' strategy. This is the first update of the Cochrane Review on this comparison. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the freeze all strategy compared to the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and two registers of ongoing trials from inception until 23 September 2020 for relevant studies, checked references of publications found, and contacted study authors to obtain additional data. SELECTION CRITERIA Two review authors (TZ and MZ) independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, and extracted study data. We included randomised controlled trials comparing a 'freeze all' strategy with a conventional IVF/ICSI strategy including a fresh embryo transfer in women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcomes were cumulative live birth rate and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Secondary outcomes included effectiveness outcomes (including ongoing pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate), time to pregnancy and obstetric, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 studies in the systematic review and eight studies with a total of 4712 women in the meta-analysis. The overall evidence was of moderate to low quality. We graded all the outcomes and downgraded due to serious risk of bias, serious imprecision and serious unexplained heterogeneity. Risk of bias was associated with unclear blinding of investigators for preliminary outcomes of the study during the interim analysis, unit of analysis error, and absence of adequate study termination rules. There was an absence of high-quality evidence according to GRADE assessments for our primary outcomes, which is reflected in the cautious language below. There is probably little or no difference in cumulative live birth rate between the 'freeze all' strategy and the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.22; I2 = 0%; 8 RCTs, 4712 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that for a cumulative live birth rate of 58% following the conventional strategy, the cumulative live birth rate following the 'freeze all' strategy would be between 57% and 63%. Women might develop less OHSS after the 'freeze all' strategy compared to the conventional IVF/ICSI strategy (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.39; I2 = 0%; 6 RCTs, 4478 women; low-quality evidence). These data suggest that for an OHSS rate of 3% following the conventional strategy, the rate following the 'freeze all' strategy would be 1%. There is probably little or no difference between the two strategies in the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.19; I2 = 31%; 4 RCTs, 1245 women; moderate-quality evidence). We could not analyse time to pregnancy; by design, time to pregnancy is shorter in the conventional strategy than in the 'freeze all' strategy when the cumulative live birth rate is comparable, as embryo transfer is delayed in a 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain whether the two strategies differ in cumulative miscarriage rate because the evidence is very low quality (Peto OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.55; I2 = 55%; 2 RCTs, 986 women; very low-quality evidence) and cumulative multiple-pregnancy rate (Peto OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.25; I2 = 63%; 2 RCTs, 986 women; very low-quality evidence). The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (Peto OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.25; I2 = 29%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence), having a large-for-gestational-age baby (Peto OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.55; I2 = 0%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence) and a higher birth weight of the children born (mean difference (MD) 127 g, 95% CI 77.1 to 177.8; I2 = 0%; 5 RCTs, 1607 singletons; moderate-quality evidence) may be increased following the 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain whether the two strategies differ in the risk of having a small-for-gestational-age baby because the evidence is low quality (Peto OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.05; I2 = 64%; 3 RCTs, 3940 women; low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found moderate-quality evidence showing that one strategy is probably not superior to the other in terms of cumulative live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy rate. The risk of OHSS may be decreased in the 'freeze all' strategy. Based on the results of the included studies, we could not analyse time to pregnancy. It is likely to be shorter using a conventional IVF/ICSI strategy with fresh embryo transfer in the case of similar cumulative live birth rate, as embryo transfer is delayed in a 'freeze all' strategy. The risk of maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, of having a large-for-gestational-age baby and a higher birth weight of the children born may be increased following the 'freeze all' strategy. We are uncertain if 'freeze all' strategy reduces the risk of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy rate or having a small-for-gestational-age baby compared to conventional IVF/ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske Zaat
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Zagers
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Femke Mol
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Goddijn
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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8
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Kaplan S, Levy-Toledano R, Davies M, Roy D, Howles CM, Lass A. Safety of Ovaleap® (Follitropin Alfa) in Infertile Women Undergoing Superovulation for Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Multinational Comparative, Prospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:632674. [PMID: 33815290 PMCID: PMC8010350 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.632674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovaleap® (follitropin alfa), a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone, is a biosimilar medicinal product to Gonal-f® and is used for ovarian stimulation. The main objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap® compared to Gonal-f® in one treatment cycle in routine clinical practice. METHODS Safety of Ovaleap® Follitropin alfa in Infertile women undergoing superovulation for Assisted reproductive technologies (SOFIA) was a prospective cohort study conducted in six European countries. Eligible patients were infertile women undergoing superovulation for assisted reproductive technology, who were administered Ovaleap® or Gonal-f® for ovarian stimulation and were naïve to follicle stimulating hormone treatment. The recruitment ratio was 1:1. The primary endpoint was incidence proportion of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the secondary endpoint was OHSS severity (Grades I, II, III). The effect of risk factors or potential confounders on the odds ratio for OHSS incidence as well as treatment effect on OHSS incidence was explored using univariate logistic regression. Pregnancy and live birth rates were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 408 women who were administered Ovaleap® and 409 women who were administered Gonal-f® were eligible for analysis. The incidence proportion of OHSS was 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) in the Ovaleap® cohort and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9, 5.4) in the Gonal-f® cohort. This difference in OHSS incidence proportion between the two cohorts was not statistically significant neither before (p = 0.159) nor after univariate adjustment for each potential confounder (p > 0.05). The incidence proportion of OHSS severity grades was similar in the two treatment groups (3.4% versus 2.0% for Grade I, 1.2% versus 1.0% for Grade II, and 0.5% versus 0.2% for Grade III, in the Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® cohorts, respectively), without a significant statistical difference (p = 0.865, for each grade). Among patients who had embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy rates were 33% and 31% and live birth rates were 27% and 26%, in the two cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the SOFIA study indicate that the incidence proportions of OHSS and OHSS severity, as well as pregnancy and live birth rates, are similar between Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® treatments and corroborate the safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap® as a biosimilar to Gonal-f®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Kaplan
- Global Patient Safety & Pharmacovigilance, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Netanya, Israel
- *Correspondence: Sigal Kaplan, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-3352-8480
| | | | - Miranda Davies
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Debabrata Roy
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amir Lass
- Medical Department, Theramex Ltd., London, United Kingdom
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9
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Hortu I, Karadadas E, Ozceltik G, Tavmergen E, Tavmergen Goker EN, Yigitturk G, Erbas O. Oxytocin and cabergoline alleviate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in an experimental model. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:1099-1108. [PMID: 33140116 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05855-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening complication of ovarian stimulation in reproductive medicine. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of oxytocin (OT) and cabergoline in the prevention and alleviation of the OHSS in an animal model. METHODS Thirty-five female immature Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group (n = 7) received saline only for five consecutive days. Remaining twenty-eight rats received 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce OHSS. Group 2 (n = 7) was managed with no additional intervention after the induction of OHSS. Group 3 (n = 7) received 100 μg/kg cabergoline 2 h before the PMSG injection for four consecutive days and 2 h before the hCG injection on the fifth day. Group 4 (n = 7) and group 5 (n = 7) received 80 μg/kg and 160 μg/kg OT after induction of OHSS, respectively. Oxytocin was administered 2 h before the PMSG injection for four consecutive days and 2 h before the hCG injection on the fifth day. Body and ovary weight, vascular permeability (VP), VEGF expression in the ovaries, and levels of VEGF in the peritoneal fluids were examined in all animals. RESULTS Cabergoline and OT reduced body weight, ovary weight, and VP compared to that of the OHSS group (p < 0.05). VEGF expressions in ovaries and peritoneal VEGF levels were decreased in cabergoline and OT groups compared to that of the OHSS groups (p < 0.001 for cabergoline and OT-80 μg/kg; p < 0.00001 for OT-160 μg/kg). However, there was no statistically significant difference in these parameters between the OT and cabergoline groups. CONCLUSION Both OT and cabergoline were active in the alleviation of OHSS through suppression of VEGF and VP. Overall, we conclude that OT is effective for downregulation for VEGF and improvement in vascular permeability in OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismet Hortu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. .,Department of Stem Cell, Ege University Institute of Health Sciences, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Elif Karadadas
- Department of Biochemistry, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gokay Ozceltik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Erol Tavmergen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of IVF Research Center, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ege Nazan Tavmergen Goker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Bornova, 35100, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of IVF Research Center, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gurkan Yigitturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University School of Medicine, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Department of Physiology, Demiroglu Bilim University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Ben Hameid AS, Al-Sindi TA, Allow AK, Nafie EM, Alahmad BE, Faisal GG. Substantial Effect of Fenugreek Seeds Aqueous Extract on Serum Estradiol Level in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Rat Model. Oman Med J 2019; 34:238-243. [PMID: 31110632 PMCID: PMC6505335 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2019.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Estradiol (E2) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek seed aqueous (FSA) extract on serum E2 levels in a rat model of OHSS. Methods A total of 34 female Sprague Dawley rats, aged 18 days old, weighing 40 to 45 g, were randomly divided into negative control, positive control, and treatment groups. A daily dose of 1500 mg/kg per body weight of FSA extract was administrated orally to rats in the treatment group for 13 days. On day eight of the study, OHSS was induced in both positive control and treated groups by subcutaneous injection of pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin 50 IU for four consecutive days, followed by human chorionic gonadotropin 25 IU on the fifth day. The effect of FSA extract was evaluated by measuring the concentration of serum E2 using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results FSA extract reduced serum E2 level significantly in the treated OHSS model (p-value < 0.050) compared to the positive control group. Conclusions The finding has important implications on the development of female infertility adjuvant drugs for safe assisted reproduction technology cycles in terms of OHSS prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma S Ben Hameid
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Taha A Al-Sindi
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad K Allow
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Emad M Nafie
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Basma E Alahmad
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Ghasak G Faisal
- Basic Medical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As many as one in six couples will encounter problems with fertility, defined as failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after regular intercourse for 12 months. Increasingly, couples are turning to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for help with conceiving and ultimately giving birth to a healthy live baby of their own. Fertility treatments are complex, and each ART cycle consists of several steps. If one of these steps is incorrectly applied, the stakes are high as conception may not occur. With this in mind, it is important that each step of the ART cycle is supported by good evidence from well-designed studies. OBJECTIVES To summarise the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews on procedures and treatment options available to couples with subfertility undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. METHODS Published Cochrane systematic reviews of couples undergoing ART procedures (in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection) were eligible for inclusion in the overview. We also identified Cochrane reviews in preparation, for future inclusion.The primary outcome of the overview was live birth or the composite outcome live birth or ongoing pregnancy, as reported by the included reviews. Our secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, miscarriage, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. We excluded studies of intrauterine insemination and ovulation induction.We undertook selection of systematic reviews, data extraction, and quality assessment in duplicate. We assessed review quality by using the AMSTAR tool. We organised reviews by their relevance to specific stages in the ART cycle. We summarised their findings in the text and reported data for each outcome in 'Additional tables'. MAIN RESULTS We included 68 systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Library up to May 2018. All were of high quality. These reviews identified 38 interventions that were effective (n = 23) or promising (n = 15), and they identified 19 interventions that were ineffective (n = 2) or possibly ineffective (n = 17). For 15 interventions, review authors were unable to draw conclusions owing to lack of evidence.We identified an additional 11 protocols and four titles for future inclusion in this overview. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This overview provides the most up-to-date evidence on ART cycles from systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials. Fertility treatments are costly, and the stakes are high. Using the best available evidence to optimise outcomes is best practice. Evidence from this overview could be used to develop clinical practice guidelines and protocols that can be applied in daily clinical practice to improve live birth rates and reduce rates of multiple pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1003
| | - Jane Marjoribanks
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1003
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12
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Kasaven LS, Goumenou A, Adegoke K. Multiorgan failure associated with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to inadequate protocol optimisation: a rare but avoidable complication. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-223418. [PMID: 29507026 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a well-recognised iatrogenic complication following controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Mild to moderate cases are mostly managed conservatively. Severe cases of OHSS can be potentially fatal. For this reason, UK clinics providing licensed fertility treatment are obliged to follow Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority guidelines for reporting severe incidents. We present an unusually severe complication of OHSS resulting in significant morbidity. A nulligravida woman aged 25, with a 4-year history of subfertility and multiple risk factors for the development of OHSS, underwent COS. Immediately following oocyte retrieval, the patient developed symptoms of early-onset severe OHSS. The subsequent clinical deterioration of the patient precipitated multiple organ failure, including renal and hepatic dysfunction. Despite supportive management in an intensive care unit, the patient required transfer to a tertiary liver centre for specialist treatment. OHSS is a preventable complication; therefore, such an uncommon presentation of the syndrome provides important clinical lessons to be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sheena Kasaven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Margate, UK
| | - Anastasia Goumenou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, UK
| | - Kenneth Adegoke
- Department of Anaesthetics, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, UK
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