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Affdal AO, Salama M, Ravitsky V. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal girls: a critical interpretive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:999-1026. [PMID: 38430324 PMCID: PMC11052756 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03059-z] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, significant advances in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) technique and medical societies' recommendations, fertility preservation (FP) and FP discussions are not always offered as a standard of care in the pediatric context. The aim of this literature review is to understand what ethical, legal, social, and policy issues may influence the provision of FP by OTC in prepubertal girls with cancer. METHODS A critical interpretive review of peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and January 2023 was conducted, guided by the McDougall's version of the critical interpretive synthesis (Dixon-Woods), to capture recurring concepts, principles, and arguments regarding FP by OTC for prepubertal girls. RESULTS Of 931 potentially relevant papers, 162 were included in our analysis. Data were grouped into seven thematic categories: (1) risks of the procedure, (2) unique decision-making issues in pediatric oncofertility, (3) counseling, (4) cultural and cost issues, and (5) disposition of cryopreserved reproductive tissue. CONCLUSION This first literature review focusing on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding OTC in prepubertal girls highlights concerns in the oncofertility debate. Although OTC is no longer experimental as of December 2019, these issues could limit its availability and the child's future reproductive autonomy. This review concludes that specific actions must be provided to enable the offer of FP, such as supporting families' decision-making in this unique and complex context, and providing pediatric patients universal and full access to free or highly subsidized OTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vardit Ravitsky
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- The Hastings Center, Garrison, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Takae S, Iwahata Y, Sugishita Y, Iwahata H, Kanamori R, Shiraishi E, Ito K, Suzuki Y, Yamaya Y, Tanaka K, Oyama K, Keino D, Nakamura K, Odawara K, Horage Y, Meng L, Igualada A, Faizal AM, Aworet LO, Furuta S, Sakamoto M, Mori T, Kitagawa H, Suzuki N. Survey of understanding and awareness of fertility preservation in pediatric patients: Is conversation about fertility preservation unpleasant for pediatric patients? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1074603. [PMID: 36686445 PMCID: PMC9853553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To verify understanding and awareness of fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric patients undergoing FP treatments. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted before and after explanation of fertility issues and FP treatments for patients 6-17 years old who visited or were hospitalized for the purpose of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or oocyte cryopreservation (OC), or sperm cryopreservation between October 2018 and April 2022. This study was approved by the institutional review board at St. Marianna University School of Medicine (No. 4123, UMIN000046125). Result Participants in the study comprised 36 children (34 girls, 2 boys). Overall mean age was 13.3 ± 3.0 years. The underlying diseases were diverse, with leukemia in 14 patients (38.9%), brain tumor in 4 patients (11.1%). The questionnaire survey before the explanation showed that 19 patients (52.8%) wanted to have children in the future, but 15 (41.7%) were unsure of future wishes to raise children. And most children expressed some degree of understanding of the treatment being planned for the underlying disease (34, 94.4%). Similarly, most children understood that the treatment would affect their fertility (33, 91.7%). When asked if they would like to hear a story about how to become a mother or father after FP which including information of FP, half answered "Don't mind" (18, 50.0%). After being provided with information about FP treatment, all participants answered that they understood the adverse effects on fertility of treatments for the underlying disease. Regarding FP treatment, 32 children (88.9%) expressed understanding for FP and 26 (72.2%) wished to receive FP. "Fear" and "Pain" and "Costs" were frequently cited as concerns about FP. Following explanations, 33 children (91.7%) answered "Happy I heard the story" and no children answered, "Wish I hadn't heard the story". Finally, 28 of the 34 girls (82.4%) underwent OTC and one girl underwent OC. Discussion The fact that all patients responded positively to the explanations of FP treatment is very informative. This is considered largely attributable to the patients themselves being involved in the decision-making process for FP. Conclusions Explanations of FP for children appear valid if age-appropriate explanations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seido Takae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuriko Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yodo Sugishita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanamori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eriko Shiraishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Yamaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihide Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kei Oyama
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Dai Keino
- Department of Hematology and Oncology Pediatric Department Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kei Odawara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Horage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Lingbo Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Arby Igualada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of ObGyn, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ludmilla Ogouma Aworet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Furuta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Miki Sakamoto
- Department of ObGyn, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tetsuya Mori
- Department of Anesthesiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kitagawa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
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Khattak H, Woodman H, Afifi Y, Amorim CA, Fishel S, Gallos I, Coomarasamy A, Topping A. Experiences of young girls and women undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation: a systematic review and thematic synthesis. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:502-516. [PMID: 35786203 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2022.2084376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of young girls and women who underwent or considered ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) using a systematic review of qualitative studies with thematic synthesis framework. Major electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from 1946 to May 2020 and reference lists of relevant articles were hand searched. Any studies that described a qualitative inquiry and highlighted the experiences of women with regards to OTC were included. Two independent reviewers screened the title and abstracts and made a selection against inclusion criteria. Main outcomes measures were experiences of women who have considered and/or undergone OTC, decision making in women who underwent or considered OTC and patient education. Nineteen studies were assessed for full text eligibility and four were included in analysis. 144 verbatim quotations from 85 participants in high income countries (UK, USA and Denmark) were included. Two studies adopted grounded theory approach, one phenomenology and one inductive content analysis. Four themes were generated; participants described their experiences as emotional, involving complex decision-making, helping them prepare for the long-term consequences of potentially losing their fertility and hormonal function, as well as their experience being educational. Additionally, the more practical aspects of the procedure such as OTC being invasive as well as costs implications were highlighted. Women and young girls are often involved in making time-sensitive decisions whether or not to undergo OTC. Healthcare professionals involved in the care of young girls and women undergoing this method need to also take into consideration the emotional wellbeing of the patients as well as the time and expertise it requires to help them make an informed decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajra Khattak
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hannah Woodman
- Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yousri Afifi
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Simon Fishel
- John Webster House, CARE Fertility Group, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ioannis Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Annie Topping
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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van der Coelen S, van der Velden J, Nadesapillai S, Peek R, Braat D, Schleedoorn M, Fleischer K, Oerlemans A. The Decision-Making Process regarding Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Girls with Turner Syndrome by Patients, Parents, and Healthcare Providers: A Mixed-Methods Study. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:374-383. [PMID: 35671713 PMCID: PMC9677842 DOI: 10.1159/000525374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) has proven to be effective in other patient groups, but the effectiveness in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) is still unclear. Guidelines for counselling about OTC in TS are lacking. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of patients, parents, and healthcare providers with the decision-making process regarding OTC in girls with TS. METHODS Within a year after counselling, a survey was sent to 132 girls with TS and their parents. Furthermore, focus groups were conducted with (1) gynaecologists with subspeciality reproductive medicine, (2) paediatric endocrinologists, (3) parents of girls aged 2-12, and (4) parents of girls aged 13-18. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS The response rate of the survey was 45%. Of the survey respondents, 90% appreciated counselling regarding their future parenting options and considered it an addition to existing healthcare. Girls with TS and their parents indicated that the option of OTC raised hope for future genetic offspring and instantly made them feel that their only option was to seize this opportunity. Gynaecologists and paediatricians found it challenging to truly make families grasp a realistic perspective of OTC in girls with TS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Offering young girls with TS the possibility of fertility preservation in an experimental setting raised high hopes and led to challenges for healthcare providers in ensuring a considered decision. The appropriate moment for counselling should be tailored to the individual and discussed with patient, parents, and paediatrician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne van der Coelen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,*Sanne van der Coelen,
| | - Janielle van der Velden
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboudumc, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ron Peek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Didi Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Myra Schleedoorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Oerlemans
- IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:747-762. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Łuczak J, Bagłaj M, Ciaputa R, Szymerowski A, Nowak M. Does open ovarian biopsy in prepubertal age affect ovarian reserve in a rat model? J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:360-367. [PMID: 32653162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partial resection of the ovary carries a possible risk of fertility reduction. We studied the influence of open ovarian biopsy on ovarian reserve, including anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone serum level evaluation, in a prepubertal rat model. METHODS Interventions - the initial surgery was unilateral ovarian biopsy (38 rats, group B1, B2) or unilateral ovarian biopsy and ovarian resection of the contralateral gonad (38 rats, group BR1, BR2). The second operation was bilateral ovarian resection and total resection of the remaining ovary. All rats had hormone serum levels evaluated. The control group had only a blood test taken and bilateral ovarian resection done at the second intervention (30 rats, group C1, C2). The collected tissue was examined estimating follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone immunoexpression. RESULTS Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were significantly lower at the second intervention in the group BR2 but significantly higher in the group C2. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in all but one group (BR2). CONCLUSIONS Biopsy itself might not reduce ovarian reserve if done properly but we should know its possible negative effects in the case of a single remaining ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Łuczak
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Department, Wroclaw Medical University, 52 M. Sklodowskiej - Curie ST, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Maciej Bagłaj
- Pediatric Surgery and Urology Department, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Ciaputa
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathomorphology and Veterinary Forensics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Adam Szymerowski
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathomorphology and Veterinary Forensics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathomorphology and Veterinary Forensics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Michalczyk K, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Fertility Preservation and Long-Term Monitoring of Gonadotoxicity in Girls, Adolescents and Young Adults Undergoing Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E202. [PMID: 33429908 PMCID: PMC7827074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemo- and radio-therapy can often affect reproductive organs impairing hormonal regulation, fertility, and sexual function. As cancer treatments become more effective and many patients have long term survival, concerns related to patient's quality of life and reproductive health become relevant. It is especially important for girls and young females facing cancer therapy who have not yet started family planning. Chemotherapy protocols using alkylating agents and abdominal radiotherapy, which are frequently used in the treatment of childhood and adolescent cancer, can cause gonadal injury. The most common clinical manifests are ovarian hormone insufficiency, premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause and infertility. In this review we assess current literature and summarize current recommendations on the reproductive function of girls and young females undergoing cancer treatment and their follow-up. Fertility preservation methods are discussed, including psychological and ethical considerations and barriers. Improvement of reproductive health and quality of life of adolescents and young adults (AYA) undergoing cancer treatment is an important issue. Further research should be continued to develop efficient and accessible methods for fertility preservation in young patients. An expert panel including oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists and gynecologists should always consider fertility preservation in pediatric, adolescent and AYA cancer patients, minding patients' medical condition, cancer staging and potential risk of treatment-related gonadotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Michalczyk
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
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Dinikina Y, Belogurova M, Zaritskey A, Govorov I, Tsibizova V, Gamzatova Z, Pervunina T, Komlichenko E. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal patients with oncological diseases: multidisciplinary approach and outcomes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:2391-2398. [PMID: 31500478 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1666364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In children with cancer, the issues related to the quality of life are becoming increasingly important together with the improvement of survival rates. This creates an entirely new challenge - minimizing the toxicity of the antitumor therapy without reducing its effectiveness. One of the specific side effects of the antitumor therapy is gonadotoxicity, which negatively affects both the somatic and mental state of the survivors. Since ovarian stimulation is ineffective in prepubertal patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) remains the most promising option to preserve fertility. The primary goal of this publication is to emphasize the importance of the reproductive health problem in girls with oncological diseases, with a description of the current data of international literature on the prospects of OTC in order to preserve fertility. Another goal is to present a multidisciplinary strategy for the management of prepubertal age patients with the oncological disease within the framework of the Oncological Fertility Project at Almazov National Medical Research Center. Based on the data of Russian and international literature, as well as existing guidelines and recommendations on reproductive health, a single algorithm for selecting patients has been developed, considering the expected gonadal toxicity for the use of the OTC in prepubertal girls. The developed algorithm allows identifying patients of prepubertal age, requiring the use of new possibilities of reproductive technologies. In a long-term date, we are planning to evaluate the effectiveness of the orthotopic reimplantation technique of the cryopreserved ovarian tissue in restoring the reproductive function. A multidisciplinary team of specialists and the possibilities of the Federal Center facilitate implementing the Oncofertility Program in routine practice for girls and young women, receiving gonadotoxic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Dinikina
- Department of Chemotherapy for Oncohematological Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Margarita Belogurova
- Department of Chemotherapy for Oncohematological Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Zaritskey
- Institute of Hematology, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Igor Govorov
- Institute of Perinatology and Pediatrics, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Valentina Tsibizova
- Institute of Perinatology and Pediatrics, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Zaynab Gamzatova
- Institute of Perinatology and Pediatrics, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Tatyana Pervunina
- Institute of Perinatology and Pediatrics, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Eduard Komlichenko
- Institute of Perinatology and Pediatrics, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
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