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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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Manuel SL, Moravek MB, Confino R, Smith KN, Lawson AK, Klock SC, Pavone ME. Ovarian stimulation is a safe and effective fertility preservation option in the adolescent and young adult population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:699-708. [PMID: 31828481 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01639-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to describe the multidisciplinary approach and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (ages 13-21) who underwent oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation (FP). METHODS Multi-site retrospective cohort was performed from 2007 to 2018 at Northwestern University and Michigan University. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS Forty-one patients began COH of which 38 patients successfully underwent oocyte retrieval, with mature oocytes obtained and cryopreserved without any adverse outcomes. To treat this group of patients, we use a multidisciplinary approach with a patient navigator. When dividing patients by ages 13-17 vs. 18-21, the median doses of FSH used were 2325 and 2038 IU, the median number of mature oocytes retrieved were 10 and 10, and median number frozen oocytes were 11 and 13, respectively. Median days of stimulation were 10 for both groups. There was no statistical difference in BMI, AMH, peak E2, FSH dosage, days stimulated, total oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes retrieved, and oocytes frozen between the two groups. Three patients were canceled for poor response. CONCLUSION COH with oocyte cryopreservation is a feasible FP option for AYAs who may not have other alternatives when appropriate precautions are taken, such as proper counseling and having a support team. These promising outcomes correspond to similar findings of recent small case series, providing hope for these patients to have genetically related offspring in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharrόn L Manuel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rafael Confino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kristin N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Angela K Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Susan C Klock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Affdal AO, Ravitsky V. Chapitre 9. Oncofertilité et jeunes filles prépubères : Un « droit à un avenir ouvert » ? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; Vol. 30:159-177. [PMID: 32372595 DOI: 10.3917/jibes.303.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have increased the life expectancy of cancer patients but may cause premature ovarian failure and irreversible loss of fertility. In the context of childhood cancers, it is now acknowledged that possible negative effects of treatment on future reproductive autonomy are a major concern. While a few options are open to patients post-puberty, the only option currently open to prepubescent girls is cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and subsequent transplantation. Yet, this procedure raises ethical concerns related to its experimental nature and to risks involved in surgery and general anesthesia. In addition, the risk of malignant cells being reintroduced in the future following autologous transplantation of the ovarian tissue is still poorly evaluated. A number of ethical issues arise surrounding this procedure. While the girl's future reproductive autonomy is at stake, it is important to also consider risks associated with the procedure. Fertility preservation through cryopreservation of ovarian tissue thus raises a conflict between the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. We argue that the ethical complexity surrounding fertility preservation for prepubescent girls should be resolved by applying the principle of "the child's right to an open future". We propose to consider 'beneficence' through the lens of the reproductive autonomy and her potentialin becoming a genetic parent.
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Vakeesan B, Weidman DR, Maloney AM, Allen L, Lorenzo AJ, Gupta AA. Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Subspecialties: A Pilot Needs Assessment Beyond Oncology. J Pediatr 2018; 194:253-256. [PMID: 29221696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Physicians from 6 non-oncology pediatric subspecialties were surveyed about fertility preservation (FP) to assess education/service needs. Almost all (96%; 25 of 26) reported having patients at risk of infertility; however, only 58% (15 of 26) had discussed FP with patients' families. Most subspecialists (92%; 23 of 25) would like access to an FP program. Our data support exploring the expansion of FP programs beyond oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branavan Vakeesan
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Danielle R Weidman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Anne Marie Maloney
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Allen
- Section of Gynecology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armando J Lorenzo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abha A Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Armuand G, Nilsson J, Rodriguez‐Wallberg K, Malmros J, Arvidson J, Lampic C, Wettergren L. Physicians' self-reported practice behaviour regarding fertility-related discussions in paediatric oncology in Sweden. Psychooncology 2017; 26:1684-1690. [PMID: 28734133 PMCID: PMC5656910 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate practice behaviours of Swedish physicians with regard to discussing the impact of cancer treatment on fertility with paediatric oncology patients and their parents, and to identify factors associated with such discussions. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was conducted targeting all physicians in Sweden working in paediatric oncology care settings. Participants responded to a questionnaire measuring practice behaviour, attitudes, barriers, and confidence in knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with seldom discussing fertility. RESULTS More than half of the physicians routinely talked with their patients/parents about the treatment's potential impact on fertility (male patients: 62%; female patients: 57%; P = 0.570). Factors associated with less frequently discussing fertility with patients/parents were working at a non-university hospital (male patients: OR 11.49, CI 1.98-66.67; female patients: OR 33.18, CI 4.06-271.07), concerns that the topic would cause worry (male patients: OR 8.23, CI 1.48-45.89; female patients: OR 12.38, CI 1.90-80.70), and perceiving the parents as anxious (male patients: OR 7.18, CI 1.20-42.85; female patients: OR 11.65, CI 1.32-103.17). CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we recommend structured training in how to communicate about fertility issues in stressful situations, which in turn might increase fertility-related discussions in paediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.M. Armuand
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - J. Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - K.A. Rodriguez‐Wallberg
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Reproductive MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - J. Malmros
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's HospitalKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - J. Arvidson
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - C. Lampic
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - L. Wettergren
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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Johnson EK, Chen D, Gordon EJ, Rosoklija I, Holl JL, Finlayson C. Fertility-Related Care for Gender and Sex Diverse Individuals: A Provider Needs-Assessment Survey. Transgend Health 2016; 1:197-201. [PMID: 28861533 PMCID: PMC5549540 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2016.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Twelve providers (eight institutions) participating in a Gender and Sex Diversity Fertility Working Group completed a survey assessing their hospital's transgender, disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), and fertility healthcare teams. Participants also prioritized the development of a: (1) Provider Assessment Tool (questionnaire assessing knowledge/feelings about future fertility), or (2) decision aid (DA). Healthcare team presence by institution: transgender (6/8; 75%), DSD (75%), and fertility preservation (75%). Two-thirds of providers reported that the DA was most needed. Respondents recommended the DA to: help manage complex information, have a take-home reference, and provide neutral information. Other identified resource needs included: fertility specialists in clinic and financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K Johnson
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diane Chen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ilina Rosoklija
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jane L Holl
- Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Courtney Finlayson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Reda A, Hou M, Winton TR, Chapin RE, Söder O, Stukenborg JB. In vitro differentiation of rat spermatogonia into round spermatids in tissue culture. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:601-12. [PMID: 27430551 PMCID: PMC5013872 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the organ culture conditions, previously defined for in vitro murine male germ cell differentiation, also result in differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic germ cells exhibiting specific markers for haploid germ cells? SUMMARY ANSWER We demonstrated the differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic cells in vitro, with emphasis on exhibiting, protein markers described for round spermatids. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Full spermatogenesis in vitro from immature germ cells using an organ culture technique in mice was first reported 5 years ago. However, no studies reporting the differentiation of rat spermatogonia into post-meiotic germ cells exhibiting the characteristic protein expression profile or into functional sperm have been reported. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS Organ culture of testicular fragments of 5 days postpartum (dpp) neonatal rats was performed for up to 52 days. Evaluation of microscopic morphology, testosterone levels, mRNA and protein expression as measured by RT-qPCR and immunostaining were conducted to monitor germ cell differentiation in vitro. Potential effects of melatonin, Glutamax® medium, retinoic acid and the presence of epidydimal fat tissue on the spermatogenic process were evaluated. A minimum of three biological replicates were performed for all experiments presented in this study. One-way ANOVA, ANOVA on ranks and student's t-test were applied to perform the statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Male germ cells, present in testicular tissue pieces grown from 5 dpp rats, exhibited positive protein expression for Acrosin and Crem (cAMP (cyclic adenosine mono phosphate) response element modulator) after 52 days of culture in vitro. Intra-testicular testosterone production could be observed after 3 days of culture, while when epididymal fat tissue was added, spontaneous contractility of cultured seminiferous tubules could be observed after 21 days. However, no supportive effect of the supplementation with any factor or the co-culturing with epididymal fat tissue on germ cell differentiation in vitro or testosterone production was observed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human testis is very different in physiology from the rat testis, further investigations are still needed to optimize the organ culture system for future use in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The successful differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia using the testis explant culture system might be employed in future to produce sperm from human spermatogonia as a clinical tool for fertility preservation in boys and men suffering infertility. LARGE SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported financially by the Frimurare Barnhuset in Stockholm, the Paediatric Research Foundation, Jeanssons Foundation, Sällskåpet Barnåvard in Stockholm, Swedish Research Council/Academy of Finland, Emil and Wera Cornells Foundation, Samariten Foundation, the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation as well as through the regional agreement on medical training and clinical research (ALF) between Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet. All authors declare no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Reda
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Hou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T R Winton
- Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Drug Safety R&D, MS-8274-1336 , Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - R E Chapin
- Pfizer Worldwide R&D, Drug Safety R&D, MS-8274-1336 , Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J-B Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08; Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Cyclic AMP Affects Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development in Prepubertal and Adult Cattle. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150264. [PMID: 26926596 PMCID: PMC4771806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High cAMP levels during in vitro maturation (IVM) have been related to improved blastocyst yields. Here, we employed the cAMP/cGMP modulators, forskolin, IBMX, and cilostamide, during IVM to unravel the role of high cAMP in early embryonic development produced from prepubertal and adult bovine oocytes. Oocytes were collected via transvaginal aspiration and randomly assigned to three experimental groups: TCM24 (24h IVM/control), cAMP30 (2h pre-IVM (forskolin-IBMX), 30h IVM-cilostamide), and DMSO30 (Dimethyl Sulfoxide/vehicle control). After IVM, oocytes were fertilized in vitro and zygotes were cultured in vitro to blastocysts. Meiotic progression, cAMP levels, mRNA abundance of selected genes and DNA methylation were evaluated in oocytes. Blastocysts were used for gene expression or DNA methylation analyses. Blastocysts from the cAMP30 groups were transferred to recipients. The cAMP elevation delayed meiotic progression, but developmental rates were not increased. In immature oocytes, mRNA abundance of PRKACA was higher for cAMP30 protocol and no differences were found for PDE3A, SMAD2, ZAR1, PRDX1 and SLC2A8. EGR1 gene was up-regulated in prepubertal cAMP30 immature oocytes and down-regulated in blastocysts from all in vitro treatments. A similar gene expression profile was observed for DNMT3b, BCL2L1, PRDX1 and SLC2A8 in blastocysts. Satellite DNA methylation profiles were different between prepubertal and adult oocytes and blastocysts derived from the TCM24 and DMSO30 groups. Blastocysts obtained from prepubertal and adult oocytes in the cAMP30 treatment displayed normal methylation profiles and produced offspring. These data indicate that cAMP regulates IVM in prepubertal and adult oocytes in a similar manner, with impact on the establishment of epigenetic marks and acquisition of full developmental competency.
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Johnson EK, Finlayson C. Preservation of Fertility Potential for Gender and Sex Diverse Individuals. Transgend Health 2016; 1:41-44. [PMID: 29159296 PMCID: PMC5685253 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2015.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender and sex diverse individuals—transgender individuals and those with disorders of sex development (DSD)—both face medical treatments that may impair biological fertility potential. Young DSD patients also often have abnormal gonadal development. Fertility preservation for these populations has historically been poorly understood and rarely addressed. Future fertility should be discussed with gender and sex diverse individuals, particularly given recent advances in fertility preservation technologies and evolving views of fertility potential. Key ethical issues include parental proxy decision-making and uncertainty regarding prepubertal fertility preservation technologies. Many opportunities exist for advancing fertility-related care and research for transgender and DSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K Johnson
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Courtney Finlayson
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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