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Martínez-Varea A, Martínez-Gómez M, Novillo B, Domenech J, Morales-Roselló J, Diago-Almela V. Perinatal Outcomes of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies Conceived Naturally Versus through Assisted Reproductive Techniques. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6097. [PMID: 37763036 PMCID: PMC10531548 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: It has been reported that monochorionic twin pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART) display a higher risk of second-trimester miscarriage, cesarean delivery, and neonatal death than those conceived naturally. The aim of this study was to compare the perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies conceived naturally and through ART in a tertiary hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all MCDA twin pregnancies that received obstetric care and delivered at La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital between 2015 and 2021. MCDA pregnancies that were referred to the tertiary hospital for specialized management, follow-up, and delivery were also included. The study was approved by The Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe). Results: Among the 184 MCDA pregnancies, 149 (81%) had a natural conception, and 35 (19%) were conceived through ART. Patients with an MCDA pregnancy who conceived through ART had a significantly older maternal age (38.0 [35.5-42.5] vs. 32.0 [29.0-36.0], p < 0.001) and an elevated rate of nulliparity (80.0% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.001). Regarding pregnancy complications, MCDA pregnancies through ART were associated with a significantly higher incidence of gestational diabetes (22.9% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (22.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.04), and other pregnancy complications such as threatened labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (14.3% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.015), than naturally conceived MCDA pregnancies. No differences were found in the incidence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (20% vs. 33.6%, p = 0.155). MCDA pregnancies through natural conception had a greater rate of vaginal delivery than MCDA through ART (16.8% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.032). When adjusted for confounding factors, MCDA pregnancies through ART were only more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those naturally conceived (aOR 7.86, 95% CI 1.55-39.87). No differences were found regarding neonatal outcomes between groups. Conclusions: Compared with naturally conceived MCDA twin pregnancies, those conceived through ART displayed a significantly higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. No differences regarding other pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, or neonatal outcomes were found between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Martínez-Varea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (B.N.); (J.M.-R.); (V.D.-A.)
| | - Martha Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (B.N.); (J.M.-R.); (V.D.-A.)
| | - Blanca Novillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (B.N.); (J.M.-R.); (V.D.-A.)
| | - Josep Domenech
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Morales-Roselló
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (B.N.); (J.M.-R.); (V.D.-A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Diago-Almela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (B.N.); (J.M.-R.); (V.D.-A.)
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Sciorio R, Aiello R, Janssens R. Considerations on staffing levels for a modern assisted reproductive laboratory. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:120-130. [PMID: 36515254 PMCID: PMC10065777 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The duties recently performed in the embryology laboratory have deeply increased compared to those realized a couple of decades ago. Currently, procedures include conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI techniques, or processing of surgically retrieved sperm, embryo culture and time-lapse monitoring, blastocyst culture, as well as trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing and cryopreservation. These techniques require not only time, but also high knowledge level and acutely concentration by the embryologist team. The existing data indicate that an IVF laboratory need to have adequate staffing levels to perform the required daily duties, and to work in optimal conditions that are critical to assure a high quality service, as well as avoiding incidents and to provide the best outcomes. As a result, IVF clinics have invested in human resources, but there is still a large discrepancy between IVF centres on the number of embryologists employed. Currently there is no golden standard on the human resource requirements for assisted reproductive technology procedures; therefore, in this review paper we aim to provide arguments to take into account to determine the embryology staffing requirements in an embryology laboratory to assure optimal safety and efficiency of operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of
Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16
4SA, UK
| | - Raffaele Aiello
- OMNIA Lab S.C.a.R.L, Via Cesare Rosaroll 24, 80139 Naples, Italy
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Brandão P, Garrido N. Commercial Surrogacy: An Overview. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2022; 44:1141-1158. [PMID: 36580941 PMCID: PMC9800153 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surrogacy is the process in which a woman carries and delivers a baby to other person or couple, known as intended parents. When carriers are paid for surrogacy, this is known as commercial surrogacy. The objective of the present work is to review the legal, ethical, social, and cultural aspects of commercial surrogacy, as well as the current panorama worldwide. METHODS This is a review of the literature published in the 21st century on commercial surrogacy. RESULTS A total of 248 articles were included as the core of the present review. The demand for surrogate treatments by women without uterus or with important uterine disorders, single men and same-sex male couples is constantly increasing worldwide. This reproductive treatment has important ethical dilemmas. In addition, legislation defers widely worldwide and is in constant change. Therefore, patients look more and more for treatments abroad, which can lead to important legal problems between countries with different laws. Commercial surrogacy is practiced in several countries, in most of which there is no specific legislation. Some countries have taken restrictive measures against this technique because of reports of exploitation of carriers. CONCLUSION Commercial surrogacy is a common practice, despite important ethical and legal dilemmas. As a consequence of diverse national legislations, patients frequently resort to international commercial surrogacy programs. As of today, there is no standard international legal context, and this practice remains largely unregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Brandão
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Spain
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Brandão P, Ceschin N, Gómez VH. The Pathway of Female Couples in a Fertility Clinic. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:660-666. [PMID: 35668678 PMCID: PMC9948101 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aims to describe the main characteristics of female couples resorting to a fertility clinic, to understand whether these patients have clear previous plans concerning procreation and how they end up completing their family planning, and to briefly describe the main outcomes of the recepción de ovocitos de pareja (ROPA, in the Spanish acronym: in English, reception of partner's oocytes) method. METHODS This is a descriptive retrospective study of the pathway and outcomes of female couples in a fertility clinic during a 2-year period. RESULTS A total of 129 couples were treated. Only one third of the couples had no condition potentially affecting fertility or advanced age. Most couples were decided to undergo artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization and the majority kept their plans, as opposed to 38% of the couples who decided to the ROPA method (lesbian shared in vitro fertilization) who changed plans. Live birth rates per treatment (including frozen embryo transfers) for artificial insemination, 58% for in vitro fertilization, 80% for treatments with donated oocytes or embryos, and 79% for ROPA. Four in five couples achieved live births. CONCLUSION The present study highlights the importance of a thorough medical workup in same-sex couples resorting to assisted reproduction. Despite the higher-than-expected rates of fertility disorders, the outcomes were good. Most couples end up in a single parented method. Furthermore, the results of the ROPA method are reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Brandão
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVIRMA Global Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nathan Ceschin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Feliccità Instituto de Fertilidade, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Gómez
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVIRMA Global Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Brandão P, de Pinho A, Ceschin N, Sousa-Santos R, Reis-Soares S, Bellver J. ROPA - Lesbian shared in vitro fertilization - Ethical aspects. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 272:230-233. [PMID: 35397373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a technique of assisted reproduction was developed to allow lesbian women to share biological motherhood of their offspring - the ROPA method (in Spanish - Recepción de Ovocitos de Pareja; in English - Reception of Partner's Oocytes), also known as lesbian shared in vitro fertilization. One mother provides the oocytes (genetic mother) and the other receives the embryo and gets pregnant (gestational mother). As for most issues related to medically assisted reproduction, this technique raises a lot of ethical questions in respect to patients, future offspring, gametes, and embryos. Furthermore, the fact that it is directed to homosexual women poses its own issues, both biological and social in nature. This is a state-of-the-art review of the main ethical dilemmas related to this technique, primarily focusing on the basic principles of bioethics, but also specific concerns directly related to this kind of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Brandão
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVIRMA Global), Plaza de la Policia Local 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - António de Pinho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Avenida do Hospital Padre Américo 210, 4564-007 Penafiel, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nathan Ceschin
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVIRMA Global), Plaza de la Policia Local 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sousa-Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Centre of Medically Assisted Reproduction, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, Rua dos Cutileiros 114, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Reis-Soares
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVIRMA Global), Avenida Infante Dom Henrique 333, 1800-282 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Bellver
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVIRMA Global), Plaza de la Policia Local 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Sciorio R, Rapalini E, Esteves SC. Air quality in the clinical embryology laboratory: a mini-review. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2021; 15:2633494121990684. [PMID: 33629068 PMCID: PMC7882750 DOI: 10.1177/2633494121990684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of the clinical embryology laboratory has expanded over recent years. It now includes conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques and complex and time-demanding procedures like blastocyst culture, processing of surgically retrieved sperm, and trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing. These procedures require a stable culture environment in which ambient air quality might play a critical role. The existing data indicate that both particulate matter and chemical pollution adversely affect IVF results, with low levels for better outcomes. As a result, IVF clinics have invested in air cleaning technologies with variable efficiency to remove particulates and volatile organic compounds. However, specific regulatory frameworks mandating air quality control are limited, as are evidence-based guidelines for the best air quality control practices in the embryology laboratory. In this review, we describe the principles and existing solutions for improving air quality and summarize the clinical evidence concerning air quality control in the embryology laboratory. In addition, we discuss the gaps in knowledge that could guide future research to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Erika Rapalini
- Ospedale Versilia, Centro di Procreazione medicalmente assistita, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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