Effect of oocyte donation on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization twin gestations

Pre-eclampsia in pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation, natural conception or IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY QUESTION

What is the prevalence of pre-eclampsia (PE) in pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD) compared to natural conception (NC) and to IVF with autologous oocytes (AO)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Overall the prevalence of PE after OD was 4-5 times higher than after NC and 2-3 times higher than after IVF with AO.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The indication for OD is expanding to lesbian women requesting shared lesbian motherhood. Previous reviews have shown that the risk of PE is higher in pregnancies after OD than after NC and after IVF with AO. Classification on the severity of PE is lacking as is the relationship with known risk factors such as maternal age and multiple gestations. Furthermore the actual prevalence of PE in pregnancies resulting from OD is not known.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL, OpenGrey and Greynet from January 1980 through July 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We included retrospective and prospective cohort studies. The study population consisted of pregnancies after OD and NC or IVF and data had to be available about prevalence of PE. We compared the risk of (severe) PE in OD versus NC and IVF pregnancies, subgrouped by plurality and maternal age. We calculated individual and pooled odds ratios (OR) and prevalence estimates with 95% CI using a random effect model, while heterogeneity was assessed by the I2.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In total, 27 studies comprising of 7089 OD pregnancies, 1 139 540 NC pregnancies and 72 742 IVF pregnancies were available for analysis. The risks of PE and severe PE was increased in OD pregnancies compared to NC pregnancies (pooled OR of all subgroups: 5.09, 95% CI: 4.29-6.04; I2 = 19% and OR: 7.42, 95% CI: 4.64-11.88; I2 = 49%, respectively). This suggests that compared to a PE risk of 2.9% with NC, the risk with OD was between 11.5% and 15.4%. Compared to a severe PE risk of 0.5% with NC, the risk with OD was between 2.3% and 5.6%. The pooled adjusted OR for PE was 3.24 (95% 2.74-3.83) for OD versus NC pregnancies. The risks of PE and severe PE were also increased in OD pregnancies compared to IVF pregnancies (pooled OR of all subgroups: 2.97, 95% CI: 2.49-3.53; I2 = 51% and OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 2.15-4.11; I2 = 0%, respectively). This suggests that compared to a PE risk of 5.9% with IVF, the risk with OD was between 13.5% and 18.0%. Compared to a severe PE risk of 3.3% with IVF, the risk with OD was between 6.8% and 12.2%. The pooled adjusted OR for PE was 2.67 (95% 2.28-3.13) for OD versus IVF. The pooled prevalence of PE in singleton pregnancies after OD was 10.7% (95% CI 6.6-15.5) compared to 2.0% (95% CI 1.0-3.1) after NC and 4.1% (95% CI 2.7-5.6) after IVF. The prevalence in multiple pregnancies was 27.8% (95% CI 23.6-32.2) after OD, 7.5% (95% CI 7.2-7.8) after NC and 9.7% (95% CI 6.2-13.9) after IVF.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The precise definition of PE is still a matter of debate. The different criteria could have affected the prevalence estimate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Nearly one in six women will suffer PE after OD. Although it is uncertain whether these risks are consistent for lesbian couples undergoing shared motherhood, we feel that women who can conceive naturally could be advised to reconsider. In women with primary ovarian insufficiency, we feel that factors that may increase risk of PE ever further, such as double embryo transfer, should be avoided whenever possible.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding or competing interests.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020166899.

Mitochondria: Their relevance during oocyte ageing

The oocyte is recognised as the largest cell in mammalian species and other multicellular organisms. Mitochondria represent a high proportion of the cytoplasm in oocytes and mitochondrial architecture is different in oocytes than in somatic cells, characterised by a rounder appearance and fragmented network. Although the number of mitochondria per oocyte is higher than in any other mammalian cell, their number and activity decrease with advancing age. Mitochondria integrate numerous processes essential for cellular function, such as metabolic processes related to energy production, biosynthesis, and waste removal, as well as Ca²⁺ signalling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Further, mitochondria are responsible for the cellular adaptation to different types of stressors such as oxidative stress or DNA damage. When these stressors outstrip the adaptive capacity of mitochondria to restore homeostasis, it leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Decades of studies indicate that mitochondrial function is multifaceted, which is reflected in the oocyte, where mitochondria support numerous processes during oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Dysregulation of mitochondrial processes has been consistently reported in ageing and age-related diseases. In this review, we describe the functions of mitochondria as bioenergetic powerhouses and signal transducers in oocytes, how dysfunction of mitochondrial processes contributes to reproductive ageing, and whether mitochondria could be targeted to promote oocyte rejuvenation.

Abnormal placental pathological findings and adverse clinical outcomes of oocyte donation

We sought to assess chronic inflammatory responses in patients who achieved pregnancy by oocyte donation and non-oocyte donation-assisted reproductive technology and delivered at The Ottawa Hospital. Data describing maternal health, obstetrical outcomes, neonatal outcomes, and placental pathology were collected and analyzed from electronic medical records. An increased frequency of adverse obstetrical outcomes was observed. In the oocyte donation-assisted reproductive technology group, placental pathology data demonstrated increased frequency of fetal vascular malperfusion (p = 0.02) and placenta accreta (p < 0.001), representing a chronic inflammatory response. Placental pathology reflecting dysregulated immune processes and vasculopathy is associated with oocyte donation.

Impact of oocyte donation on obstetric and perinatal complications in twin pregnancies

Aim: To evaluate obstetric and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies obtained after in vitro fertilization with donated oocytes.Methods: This is a case-control study comparing 50 women with twin pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD) and 50 women after in vitro fertilization with autologous oocytes. Clinical records were reviewed and obstetric and perinatal outcome variables including rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, cesarean delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, pH test were compared.Results: Women in the OD group were significantly older than those in the AO group (mean 40.8 versus 36 years old, p < .001). There were a higher risk of preeclampsia (OD 24% versus AO 8%), cesarean delivery (OD 90% versus AO 66%), and preterm birth before 37 weeks (OD 52% versus AO 32%). After adjustment for maternal age, only the risk of preterm birth remained significantly higher (OR 3.2 (1.15-8.86); p = .025). Comparing neonatal outcomes, there were no differences in birth weight, pH or Apgar score at birth.Conclusions: Twin pregnancies after OD are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation. However, this did not translate into increased rate of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Levels of angiogenic markers in second-trimester maternal serum from in vitro fertilization pregnancies with oocyte donation

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether differences exist in angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and antiangiogenic soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1; both being early markers of placental ischemic disease) in oocyte-donation (OD) pregnancies, compared with autologous in vitro fertilization (aIVF) and spontaneous pregnancies.

DESIGN

Case-control study of residual second-trimester serum samples from women undergoing prenatal screening.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Fifty-seven OD pregnancies were identified. Each OD pregnancy was matched to two spontaneous pregnancies (n = 114) and one aIVF pregnancy (n = 57).

INTERVENTIONS(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Second-trimester serum PlGF and sVEGFR-1 levels.

RESULT(S)

sVEGFR-1, PlGF, and unconjugated E₂ levels were similar among the three study groups. The ratio of sVEGFR-1 to PlGF was significantly higher in the OD group. Consistently with previous studies, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the OD group was significantly elevated compared with spontaneous pregnancy. Both aIVF and OD groups had greater levels of inhibin A than the spontaneous pregnancy group, and the OD group had significantly higher levels of inhibin A than the aIVF group. hCG levels were significantly elevated in aIVF compared with spontaneous pregnancy; however, levels were not different between aIVF and OD.

CONCLUSION(S)

Second-trimester serum sVEGFR-1 and PlGF levels were not significantly altered in OD pregnancies. Our data support previous findings that OD pregnancies have uniquely increased second-trimester AFP, hCG, and inhibin A levels compared with aIVF. However, the biologic basis of these marker elevations in OD may not be related to placental angiogenesis.

Comorbidities, risk factors and maternal/perinatal outcomes in oocyte donation pregnancies

RESEARCH QUESTION

To evaluate pre-existing comorbidities, obstetric risk factors and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies conceived by oocyte donation, compared with naturally conceived pregnancies or by conventional IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).

DESIGN

This retrospective single-centre contemporary cohort study reviewed data from singleton deliveries at the University Hospital of Careggi, Florence, from 2009 to 2017. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

The study included 25,851 pregnancies and newborns: 276 (1.1%) children were conceived after oocyte donation, 925 (3.6%) after IVF/ICSI and 24,650 (95.4%) after natural conception. Women in the oocyte donation group were significantly older compared with IVF/ICSI and natural conception groups (P < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of chronic hypertension compared with the natural conception group (P = 0.0090). They were administered anticoagulant medications more frequently during pregnancy. The incidence of gestational hypertension was significantly higher than in natural conception (aOR 3.6) and IVF/ICSI pregnancies (aOR 2.7). The incidence of Caesarean section in oocyte donation pregnancies was higher than in natural conception and IVF/ICSI groups (aOR 3.4 and 2.3, respectively). An 11-fold increased risk of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) was found in oocyte donation versus natural conception and an almost four-fold increased risk was found in oocyte donation versus IVF/ICSI; prematurity and low birthweight were more frequent after oocyte donation versus natural conception (aOR 2.4 and 1.8, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing oocyte donation represent a group with increased comorbidities and risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes. Oocyte donation seems to be independently associated with gestational hypertension and PPH. Pregnancies after oocyte donation warrant clinical surveillance with proper screening and, possibly, preventive strategies.

Risk of Lower Birth Weight and Shorter Gestation in Oocyte Donation Pregnancies Compared With Other Assisted Reproductive Technology Methods: Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Oocyte donation (OD) is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, but the evidence of an association between OD and infant outcomes, including birth weight and gestational age, is conflicting. This study sought to determine the associations between oocyte donation and birth weight or gestational age compared with other forms of autologous oocyte assisted reproductive technology (ART).

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the CENTRAL Trials Registry of the Cochrane Collaboration were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies of women over 24 weeks gestation compared infant outcomes among OD pregnancies versus other ART. Study quality was assessed, and a meta-analysis of mean birth weight and gestational age was conducted using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included. Four studies showed a significant association between OD and lower birth weights, and five studies found significant differences in gestational age between OD and autologous oocyte ART. The pooled difference in birth weight means between OD and autologous ART was -42 (-88, 4) . The pooled difference in gestational age was -0.4 weeks (-0.8, 0.0 weeks).

CONCLUSION

A high degree of interstudy heterogeneity exists, and the association between OD and infant outcomes remains unclear.

Risk of gestational diabetes mellitus following assisted reproductive technology: systematic review and meta-analysis of 59 cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in previous studies, but its risk has not been consistent. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the risk of GDM in women who conceived with ART via a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

METHODS

ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the risk of GDM through May 2017 using the relevant keywords. Two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model.

RESULTS

The search yielded 957 records relating to GDM and use of ART, from which 59 eligible cohorts were selected for meta-analysis (n = 96,785). There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity among these studies (χ₍₅₈₎² = 3072.34, p < .001; I²=98.1%). The pooled estimate of GDM risk using the random effects model was 9.00% (95% CI: 7.90-10.20). Visual inspection of the funnel plot indicated the presence of low publication bias, but Egger's test did not reveal publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed that the risk of GDM was very high among women who conceived with ART treatment. GDM screening, management, and improved care are vital in ART pregnancy.

Higher rate of early-onset preeclampsia in pregnancies following oocyte donation according to increasing maternal age

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of maternal age on the incidence of early-onset preeclampsia requiring delivery before 34 weeks of gestation in pregnancies obtained after oocyte donation.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective cohort analysis of 431 single and twin pregnancies, admitted to 3 Tertiary Referral Hospital in Northern Italy between 2008 and 2017. The rate of early-onset PE was calculated and stratified according to maternal age (from 30 to 49 years). A reference population of 11,197 single pregnancies collected prospectively at the first trimester of pregnancy in the same geographic area of Italy and in same hospitals was used to calculate the expected incidence of early-onset PE.

RESULTS

In women who delivered after 24 weeks of gestation, the rate of early-onset PE was much higher in oocyte-donation pregnancies, reaching 6.7% (29/431), than the expected rate of 0.5% of the cohort of reference. The mean early PE rate was 4.1% (10/242) in singletons and 10.1% (19/189) in twin pregnancies. According to maternal age, the rate of early PE was 1.16% and 3.12% at 30 years, and 4.98% and 13.14% at 49 years in single and twin pregnancies obtained after oocyte donation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies obtained after oocyte donation delivering after 24 weeks had a higher risk of early-onset PE requiring delivery before 34 weeks of gestation, than the general population. The risk is directly correlated with the increase of maternal age and is also higher in twin pregnancies.

Associations between estimated foetal weight discordance and clinical characteristics within dichorionic twins: The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies

BACKGROUND

Birthweight discordance is well studied, with less known about longitudinal inter-twin differences in foetal growth.

OBJECTIVE

To examine inter-twin per cent differences in EFW (EFW_% ), head (HC_% ) and abdominal circumference (AC_% ), and femur length (FL_% ) across gestation in dichorionic twin gestations and explore associated characteristics.

METHODS

Foetal biometrics were assessed by ultrasound and EFW calculated at ≤6 study visits among women with dichorionic twin pregnancies enrolled in the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies cohort (US, 2012-2013). Inter-twin per cent difference was defined: ([Size_{larger twin}  - Size_{smaller twin} ]/Size_{larger twin}  × 100). Linear mixed models evaluated per cent differences in foetal biometrics at 15 weeks and their change per week overall and by maternal/neonatal characteristics in unadjusted and adjusted models.

RESULTS

In 140 pregnancies, inter-twin per cent differences increased across gestation for EFW (0.18%/week, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.27), HC (0.03%/week, 95% CI 0.00, 0.06), and AC (0.03%/week, 95%CI -0.01, 0.08) but decreased for FL (-0.03%/week, 95% CI -0.09, 0.02). After adjustment, change in EFW_% difference across gestation differed by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI [kg/m² ]; underweight [<18.5]; normal weight [18.5-24.9]; overweight [25.0-29.9]; obese [≥30.0]; P_interaction  = .022); and conception method (in vitro fertilisation [IVF], intrauterine insemination, ovulation induction medication, donor egg/embryo, none; P_interaction  = .060). While EFW_% difference increased with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (0.24%/week, 95% CI 0.12, 0.37), little change was noted with pre-pregnancy obesity (0.01%/week, 95% CI -0.15, 0.17). EFW_% difference increased in conceptions without fertility treatments (0.23%/week, 95% CI 0.11, 0.34) but not IVF conceptions (-0.00%/week, 95% CI -0.16, 0.16). Similar patterns of differences across gestation were noted for HC_% by conception method (P_interaction  = .026) and AC_% by pre-pregnancy BMI (P_interaction  = .071); changes in HC_% differed by parity (nulliparous, multiparous; P_interaction  = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

EFW_% difference increased across gestation in dichorionic twins, but remained stable with pre-pregnancy obesity or IVF conception, patterns mirrored for HC and AC. Research is needed to understand pathologic versus physiologic differential twin growth trajectories.

Risk of severe maternal morbidity associated with in vitro fertilisation: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between in vitro fertilisation IVF and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and to explore the role of multiple pregnancy as an intermediate factor.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort-nested case-control study.

SETTING

Six French regions in 2012/13.

POPULATION

Cases were 2540 women with SMM according to the EPIMOMS definition; controls were 3651 randomly selected women who gave birth without SMM.

METHODS

Analysis of the associations between IVF and SMM with multivariable logistic regression models, differentiating IVF with autologous oocytes (IVF-AO) from IVF with oocyte donation (IVF-OD). The contribution of multiple pregnancy as an intermediate factor was assessed by path analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Severe maternal morbidity overall and SMM according to its main underlying causal condition and by severity (near misses).

RESULTS

The risk of SMM was significantly higher in women with IVF (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.8-3.3). The risk of SMM was significantly higher with IVF-AO, for all-cause SMM (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), for near misses (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.8), and for intra/postpartum haemorrhages (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.2). The risk of SMM was significantly higher with IVF-OD, for all-cause SMM (aOR = 18.6, 95% CI 4.4-78.5), for near misses (aOR = 18.1, 95% CI 4.0-82.3), for SMM due to hypertensive disorders (aOR = 16.7, 95% CI 3.3-85.4) and due to intra/postpartum haemorrhages (aOR = 18.0, 95% CI 4.2-77.8). Path-analysis estimated that 21.6% (95% CI 10.1-33.0) of the risk associated with IVF-OD was mediated by multiple pregnancy, and 49.6% (95% CI 24.0-75.1) of the SMM risk associated with IVF-AO.

CONCLUSION

The risk of SMM is higher in IVF pregnancies after adjustment for confounders. Exploratory results suggest higher risks among women with IVF-OD; however, confidence intervals were wide, so this finding needs to be confirmed. A large part of the association between IVF-AO and SMM appears to be mediated by multiple pregnancy.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The risk of severe maternal morbidity is higher in IVF-conceived pregnancies than in pregnancies conceived by other means.

Delivery and feto-neonatal outcomes of diamniotic twin pregnancies in women with no chronic disease or gestational complications: impact of mode of conception

Introduction: Autologous and heterologous assisted reproductive technology (ART) conceptions have been on the rise for the last few decades and alongside with that have the rate of multiple pregnancies. Multiple gestations are associated with high odds of gestational complications and, in turn, adverse delivery and feto-neonatal outcomes. Whether ART-conception further increases such elevated risk is still debated. ART is more commonly accessed by older women with chronic diseases, which relate to heightened likelihood of complications. We decided to investigate the influence of autologous and heterologous ART conception compared to spontaneous conception on delivery and feto-neonatal outcomes of diamniotic twin pregnancies in a cohort of healthy women with no chronic conditions or gestational complications.Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study among diamniotic twin pregnancies in mothers without pregestational or gestational disease. Delivery and feto-neonatal outcomes were compared among three groups according to mode of conception: (1) spontaneous conception (SC, referent group, n = 251 pregnancies), (2) autologous ART-conception (A-ART, n = 87), and (3) heterologous ART-conception (H-ART, n = 22).Results: At adjusted analyses, twin pregnancies conceived by A-ART showed a twofold heightened risk of delivery by urgent/emergent cesarean section, as well as four and sevenfold increase in odds of blood loss >1000 and >1500 mL, respectively. H-ART pregnancies were at fivefold higher risk of undergoing prelabor cesarean section compared to SC, whereas no differences were identified for odds of severe post-partum hemorrhage. Also, A-ART and H-ART gestations displayed fetal and neonatal outcomes similar to SC pregnancies when analysis was adjusted for relevant confounding factors.Conclusion: Our results suggest that both A-ART and H-ART conception associate with increased odds of operative delivery among diamniotic twin pregnancies in healthy mothers with no chronic diseases or gestational complications. Also, a higher risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage appears to relate to A-ART independent of mode of delivery and maternal age. Further studies with larger series of uncomplicated twin pregnancies are warranted to improve our understanding of the relationship of ART to adverse delivery outcomes.

Risk of preeclampsia following assisted reproductive technology: systematic review and meta-analysis of 72 cohort studies

Objective: Previous studies have indicated that women with assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy have an increased risk of preeclampsia. The aim of this current study was to estimate, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies, the risk of preeclampsia in women who conceived with ART.Materials and methods: We searched ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus and Embase up to August 2017 for English-language articles pertaining to risk of preeclampsia in ART pregnancy using standard keywords. Data extraction was conducted by two authors and quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.Results: In total, 72 cohort studies (n = 164 870) were included. The results of Cochran test and I² statistic indicated considerable heterogeneity among studies (Q = 15 415.61, df = 71, p < .001, I²=99.5%). The pooled estimate of preeclampsia risk using the random effects model was 10.8% (95% CI: 9.10-12.5). Furthermore, the funnel plot and Begg's test showed evidence of publication bias.Conclusions: We found that the risk of preeclampsia was very high among women who conceived with ART. Women should be counseled carefully before undergoing ART treatment.

Risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies resulting from double gamete donation and from oocyte donation alone

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancies after gamete donation are at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE) than those achieved by IVF with patient's own gametes. We aim to assess whether pregnancies achieved with both oocyte and sperm donation (double donation, DD) are at an increased risk of developing PE and gestational hypertension (GH) compared to those achieved by oocyte donation alone (OD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 433 patients who reached the 20th week of gestation with either DD (n = 81) or OD (n = 352) between March 2013 and April 2016 at a fertility clinic. The risk of preterm PE, term PE, and gestational hypertension (GH) are presented as unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

DD have a higher risk of preterm PE than OD, with an OR of 3.02 (95%CI 1.11-8.24; p = 0.031). We found no difference in the risk of term PE (OR 0.26, 95%CI 0.03-1.98; p = 0.19) or of GH (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.63-2.43; p = 0.55).

DISCUSSION

Pregnancies with DD are at higher risk of developing preterm PE than OD alone. Patients, and physicians treating them, should be made aware of the elevated risk of PE in these gestations, in order to start prophylactic measures during the first weeks of pregnancy.

Hemophagocytic syndrome in pregnancy: case report, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome remains a challenge in particular during pregnancy. Concomitant presence of clinical and biological signs, for example, fever, pancytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, should alert clinicians to suspect HPS and proceed to prompt treatments.

Obstetric Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies in Japanese Women Aged 40 and Older

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the obstetric outcomes of twin pregnancies between Japanese women aged ≥ 40 years and their younger counterparts aged 25 - 29.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of twin pregnancies managed at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2016. Women aged 40 and older at delivery (n = 117) were compared with women aged 25 - 29 at delivery (n = 536).

Results

Although the women ≥ 40 years old were more likely to have increased risks of HELLP (hemolytic, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet) syndrome and very low birth weight neonates, there were no measurable differences in obstetric outcomes such as hypertensive disorders, premature delivery and neonatal asphyxia between the two groups.

Conclusion

Advanced maternal age did not seem to affect obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies seriously.

Oocyte donation pregnancies and the risk of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension: a systematic review and metaanalysis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether pregnancies that were achieved via oocyte donation, compared with pregnancies achieved via other assisted reproductive technology methods or natural conception, demonstrate increased risk of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Comparative studies of pregnancies that were achieved with oocyte donation vs other methods of assisted reproductive technology or natural conception with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension were included as 1 of the measured outcomes. Abstracts and unpublished studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently selected studies, which were assessed for quality with the use of methodological index for non-randomized studies, and extracted the data. Statistical analysis was conducted. Of the 523 studies that were reviewed initially, 19 comparative studies met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the metaanalysis, which allowed for analysis of a total of 86,515 pregnancies. Our pooled data demonstrated that the risk of preeclampsia is higher in oocyte-donation pregnancies compared with other methods of assisted reproductive technology (odds ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.98-3.24; P < .0001) or natural conception (odds ratio, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 3.10-6.06; P < .0001). The risk of gestational hypertension was also increased significantly in oocyte donation pregnancies in comparison with other methods of assisted reproductive technology (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.44-3.70; P < .0001) or natural conception (odds ratio, 7.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-36.36; P = .008). Subgroup analysis that was conducted for singleton and multiple gestations demonstrated a similar risk for preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in both singleton and multiple gestations. This metaanalysis provides further evidence that supports that egg donation increases the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension compared with other assisted reproductive technology methods or natural conception.

Infertility and reproductive disorders: impact of hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms on pregnancy outcome

BACKGROUND

Reproductive disorders and infertility are associated with the risk of obstetric complications and have a negative impact on pregnancy outcome. Affected patients often require assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to conceive, and advanced maternal age is a further confounding factor. The challenge is to dissect causation, correlation and confounders in determining how infertility and reproductive disorders individually or together predispose women to poor pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

The published literature, to June 2015, was searched using PubMed, summarizing all evidences concerning the perinatal outcome of women with infertility and reproductive disorders and the potential mechanisms that may influence poor pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

Reproductive disorders (endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and uterine fibroids) and unexplained infertility share inflammatory pathways, hormonal aberrations, decidual senescence and vascular abnormalities that may impair pregnancy success through common mechanisms. Either in combination or alone, these disorders results in an increased risk of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, placental pathologies and hypertensive disorders. Systemic hormonal aberrations, and inflammatory and metabolic factors acting on endometrium, myometrium, cervix and placenta are all associated with an aberrant milieu during implantation and pregnancy, thus contributing to the genesis of obstetric complications. Some of these features have been also described in placentas from ART.

CONCLUSIONS

Reproductive disorders are common in women of childbearing age and rarely occur in isolation. Inflammatory, endocrine and metabolic mechanisms associated with these disorders are responsible for an increased incidence of obstetric complications. These patients should be recognized as 'high risk' for poor pregnancy outcomes and monitored with specialized follow-up. There is a real need for development of evidence-based recommendations about clinical management and specific obstetric care pathways for the introduction of prompt preventative care measures.

Oocyte donation is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications: the implications for women of advanced age

Maternal age at first pregnancy and age-related infertility are steadily increasing, and the demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to treat age-related infertility is also on the rise. The latest registry findings from Europe and the United States show that the meager results of ART in women above 43 years of age have not improved much over the past 10 years. The latest evidence shows that the demand for oocyte donation (OD) is steadily increasing. Contrary to previous belief-attributing increased perinatal complications in OD recipients to advanced maternal age and multifetal pregnancy-accumulating evidence from the past few years suggests that OD itself is a significant and independent risk factor for pregnancy complications, mostly for pre-eclampsia. The increased rate of chronic maternal disease and medical complications in pregnancy observed in advanced maternal age, coupled with the growing demand for OD, with its independent association with pre-eclampsia, create an urgent need to adopt a clear policy taking these risks into account. We present recent evidence showing that OD is an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia and suggest recommendations for women approaching OD treatment in advanced age.

Oocyte ageing and epigenetics

It has become a current social trend for women to delay childbearing. However, the quality of oocytes from older females is compromised and the pregnancy rate of older women is lower. With the increased rate of delayed childbearing, it is becoming more and more crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying the compromised quality of oocytes from older women, including mitochondrial dysfunctions, aneuploidy and epigenetic changes. Establishing proper epigenetic modifications during oogenesis and early embryo development is an important aspect in reproduction. The reprogramming process may be influenced by external and internal factors that result in improper epigenetic changes in germ cells. Furthermore, germ cell epigenetic changes might be inherited by the next generations. In this review, we briefly summarise the effects of ageing on oocyte quality. We focus on discussing the relationship between ageing and epigenetic modifications, highlighting the epigenetic changes in oocytes from advanced-age females and in post-ovulatory aged oocytes as well as the possible underlying mechanisms.

Impact of Conception Method on Twin Pregnancy Course and Outcome

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the course and outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived by different methods of assisted reproduction (ART) compared to those conceived spontaneously. Methods: The study involved patients with twin pregnancies who delivered at the Ob/Gyn Clinic of the Clinical Center of Serbia over a period of three years. Patients were differentiated according to method of conception and type of ART. Age, parity, etiology of infertility, pregnancy complications, time of membrane rupture and type of delivery was recorded for each patient. Gestational week at delivery, presentation, birth weight, Apgar score, chorionicity and accompanying disorders were separately recorded for each twin. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 431 patients were included in the study. Although more twins were conceived by ART, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). The most common ART procedure was IVF/ICSI (p = 0.001). ART procedures, particularly IVF/ICSI, were significantly correlated with more advanced maternal age, fewer previous pregnancies and delivery by cesarean sections, usually planned (p = 0.001). Preterm membrane rupture was more common after ICSI, but preterm delivery and pregnancy complications were infrequent, irrespective of the method of conception (p = 0.001). ART twins were mostly dichorionic (p = 0.036). Monochorionic twins were conceived either spontaneously or with ICSI. Conception by ART was not correlated with twins' outcome (weight, Apgar score, disorders). Conclusions: ART procedures do not have a negative impact on twin pregnancy course and outcome. Twin pregnancies conceived spontaneously or by ART have similar outcomes.