Pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization

Pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing frozen embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study. The PCOS group was matched 1:2 with the control group population using propensity score matching.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

During an 8-year period, 2,955 patients aged 20-40 years who underwent FET and delivered between January 2015 and December 2022 at the Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital were evaluated for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

All patients were assessed for specific pregnancy complications and birth outcomes, with a sub-group analysis conducted to compare patients with PCOS with and without hyperandrogenism.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS demonstrated higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (24.9% vs. 16.4%; relative risk [RR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.82; P<.001), gestational hypertension (12.2% vs. 8.9%; RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.80; P=.022), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (7.0% vs. 3.6%; RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.29-2.86; P=.001), cervical length shortening (1.8% vs. 0.4%; RR, 8.39; 95% CI, 1.56-12.49; P=.002), large-for-gestational age (17.4% vs. 13.7%; RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02-1.57; P=.032), and low birth weight (19.9% vs. 16.0%; RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.52; P=.030) in overall propensity score matching analysis. Newborns of patients with PCOS had a higher risk of preterm birth <37 weeks (10.5% vs. 6.6%; RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.26; P=.009) in singleton pregnancies. Patients with PCOS with hyperandrogenism showed a higher incidence of cervical length shortening (5.5% vs. 0.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 15.62; 95% CI, 2.25-108.48; P=.005) compared with those without, after adjusting for relevant confounders.

CONCLUSION(S)

Polycystic ovary syndrome increases the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes after FET cycles. Our study suggests women with PCOS may warrant further monitoring and additional counseling before and during pregnancy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of birth outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

It is unclear whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an independent risk factor for adverse birth outcomes in the offspring of affected women. Here, we investigate the association of PCOS with birth outcomes in the offspring of women with PCOS overall and by potential confounders. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 73 studies and 92,881 offspring of women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that mothers with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight are higher and mean birthweight is lower in PCOS of which a lower mean birthweight and a higher small for gestational age are probably independent of BMI. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured at pregnancy to identify risk and improve birth outcomes in the offspring.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Screening for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in antenatal care is inadequate, largely owing to the lack of clarity around whether PCOS is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis include 104 studies and 106,690 pregnancies in women with and without PCOS from inception until 13th July 2022. We report that women with PCOS are younger and have higher body mass index (BMI) around conception and have greater gestational weight gain. The odds of miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and cesarean section are higher in women with PCOS. The increased odds of adverse outcomes in PCOS remain significant when age and BMI are matched and when analyses are restricted to high-quality studies. This work informed the recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing that PCOS status should be captured in all women who are planning to, or have recently become pregnant to facilitate prevention of adverse outcomes and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Investigating the causal impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Introduction

Determining the causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) holds significant implications for GDM prevention and treatment. Despite numerous observational studies suggesting an association between PCOS and GDM, it remains unclear whether a definitive causal relationship exists between these two conditions and which specific features of PCOS contribute to increased incidence of GDM.

Methods

The causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its characteristic indices, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was investigated using a two-sample Mendelian randomization study based on publicly available statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted method was employed as the primary analytical approach to examine the association between PCOS, its characteristic indices, and GDM. MR Egger intercept was used to assess pleiotropy, while Q values and their corresponding P values were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity. It is important to note that this study adopts a two-sample MR design where PCOS and its characteristic indices are considered as exposures, while GDM is treated as an outcome.

Results

The study results indicate that there is no causal relationship between PCOS and GDM (all methods P > 0.05, 95% CI of OR values passed 1). The IVW OR value was 1.007 with a 95% CI of 0.906 to 1.119 and a P value of 0.904. Moreover, the MR Egger Q value was 8.141 with a P value of 0.701, while the IVW Q value was also 8.141 with a P value of 0.774, indicating no significant heterogeneity. Additionally, the MR Egger intercept was 0.0004, which was close to zero with a P value of 0.988, suggesting no pleiotropy. However, the study did find a causal relationship between several other factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, apolipoprotein A-I, number of children, diabetes illnesses of mother, father and siblings, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, years of schooling, and GDM based on the IVW method.

Conclusion

We observed no association between genetically predicted PCOS and the risk of GDM, implying that PCOS itself does not confer an increased susceptibility to GDM. The presence of other PCOS-related factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, and sex hormone-binding globulin may elucidate the link between PCOS and GDM. Based on these findings, efforts aimed at preventing GDM in individuals with PCOS should prioritize those exhibiting high-risk features rather than encompassing all women with PCOS.

Association between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology and pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. While the utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has resulted in favorable outcomes for infertility treatment in PCOS patients, the inherent pathophysiological features of the condition give rise to complications and consequences during pregnancy and delivery for both the mother and offspring. This study was to assess the correlation between maternal PCOS and various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes undergone ART.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PCOS and the risk of various pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertension in pregnancy (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth, abortion, congenital malformations (CA), small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and birth weight. Eligible studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager and Stata software, with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD), confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneity (I2) being calculated. The search was conducted up to March 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies with a combined sample size of 92,810 participants were identified. The findings indicate that PCOS is significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR 1.51, 95% CI:1.17-1.94), PIH (OR 1.72, 95% CI:1.25-2.39), PE (OR 2.12, 95% CI:1.49-3.02), preterm birth (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.21-1.39), and LBW (OR 1.29, 95% CI:1.14-1.47). In subgroup analyses, the risks of GDM (OR 1.80, 95% CI:1.23-2.62) and abortion (OR 1.41, 95% CI:1.08-1.84) were elevated in fresh embryo transferred (ET) subgroup, whereas elevated risk of PE (OR 1.82, 95% CI:1.17-2.83) and preterm birth (OR 1.31, 95% CI:1.21-1.42) was identified in frozen ET subgroup. Whatever with or without hyperandrogenism, patients with PCOS had a higher risk in preterm birth (OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18; OR 1.24, 95% CI:1.02-1.50) and abortion (OR 1.38, 95% CI:1.12-1.71; OR 1.23, 95% CI:1.06-1.43).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that individuals with PCOS undergone ART are at a notably elevated risk for experiencing pregnancy complications and unfavorable neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, to establish a definitive association between PCOS and pregnancy-related outcomes, it is necessary to conduct extensive prospective, blinded cohort studies and effectively control for confounding variables.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Setting of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy that arises in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, leading to significant complications for the mother and her neonates, such as an increased rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension and miscarriages, while neonates may have a large birth weight, hypoglycemia, or macrosomnia. Numerous risk factors can lead to GDM; however, a significant one is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common endocrine pathology beginning before puberty, and due to significant hormonal changes, it is not diagnosed until after puberty. PCOS requires at least three of the following symptoms: hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, or polycystic ovary morphology. While it is agreed that women with PCOS are at a significantly increased risk of GDM, no publication to our knowledge has evaluated the full relationship of GDM in the setting of PCOS. This paper aimed to assess this relationship and determine how it may differ for pregnant women with only GDM by determining the prevalence of GDM, the variations within phenotypes, the influence of fertilization methods, specific risk factors, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of GDM was significantly increased in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls, and some studies have found that phenotype A may be more likely to lead to GDM. Risk factors were similar to pregnant women with only GDM, but with GDM and PCOS specifically, preconception low sex hormone-binding globulin, increased BMI > 25 kg/m2, and preconception impaired glucose tolerance were specific. While maternal outcomes were similar to pregnant women with only GDM, women with GDM and PCOS were even more likely to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension and early miscarriage. Neonates from mothers with GDM and PCOS were more likely to have low birth weights compared to mothers with just GDM who had high birth weights. The evaluation of the relationship between GDM and PCOS allows for illumination of the need to evaluate influences that currently lack research, such as phenotype variation and influences of fertilization method. This also promotes the need to develop predictive algorithms based on risk factors to prevent these adverse outcomes for mothers and neonates.

Long-Term Effects of ART on the Health of the Offspring

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) significantly increase the chance of successful pregnancy and live birth in infertile couples. The different procedures for ART, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT), are widely used to overcome infertility-related problems. In spite of its inarguable usefulness, concerns about the health consequences of ART-conceived babies have been raised. There are reports about the association of ART with birth defects and health complications, e.g., malignancies, high blood pressure, generalized vascular functional disorders, asthma and metabolic disorders in later life. It has been suggested that hormonal treatment of the mother, and the artificial environment during the manipulation of gametes and embryos may cause genomic and epigenetic alterations and subsequent complications in the health status of ART-conceived babies. In the current study, we aimed to review the possible long-term consequences of different ART procedures on the subsequent health status of ART-conceived offspring, considering the confounding factors that might account for/contribute to the long-term consequences.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome and miscarriage in IVF: systematic revision of the literature and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the risk of miscarriage in IVF cycles in women with PCOS.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. The language search was restricted to English, Spanish and French, from 2000 to 2019, with crosschecking of references from relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were: (1) IVF cycles (2) a group of patients with PCOS was considered separately, (3) the miscarriage rate was reported, (4) there was a control group, (5) definition of PCOS according the Rotterdam criteria. Exclusion criteria were been excluded from the meta-analysis: (1) publication prior to the year 2000, (2) animal studies, (3) reviews, (4) abstracts or conference papers, (5) letters, (6) case reports, (7) studies comparing different IVF techniques, (8) studies comparing groups with and without metformin or other treatments, (9) studies on induced abortions. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa score (NOS). All the included studies had a low risk of bias (NOS scores ranging 7-8). The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020186713). Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was a total of 10,472 pregnancies (2650 in PCOS and 7822 in controls) of which 1885 were miscarriages (682 in PCOS and 1203 in controls). We considered the miscarriage rate (MR), preclinical MR, early MR, and late MR.

RESULTS

In IVF pregnancies the risk of miscarriage was significantly increased when considering miscarriages in total (RR = 1.59; CI = 1.45-1.75), preclinical miscarriages (RR = 1.59; CI = 1.35-1.88), and early miscarriages (RR = 1.44; CI = 1.16-1.79). The increased miscarriage rate persisted in Chinese and Western populations when considered separately. The risk of miscarriage was increased in the subgroup of fresh transfers (RR = 1.21; CI = 1.06-1.39) as well as in the subgroup including either fresh or frozen transfers (RR = 1.95; CI = 1.72-2.22).

CONCLUSION

PCOS is linked to an increased MR in IVF pregnancies both of miscarriages in total, and to an increase in preclinical and early miscarriages.

PROSPERO NUMBER

CRD42020186713.

Body mass index is negatively associated with a good perinatal outcome after in vitro fertilization among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a national study

Objective

To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and good perinatal outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

Retrospective cohort study using 2012-2015 Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcomes Reporting System data.

Setting

Fertility clinics.

Patients

To identify patients most likely to have PCOS, we included women with a diagnosis of ovulation disorder and serum antimüllerian hormone >4.45 ng/mL. Exclusion criteria included age ≥ 41 years, secondary diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, preimplantation genetic testing, and missing BMI or primary outcome data.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Good perinatal outcome, defined as a singleton live birth at ≥ 37 weeks with birth weight ≥ 2,500 g and ≤ 4,000 g.

Results

The analysis included 9,521 fresh, autologous IVF cycles from 8,351 women. Among women with PCOS, the proportion of cycles with a good perinatal outcome was inversely associated with BMI: underweight 25.1%, normal weight 22.7%, overweight 18.9%, class I 18.4%, class II 14.9%, and class III or super obesity 12.2%. After adjusting for confounders, women in the highest BMI category had 51% reduced odds of a good perinatal outcome compared with normal weight women (adjusted odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.67).

Conclusions

Among women with PCOS undergoing fresh, autologous IVF, the odds of a good perinatal outcome decline with increasing BMI. Women with PCOS should be counseled that the odds of achieving a good perinatal outcome decrease as their weight increases.

Female infertility in the era of obesity: The clash of two pandemics or inevitable consequence?

Obesity is an epidemic that has led to a rise in the incidence of many comorbidities: among others, reduced fertility is often under-evaluated in clinical practice. The mechanisms underlying the link between reduced fertility and obesity are numerous, with insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and the frequent coexistence of polycystic ovary syndrome being the most acknowledged. However, several other factors concur, such as gut microbiome alterations, low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Not only do women with obesity take longer to conceive, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) is also less likely to succeed. We herein provide an updated state-of-the-art regarding the molecular bases of what we could define as dysmetabolic infertility, focusing on the clinical aspects, as well as possible treatment.

The gestational age-specific difference in birthweight between singletons born after fresh and frozen embryo transfer: A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Accumulating studies have suggested singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) were higher than those born after fresh embryo transfer (Fre-ET). However, fewer studies had investigated the gestational age-specific between-group difference in birthweight. This study aimed to investigate the gestational week-specific difference in singleton birthweight after FET vs Fre-ET and explore potential factors that impact the difference.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 25 863 singletons were included. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the between-group differences in mean birthweight and the incidences of large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA), respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariable regression analyses showed a statistically significant interaction between types of embryo transfer (ie FET vs Fre-ET) and the gestational week on mean birthweight (P < 0.001) and on the risks of large for gestational age (P = 0.001) and small for gestational age (P < 0.001). When stratified by gestational week, the differences in mean birthweight and the risks of LGA and SGA were only observed in singletons born at 37 gestational weeks or later. After adjusting for confounders, full-term but not preterm singletons born after FET had a higher birthweight (3497.58 ± 439.73 g vs 3445.67 ± 450.24 g; adjusted mean difference 58.35 g; 95% confidence interval [CI] 38.72-77.98 g), a higher risk of LGA (24.3% vs 21.1%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.42) and a lower risk of SGA (3.1% vs 4.8%; adjusted OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.70) compared with those born after Fre-ET.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in birthweight between FET and Fre-ET were observed in full-term singletons but not preterm singletons.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who conceived after single thawed blastocyst transfer: a propensity score-matched study

Background

It remains unclear whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an independent risk factor for pregnancy complications in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. For the integrative treatment of PCOS patients, it is still important to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of PCOS patients after adjusting for potential biases, such as body mass index, embryo quality and endometrial preparation method.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study ultimately included a total of 336 PCOS patients who conceived after single thawed blastocyst transfer in the PCOS group and 2,325 patients in the control group from January 2018 to December 2020. A propensity score matching (PSM) model was used, and 336 PCOS patients were matched with 336 patients in the control group.

Results

Before PSM, no differences in the miscarriage rate, pregnancy complication rate, preterm birth rate, or live birth rate were found between the PCOS group and the control group. After PSM, the late miscarriage rate of the PCOS group was significantly higher than that of the control group (3.3% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.040), although the early miscarriage rates were similar (14.0% vs. 13.7%). The rates of pregnancy complications, preterm birth and live birth in the PCOS group were comparable to those in the matched control group (P = 0.080, P = 0.105, P = 0.109, respectively). The neonatal weights of male infants and female infants were similar between the two groups (P = 0.219, P = 0.169). Subgroup analysis showed that PCOS patients with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels ≥ 2.49 had a significantly increased risk of preterm birth compared with those with HOMA-IR levels < 1.26 and 1.26 ≤ HOMA-IR levels < 2.49 (26.0% vs. 6.0% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.005). PCOS patients with total testosterone levels ≥ 0.7 ng/ml had a higher early miscarriage rate but a lower late miscarriage rate than those with total testosterone levels < 0.7 ng/ml (29.4% vs. 12.3%, 0% vs. 3.6%, respectively, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

PCOS is an independent risk factor for late miscarriage in patients conceived after a single thawed blastocyst transfer, even after adjusting for biases. Among PCOS patients, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and early miscarriage, respectively.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05011-4.

Characterization of altered microRNAs related to different phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in serum, follicular fluid, and cumulus cells

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic syndrome in which steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and cellular adhesion play crucial roles in its prognosis. These pathways are controlled and regulated by some small non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRs). Several miRs have differential expression in PCOS compared to healthy women, and their dysregulation suggests important roles of miRs in PCOS pathophysiology. However, the role of miRs is still unclear, especially in various phenotypes of PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of miR-212-3p, miR-490-5p, miR-647, and miR-4643 in different subtypes of PCOS. Accordingly, nineteen PCOS patients with different subtypes based on Rotterdam criteria (A: 8, B: not detected in this study, C: 5, and D: 6 patients) and six control age and BMI matched women under ICSI treatment were selected. The relative expression of miRs was then measured in blood serum before hormonal treatment (S1) and before ovum pickup (S2), follicular fluid (FF), and cumulus cells (CC) in all subjects. Also, the expression of miRs predicted target genes (AMH, AR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, GDF9, and HSD17B12) were done in the CC of understudy groups.

RESULTS

In general, the results indicated that PCOS significantly increased the expression of miR-212-3p, miR-490-5p, and miR-4643 in FF and CCs compared to control. Although these miRs tend to increase in serum 1 of the PCOS patients, the differences were insignificant. However, there was a significant reduction in the expression of miR-647 in FF and CCs between PCOS vs. control. In addition, the miRs had significantly different expressions in various phenotypes of PCOS. For example, high levels of miR-647 in S2 and low levels of miR-490 in FF and miR-212 in CC can differentiate phenotype A from the other. Also, upregulation of miR-212 in FF and miR-4643 in S1 and low levels of this miR in FF can specifically differentiate subtype A from D. On the other hand, high levels of miR-4643 in FF and miR-490 in CC and lower titter of miR-647 can distinguish subtype C from the other. On the other hand, high levels of AMH, AR, CYP11, CYP17, and HSD17 in the hyperandrogenic PCOS and upregulation of CYP19A1 in the hypoandrogenic group can validate the role of selected miRs in the prognosis of PCOS.

CONCLUSION

Characterization of altered microRNAs in serum, FF, and CCs and their targets in CC showed that the miRs might play critical roles in steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. These miRs may be used for molecular classification of PCOS subtypes and as biomarkers for PCOS diagnosis.

Correlation Analysis of Vaspin Gene Polymorphisms and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Intelligent Medicine

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now a common gynecological endocrine disease, also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Studies have found that Vaspin gene polymorphism is significantly associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and PCOS has a clear glucose metabolism abnormality. So far, because the cause of PCOS is not clear, many problems such as the etiology, diagnostic criteria, prevention, and treatment of PCOS remain unsolved. Which also makes PCOS attract the attention of academic circles. Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of PCOS, in order to explore the clinical correlation between the polymorphism of the Vaspin gene and polycystic ovary syndrome. This article introduces the correlation analysis study of Vaspin gene polymorphisms and polycystic ovary syndrome based on intelligent medicine. This article first selected 40 patients with PCOS as the experimental group and then selected 40 patients without PCOS as the control group. Secondly, through the detection methods of hs-CRP level detection and oil red O fat staining and passed two sets of control experiments. Finally, intelligent medical data analysis was used to analyze the location of the Vaspin gene in the experimental group and the control group. The final result showed that the correlation reached 75%.

Association of adverse birth outcomes with in vitro fertilization after controlling infertility factors based on a singleton live birth cohort

Infants conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF) are exposed to underlying infertility and the IVF process. High risks of adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) were observed among these infants, including preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, being large/small for gestational age (LGA/SGA). It is unclear whether the specific etiology of the rise of ABOs among IVF infants is IVF technology itself or underlying infertility. A total of 9,480 singletons conceived with IVF and 1,952,419 singletons from the general population were obtained in this study. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess variations in risk of ABOs according to causes of infertility. Poisson distributions were applied to calculate standardized risk ratios of IVF infants vs. general population after controlling the causes of infertility. Higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight were observed among parents with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine and semen abnormalities. Compared to the general population, after excluding the influence of infertility causes, singletons conceived with IVF were at higher risk of macrosomia (SRR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.44) and LGA (SRR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.35). The higher risk of ABOs in IVF was driven by both IVF treatments and infertility, which is important for improving IVF treatments and the managing pregnancies and child development.

The impact of different cycle regimens on birthweight of singletons in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles of ovulatory women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether different endometrial preparation regimens affect neonatal outcomes after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

A total of 3,639 patients with live-born singletons were categorized into three groups on the basis of the type of endometrial preparation regimens. Of these, 1,225, 2,136, and 278 live-born singletons were conceived through natural cycle FET, artificial cycle FET, and stimulated cycle FET, respectively.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcomes were the measures of birthweight including the absolute mean birthweight, Z-score, low birthweight, high birthweight (HBW), small for gestational age, and large for gestational age (LGA).

RESULTS

After controlling for a variety of covariates, singletons from the artificial cycle FET group had a higher mean birthweight and Z-score than those from the natural cycle FET group and stimulated cycle FET group. The risk of LGA infants significantly increased in the artificial cycle group (14.0%) than that in the natural cycle group (10.3%) and stimulated cycle group (7.6%). The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the artificial cycle group (4.4%) was significantly higher than that in the natural cycle group (2.5%). The stimulated cycle FET singletons had a higher risk of low birthweight than the natural cycle FET singletons. The other perinatal outcomes, including the incidence of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and gestational diabetes mellitus, were comparable between the groups before or after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Singletons from artificial cycle FET were associated with a higher risk of LGA infants, and natural cycle FET may be a better regimen for ovulatory women. Our results indicate a link between the absence of the corpus luteum and adverse perinatal outcomes, and further studies are needed to detect the underlying mechanism.

Association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The results of studies regarding the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are controversial.

DESIGN

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and GDM.

METHODS

English language articles published before July 2021 were included by searching in databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline and Google Scholar. All these results were computed using STATA 12.0 software. The random-effects models were used to calculate summary odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) when the heterogeneity was high; Inversely, the fixed-effects models were used to calculate summary OR/RR and 95% CI when the heterogeneity was low.

RESULTS

The present study showed that PCOS was significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM with a random effects model (OR/RR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.34, I2 = 79.5%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis indicated an elevated risk of GDM in PCOS patients in both retrospective and prospective studies (retrospective studies: OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.20; prospective studies: RR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.77 to 4.60). In addition, subgroup analysis indicated an elevated risk of GDM in PCOS patients in both Caucasian and Asian populations (Caucasian populations: OR/RR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.07; prospective studies: OR/RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.02).

CONCLUSION

Overall, findings of the meta-analysis showed that women with PCOS have an elevated risk of GDM compared to women without PCOS.

LIMITATIONS

First, on account of sources of information, the role of several variables including BMI, the severity of GDM and serum lipid level in the association between PCOS and GDM can not be evaluated. Second, only studies published in English and Chinese were included, and the publish bias is impossible to avoid.

Different pregnancy outcomes according to the polycystic ovary syndrome diagnostic criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 79 studies

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the distinct diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the development of maternal and neonatal complications.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Pregnant women with PCOS.

INTERVENTION(S)

Maternal and neonatal complications were compared among women with PCOS diagnosed with different criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia (PE) were assessed for every diagnostic criterion.

RESULT(S)

Seventy-nine studies were included. Regarding gestational diabetes, the overall pooled prevalence was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11%-18%; I², 97%), reaching the highest level when polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound and 1 of the remaining 2 Rotterdam criteria (1/2 Rotterdam criteria) were used (18%; 95% CI, 13%-24%; I², 20%) and the lowest when polycystic morphology on ultrasound and hyperandrogenism were used (3%; 95% CI, 0%-19%; I², not applicable). Regarding PE, the overall pooled prevalence was 5% (95% CI, 4%-7%; I², 82%). The highest PE prevalence was reported when the National Institutes of Health criteria were used (14%; 95% CI, 5%-33%; I², 90%) and the lowest when menstrual irregularities and 1 of the 2 Rotterdam criteria were used (2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; I², not applicable).

CONCLUSION(S)

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with PCOS does not differ according to the criteria used; however, women diagnosed with PCOS per the National Institutes of Health criteria are at higher risk of PE.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment, the Catalyst to Amplify the Effect of Maternal Infertility on Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE

To identify the influence of different infertility causes and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment on perinatal outcomes and clarify the relationship between the maternal pathophysiological changes and artificial interventions.

METHODS

A total of 1,629 fertile women and 27,112 infertile women with sole infertility causes were prospectively recruited from July 2014 to December 2017, and 9,894 singletons were finally enrolled into the study. Pregnancies with more than one cause of infertility and/or multiple births were excluded. According to the causes of infertility and the exposure of ART treatment, the participants were divided into four groups, namely, fertile naturally conceived (NC) group, infertile NC group, female factor ART group, and male factor ART group. Perinatal outcomes, including gestational age of delivery (GA), birth weight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA), were compared among groups. Logistic regression was performed for the adjustment of several covariates.

RESULTS

The birth outcomes of the infertile NC group and fertile NC group, female factor ART group, and infertile NC group were comparable. Compared to the fertile NC group, the female factor ART group had a shorter GA (39.0 ± 1.6 vs. 39.3 ± 1.5 weeks, BW: P < 0.05). An interaction test showed that ART treatment had an interaction on the effect of female infertility on GA (P = 0.023). The female factor ART group also had a higher risk of PTB (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18-2.07) and LGA (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.47) compared to the fertile NC group. The risk of PTB was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.12-2.00), ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.29-2.72), and unexplained infertility ART (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11-3.17). The risk of LGA was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.48) and ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that ART treatment could amplify the adverse effect of female infertility on neonates. Women with tubal factor infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, and unexplained infertility have a higher risk of PTB after ART treatment. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant in such patients and provide corresponding prevention strategies before and during pregnancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an independent risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

PURPOSE

The risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is inconsistent in some studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence regarding the strength of the association between PCOS and HDP.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify observational studies investigating HDP in patients with PCOS. The primary outcome was the pooled odds ratio (OR) of HDP, including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia (PE), in women with PCOS compared with the non-PCOS population.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. PCOS was associated with a higher risk of HDP (OR 2.02, 95CI% 1.83-2.22), including PIH (OR 1.94, 95CI% 1.70-2.21), and PE (OR 2.07, 95CI% 1.91-2.24). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and nulliparity (HDP: OR 1.48, 95CI% 1.48-1.60; PIH: OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.29-1.57; PE: OR 2.07, and 95%CI 1.91-2.24). The increased risk of HDP for the PCOS group remained significant in subgroups of BMI, Age, singleton pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hyperandrogenism, and nulliparity, while the finding was not observed in subgroups of nonhyperandrogenic and non-GDM. In the meta-regression, BMI contributed significantly to the heterogeneity in the prevalence of HDP.

CONCLUSIONS

PCOS is independently associated with a significantly increased risk of HDP. To prevent HDP during pregnancy, our findings highlight the importance of establishing supervision guidelines for PCOS patients, especially in the population with hyperandrogenism and GDM.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression symptoms: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to experience several pregnancy complications including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm births than women without polycystic ovary syndrome. However, at present, there is limited research on whether polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with both anxiety and depression during pregnancy and whether this augments a woman's risk of postpartum depression, particularly among high-risk populations who have limited access to care.

OBJECTIVE

Our primary objective was to assess the association between prepregnancy polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression, considering important baseline confounding factors. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the mediating role of prenatal depression and anxiety on the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression.

STUDY DESIGN

This study involved a population-based sample of 3906 postpartum (2-6 months) women who completed the Utah Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Phase 8 questionnaire (2016-2018). Weighted adjusted prevalence ratios were used to assess the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression, considering potential confounding factors and assessing mediating effects of depression and anxiety experienced during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Following the exclusion criteria, 8.2% of women reported clinical polycystic ovary syndrome and 19.1%, 6.2%, and 4.4% reported irregular periods and acne, irregular periods and hirsutism, and all 3 symptoms, respectively. Moreover, 17.7% and 23.5% reported experiencing prenatal depression and anxiety and 9.5% and 10.2% reported experiencing postpartum depressed mood and anhedonia, respectively. Clinical polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with a 1.76 higher adjusted prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.00) for postpartum depressed mood or anhedonia after taking into consideration age, prepregnancy body mass index, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. A similar higher prevalence was seen for irregular periods and acne (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.41), irregular periods and hirsutism (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.40), and all 3 symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-3.19) and postpartum depressed mood or anhedonia. Prenatal depression and anxiety mediated 20% and 32% of the effect of clinical polycystic ovary syndrome on postpartum depressed mood and anhedonia, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Clinical polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with postpartum depressed mood and symptoms among this population-based sample inclusive of high-risk mothers. Prenatal depression and anxiety mediate this association, emphasizing the importance of prenatal psychological screening among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. An additional important clinical and public health implication of this study lies in the finding that nearly 20% of women in this population-based sample who reported at least 2 polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms (including at-risk women who may not have access to care) had not received a clinical diagnosis for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Do in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination or female infertility impact the risk of congenital anomalies in singletons? A longitudinal national French study

STUDY QUESTION

Do IVF, IUI or female infertility (i.e. endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and primary ovarian insufficiency [POI]) lead to an increased risk of congenital anomalies in singletons?

SUMMARY ANSWER

After multivariable adjustments, the increased risks of congenital defects associated with IUI were no longer significant, but the underlying maternal infertility presented a potential emental risk, in addition to the risk associated with IVF.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Most epidemiological studies suggest that singletons born from ART have a higher risk of birth defects, specifically musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and urogenital disorders. However, most of these studies were established on data obtained at birth or in the neonatal period and from relatively small populations or several registries. Moreover, to our knowledge, female infertility, which is a potential confounder, has never been included in the risk assessment.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Using data from the French National Health System database, we conducted a comparative analysis of all singleton births (deliveries ≥22 weeks of gestation and/or >500 g of birthweight) in France over a 5-year period (2013-2017) resulting from fresh embryo or frozen embryo transfer (fresh-ET or FET from IVF/ICSI cycles), IUI and natural conception (NC). Data were available for this cohort of children at least up to early childhood (2.5 years old).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 3 501 495 singleton births were included (3 417 089 from NC, 20 218 from IUI, 45 303 from fresh-ET and 18 885 from FET). Data were extracted from national health databases and used to identify major birth defects. Malformations were classified according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Disease. To analyse the effect of mode of conception, multivariable analyses were performed with multiple logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, primiparity, obesity, smoking, history of high blood pressure or diabetes and female infertility.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In our cohort of children, the overall prevalence of congenital malformations was 3.78% after NC, 4.53% after fresh-ET, 4.39% after FET and 3.91% after IUI (132 646 children with major malformations). Compared with infants conceived naturally, children born after fresh-ET and after FET had a significantly higher prevalence of malformations, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.15 [95% CI 1.10-1.20, P < 0.0001] and aOR of 1.13 [95% CI 1.05-1.21, P = 0.001], respectively. Among the 15 relevant subgroups of malformations studied, we observed a significantly increased risk of eight malformations in the fresh-ET group compared with the NC group (i.e. musculoskeletal, cardiac, urinary, digestive, neurological, cleft lip and/or palate and respiratory). In the FET group, this increased risk was observed for digestive and facial malformations. The overall risk of congenital malformations, and the risk by subtype, was similar in the IUI group and the NC group (overall risk: aOR of 1.01 [95% CI 0.94-1.08, P = 0.81]). In addition, there was an overall independent increase in the risk of congenital defects when the mothers were diagnosed with endometriosis (1.16 aOR [95% CI 1.10-1.22], P < 0.0001), PCOS (1.20 aOR [95% CI 1.08-1.34], P = 0.001) or POI (1.52 aOR [95% CI 1.23-1.88], P = 0.0001). Chromosomal, cardiac and neurological anomalies were more common in the three maternal infertility groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Male infertility, the in vitro fertilization method (i.e. in vitro fertilization without or with sperm injection: conventional IVF vs ICSI) and embryo stage at transfer could not be taken into account. Furthermore, residual confounding cannot be excluded as well as uncertainties regarding the diagnostic criteria used for the three female infertilities. Findings for specific malformations should be interpreted with caution because the number of cases was small in some sub-groups (potentially due to the Type I error or multiple testing).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In this large study, after multivariable maternal adjustments, a moderately increased risk of defects subsisted after IVF, while those associated with IUI were no longer significant. In addition, our results showed that underlying maternal infertility could contribute to the increased risk of defects associated with IVF. These novel findings highlight the importance of taking into account the ART treatment methods and the type of infertility.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the National Agency of Biomedicine. The authors have no competing interests to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NA.

Female causes of infertility are associated with higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight: analysis of 117 401 singleton live births following IVF

STUDY QUESTION

Does the cause of infertility affect the perinatal outcomes preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) following IVF treatment?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The risk of PTB and LBW was higher with female causes of infertility-ovulatory disorders, tubal disorders and endometriosis-compared to unexplained infertility but the absolute increase in risk was low.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Infertility is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Risk of adverse perinatal outcomes is also higher following ART compared to spontaneous conceptions. Infertility can result from female and/or male factors or is unexplained when the cause cannot be delineated by standard investigations. Given that infertility and ART are contributory to the adverse perinatal outcomes, it is a matter of interest to delineate if the specific cause of infertility influences perinatal outcomes following IVF treatment.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Anonymous data were obtained from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA has collected data prospectively on all ART cycles performed in the UK since 1991. Data from 1991 to 2016 comprising a total of 117 401 singleton live births following IVF with or without ICSI (IVF ± ICSI) for sole causes of infertility were analysed for PTB and LBW. Cycles having more than one cause of infertility and/or multiple births were excluded.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Data on all women undergoing stimulated IVF ± ICSI treatment cycles were analysed to compare perinatal outcomes of PTB and LBW among singleton live births based on the cause of infertility (ovulatory disorders, tubal disorders, endometriosis, male factor, unexplained). Logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for female age category, period of treatment, previous live births, IVF or ICSI, number of embryos transferred and fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Compared to unexplained infertility, the risk of PTB was significantly higher with ovulatory disorders (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.31, 99.5% CI 1.17 to 1.46); tubal disorders (aOR 1.25, 99.5% CI 1.14 to 1.38) and endometriosis (aOR 1.17, 99.5% CI 1.01 to 1.35). There was no significant difference in the risk of PTB with male factor causes compared to unexplained infertility (aOR 1.01, 99.5% CI 0.93, 1.10). The risk of LBW was significantly higher with ovulatory disorders (aOR 1. 29, 99.5% CI 1.16 to 1.44) and tubal disorders (aOR 1.12, 99.5% CI 1.02 to 1.23) and there was no increase in the risk of LBW with endometriosis (aOR 1.11, 99.5% CI 0.96 to 1.30) and male factor causes (aOR 0.94, 99.5% CI 0.87, 1.03), compared to unexplained infertility.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Although the analysis was adjusted for several important confounders, there was no information on the medical history of women during pregnancy to allow adjustment. The limitations with observational data would apply to this study, including residual confounding.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This is the largest study to address the causes of infertility affecting perinatal outcomes of PTB and LBW. The information is important for the management of pregnancies and the underlying reasons for the associations observed need to be further understood.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding was obtained. There are no competing interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Polycystic ovary syndrome as an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a population-based study on 9.1 million pregnancies

STUDY QUESTION

Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) confer an independent risk for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHTN) and preeclampsia (PEC) based on analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database.

SUMMARY ANSWER

After controlling for all potential confounding effects, women with PCOS are at a 2-fold higher risk of developing GDM, a 50% increased risk for the development of GHTN and a 30% increased risk of developing PEC than women without PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Currently, there is evidence of an increased prevalence of maternal pregnancy complications in women with PCOS. However, there remain significant gaps in understanding how PCOS affects the development of GDM, GHTN and PEC. This is most likely due to the complex, multifactorial etiology of PCOS, its range of potential confounders for pregnancy complications and the variable methodology of studies that have been conducted. To date, the largest meta-analysis on this subject includes 11 565 women with PCOS analyzed for their risk of GDM and 5896 patients analyzed for their risk of PEC.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a retrospective population-based study utilizing data from the HCUP-NIS over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A dataset of all deliveries between 2004 and 2014 inclusively was created. Within this group, all deliveries to women with PCOS were identified as part of the study group (n = 14 882), and the remaining deliveries were categorized as non-PCOS births and comprised the reference group (n = 9 081 906).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The HCUP-NIS is the largest inpatient sample database in the USA and is comprised of hospital inpatient stays submitted by hospitals throughout the entire country. Each year, the database provides information relating to 7 million inpatient stays, including patient characteristics, diagnosis and procedures. The data are representative of ∼20% of admissions to US hospitals across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

At baseline, more pregnant women with PCOS were obese (22.3% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001), had chronic hypertension (HTN) (8.4% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001), had pregestational diabetes (4.1% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001) and had treated thyroid disease (12.6% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.001). Women with PCOS were also more likely to have undergone IVF treatment (2.4% vs. 0.1%, P < 0.001), have multi-gestation pregnancies (5.9% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001), and more multiple gestations (MGs) in the PCOS group were the result of IVF treatment than the non-PCOS groups (12.3% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). In all pregnancies, women with PCOS were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.19, 95% CI 2.02-2.37), pregnancy associated HTN (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.27-1.50, P < 0.001), GHTN (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31-1.64), PEC (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.45) and superimposed PEC (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.59) after controlling for confounding effects (age, race, income level, insurance type, obesity, IVF use, previous cesarean section, chronic HTN, pregestational diabetes, thyroid disease, MG, smoking and recreational drug use). Odds ratios were comparable between all pregnancies and singleton pregnancies only. In women pregnant with multiple fetuses, PCOS only conferred a statistically significant increased risk of developing GDM (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.92-2.83, P < 0.001). However, there was a trend toward an increased risk for developing pregnancy associated HTN (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 0.99-1.42, P = 0.058).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective analysis utilizing an administrative database which relies on the accuracy and consistency of the individuals coding the data. There are known limitations in how accurately hospital coding is able to capture perinatal conditions and complications, making it difficult to know with certainty that such events are accurate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Pregnant women with PCOS are at increased risk of adverse complications in pregnancy even when they do not present with other coexisting metabolic conditions. Furthermore, it is important to also consider the risk of all other coexisting metabolic conditions frequently encountered in PCOS women, as these risks are additive and place women with PCOS at significantly increased risk for adverse complications in pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

Associations between polycystic ovary syndrome and adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a population study of 9.1 million births

STUDY QUESTION

Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) confer an independent risk for adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes, based on analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database?

SUMMARY ANSWER

After controlling for all potential confounding effects, women with PCOS are at an increased risk of experiencing preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM), pre-term delivery (PTD), placental abruption, caesarean section (C/S) delivery, chorioamnionitis and post-partum maternal infections.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

PCOS may be associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, there remain significant gaps in understanding the correlation between PCOS and important delivery and neonatal complications.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a retrospective population-based cohort study utilising data from the HCUP-NIS over 11 years from 2004 to 2014. A cohort of all deliveries between 2004 and 2014 inclusively was created. Within this group, all deliveries to women with PCOS were identified as part of the study group (n = 14 882), and the remaining deliveries were categorised as non-PCOS births and comprised the reference group (n = 9 081 906).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The HCUP-NIS is the largest inpatient sample database in the USA and it is comprised of hospital inpatient stays throughout the entire country. It provides information relating to 7 million inpatient stays per year, includes ∼20% of admissions, and represents over 96% of the American population.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After adjustment for all potential confounders, women with PCOS were more likely to experience PPROM (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.83), PTD (aOR 1.37 95% CI 1.24-1.53) and placental abruption (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.30-2.05) and were more likely to deliver by C/S (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.40-1.61 (all P < 0.001). Women with PCOS more often developed chorioamnionitis (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34-1.86, P < 0.001) and maternal infections (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.36-1.84 (both P < 0.001)). With the exception of multiple gestations (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.62, P = 0.04), there was no difference in the number of women who gave birth to small for gestational age (SGA) infants (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82-1.15, P = 0.72) between the women with PCOS and the reference group. Intrauterine foetal deaths (IUFDs) were also comparable between the two groups (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 0.68-1.59, P = 0.88). However, congenital anomalies were more likely to occur in the offspring of women with PCOS (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51-2.38, P < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective analysis utilising an administrative database which relies on the accuracy and consistency of the individuals coding the data. There are known limitations in how accurately hospital coding is able to capture perinatal conditions and complications, making it difficult to know with certainty that such events are accurate.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes. It is important to additionally consider the risk of all other co-existing conditions frequently encountered in PCOS women, as these risks are additive and place women with PCOS at significantly increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No specific funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

The risk factors of gestational hypertension in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) is common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet the potential influencing factors remained unclear. We aimed to assess the independent risk factors of HDCP in patients with PCOS, to provide clinical evidences for the management of PCOS.

METHODS

Pregnant PCOS patients treated in our hospital from June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020 were approached. The personal and clinical characteristics of patients with and without gestational hypertension were evaluated. Logistic regressions were conducted to identify the independent risk factors of HDCP, Receiver operating characteristics (ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predicting value.

RESULTS

A total of 188 PCOS patients were included, the incidence of HDCP in patients with PCOS was 27.66 %. There were significant differences in the age, BMI, family history of hypertension, the history of adverse pregnancy, history of contraceptive pills use and family history of HDCP between HDCP group and no-HDCP group (all p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences in the family history of diabetes, multiple pregnancy and long-term smoking history between HDCP group and no-HDCP group (all p > 0.05). Age ≥ 27y(OR2.048, 95 %CI1.121 ~ 3.208), BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2(OR1.463, 95 %CI1.069 ~ 2.011), family history of hypertension(OR2.129, 95 %CI1.093 ~ 3.042), the history of adverse pregnancy(OR2.435, 95 %CI1.264 ~ 4.085), history of contraceptive pills use(OR3.806, 95 %CI1.184 ~ 6.102), family history of HDCP(OR1.934, 95 %CI1.016 ~ 2.774) were the independent risk factors of HDCP in patients with PCOS (all p < 0.05). ROC curve analyses indicated that those factors had good predictive value on HDCP in PCOS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of HDCP in PCOS patients is relatively high. In clinical practice, medical workers should carry out early prevention and intervention measures for these risk factors to reduce the incidence of HDCP.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disease of reproductive-aged women, with an estimated incidence ranging from 5% to 15%. The clinical manifestations of PCOS are heterogeneous and vary according to the age of the patient. Insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, and obesity are widely assumed to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiological mechanism of PCOS. As previously stated by many conducted meta-analyses, PCOS can cause a rising risk of pregnancy complications, including maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), and an increased necessity for a cesarean section (CS) are the most documented maternal implications. Regarding fetal outcomes, PCOS has also been correlated with elevated neonatal morbidity, prematurity, fetal growth restriction (FGR), birth weight variations (large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA), and transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Owing to the variability of the studies performed, the association of PCOS with an elevated risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is still controversial. This variability is found in the diagnosis and clinical presentations of PCOS, and can be influenced by pre-pregnancy circumstances and therapies as well as particular population and environmental features. The Amsterdam consensus guidelines confirm that obesity and IR can worsen maternal and fetal complications; thus, a closer follow-up should be offered to PCOS women during pregnancy.

Fertility Issues in Polycystic Ovarian Disease: A Systematic Approach

The triad of hirsutism, amenorrhea, and enlarged polycystic ovaries first was described in 1935 and later become known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are more likely to have cardiometabolic challenges that also have an indirect relationship to their fertility and fertility outcomes. Despite these challenges, their fertile life span appears to be longer. Ovulation induction is considered first-line management of infertility in women with PCOS, with letrozole superior to clomiphene. Women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization are high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but also have a higher live birth rate compared with controls.

Expression of serum lncRNA-Xist in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (LncRNA Xist) plays a pivotal role in various types of human diseases, while its involvement in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unknown. In the study we aimed to investigate if downregulate Xist expression is involved in PCOS and is correlated with adverse pregnant outcomes in PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, expression of lncRNA Xist in peripheral blood collected from both PCOS patients and controls were detected by qRT-PCR. Diagnostic values of Xist expression for PCOS were evaluated by ROC curve analysis. Correlation between Xist expression and pregnant outcomes of PCOS patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, Xist was significantly downregulated in patients with PCOS but not in patients with other types of diseases. Xist expression can be used to effectively distinguish PCOS patients from controls. Reduced expression level of Xist was significantly correlated with adverse pregnant outcomes of PCOS patients but not healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The downregulation of Xist expression may be involved in PCOS and is correlated with adverse pregnant outcomes in PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and extremely preterm birth: A nationwide register-based study

INTRODUCTION

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth before 37 weeks. However, if this increased risk also includes extremely preterm births (<28 weeks) is unknown. Such information is important to identify women at risk and tailor antenatal care, since child morbidity and mortality become more prevalent with increasing prematurity.

AIMS

To investigate the association between PCOS and extremely preterm birth, and whether onset of PCOS-related preterm birth is predominantly spontaneous or medically indicated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a nationwide register-based cohort study in Sweden. The study population was all live singleton births registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 2005-2014 (n = 1 046 448). Women with and without PCOS were compared by severity of preterm birth [extremely (22+0 to 27+6 weeks), very (28+0 to 31+6 weeks) and moderately (32+0 to 36+6 weeks)] and delivery onset mode (spontaneous or medically indicated). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adjustments were made for maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, country of birth and year of delivery.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1.3% of the women giving birth had PCOS diagnosis. They had an overall higher preterm birth rate than women without PCOS (6.7% and 4.8%, respectively). Women with PCOS had increased odds of preterm birth of all severities, with the highest odds for extremely preterm birth (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0), particularly of spontaneous onset (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 2.0-3.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCOS had more than a two-fold increased risk of extremely preterm birth with spontaneous onset than women without such diagnosis. This can be important in antenatal risk assessment of preterm birth in women with PCOS. Future research is warranted to investigate the biological mechanisms behind preterm birth in women with PCOS.

The effect of polycystic ovary syndrome without hyperandrogenism on pregnancy-related outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without hyperandrogenism on pregnancy-related outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Reproductive Medicine Centre of Tongji Hospital.

POPULATION

Women without hyperandrogenism undergoing their first single blastocyst transfers in frozen-thawed cycles were divided into a PCOS group and a non-PCOS group according to the Rotterdam criteria.

METHODS

The pregnancy-related outcomes of women with and without PCOS were compared. Propensity score matching and multiple logistic regression models were used to eliminate essential impacts on pregnancy-related outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancy-related outcomes included pregnancy loss and abnormal perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 4083 women without hyperandrogenism met the study criteria, among whom 557 met the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. Women with PCOS had higher rates of clinical pregnancy (P = 0.035) and cumulative live births (P = 0.023). However, there were no significant differences in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, twins and pregnancy loss between the two groups. Among women with singleton pregnancies, the incidences of preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia, fetal malformation, macrosomia and low birthweight did not differ significantly between the two groups. The results remained unchanged even after adjustments were made for propensity score matching and multiple logistic regression analyses.

CONCLUSION

Women with PCOS without hyperandrogenism may achieve higher rates of clinical pregnancy and cumulative live birth than those without PCOS, without increases in their rates of biochemical pregnancy, pregnancy loss or other abnormal perinatal outcomes.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

PCOS without hyperandrogenism was not associated with abnormal pregnancy-related outcomes.

Neonatal outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after frozen-thawed embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes after frozen embryo transfer (FET) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those among women without PCOS.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

In this study, we included 1,167 singletons born to mothers with PCOS and 9,995 singletons born to mothers without PCOS after FET during the period from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2019.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S)

Adverse neonatal outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, high birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age.

RESULT(S)

The odds of preterm birth were significantly higher among infants from mothers with PCOS compared with those from mothers without PCOS. The odds of low birth weight and SGA were lower in mothers with PCOS compared with mothers without PCOS in the overall analysis, but the differences in low birth weight and SGA between mothers with and without PCOS did not exist in the subgroup analysis with a normal BMI population.

CONCLUSION(S)

The diagnosis of PCOS was independently associated with increased odds of preterm birth among women with singleton pregnancies by FET. In addition, decreased odds of low birth weight and SGA were observed among patients with PCOS, but the increased odds were not observed in the subset analysis of patients with PCOS with normal BMI.

Early and late pregnancy loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment: a retrospective cohort analysis of 21 820 pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To examine early and late pregnancy loss in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF/ICSI transfers.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Reproductive medicine centre at a tertiary hospital.

POPULATION

We studied women with a positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) after in vitro fertilisation/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment from May 2014 to April 2019.

METHODS

Odds ratios (OR) for early (≤13 weeks) and late (>13 weeks) pregnancy loss were calculated among women with and without PCOS for plurality of the pregnancy with adjustment for confounding factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) and late pregnancy loss (LPL).

RESULTS

From 21 820 women identified with a positive β-hCG, 2357 (10.8%) women had PCOS, and 19 463 (89.2%) women did not. EPL occurred in 16.6% (391) of women with PCOS versus 18.3% (3565) in women with non-PCOS (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-0.99, P = 0.04). After adjustment for age and other confounders, the rate of EPL was not statistically significantly associated with PCOS status (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.80-1.05). Women with PCOS demonstrated a higher rate of LPL (6.4% in PCOS versus 3.6% in non-PCOS, OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.48-2.21, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, the potential impact of PCOS was less strong (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 0.96-1.98), with BMI and maternal comorbidities also associated with LPL (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.1 and aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.43-3.00, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Polycystic ovary syndrome was not independently associated with EPL. There was an increased risk of LPL but this difference was not statistically significant.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome women are at increased risk of late pregnancy loss, partly driven by elevated BMI and maternal comorbidities.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for the First In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study With 7678 Patients

Background

The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is increased by having a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis. However, the confounders in previous studies preclude firm conclusions, and further studies are warranted.

Objectives

To investigate whether PCOS affects pregnancy outcomes and complications in infertile women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, taking into account important confounders.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 7,678 infertile women, including 666 women with PCOS and 7,012 controls undergoing their first IVF treatment at a private fertility center from January 2010 to December 2017. Our main outcome was the impact of PCOS on adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, preterm delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension) and pregnancy outcomes (live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate). PCOS effects were summarized by adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after controlling for maternal characteristics.

Results

After adjusting for differences in maternal age, BMI, infertility duration, total dose of gonadotropin, serum E2 and endometrial thickness on the day of hCG trigger, number of fertilized occytes, number of embryos transferred, embryo type (cleavage-stage embryo or blastocyst) and quality, women with PCOS had an increased risk of developing unfavorable pregnancy complications, including miscarriage (aOR 1.629, 95% CI 1.240-2.141), very preterm delivery (< 32 weeks) (aOR 2.072, 95% CI 1.133-3.791). For pregnancy outcomes, PCOS was associated with higher clinical pregnancy rate (aOR 1.248, 95% CI 1.038-1.501) and implantation rate (aOR 1.238, 95% CI 1.030-1.489) after adjusting for the above-mentioned confounders.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjusting for differences in maternal characteristics. These women may need more frequent medical consultants and management during pregnancy and parturition.

Maternal cholesterol levels during gestation: boon or bane for the offspring?

An increase in cholesterol levels is perceived during pregnancy and is considered as a normal adaptive response to the development of the fetus. In some pregnancies, excessive increase in total cholesterol with high levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein leads to maladaptation by the fetus to cholesterol demands, resulting in a pathological condition termed as maternal hypercholesterolemia (MH). MH is considered clinically irrelevant and therefore cholesterol levels are not routinely checked during pregnancy, as a consequence of which there is scarce information on its global prevalence in pregnant women. Studies have reported that MH during pregnancy can cause atherogenesis in adults emphasizing the concept of in utero programming of fetus. Moreover, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are potential risk factors which strengthen combined pathologies in placenta and fetuses of mothers with MH. However, lack of conclusive evidence on cholesterol transport and underlying programming demand substantial research to develop population-based life style strategies for women in their childbearing years. The current review focuses on the mechanisms and outcomes of MH from existing epidemiological as well as experimental data and presents a detailed insight on this novel risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

Lack of Fetal Insulin Resistance in Maternal Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8-10% of women. NIH criteria for diagnosis include chronic anovulation and evidence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. PCOS is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Our hypothesis is that insulin resistance is increased in fetuses born to women with PCOS. This is a prospective cohort of women who delivered at our institution. Subjects with a body mass index < 20 or ≥ 50 kg/m², multiple gestation, and major fetal malformations were excluded. Maternal blood was collected at admission, and umbilical cord blood was collected after delivery. Serum concentrations of insulin and glucose were measured from each sample. The homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated (plasma glucose (mmol/L) × insulin (μU/mL)/22.5). The HOMA-IR from mothers and fetuses with PCOS was compared with mothers and fetuses without PCOS (controls). Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for statistical analysis. Forty-six women and fetal pairs were included; 28 with PCOS and 18 controls. Maternal insulin (20 [7.7-26.5] vs. 6.6 μU/ml [5.1-7.2]; p = 0.005) and HOMA-IR (3.9 [1.6-4.5] vs. 1.1 [0.9-1.3]; p = 0.01) were increased in the PCOS group. There was no statistical difference in fetal insulin, glucose, or HOMA-IR (p = 0.31) in the umbilical artery (p = 0.10; p = 0.34; p = 0.45, respectively) or the umbilical vein (p = 0.13; p = > 0.99; p = 0.31, respectively). Insulin resistance is present in non-diabetic pregnant women with PCOS, however not in their fetuses. This might explain variations in the occurrence of the adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes reported in PCOS.

The relationship between ovarian endometriosis and clinical pregnancy and abortion rate based on logistic regression model

In order to study the relationship between ovarian endometriosis and clinical pregnancy, explore the correlation between endometriosis (EMT) and abortion rate and its mechanism, and provide a new theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis as well as treatment of endometriosis, in this study, pelvic endometriosis under 40 years old and have in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) operation will be selected as subjects of study. SPSS20.0 statistical software is used to analyze the data. When the measurement data between groups are compared, it is necessary to use t-test. It is necessary to use mean ± standard deviation (x¯±s) to expressed the results. When the counting data between groups is compared, it is necessary to use Chi-square test. Finally, the binomial classification logistic regression model is established by stepwise regression method to screen out the significant factors. The results show that the infertility duration of ovarian endometriosis cyst is (3.1 ± 1.9). The infertility years of other pelvic endometriosis are (3.9 ± 2.2). The infertility years of ovarian endometriosis cyst group are shorter than those of other pelvic endometriosis groups. Significant difference cannot be seen in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) between the two groups of patients, and the basal FSH of other pelvic endometriosis groups is obviously lower in the two groups between the ages of 29 and 40 years. In the ovarian endometriotic cyst group, the significant difference can be seen (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the comparison of ovulation induction, the Gn dosage of fresh-cycle ovarian endometriosis patients is obviously higher than that of patients with ovarian endometriosis during the freezing cycle. The fertilization rate of patients with fresh cycle ovarian endometriosis is higher than that of patients with ovarian endometriosis during the freezing cycle. The two groups of patients with the factor of ovarian endometriosis after fresh embryo transplantation and the factor of fallopian tube are compared, and the abortion rate of the ovarian endometriosis group is lower than that of the fallopian tube group. Therefore, controlling the development of ovarian endometriosis can help to improve the pregnancy rate, reduce the abortion rate and improve the pregnancy outcome of patients with ovarian endometriosis.

Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation with Dydrogesterone versus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for in vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

Dydrogesterone (DYG) is an alternative progestin in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol with weaker pituitary suppression than medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in normal ovulatory women. However, the endocrinological characteristics, oocyte retrieval and pregnancy outcomes of DYG application in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain unclear.

Patients and methods

This retrospective cohort study included 420 PCOS patients who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and DYG (n=105) or MPA (n=315) from January 2014 to December 2017. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced with propensity score matching using the nearest-neighbor random matching algorithm in a ratio of 1:3. The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes retrieved. Other main outcome measures included the number of viable embryos, incidence of premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and live birth rate per frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

Results

A similar number of oocytes was retrieved in the two protocols (16.1±6.5 vs 15.1±10.0, P=0.342). Patients in both groups achieved consistent LH suppression with no premature LH surge detected. In the DYG + hMG group, the mean LH levels were significantly higher than the MPA + hMG group on cycle day 9–11 and trigger day (all P<0.001), and the dose of hMG was significantly lower (1710.7±431.6 vs 1891.3±402.2 IU, P<0.001). No significant between-group differences were found in the number of viable embryos (5.3±3.1 vs 5.0±4.1, P=0.139) and live birth rate per FET cycle (43.5% vs 47.7%, P=0.383). None of the participants experienced moderate-to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in either group.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the application of DYG in PPOS protocol could achieve comparable oocyte retrieval and pregnancy outcomes to MPA, but significantly reduce the consumption of gonadotropins in PCOS women for IVF treatment.

The role of maternal obesity in infant outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome-A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with worsened pregnancy and infant outcomes, higher body mass index (BMI), and longitudinal weight gain. Despite most of the clinical features of PCOS being risk factors for worsened infant outcomes in the general population, their impact on infant outcomes in PCOS is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of PCOS with infant outcomes considering maternal adiposity, other known risk factors, and potential confounders. The meta-analyses included 42 studies in 7041 women with PCOS and 63 722 women without PCOS. PCOS was associated with higher gestational weight gain (GWG) and with higher preterm birth and large for gestational age and with lower birth weight with this association varying by geographic continent, PCOS phenotypes, and study quality. However, PCOS was associated with none of these outcomes on BMI-matched studies. Gestational diabetes was significantly associated with an increased preterm birth on meta-regression. We report for the first time that GWG is higher in PCOS. Infant outcomes vary by geographic continent and study quality but are similar in BMI-matched women with and without PCOS. This suggests that infant outcomes in PCOS may be related to maternal obesity. These novel findings warrant future studies in PCOS investigating screening and management of infant outcomes with consideration of maternal obesity.

Perinatal outcome of in vitro fertilization singletons - 10 years' experience of one center

INTRODUCTION

In vitro fertilization (IVF) singletons have a worse perinatal outcome than spontaneously conceived singletons, especially in terms of preterm birth and its complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational retrospective case control study was carried out. The study population consisted of 644 women in singleton pregnancies (336 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); 308 controls) who delivered > 22 weeks of gestation at the 1^st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, between 2004 and 2014. Controls were initially matched by age and parity and drawn from the group of deliveries following each IVF delivery. Collected data included maternal characteristics, incidence of pregnancy complications, time and mode of delivery, and neonatal outcome at delivery.

RESULTS

The two study groups were initially matched for age and parity and were also similar with regard to BMI and gestational weight gain. The IVF treatment increased the odds of having vaginal bleeding in the first trimester (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.0-2.86), placenta previa (OR = 5.15; 95% CI: 1.1-33.9), preterm delivery (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.16-3.68), newborn's low birth weight (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.19-4.36) and elective cesarean section (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.7-3.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The IVF singleton pregnancies have an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome, among which prematurity remains the greatest problem. Therefore, they should be managed as high risk not only due to psychological reasons.

Increased maternal pregnancy complications in polycystic ovary syndrome appear to be independent of obesity-A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. However, the impact of clinical features of PCOS and other potential risk factors in PCOS is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of PCOS with maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of risk factors and potential confounders. The meta-analysis included 63 studies. PCOS was associated with higher miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, induction of labour, and caesarean section. The association of PCOS with these outcomes varied by geographic continent, PCOS phenotypes, and study quality. Pre-eclampsia and induction of labour were not associated with PCOS on body mass index-matched studies. No outcome was associated with PCOS on assisted pregnancies. Age was significantly associated with higher miscarriage on meta-regression. There were no studies assessing perinatal depression. We confirm that PCOS is associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications. The association of PCOS with the outcomes is worsened in hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotypes, in specific geographic continents, and in the highest quality studies but disappears in assisted pregnancies. Future studies in PCOS are warranted to investigate proper timing for screening and prevention of maternal pregnancy and delivery complications with consideration of clinical features of PCOS.

A meta-analysis of pregnancy-related outcomes and complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF

This meta-analysis aimed to study whether pregnancy-related outcomes and complications differed between patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and those with other causes of infertility who had undergone IVF. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Chinese databases was carried out to identify relevant studies published before July 2018. Outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Twenty-nine studies were identified for inclusion. Women with PCOS had higher risks of miscarriage (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.04-1.91), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OR 4.96, 95% CI 3.73-6.60), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.43-4.98), pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.45-2.91), preterm birth (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.04) and large-for-gestational-age babies (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.01-4.37). Women with PCOS showed similar rates of clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, small for gestational age and congenital malformations, and a higher live birth rate, compared with women without PCOS. This study provides an update on and comprehensive evidence to support the observation that despite the fact that PCOS patients achieve a better live birth rate, physicians should continue to consider them to be at high risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes.

Chronic hyperandrogenemia and western-style diet beginning at puberty reduces fertility and increases metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy in young adult, female macaques

STUDY QUESTION

What are the impacts of elevated testosterone (T) and an obesogenic western-style diet (WSD), either independently or together, on fertility and metabolic adaptations of pregnancy in primates?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Testosterone increases the time to achieve pregnancy, while a WSD reduces overall fertility, and the combination of testosterone and WSD additionally impairs glucose tolerance and causes pregnancy loss.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Both hyperandrogenemia and obesity are hallmarks of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a leading cause of infertility among women worldwide. Female macaques receiving T and WSD beginning at puberty show increased metabolic, ovarian and uterine dysfunction in the non-pregnant state by 3 years of treatment.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The same cohort of female rhesus macaques continued treatments from the time of puberty (2.5 years) to 4 years, including this fertility trial. There were four groups (n = 9-10/group): controls (C), T-treated (T; average total serum level 1.35 ng/ml), WSD-treated, and combined T and WSD-treated (T + WSD) females.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Females, which were typically having menstrual cycles, were paired for 4 days with a proven male breeder following the late follicular rise in circulating estradiol (≥100 pg/ml). The presence of sperm in the reproductive tract was used to confirm mating. Animals went through up to three successive rounds of mating until they became pregnant, as confirmed by a rise in circulating mCG during the late luteal phase and ultrasound evidence of a gestational sac at Day 30 post-mating (GD30). Placental vascular parameters were also measured at GD30. Metabolic measurements consisted of fasting levels of blood glucose and insulin at approximately GD30, 60, 90 and 115, as well as an intravenous (iv) glucose tolerance test (GTT) at GD115.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

While all animals in the C and T groups eventually became pregnant, T-treated females on average had a greater interval to achieve pregnancy (P < 0.05). However, only ~70% of animals in the WSD and T + WSD groups became pregnant (P < 0.004). One pregnancy in T + WSD group resulted in an anembryonic pregnancy which miscarried around GD60, while another T + WSD female conceived with a rare identical twin pregnancy which required cessation due to impending fetal loss at GD106. Thus, the number of viable fetuses was less in the T + WSD group, compared to C, T or WSD. Placental blood volume at GD30 was reduced in all treatments compared to the C group (P < 0.05). Maternal P4 levels were elevated in the WSD (P < 0.03) group and E2 levels were elevated in T + WSD animals (P < 0.05). An increase in serum A4 levels throughout gestation was observed in all groups (P < 0.03) except WSD (P = 0.3). All groups displayed increased insulin resistance with pregnancy, as measured from the ivGTT during pregnancy. However, only the T + WSD group had a significant increase in fasting glucose levels and glucose clearance during the GTT indicating a worsened glucose tolerance. WSD treatment decreased female fetuses third trimester weights, but there was an interaction between WSD and T to increase female fetal weight when normalized to maternal weight.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The small number of pregnancies in the WSD and T + WSD groups hampers the ability to make definitive conclusions on effects during gestation. Also, the high fertility rate in the controls indicates the cohort was at their breeding prime age, which may impair the ability to observe subtle fertility defects. The low number of fetuses used for male and female analysis requires additional studies.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The current findings strongly suggest that both hyperandrogenemia and obesity have detrimental effects on fertility and gestation in primates, which may be directly relevant to women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

All ONPRC Cores and Units were supported by NIH Grant P51 OD011092 awarded to ONPRC. Research reported in this publication was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Award Number P50HD071836 (to R.L.S.). The authors have no competing conflict of interests to disclose.

Metformin therapy before conception versus throughout the pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systemic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression

The results of studies that assessed the impact of metformin treatments on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are inconclusive. In addition, the impact of time and duration of metformin therapy for an optimum reduction of GDM has not been reported in these studies. This study aimed to summarize current knowledge regarding the effect of metformin-therapy before conception versus throughout pregnancy on the risk of GDM in women with PCOS. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Both fixed and random effect models were used. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the on the study methodology. The association between the PCOS status and GDM was assessed using the univariate and multiple meta-regression analysis adjusted by the BMI and metformin therapy. Forty-eight of 1397 identified studies were included involving 5711 PCOS patients and 20,296 controls. Regardless of metformin therapy, the prevalence of GDM diagnosed in the second trimester among women with PCOS was significantly higher than healthy controls that was independent of obesity. Including all studies, the increased risk of GDM among women with PCOS, compared to healthy controls, disappeared after the adjustment of metformin-therapy (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.04, 0.2; p = 0.624). By excluding observational studies as a source of bias, the prevalence of GDM among women with PCOS treated using metformin before conception till the end of pregnancy did not differ from treated just before conception (β = - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.2, 0.02; p = 0.092) or those without metformin therapy (β = - 0.05, 95% CI - 0.07, 0.04; p = 0.301). The results remained unchanged after the subgroup analysis based on the methodology of RCTs and non-RCTs studies. The main body of literature in the current meta-analysis was observational, which may be mixed with some sources of bias. Also, a lack of well-designed and high quality interventional studies means that the findings should be interpreted with cautious. In this respect, decisions regarding the continuation or discontinuation of metformin therapy in women with PCOS are somewhat arbitrary and can be made individually based on the patient's condition given the presence or absence of other GDM risk factors. Additional well-designed RCTs still need for precise recommendation.

MicroRNA-141 and MicroRNA-200c Are Overexpressed in Granulosa Cells of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-aged women, affecting 6–8% of women and characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that different microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Therefore, the goal of this study is to compare the expression levels of miR-141 and miR-200c in granulosa cells isolated from PCOS patients and also evaluate their predictive values for pregnancy complications. First, RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to assess the expression levels of miR-141 and miR-200c in granulosa cells isolated from 62 PCOS patients and 61 controls. Second, according to each mean of miR-141 and miR-200c measured values in all patients, PCOS, and controls were divided into low-expression group and high-expression group to better evaluate their predictive values for pregnancy complications. Significantly elevated expressions of miR-141 and miR-200c were observed in PCOS patients compared with the controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, PCOS patients had a significantly increased incidence of pregnancy complications in low-expression groups of miR-141 and miR-200c (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002, respectively). Our findings demonstrated that the expressions of both miR-141 and miR-200c were significantly increased in PCOS patients, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. PCOS patients had an increased risk of pregnancy complications in low-expression groups of both miR-141 and miR-200c.

Endometrial injury for patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing medically assisted reproduction: current data and a protocol

We propose a study protocol capable of improving clinical outcomes following medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in infertile women with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The proposed research derives from the published evidence on the positive impact from endometrial injury (EI) and the beneficial nature of the intervention towards improved implantation rates. We primarily refer to the cluster of events and hypotheses, such as the mechanical cascade, the inflammatory response per se, the events accompanying wound healing, the immune cell recruitment and protein involvement, alterations in gene expression and the neo-angiogenesis theories, which have been previously investigated for this purpose. We are also exploring the possible problems in MAR cycles with negative outcomes in PCOS and endometriosis patients and we are proposing potential mechanisms on how this intervention might work. Our hypothesis states that the EI before the initiation of the MAR cycle can affect clinical pregnancy rates in patients with the aforementioned pathologies.