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Milostić-Srb A, Srb N, Talapko J, Meštrović T, Žiger T, Pačarić S, Fureš R, Makarović V, Škrlec I. The Effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination on Assisted Human Reproduction Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diseases 2024; 12:201. [PMID: 39329870 PMCID: PMC11431602 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12090201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The most discussed infectious disease is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Many research endeavors have focused on the effects of the virus on reproductive organs, as these have also been shown to carry the receptors to which the virus attaches. The results of assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been significantly affected by the pandemic, with some in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers being closed due to the risk of further spread of the disease. According to World Health Organization statistics, 17.5% of adults worldwide suffered from fertility problems in 2023; in other words, one in six people in the world have reproductive health problems. As infertility is a growing problem in the modern world and new developments in assisted reproduction are always a topic of profound interest, it is important to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on reproductive health. This systematic review aimed to examine studies describing patients undergoing ART procedures with a COVID-19-positive history and to shed light on the recent evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in the ART context. A meta-analysis was conducted to confirm the results of the systematic review. The results showed a significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups and an increased miscarriage rate in those with a COVID-19-positive history. However, no significant difference in clinical pregnancy and birth rates was found in participants with a previous COVID-19 infection. The results show that further studies and research are needed, even though the spread and impact of the virus have decreased. Evidence-based information for individuals and couples undergoing infertility treatment is vital to enable informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Milostić-Srb
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nika Srb
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department for Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tihomil Žiger
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Stana Pačarić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Rajko Fureš
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans Hospital, 49210 Zabok, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Makarović
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- University Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Wei SQ, Luu TM, Ayoub A, Lewin A, Auger N. Assisted Reproductive Technology During COVID-19: A Population-Based Study Of Pregnancy Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01649-x. [PMID: 39030447 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pregnancy outcomes of patients who used assisted reproductive technology. We conducted a population-based cohort study of 443,101 patients who conceived naturally or with assisted reproductive technology between December 2015 and July 2021 and had a delivery in hospitals of Quebec, Canada. The main exposure measure was use of assisted reproductive technology before or during the pandemic. Outcomes included preeclampsia, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications. We used adjusted log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of assisted reproductive technology with adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with natural conception before vs. during the pandemic. In secondary analyses, we examined the association of COVID-19 infection with pregnancy outcomes among women who used assisted reproductive technology. Compared with natural conception, assisted reproductive technology was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.21-1.68), preterm birth (RR 2.07; 95% CI 1.84-2.33), and low birth weight (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.72-2.20) during the pandemic. However, the same risks were also present before the pandemic. Compared with no infection, COVID-19 infection was not associated with adverse outcomes among women who conceived with assisted reproductive technology. This study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact the pregnancy outcomes of women who underwent assisted reproductive procedures in Quebec. The findings are reassuring for patients concerned about the potential reproductive effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aimina Ayoub
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Auger
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Lu Y, He Y, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Qi J, Li X, Ding Y, Huang J, Ding Z, Xu Y, Yang Y, Lindheim SR, Wei Z, Sun Y. Effects of SARS-COV-2 infection during the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle on embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1239-1246. [PMID: 38604654 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle affect embryo implantation and pregnancy rates? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection of women during the FET cycle negatively affects embryo implantation and pregnancy rates. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a multi-systemic disease, poses a threat to reproductive health. However, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryo implantation and pregnancy following fertility treatments, particularly FET, remain largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study, included women who underwent FET cycles between 1 November 2022 and 31 December 2022 at an academic fertility centre. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during their FET cycles were included in the COVID-19 group, while those who tested negative during the same study period were included in the non-COVID-19 group. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of implantation, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, and ongoing pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to adjust for potential confounders including age, body mass index, gravidity, vaccination status, and endometrial preparation regimen. Subgroup analyses were conducted by time of infection with respect to transfer (prior to transfer, 1-7 days after transfer, or 8-14 days after transfer) and by level of fever (no fever, fever <39°C, or fever ≥39°C). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 243 and 305 women were included in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group, respectively. The rates of biochemical pregnancy (58.8% vs 62.0%, P = 0.46), clinical pregnancy (53.1% vs 54.4%, P = 0.76), implantation (46.4% vs 46.2%, P = 0.95), early pregnancy loss (24.5% vs 26.5%, P = 0.68), and ongoing pregnancy (44.4% vs 45.6%, P = 0.79) were all comparable between groups with or without infection. Results of logistic regression models, both before and after adjustment, revealed no associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, or ongoing pregnancy. Moreover, neither the time of infection with respect to transfer (prior to transfer, 1-7 days after transfer, or 8-14 days after transfer) nor the level of fever (no fever, fever <39°C, or fever ≥39°C) was found to be related to pregnancy rates. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective nature of the study is subject to possible selection bias. Additionally, although the sample size was relatively large for the COVID-19 group, the sample sizes for certain subgroups were relatively small and lacked adequate power, so these results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection during the FET cycle in females does not affect embryo implantation and pregnancy rates including biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, and ongoing pregnancy, indicating that cycle cancellation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection may not be necessary. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2705500, 2019YFA0802604), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82130046, 82101747), Shanghai leading talent program, Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (SHSMU-ZLCX20210201, SHSMU-ZLCX20210200, SSMU-ZLCX20180401), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital Clinical Research Innovation Cultivation Fund Program (RJPY-DZX-003), Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23Y11901400), Shanghai Sailing Program (21YF1425000), Shanghai's Top Priority Research Center Construction Project (2023ZZ02002), Three-Year Action Plan for Strengthening the Construction of the Public Health System in Shanghai (GWVI-11.1-36), and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission-Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support (20161413). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinling Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaan Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurui Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Steven R Lindheim
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Zhe Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Valdes Y, Ledesma B, Reddy RV, Paz R, Deshmukh S, Collazo I, Bustillo M, Montenegro M, Eisermann J, Palmerola K, Arora H. COVID-19 Vaccination and Reproductive Health: a Comprehensive Review for Healthcare Providers. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1215-1226. [PMID: 38151655 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
With all the current misinformation on social media platforms about the COVID-19 vaccine and its potential effects on fertility, it is essential for healthcare providers to have evidenced-based research to educate their patients, especially those who are trying to conceive, of the risks to mothers and fetuses of being unvaccinated. It is well known that COVID-19 infection puts pregnant women at higher risk of complications, including ICU admission, placentitis, stillbirth, and death. In February of 2021, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released a statement denying any link between COVID vaccination and infertility. ASRM later confirmed and stated that "everyone, including pregnant women and those seeking to become pregnant, should get a COVID-19 vaccine". In this review, we aim to provide a compilation of data that denies any link between vaccination and infertility for healthcare providers to be able to educate their patients based on evidence-based medicine. We also reviewed the effect of COVID-19 virus and vaccination on various parameters and processes that are essential to obtaining a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaima Valdes
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Braian Ledesma
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Raghuram V Reddy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Romy Paz
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sameer Deshmukh
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ineabelle Collazo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Maria Bustillo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Marta Montenegro
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Juergen Eisermann
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Katherine Palmerola
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
| | - Himanshu Arora
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Xu J, Mao D, Liu C, Sun L. SARS-CoV-2 infection in IVF-conceived early pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a matched retrospective cohort study. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae024. [PMID: 38764909 PMCID: PMC11099652 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is SARS-CoV-2 infection in IVF-conceived early pregnancy associated with a higher risk of miscarriage? SUMMARY ANSWER Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during early pregnancy in women conceiving by IVF may not be associated with an increased rate of miscarriage. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In naturally conceived pregnancies, most findings have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection does not increase the risk of miscarriage, while some studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A matched retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital-based reproductive medicine center. The infection group included women who contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before 20 weeks gestation from 6 December 2022 to 10 January 2023. Each infected woman was matched with three historical control subjects from 1 January 2018 to 31 May 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS The infection group was matched with historical control subjects based on female age (±1 year), number of gestational sacs, number of previous miscarriages, BMI (±2 kg/cm2), main causes of infertility, gestational week, and fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 150 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 before 20 weeks of gestation were included in the infection group, which was matched at a 3:1 ratio with 450 historically pregnant controls. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, and endometrial thickness between the two groups. The overall incidence of miscarriage was not significantly different between the infection group and the control group (4.7% versus 5.8%, P = 0.68). When the infection group was stratified into three subgroups based on the gestational age at the onset of infection (0-7 + 6, 8-11 + 6, and 12-19 + 6 weeks), no significant differences were observed in the incidence of miscarriage between the infection group and the matched control group in any of the subgroups (9.8% versus 13.8%, P = 0.60; 5.4% versus 4.5%, P = 1.00; and 1.4% versus 1.9%, P = 1.00, respectively). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The major limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size; therefore, caution is suggested when drawing any definitive conclusions. Nonetheless, our study is the largest sample study of the influence of COVID-19 infection on the miscarriage rate in early pregnancy after IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may provide important insights for reproductive physicians and obstetricians during preconception and early pregnancy counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2023A1515010250). The authors report no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Li XF, Zhang YJ, Yao YL, Chen MX, Wang LL, Wang MD, Hu XY, Tang XJ, Zhong ZH, Fu LJ, Luo X, Lv XY, Geng LH, Wan Q, Ding YB. The association of post-embryo transfer SARS-CoV-2 infection with early pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:436.e1-436.e12. [PMID: 38135094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after embryo transfer on early pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer treatment remains inadequately understood. This knowledge gap endures despite an abundance of studies investigating the repercussions of preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection on early pregnancy outcomes in spontaneous pregnancies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer and early pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. STUDY DESIGN This prospective cohort study was conducted at a single public in vitro fertilization center in China. Female patients aged 20 to 39 years, with a body mass index ranging from 18 to 30 kg/m2, undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, were enrolled between September 2022 and December 2022, with follow-up extended until March 2023. The study tracked SARS-CoV-2 infection time (≤14 days, ≤28 days, and ≤10 weeks after embryo transfer), symptoms, vaccination status, the interval between vaccination and embryo transfer, and early pregnancy outcomes, encompassing biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and early miscarriage rate. The study used single-factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection status, along with other relevant factors, and the early pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS A total of 857 female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment were analyzed. In the first stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 14 days after embryo transfer did not have a significant negative association with the biochemical pregnancy rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.09). In the second stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 28 days after embryo transfer had no significant association with the implantation rate (36.6% in infected vs 44.0% in uninfected group; P=.181). No statistically significant association was found with the clinical pregnancy rate after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.09). In the third stage, SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer had no significant association with the early miscarriage rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.71). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection within 10 weeks after embryo transfer may not be negatively associated with the biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and early miscarriage rate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. It is important to note that these findings are specific to the target population of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients aged 20 to 39 years, without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and with a body mass index of 18 to 30 kg/m2. This information offers valuable insights, addressing current concerns and providing a clearer understanding of the actual risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Fei Li
- Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong-Jia Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying-Ling Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Di Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Yue Hu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Zhong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Juan Fu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pharmacology, Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing-Yu Lv
- Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Hong Geng
- Reproductive Center, Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Cao M, Han Y, Feng T, Lu P, Wang Y, Sun Q, Zhao Z, Pan W. Impact of COVID-19 convalescence on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI during fresh ART cycles: a retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1298995. [PMID: 38348053 PMCID: PMC10860335 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1298995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim was to study the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescence on female fertility and laboratory and clinical outcomes in fresh assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 294 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and who underwent fresh ART cycles between January and March 2023 (COVID-19 group). This group was compared with 631 patients who underwent similar ART cycles in the same period in 2022 but without having been infected with COVID-19 (non-COVID-19 group). The analysis focused on comparison of basic demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients in each group. The primary outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate, which was examined to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on the efficacy of ART treatment. Results Basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower and antral follicle count (AFC) was markedly higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the non-COVID-19 group (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). The predominant ovarian stimulation protocol in the COVID-19 group was GnRH antagonists (64.85%, P<0.001), with a reduced gonadotropin (Gn) dosage and duration in comparison to the non-COVID-19 group (P<0.05). Although the number of blastocysts formed was lower in the COVID-19 group (P=0.017), this group also exhibited a higher blastocyst freezing rate and a higher rate of high-quality embryos per retrieved oocyte (P<0.001 and P=0.023, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that COVID-19 convalescence did not significantly impact clinical pregnancy rates in fresh transfer cycles (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.68-1.96, P=0.5874). However, smooth curve-fitting and threshold effect analysis revealed an age-related decline in clinical pregnancy rates in both groups, more pronounced in the COVID-19 group, for women aged over 38 years, with the likelihood of clinical pregnancy decreasing by 53% with each additional year of age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-1.08, P=0.1460; odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.21-1.05, P=0.0647). Conclusions Our findings present no substantial evidence of adverse effects on clinical pregnancy outcomes in fresh ART cycles in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) during the period of convalescence from COVID-19. However, age emerges as a significant factor influencing these outcomes. Notably, for women above 38 years of age, the likelihood of clinical pregnancy in patients with a prior COVID-19 infection decreased by 53% with each additional year. This highlights the importance of considering maternal age, especially in the context of COVID-19, when evaluating the likelihood of successful pregnancy following ART treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingya Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tengfei Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peiyang Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qingyun Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiming Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wensen Pan
- Second Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Eckstein V, Glaß K, Leßmann ME, Schaar J, Klimova A, Wimberger P, Goeckenjan M. Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:305-313. [PMID: 37815640 PMCID: PMC10769908 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) were studied in a retrospective cohort study. METHODS The outcome of 1581 treatment cycles with embryo transfer at a university fertility center in Germany was compared in years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 335 treatment cycles in 2022 a detailed analysis was carried out depending on infection and immunization status of both partners. RESULTS ART cycles did not differ in most of the parameters examined between 2018-2022. In spite of comparable clinical pregnancy rates, there was a significantly higher miscarriage rate at 34.6% (27/78) in 2022, compared to 19.7% (29/147) in the pre-pandemic years of 2018-2019 (p = 0.014). In 37.0% of the treatment cycles (124/335) 2022 at least one partner reported a SARS-CoV-2-Infection 6 months before ART, mostly with the virus variant Omicron. Clinical pregnancy rates were lower in cycles without infection. Comparing women with confirmed infection to no infection, a significantly higher risk of miscarriage was seen (62.5% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.009). In treatment cycles of partners with basic immunization against SARS-CoV-2 a statistically significant increase of pregnancy rates was seen comparing to cycles with both unvaccinated partners (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION The results indicate a negative impact of SARS-CoV-2-infections up to 6 months on ART treatment, in particular an increased risk of miscarriage. Vaccination was associated with a better outcome of ART treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Eckstein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Glaß
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Leßmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jessica Schaar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Klimova
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maren Goeckenjan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Carl-Gustav-Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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9
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Li X, Yao X, Bai L, Lu R, Geng S, Ling X, Wen J, Hu L. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on early pregnancy outcomes among women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1477-1484. [PMID: 37668066 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on early pregnancy outcomes among women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether early pregnancy outcomes were altered in patients undergoing FET during the pandemic. In this retrospective cohort study, women conceived through FET in 2016-2021 from two hospitals in China were included. The early pregnancy outcomes were compared using Logistic regression model, including biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and early pregnancy loss rate (EPLR). A total of 16,669 (67.2%) and 6,113 (26.8%) FET cycles enrolled before and during the pandemic, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that women undergoing FET during the pandemic had significantly increased BPR (72.9% vs. 69.7%) and CPR (59.5% vs. 55.0%), and significantly decreased EPLR (13.7% vs. 16.7%) compared to pre-pandemic (all P < 0.001). Moreover, after adjustment, the results were in accordance with univariate analysis for CPR [adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.08 (1.01-1.14)] and EPLR [adjusted OR (95%CI) = 0.82 (0.73-0.91)], while the statistical significance between BPR and the pandemic disappeared. In summary, women conceived by FET did not have a reduced possibility of clinical pregnancy and a higher risk of early pregnancy loss during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodie Yao
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijing Bai
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Renjie Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijie Geng
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Wen
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingmin Hu
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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10
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Chen S, Zhang S, Liu G, Wang X, Peng Y, Chen Y, Gong F, Yang Z, Lin G. Embryo development, pregnancy and live birth outcomes following IVF treatment were not compromised during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1949-1959. [PMID: 37428430 PMCID: PMC10371922 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02863-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) are affected during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective study. Embryo development, pregnancy, and live birth outcomes were compared between COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 groups. Blood samples from patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were tested for COVID-19. RESULTS After 1:1 random matching, 403 cycles for each group were included in the study. The rates of fertilization, normal fertilization, and blastocyst formation were higher in the COVID-19 group than in the pre-COVID-19 group. No difference was observed in the rates of day 3 good-quality embryos and good-quality blastocysts between the groups. A multivariate analysis showed that the live birth rate in the COVID-19 group was higher than that in the pre-COVID-19 group (51.4% vs. 41.4%, P = 0.010). In fresh cleavage-stage embryo and blastocyst transfer cycles, there were no differences between the groups in terms of pregnancy, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes. In the freeze-all cycles, the live birth rate was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (58.0% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.006) than during the pre-COVID-19 period following frozen cleavage stage embryo transfer. The rate of gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than that during the pre-COVID-19 period (20.3% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.008) following frozen blastocyst transfer. All the serological results of the patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were negative. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that embryo development, pregnancy, and live birth outcomes in uninfected patients were not compromised during the COVID-19 pandemic at our center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Chen
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yangqin Peng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yongzhe Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- California Excellent Fertility, 1808 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA, 92801, USA.
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, No. 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
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11
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Pourmasumi S, Kounis NG, Naderi M, Hosseinisadat R, Khoradmehr A, Fagheirelahee N, Kouni SN, de Gregorio C, Dousdampanis P, Mplani V, Michalaki MA, Plotas P, Assimakopoulos S, Gogos C, Aidonidis G, Roditis P, Matsas N, Velissaris D, Calogiuri G, Hung MY, Koniari I. Effects of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on the Female Reproductive System: A Narrative Review. Balkan Med J 2023; 40:153-164. [PMID: 37114907 PMCID: PMC10175880 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2023.2023-3-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies and research papers have been published to elucidate and understand the mechanism of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its long-term effects on the human body. COVID-19 affects a number of organs, including the female reproductive system. However, less attention has been given to the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system due to their low morbidity. The results of studies investigating the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ovarian function in women of reproductive age have shown the harmless involvement of COVID-19 infection. Several studies have reported the involvement of COVID-19 infection in oocyte quality, ovarian function, and dysfunctions in the uterine endometrium and the menstrual cycle. The findings of these studies indicate that COVID-19 infection negatively affects the follicular microenvironment and dysregulate ovarian function. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and female reproductive health have been studied in humans and animals, very few studies have examined how COVID-19 affects the female reproductive system. The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature and categorize the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, and hormonal profiles. The effects on oocyte maturation, oxidative stress, which causes chromosomal instability and apoptosis in ovaries, in vitro fertilization cycle, high-quality embryos, premature ovarian insufficiency, ovarian vein thrombosis, hypercoagulable state, women’s menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, and sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and the anti-Müllerian hormone, are discussed in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Monavar Naderi
- Knowledge and Information Science, Vice Chancellor for Science and Technology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Robabe Hosseinisadat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arezoo Khoradmehr
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Niloofar Fagheirelahee
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Medical School, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Marina A. Michalaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Fculty of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Stelios Assimakopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Gogos
- COVID-19 Unit, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Pavlos Roditis
- Department of Cardiology, Mamatsio Kozanis General Hospital, Kozani, Greece
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Calogiuri
- Pneumonology Department, Civil Hospital “Ninetto Melli”, Pietro Vernoti, Brindisi, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Departmentof Cardiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Vieira FDA, Neto RP, Morila MCG, Curimbaba JB, Pasquini DS, Felchner PCZ, Wandresen G, Pachnicki JPA. Fertility Does not Quarantine: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Impacts on in Vitro Fertilization Clinical Pregnancy Rates. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2023; 45:142-148. [PMID: 37105198 PMCID: PMC10166647 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinical pregnancy rates and analyze factors that may have influenced their outcome. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary-care Brazilian fertility center. All fresh IVF and embryo warming cycles performed from March 11 to December 31, 2018-2021 were analyzed, and their data were used to calculate fertilization, embryo cleavage, cycle cancellation, embryo transfer (ET), and clinical pregnancy rates. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the alterations found. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association of the categorical variables with the observed clinical pregnancy rates. Data from 2018 and 2019 (prepandemic) and 2020 and 2021 (pandemic) were grouped. RESULTS A total of 756 cycles were analyzed (n = 360 prepandemic and n = 396 pandemic). The age group of the patients, fertilization rates, and cleavage rates did not have significant differences (p > 0.05). There was a reduction in the percentage of fresh IVF and an increase in embryo warming cycles (p = 0.005) during the pandemic. There was also an increase in fresh cycle cancellations (p < 0.001) and a reduction in ET rates (p < 0.001). The pandemic had a negative impact on clinical pregnancy rates (p < 0.001) especially due to the increase in fresh cycle cancellations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Embryo warming cycles with subsequent frozen-thawed ET were presented as a viable alternative to continue assisted reproductive treatments against pandemic restrictions on fresh cycles, ensuring clinical pregnancy, albeit at a lower rate than that of the prepandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gustavo Wandresen
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Department of Human Reproduction, Embryo Human Reproduction Center, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jan Pawel Andrade Pachnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Positivo University, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Department of Tocogynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mackenzie Evangelical College of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Kabalkin Y, Bentov Y, Gil M, Beharier O, Jaber S, Moav-Zafrir A, Khwies D, Ben-Meir A, Esh Broder E, Walfisch A, Holzer HEG, Hershko Klement A. Mild COVID-19 Was Not Associated with Impaired IVF Outcomes or Early Pregnancy Loss in IVF Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185265. [PMID: 36142911 PMCID: PMC9505769 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data collection regarding the effects of COVID-19 on reproduction is ongoing. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 on IVF cycle parameters and early pregnancy outcomes. It included two arms: the first compared non-exposed cycles to post-SARS-CoV-2 IVF cycles. Sperm parameters were also compared. The second, prospective arm compared pregnancy outcomes among IVF patients who contracted COVID-19 during early pregnancy to those who did not. None of the patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The first arm included 60 treatment cycles of women with confirmed COVID-19, compared to 60 non-exposed cycles (either the same patient before exposure or matched non-exposed patients). The outcomes of the treatment cycles did not differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed groups, including number of oocytes, endometrial thickness, fertilization rate and number of top-quality embryos. In 11 cycles, the male partner had also recently recovered: sperm concentration was lower post-exposure: 6.27 million/mL vs. 16.5 pre-exposure (p = 0.008). In 189 patients with IVF-achieved pregnancies, pregnancy loss and hospital admissions did not differ between exposed and non-exposed groups. IVF treatment outcomes and the rate of early pregnancy loss appears to be unaffected by SARS-CoV-2 disease, despite a minor decline in sperm concentration among recent recoverees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossef Kabalkin
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yaakov Bentov
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Moran Gil
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Sireen Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Arbel Moav-Zafrir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Dua’ Khwies
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Ein Kerem-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Efrat Esh Broder
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Hananel E. G. Holzer
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Anat Hershko Klement
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- The IVF Unit, Hadassah Mount Scopus-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
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14
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Hu W, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Wang F, Qu F. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs): a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:655-665. [PMID: 35953759 PMCID: PMC9381331 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to the suspension of most treatments with assisted reproductive technique (ART). However, with the recent successful control of the pandemic in China, there is an urgent public need to resume full reproductive care. To determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic had any adverse effects on female fertility and the pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing ART, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the electronic Chinese and English databases. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized as prevalence, and odds ratios (ORs) and continuous outcomes as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias and subgroup analyses were assessed using Stata/SE 15.1 and R 4.1.2. The results showed that compared with women treated by ART in the pre-COVID-19 time frame, women undergoing ART after the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.19; I2=0.0%), miscarriage rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.14; I2=38.4%), embryo cryopreservation rate (OR 2.90, 95% CI 0.17 to 48.13; I2=85.4%), and oocyte cryopreservation rate (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.65; I2=81.6%). This review provided additional evidence for gynecologists to guide the management of women undergoing ART treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuan Hu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.,The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yuhang Zhu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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15
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Tjahyadi D, Ropii B, Tjandraprawira KD, Achmad YM, Permadi W, Djuwantono T. The impact of COVID-19 on A fertility center in Indonesia: A brief report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 78:103762. [PMID: 35578606 PMCID: PMC9095072 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the delivery of care in the fertility center. The higher transmissibility feature of omricon variant increase the transmission possibility between patients, healthcare professionals, and staff. Herein, we report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the fertility center in Indonesia during the third wave period of the pandemic. Seven in vitro fertilization (IVF) cases were cancelled because the patients were tested positive for COVID-19 during their IVF program. Six of the total seventeen medical staff in our center were also tested positive for COVID-19 and stayed at home for self isolation. The cancellation of the IVF program was due to the lack of data regarding safety of IVF procedure in COVID-19 patients, shortage of medical staff, and the lack of negative pressure room in our fertility center. Our priority is to protect the remaining healthy patients in our center as well as the medical staff. The COVID-19 disadvantage both patients, care provider in reproductive healthcare. Regular screening of COVID-19 in fertility setting is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Tjahyadi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
- Bandung Fertility Center, Limijati Women and Children Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Bejo Ropii
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Wiryawan Permadi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
- Bandung Fertility Center, Limijati Women and Children Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Tono Djuwantono
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
- Bandung Fertility Center, Limijati Women and Children Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
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16
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Vastis V, Hussaini S, Neal M, Karnis M, Taerk E, Amin S, Deniz S, Faghih M. Impact of Protocol Adjustments due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Infertility Treatment Outcomes. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2022; 44:1006-1010. [PMID: 35526833 PMCID: PMC9069974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our centre made adjustments that reduced the number of patient visits, ultrasound scans, laboratory investigations, and face-to face instructions. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether these changes had any effect on the pregnancy rate for patients undergoing infertility treatment. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rates from intrauterine insemination and frozen embryo transfer. Clinical pregnancy rates were not statistically different between patients who underwent either procedure before and after the protocols were put in place. It is reassuring to know our pandemic protocol adjustments did not have a negative impact on infertility treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilia Vastis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | - Sofia Hussaini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | | | - Megan Karnis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON
| | - Evan Taerk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON
| | - Shilpa Amin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON
| | - Stacy Deniz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON
| | - Mehrnoosh Faghih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON.
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17
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Banker M, Arora P, Banker J, Shah A, Gupta R, Shah S. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical and Embryological Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:150-156. [PMID: 35928469 PMCID: PMC9345275 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_57_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The emergence of the COVID pandemic unfolded a series of precautions and dilemmas and the complete suspension of health services. With the gradual emergence of data showing near minimal effects of the virus on pregnancy, Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) services were gradually resumed following guidelines and advisories. Aim: The purpose of this study was to detect the COVID positivity rate in women undergoing ART treatment during the COVID pandemic and compare clinical and embryological outcomes to the ART cycles performed in the pre-COVID era. Study Setting and Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of all women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, followed by a fresh or frozen embryo transfer (ET) between 1st October 2019 and 31st March 2020 (control group) and between 1st April 2020 and 31st September 2020 (study group) at Nova IVF Fertility Clinic, Ahmedabad. Material and Methods: The study group underwent ART during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India and when gradual unlocking of facilities including ART was advised as per the national ART advisory by the ICMR in December 2020. The outcomes were compared with the control group (cycles in pre-covid time). Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS (v25.0) and included Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact and Pearson Chi-square as appropriate. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 367 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) stimulations were initiated. A total of 342 retrievals and 606 ETs (171 fresh and 435 frozen) were completed during the study period with a COVID positivity rate of 6.8% (25/367) amongst fresh and 3.9% (18/453) amongst frozen ETs, respectively; the PR and IR in the study group was similar to the control group (47.6 vs. 55.1 P = 0.4 and 68.7 vs. 66.4; P = 0.52, respectively). The maternal complication rates were similar in both groups with a COVID positivity rate of 10.2% (23/225) and 1 maternal death in the study group. The live birth rates were similar. Conclusions: We did not find a noteworthy difference in the clinical and embryological outcomes in the IVF cycles conducted in the COVID era as compared to the pre-COVID time. Thus, with adequate precautions and safety measures, ART services conducted during the COVID pandemic have comparable birth outcomes and can be safely advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Banker
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Parul Arora
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Jwal Banker
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Anand Shah
- Department of Medicine, Unit 1, SVP General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Reena Gupta
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Shah
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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18
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Youngster M, Avraham S, Yaakov O, Landau Rabbi M, Gat I, Yerushalmi G, Sverdlove R, Baum M, Maman E, Hourvitz A, Kedem A. IVF under COVID-19: treatment outcomes of fresh ART cycles. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:947-953. [PMID: 35212741 PMCID: PMC8903458 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Question Does prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in women undergoing fertility treatments affect the outcomes of fresh ART cycles? Summary Answer SARS-CoV-2 infection does not affect fresh ART treatment outcomes, except for a possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield (>180 days post infection). What Is Known Already A single previous study suggested no evidence that a history of asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection in females caused impairment of fresh ART treatment outcomes. Study Design, Size, Duration Retrospective cohort study, including all SARS-CoV-2 infected women who underwent fresh ART cycles within a year from infection (the first cycle post infection), between October 2020 and June 2021, matched to non-diagnosed controls. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods Patients from two large IVF units in Israel who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and later underwent fresh ART cycles were matched by age to non-diagnosed, non-vaccinated controls. Demographics, cycle characteristics and cycle outcomes, including oocyte yield, maturation rate, fertilization rate, number of frozen embryos per cycle, and clinical pregnancy rates, were compared between groups. Main Results And The Role Of Chance One hundred and twenty-one infected patients and 121 controls who underwent fresh ART cycles were included. Oocyte yield (12.50 versus 11.29; p = 0.169) and mature oocyte rate (78% versus 82%; p = 0.144) in all fresh cycles were similar between groups, as were fertilization rates, number of frozen embryos per cycle and clinical pregnancy rates (43% versus 40%; p = 0.737) in fresh cycles with an embryo transfer. In a logistic regression model, SARS-CoV-2 infection more than 180 days prior to retrieval had a negative effect on oocyte yield (p = 0.018, Slope=-4.08, 95% CI -7.41 – -0.75), although the sample size was small. Limitations, Reasons For Caution A retrospective study with data that was not uniformly generated under a study protocol, no antibody testing for the control group. Wider Implications Of The Findings The study findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection does not affect treatment outcomes, including oocyte yield, fertilization and maturation rate, number of good quality embryos, and clinical pregnancy rates, in fresh ART cycles, except for a possible long term negative effect on oocyte yield when retrieval occurs > 180 days post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are warranted to support these findings. Study funding/competing interest(s) None. Trial registration number 0010-21-HMC, 0094-21-ASF
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Youngster
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarit Avraham
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Odelia Yaakov
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Moran Landau Rabbi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Itai Gat
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Yerushalmi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Micha Baum
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel.,IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ettie Maman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel.,IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ariel Hourvitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Alon Kedem
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,IVF Unit, Herzliya Medical Centre, Herzliya, Israel
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