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Li J, Yu J, Huang Y, Xie B, Hu Q, Ma N, Qin R, Luo J, Wu H, Liao M, Qin A. The impact of thyroid autoimmunity on pregnancy outcomes in women with unexplained infertility undergoing intrauterine insemination: a retrospective single-center cohort study and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1359210. [PMID: 38596217 PMCID: PMC11003302 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1359210] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility affects 8-12% of couples worldwide, with 15-30% classified as unexplained infertility (UI). Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), the most common autoimmune disorder in women of reproductive age, may impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study focuses on intrauterine insemination (IUI) and its potential association with TAI in UI patients. It is the first meta-analysis following a comprehensive literature review to improve result accuracy and reliability. Methods Retrospective cohort study analyzing 225 women with unexplained infertility, encompassing 542 cycles of IUI treatment. Participants were categorized into TAI+ group (N=47, N= 120 cycles) and TAI- group (N=178, N= 422 cycles). Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analyses following PRISMA guidelines were conducted, incorporating this study and two others up to June 2023, totaling 3428 IUI cycles. Results Analysis revealed no significant difference in independent variables affecting reproductive outcomes. However, comparison based on TAI status showed significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates (OR: 0.43, P= 0.028, 95%CI: 0.20-0.93) and live birth rate (OR: 0.20, P= 0.014, 95%CI: 0.05 ~ 0.71) were significantly lower than TAI- group. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate between the two groups (OR: 0.61, P= 0.135, 95%CI: 0.32-1.17). However, the meta-analysis combining these findings across studies did not show statistically significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates (OR:0.77, P=0.18, 95%CI: 0.53-1.13) or live birth rates (OR: 0.68, P=0.64, 95%CI: 0.13-3.47) between the TAI+ and TAI- groups. Discussion Our retrospective cohort study found an association between TAI and reduced reproductive outcomes in women undergoing IUI for unexplained infertility. However, the meta-analysis incorporating other studies did not yield statistically significant associations. Caution is required in interpreting the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and reproductive outcomes. Future studies should consider a broader population and a more rigorous study design to validate these findings. Clinicians dealing with women with unexplained infertility and TAI should be aware of the complexity of this field and the limitations of available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiaxin Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingqin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternity and Child Health Care of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Baoli Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qianwen Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Nana Ma
- Gynecology Department, Shenzhen Luohu Hospital Group Luohu People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongyan Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianxin Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ming Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Aiping Qin
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Zhang J, Song Z, Yuan H, Cai ZH. The effects of metabolic indicators and immune biomarkers on pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion: a retrospective study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1297902. [PMID: 38298186 PMCID: PMC10827934 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1297902] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains elusive despite specific investigations affirming the association between RSA and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI). This study explores the immunological and metabolic profiles of RSA patients exhibiting positive thyroid antibodies and their connection with the rates of first-trimester miscarriage and live births. The aim is to provide further guidance for clinical interventions. Methods A retrospective analysis included 478 women with RSA. Thyroid profile, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in all participants. The clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of RSA women were compared between thyroid autoimmunity (TAI)-positive and TAI-negative patients. Significant factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk prediction models were explored in TAI-positive patients. Correlation analysis was used to identify specific metabolic or immune biomarkers associated with thyroid autoantibodies. Results The prevalence of TAI was 18.6%. Compared with women without TAI, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration of TAI-positive RSA was significantly higher (2.80 ± 2.98 vs 1.89 ± 1.17, p=0.006). After 28 weeks, the live birth rate of the TAI-positive group was lower than that of the TAI-negative group, with statistical significance (p<0.05). The immune biomarkers that differed between RSA women with live births and those with first-trimester miscarriages were complement C4 and interleukin-6, respectively, in TAI-negative and TAI-positive women. Then, a risk prediction model for first-trimester miscarriage was constructed for TAI-positive women with an AUC of 0.81. Finally, some factors related to thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) levels were explored, and it was found that TPO-Ab levels were positively correlated with free thyroxine and negatively correlated with 25 hydroxyvitamin D, interleukin-4, and fasting blood glucose in RSA patients. Conclusion TAI-positive RSA patients have higher first-trimester miscarriage rates and a lower live birth rate, which may be related to metabolic immune shifts in TAI-positive RSA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Province, Dian Diagnostics Group Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhu-Hua Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Shen C, Guan Y. Comparisons of conventional in vitro fertilization versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with thyroid autoimmunity and non-male factor infertility, a propensity score matching analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18967. [PMID: 37923924 PMCID: PMC10624835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46085-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes between the insemination methods of conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in infertile women with thyroid autoimmunity and non-male factor infertility. This was a retrospective cohort study which included women with thyroid autoimmunity and non-male factor infertility. Reproductive outcomes such as embryo development parameters and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The propensity score matching was applied to balance the general characteristics with significant differences between the two groups. Generalized estimating equations were used to explore the impact of ICSI on the embryo development potential of the inseminated oocytes. Sensitivity analysis using E-values was used to account for unknown confounders. After 1:2 propensity score matching, the general characteristics were all comparable. The good cleavage embryo rate, blastocyst utilization rate, and good blastocyst rate were significantly lower in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection group than those in the conventional in vitro fertilization group. After controlling for the confounding factors, intracytoplasmic sperm injection was significantly negatively associated with development of usable blastocysts and good blastocysts, while showed no impact on fertilized oocytes, usable cleavage embryos and good cleavage embryos. Although limited by the limited sample size, there were comparable clinical and obstetrical outcomes between conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection groups. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection neither improved the embryo development potential nor increased the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared to conventional in vitro fertilization in the studied population. Prospective studies that randomly divide the studied population in two the two groups and compare the reproductive outcomes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chunyan Shen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Rao M, Zeng Z, Zhang Q, Su C, Yang Z, Zhao S, Tang L. Thyroid Autoimmunity Is Not Associated with Embryo Quality or Pregnancy Outcomes in Euthyroid Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology in China. Thyroid 2023; 33:380-388. [PMID: 36571280 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between TAI and embryo quality in euthyroid women undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included euthyroid infertile women with and without TAI (defined as a serum thyroperoxidase concentration ≥34 IU/mL or a thyroglobulin concentration ≥115.0 IU/mL) who underwent their first complete IVF/ICSI treatment cycles at a tertiary referral center between April 2016 and February 2022. Embryo quality measurements and clinical outcomes were compared between women with (TAI positive) and without TAI (TAI negative). The high-quality cleavage embryo rate and cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) were the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 499 TAI-positive and 2945 TAI-negative women were included in this study, and their mean (standard deviation) ages were 31.6 (4.5) and 30.9 (4.4) years, respectively (p = 0.001). The overall analysis showed no significant differences between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the high-quality cleavage embryo rate (n/N: 11,139/22,553 vs. 1971/3820; adjusted rate: 52.8% vs. 53.4%, p = 0.66) and cLBR (1917/2945 vs. 327/499; 53.4% vs. 56.2%, p = 0.31). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the rates of oocyte retrieval (35,078/51,978 vs. 5853/8628; 69.1% vs. 69.4%; p = 0.65), fertilization (23,067/34,197 vs. 3902/5728; 61.1% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.34), embryo utilization (18,233/22,553 vs. 3156/3820; 80.2% vs. 80.8%, p = 0.61), blastocyst formation (7051/13,721 vs. 1192/2330; 48.5% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.97), and high-quality blastocysts (4819/13,721 vs. 799/2330; 29.9% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.73). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between TAI-negative and TAI-positive women in the clinical pregnancy rate (1524/2808 vs. 248/482; 46.7% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.40), early pregnancy loss rate (156/1524 vs. 23/248; 13.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.44), and LBR (1338/2808 vs. 218/482; 37.4% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.55) of the first transfer cycle. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TAI in women was not associated with embryo quality or the cLBR following IVF/ICSI. Future large studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Rao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhengyan Zeng
- Department of General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Cunmei Su
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zexing Yang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Medenica S, Garalejić E, Abazović D, Bukumirić Z, Paschou SA, Arsić B, Vujošević S, Međo B, Žarković M. Pregnancy outcomes and newborn characteristics in women with follicular fluid thyroid autoantibodies undergoing assisted reproduction. J Med Biochem 2023; 42:27-33. [PMID: 36819134 PMCID: PMC9920930 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-35243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies in follicular fluid (FF) of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) positive women are strongly correlated with serum levels and may have effect on the post-implantation embryo development. Literature highlights that levothyroxine (LT4) treatment may attenuate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the study was to estimate the pregnancy and newborn outcomes in women with FF thyroid autoantibodies undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods The study population included 24 women with confirmed clinical pregnancy, 8 TAI positive and 16 TAI negative women. LT4 supplementation was applied in 20.8% patients, TAI positive. Results Pregnancy outcomes were: twin pregnancy rate 41.7%, early miscarriage rate 8.3%, late miscarriage rate 4.2%, preterm birth rate 16.7%, term birth rate 70.8%, live birth rate 96.0%. There was significant difference in serum and in FF TgAbs (p< 0.001)between the groups according to TAI, while serum fT3 was lower in the group with TAI (p = 0.047). Serum P4 was higher in LT4 treated group (p = 0.005), with TAI, and newborns in this group had higher birth weight (p = 0.001) and height (p = 0.008). Maternal complications occurred in 23.8% of patients. No congenital malformations in newborns were noted. Conclusions Thyroid autoantibodies present in FF may have an effect on the post-implantation embryo development, but have no effect on further course of pregnancy. The special benefit of LT4 treatment for successful ART outcome was demonstrated for newborn anthropometric parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Medenica
- University of Montenegro, School of Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Endocrinology, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Eliana Garalejić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics "Narodni front", In Vitro Fertilisation Department, Belgrade
| | - Džihan Abazović
- Emergency Medicine Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Zoran Bukumirić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade
| | - Stavroula A. Paschou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Athens, Greece
| | - Biljana Arsić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics "Narodni front", In Vitro Fertilisation Department, Belgrade
| | - Snežana Vujošević
- University of Montenegro, School of Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Endocrinology, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Biljana Međo
- University of Belgrade, School of Medicine, Belgrade
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Mazzilli R, Medenica S, Di Tommaso AM, Fabozzi G, Zamponi V, Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Watanabe M, Faggiano A, La Vignera S, Defeudis G. The role of thyroid function in female and male infertility: a narrative review. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:15-26. [PMID: 35945393 PMCID: PMC9829629 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01883-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We herein aimed to review the new insights into the impact of impaired thyroid function on male and female fertility, spacing from spontaneous pregnancy to ART, with the objective of providing an updated narrative revision of the literature. METHODS This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to 2021 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript. RESULTS Thyroid dysfunction is frequently associated with female infertility, whereas its link with male infertility is debated. Female wise, impaired function is detrimental to obstetric and fetal outcomes both in spontaneous pregnancies and in those achieved thanks to assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Furthermore, the reference range of TSH in natural pregnancy and ART procedures has recently become a matter of debate following recent reports in this field. On the other hand, the impact of thyroid function on the male reproductive system is less clear, although a possible role is suggested via modulation of Sertoli and Leydig cells function and spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Thyroid function should be carefully monitored in both male and female, in couples seeking spontaneous pregnancy as well as ART, as treatment is generally immediate and likely to improve chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mazzilli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S Medenica
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - A M Di Tommaso
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - V Zamponi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - D Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - L Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - F M Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - M Watanabe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 328, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinico "G. Rodolico, " University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Defeudis
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Busnelli A, Beltratti C, Cirillo F, Bulfoni A, Lania A, Levi-Setti PE. Impact of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes and Ovarian Reserve Markers: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Thyroid 2022; 32:1010-1028. [PMID: 35819278 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has a high prevalence among women of reproductive age. Investigating its possible impact on ovarian function and fertility is, thus, of utmost relevance. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate the effect of TAI on both assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and ovarian reserve. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was restricted to two groups of research articles investigating the association between TAI and: (1) autologous ART outcomes (i.e., fertilization rate [FR], implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate [CPR], miscarriage rate, and live birth rate), (2) markers of ovarian reserve (i.e., anti-Müllerian hormone, basal follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, and number of oocytes retrieved). Studies including women affected by overt hypo/hyperthyroidism were excluded. Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search in PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Scopus, from database inception to May 1, 2022. Results: From a total of 432 identified publications, 22 studies were included in Group 1 and 26 studies in Group 2. The presence of TAI was associated with a higher risk of miscarriage (7606 participants, odds ratio [OR] 1.52, confidence interval [CI 1.14-2.01], p = 0.004, I2 = 53%), lower chance of embryo implantation (7118 participants, OR 0.72, [CI 0.59-0.88], p = 0.001, I2 = 36%), and live birth (11417 participants, OR 0.73, [CI 0.56-0.94], p = 0.02, I2 = 71%). These associations were no longer observed in a subgroup analysis of patients who exclusively underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The FR and CPR as well as the mean values of surrogate markers of oocyte quantity appeared not to be affected by TAI. Conclusions: This data synthesis suggest a higher risk of adverse ART outcomes in women with positive TAI. However, the reliability of these findings is hampered by the relatively low quality of the evidence and significant heterogeneity in many of the meta-analyses. The possible protective effect of ICSI is promising but should be confirmed in controlled prospective clinical trials. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42021236529.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Fertility Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Carola Beltratti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Fertility Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bulfoni
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Humanitas S. Pio X Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Lania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Fertility Center, Rozzano, Italy
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Zhou D, Deng H, Xia M, Li R, Ye H. The relationship between TSH levels and clinical pregnancy outcomes for patients who undergo in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a retrospective study. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:1301-1310. [PMID: 36072544 PMCID: PMC9442199 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid dysfunction is linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes, an upper limit of a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) threshold of 4.12-4.5 mIU/L should be considered for subclinical hypothyroidism in the infertile female population. Whereas, it's controversial whether or not the infertility thresholds for upper limit of TSH threshold of 2.5 mIU/L. In our study examines the correlation of optimal TSH levels and clinical pregnancy outcomes after fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) embryo transfer cycles. METHODS Patients who underwent fresh IVF/ICSI embryo transfer cycles for the first time who presented between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 at the Chongqing Institute of Reproductive and Genetic, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children were enrolled. We excluded patients with ≥40 years, body mass index (BMI) ≤18 or ≥28 kg/m2, the man with severe oligoasthenospermia, women with poor ovarian reserve, and presence of endocrine disorders, uterine anomaly, sactosalpinx, abnormal thyroid function, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and chromosomal abnormality or polymorphism. Baseline characteristics and clinical pregnancy outcomes were observed in our study. We detected between TSH levels and clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logical regression. RESULTS A total of 6,088 patients who undergo IVF/ICSI were included. We first detected that the live birth rate had a statistically significant difference when the TSH level was 3 mIU/L. With the TSH ≤3 mIU/L group having a higher live birth rate than the TSH >3 mIU/L group (51.79% vs. 47.89%, P=0.024), meanwhile no significant difference were revealed between the early miscarriage rate (12.54% vs. 14.97%, P=0.091) and early clinical pregnancy rate (59.21% vs. 56.32%, P=0.114). There were no differences in pregnancy outcomes when the TSH threshold was at 3.5 or 4 mIU/L and no association was detected between TSH levels and clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI by ROC curves and logical regression. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing IVF/ICSI with a serum TSH level ≤3 mIU/L may have a higher live birth rate rather than ≤2.5 or ≤4 mIU/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huali Deng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Xia
- Department of Gynaecology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruoqing Li
- Department of General Medicine, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Li N, Lu Y, Si P, Li Z, Qin Y, Jiao X. The Impact of Moderately High Preconception Thyrotropin Levels on Ovarian Reserve Among Euthyroid Infertile Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology. Thyroid 2022; 32:841-848. [PMID: 35317605 PMCID: PMC9293680 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Thyroid dysfunction is prevalent in reproductive-age women and has been identified as a risk factor for female infertility. However, it remains largely unclear whether subtle thyroid dysfunction, as estimated by moderately high thyrotropin (TSH) levels within the normal range, is associated with ovarian reserve in infertile women before assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 3501 euthyroid infertile women, including 2189 women with TSH levels ≤2.5 μIU/mL and 1312 women with high-normal TSH levels (2.51-4.20 μIU/mL). Ovarian reserve markers were compared between women with low- and high-normal TSH levels. Correlation analysis and regression models were used to estimate the association of TSH levels with ovarian reserve. In addition, the association of subtle thyroid dysfunction with ovarian reserve was further evaluated after stratification for different infertility diagnoses and statuses of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI). Results: In the total population, women with high-normal TSH levels had significantly decreased anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations (p < 0.001), a lower bilateral antral follicle count (AFC) (p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (p = 0.018) than women with low-normal TSH levels. The TSH levels showed a negative association with both AMH levels (r = -0.050, p = 0.003) and bilateral AFC (r = -0.071, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the association of high-normal TSH levels with decreased AMH and AFC was more prominent in infertile women with ovulation dysfunction (p = 0.002, p = 0.002), unexplained infertility (p = 0.020, p = 0.028), or negative TAI (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: These data suggested that subtle thyroid dysfunction was associated with DOR in infertile women before ART treatment, which will add evidence that strengthens the systematic screening of TSH levels/TAI in infertile women and will contribute to the discussion of specific TSH cutoff values in predicting ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yueshuang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Pinxin Si
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Suzhou Institute of Shandong University, Suzhou, China
- Address correspondence to: Xue Jiao, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, No.44, Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
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10
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Bucci I, Giuliani C, Di Dalmazi G, Formoso G, Napolitano G. Thyroid Autoimmunity in Female Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:768363. [PMID: 35721757 PMCID: PMC9204244 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.768363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of the female reproductive system is one of the most relevant actions of thyroid hormones. Adequate thyroid hormones production is essential for normal menstrual function and fertility as well as for the successful maintenance of pregnancy. The relationship between reproductive failure and thyroid disorders is particularly relevant and attracts attention worldwide. Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), defined by the presence of circulating antithyroid antibodies targeting thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb), is prevalent among women of reproductive age and is the most frequent cause of thyroid dysfunction. Several studies addressed the association between TAI, thyroid function, and fertility as well as pregnancy outcome after spontaneous or assisted conception. Infertility, miscarriages, and fetal-maternal complications are described in overt autoimmune hypothyroidism. More debatable is the role of mild thyroid dysfunction, mainly subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and TAI in the absence of thyroid dysfunction in infertility and reproductive outcome. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has become an integral element of care for infertility. Women with TAI undergoing ART are of particular interest since they carry a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism after the ovarian stimulation but whether TAI, in absence of thyroid dysfunction, adversely affects ART outcome is still controversial. Likewise, the role of levothyroxine (LT4) in improving fertility and the success of ART in euthyroid women with TAI is unclear. This review discusses the role of TAI, in the absence of thyroid dysfunction, in infertility and in ART outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Bucci
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ines Bucci,
| | - Cesidio Giuliani
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Dalmazi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gloria Formoso
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Napolitano
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti‐Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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11
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Tańska K, Gietka-Czernel M, Glinicki P, Kozakowski J. Thyroid autoimmunity and its negative impact on female fertility and maternal pregnancy outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1049665. [PMID: 36714589 PMCID: PMC9874701 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1049665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is commonly defined as the presence of thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs), which predisposes an individual to hypothyroidism. TAI affects nearly 10% of women of reproductive age and evokes great interest from clinicians because of its potentially negative impact on female fertility and pregnancy course. In this mini-review, we review the current literature concerning the influence of TPOAb or TPOAb/TgAb positivity without thyroid dysfunction on reproduction. TAI may negatively affect female fertility; several studies have found an increased prevalence of TAI in infertile women, especially in those with unexplained infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. According to some observations, TAI might also be connected with premature ovarian insufficiency and endometriosis. The relationship between TAI and an increased risk of pregnancy loss is well documented. The pathophysiological background of these observations remains unclear, and researchers hypothesize on the direct infiltration of reproductive organs by thyroid antibodies, co-existence of TAI with other autoimmune diseases (either organ specific or systemic), immunological dysfunction leading to inhibition of immune tolerance, and relative thyroid hormone deficiency. Interestingly, in the current literature, better outcomes of assisted reproductive technology in women with TAI have been reported compared with those reported in earlier publications. One plausible explanation is the more widespread use of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method. The results of randomized clinical trials have shown that levothyroxine supplementation is ineffective in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with TAI, and future research should probably be directed toward immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Tańska
- *Correspondence: Kamila Tańska, ; Małgorzata Gietka-Czernel,
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12
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Hasegawa Y, Kitahara Y, Osuka S, Tsukui Y, Kobayashi M, Iwase A. Effect of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity on the ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 21:e12427. [PMID: 34934402 PMCID: PMC8656199 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) are possibly associated with ovarian dysfunction. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate whether hypothyroidism and/or TAI affect the ovarian reserve and evaluated using the anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH). Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases from inception to October 2020 were searched to identify relevant studies. Studies comparing the AMH levels between the control and the affected groups were included in the data synthesis. The primary endpoint in the meta‐analysis was AMH levels compared with the controls. Main findings Nine trials were included in the analysis. The AMH levels were significantly lower in the adults with euthyroid TAI (mean difference −0.12, [95% CI: −0.18 to −0.06]). The AMH levels tended to be lower in subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism than in the control group, although the differences were not significant. The AMH levels were significantly higher in the euthyroid TAI group in the adolescents (mean difference 2.51, [95% CI 1.82 to 3.21]). Conclusion TAI and hypothyroidism may affect the ovarian reserve. The opposite effects on AMH levels depending on age suggest that TAI may be implicated in the depletion of follicles in adults following extensive activation of primordial follicles in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kitahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya Japan
| | - Yumiko Tsukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Mio Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
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13
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Thyroid Autoimmunity in Adverse Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes: Timing of Assisted Reproductive Technology in AITD Women. J Transl Int Med 2021; 9:76-83. [PMID: 34497747 PMCID: PMC8386333 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is prevalent in women of live-birthing age and has independently been associated with complications of fertility and pregnancy, in the case of spontaneous conception or after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. However, it remains challenging to identify causation between infertility and TAI, even interventional trials looking at the impact of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment on fertility and pregnancy outcomes due to differences among study results which related to small scales, impropriate study designs, enrollment criteria of infertility cause and titer/hormone concentration measurements. Furthermore, many questions remain unsettled in ART management in AITD infertile women attempt pregnancy. Therefore, further observational and interventional trials are needed more comprehensive multiple-center, double blinded, and randomized.
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14
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Nørgård BM, Catalini L, Jølving LR, Larsen MD, Friedman S, Fedder J. The Efficacy of Assisted Reproduction in Women with a Wide Spectrum of Chronic Diseases - A Review. Clin Epidemiol 2021; 13:477-500. [PMID: 34194244 PMCID: PMC8236837 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s310795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in women with underlying chronic diseases have become increasingly frequent. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the literature examining the chance of having a live born child after ART in women with chronic diseases, compared to other women receiving ART. We focused on some of the most prevalent chronic diseases in women during their reproductive years, ie ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus. Secondly, we studied the chance of successful implantation. The literature search was performed in the database Pubmed.gov. including all studies published before October 2020. Title and abstracts of 58 papers were reviewed, 37 papers were excluded and other 8 studies were excluded after full-text evaluation. Only 13 papers were eligible for review. Results indicate that women with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus type 2 might have problems with low implantation rate or early embryo development during ART. On the contrary, the few studies on women with hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus type 1, and epilepsy suggest an equivalent chance of a live birth compared to other women undergoing ART. A possible explanation behind these differences could reside in the disease-specific dysregulation of the innate or adaptive immune system. To our knowledge, this is the first review on ART in women with chronic diseases, and it has disclosed that the evidence in this area is indeed sparse. We encourage others to examine live birth after ART in women with chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laura Catalini
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Line Riis Jølving
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Due Larsen
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sonia Friedman
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Center for Crohn's and Colitis, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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15
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Hsieh YT, Ho JYP. Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with higher risk of premature ovarian insufficiency-a nationwide Health Insurance Research Database study. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1621-1629. [PMID: 33569594 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is thyroid autoimmunity associated with a higher risk of low ovarian reserve and POI? SUMMARY ANSWER Thyroid autoimmunity significantly increases the risk of POI in women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY POI is closely related with autoimmune disease, and according to some studies, thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) may account for diminished ovarian reserve. However, no large-scale cohort study has demonstrated the association between TAI and POI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A longitudinal population-based retrospective cohort study on the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was designed. Since 1 March 1995, the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme in Taiwan has included 99.9% of the 23 million population of Taiwan. Patients between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012 were eligible for recruitment, and 21 325 subjects were analysed in our study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two cohorts, Hashimoto's and Grave's disease, were composed of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease between 20 and 40 years of age. The comparison cohorts consisted of patients in the NHIRD without autoimmune thyroid disease matched by age at a ratio of 1:4 in subject numbers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The Hashimoto's disease (HD) cohort, Grave's disease (GD) cohort and two comparison cohorts were followed up until a diagnosis of amenorrhoea, menopausal syndrome, other ovarian failure or infertility due to ovarian failure had been made. Compared statistically with the non-HD cohort, patients with HD exhibited an 89% higher risk of amenorrhoea (95% CI =1.36-2.61). The HD patients exhibited a 2.40-fold higher risk of infertility due to ovarian failure than the non-HD subjects (hazard ratio (HR)=2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-5.68). In comparison with the non-GD cohort, patients with GD exhibited a 68% higher risk of amenorrhoea (95% CI = 1.43-1.98) after adjustment. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative incidence of amenorrhoea and menopausal syndrome was significantly higher in the TAI groups than in the control groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective study using ICD-9 disease code analysis to determine the statistical association between two diseases. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given that autoimmune thyroid disease is highly associated with early diminished ovarian reserve or even premature ovarian failure or POI, the options for infertility treatment may be re-directed to more efficient methods in infertile patients diagnosed with the disease. If the ovarian reserve is normal at the time of diagnosis of thyroid autoimmune disease, close follow-up of ovarian reserve may be highly recommended. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study is supported in part by Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Clinical Trial Center, Grant Number: MOHW109-TDU-B-212-114004. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jason Y P Ho
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Zhang Y, Peng J, Liu Y, Wu W, Wang X, Jia L, Guan Y. The Impact of High-Normal TSH Levels on Reproductive Outcomes in Women Undergoing ART Treatment: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2440-2451. [PMID: 33973147 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of high-normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels has been of great concern recently. However, the conclusions of different studies are inconsistent. To assess whether high-normal conditions have an impact on reproductive and obstetric outcomes in euthyroid women undergoing ART treatment, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Eligible studies published up to December 30, 2020, were searched from the PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and CNKI databases. Quality assessment of the included studies, data extraction, and synthesis were performed separately. RevMan 5.2 was used to carry out the meta-analysis. A total of 23 studies that included 25,143 patients were included. We observed similar clinical pregnancy rates (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99-1.05), miscarriage rates (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.84-1.08), live birth rates (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.09), birth weights (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.16), and gestational ages (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.16) between the high-normal TSH group and low TSH group. Subgroup analysis showed similar results. High-normal TSH levels were associated with similar clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates to those of women with low TSH levels. The results suggested that preconceptional TSH levels, regardless of potentially being affected by the controlled ovarian stimulation process, had little impact on reproductive and obstetric outcomes and should not be of great concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 45005, Henan, China
| | - Jia Peng
- Antenatal Diagnostic Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 45005, Henan, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 45005, Henan, China
| | - Xingling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 45005, Henan, China
| | - Liting Jia
- Neonatal Screening Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi, Zhengzhou, 45005, Henan, China.
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17
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Karakis LS, Kiyak H, Okmen B, Ozdemir C, Turkgeldi E. Impact of preconceptional serum thyroid stimulating hormone values ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L on live birth rates following ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination treatment for unexplained infertility. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:162. [PMID: 33874925 PMCID: PMC8056662 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01299-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrary to overt hypothyroidism, the true impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on fertility has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate whether serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L are associated with lower pregnancy rates compared to TSH levels between 0.3 and 2.5 mIU/L in women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotropins and intrauterine insemination (IUI) for unexplained infertility. METHODS Medical records of couples with unexplained infertility who underwent IUI treatment between January 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients with serum TSH levels between 0.3-2.5 mIU/L and 2.5-4.5 mIU/L were compared. Primary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures were total dose of gonadotropin administration, duration of ovulation induction and miscarriage rate. RESULTS A total of 726 euthyroid women who underwent 1465 cycles of ovulation induction with gonadotropins and IUI were included in the analyses. Patient and cycle characteristics of the two study groups were similar. No statistically significant differences could be detected in the clinical pregnancy (p = 0.74) and live birth rates (p = 0.38) between the two groups. Duration of ovulation induction, total gonadotropin dosage, number of follicles > 17 mm on the trigger day and the miscarriage rates were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION In euthyroid women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotropins and IUI for unexplained infertility, the range of preconceptional serum TSH values between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L is not associated with lower pregnancy rates when compared to TSH levels between 0.3 and 2.5 mIU/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lale Susan Karakis
- Bahceci IVF Centre, Hakkı Yeten Cad. 11/M3 Terrace Fulya, 34365, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Huseyin Kiyak
- Istanbul Health Sciences University, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Tsunemi A, Uchida T, Kuroda K, Ikemoto Y, Ochiai A, Goto H, Sugiyama R, Satoh H, Itakura A, Watada H. Effect of thyroxine treatment on pregnancy outcomes in infertile Japanese women with TSH levels between 2.5 μIU/mL and the upper reference limit: a retrospective study. Endocr J 2021; 68:171-177. [PMID: 32999139 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej20-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent randomized controlled studies have revealed that levothyroxine (LT4) treatment improves pregnancy outcomes only in infertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism who have thyroid autoantibodies (TAs), but not for those with high TSH levels within the normal range who have TAs. Here, we retrospectively investigated pregnancy outcomes in infertile Japanese women with 2.5 μIU/mL ≤ TSH < upper reference limit (URL). Between 2012 and 2018, 286 patients diagnosed with infertility were followed for more than 1 year at our institution. Among them, we included 106 patients with 2.5 μIU/mL ≤ TSH < URL. We divided these patients into four groups based on the combination of TA positivity and LT4 treatment status to assess the effects of LT4 treatment considering TA positivity on the incidence of pregnancy or miscarriage. In this study, we did not find any significant differences in the rates of pregnancy or miscarriage among the four groups (p = 0.81 and 0.52, respectively). In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age and history of miscarriage were associated with the incidence of pregnancy, but presence of TAs and LT4 treatment status were not and that no variables examined were associated with the incidence of miscarriage. In summary, we were not able to demonstrate the benefit of LT4 treatment for pregnancy outcomes in Japanese euthyroid infertile women with 2.5 μIU/mL ≤ TSH < URL regardless of TA status in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Tsunemi
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Toyoyoshi Uchida
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Keiji Kuroda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikemoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Asako Ochiai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Goto
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Satoh
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Watada
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Juntendo University Graduate School, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Inagaki Y, Takeshima K, Nishi M, Ariyasu H, Doi A, Kurimoto C, Uraki S, Morita S, Furukawa Y, Inaba H, Iwakura H, Shimokawa T, Utsunomiya T, Akamizu T. The influence of thyroid autoimmunity on pregnancy outcome in infertile women: a prospective study. Endocr J 2020; 67:859-868. [PMID: 32336697 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej19-0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) have been reported to be linked to infertility, pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology are recommended to maintain thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 2.5 μIU/mL. It is unclear, however, whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment decreases the effects of TAI on fertility and pregnancy outcome in infertile women. We therefore aimed to clarify the influence of TAI on pregnancy undergoing L-T4 treatment for hypothyroidism. Prospectively recruited to this study were the 595 infertile women who visited the Utsunomiya Ladies Clinic between January 2013 and December 2015. Five patients with Graves' disease were excluded. Clinical profiles of 590 women were as follows: proportion of SCH = 19.6%, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity = 10.4%, and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) positivity = 15.1%. Fertility was not affected by any thyroid-associated factors. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, TPOAb titers were significantly higher in women who had miscarriage than in those progressed to delivery (46.4 ± 114.1 vs. 18.9 ± 54.6 IU/mL, p = 0.039), notably in those undergoing intrauterine insemination (p = 0.046) and in vitro fertilization (p = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher age (odds ratio 26.4, p < 0.001) and higher TPOAb titer (odds ratio 11.8, p = 0.043) were risk factors for miscarriage. Higher TPOAb titer should be considered as one of the risk factors for miscarriage in infertile women, even if they have been treated with L-T4 for hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Inagaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Ken Takeshima
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nishi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Division of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ariyasu
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Asako Doi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Chiaki Kurimoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shuhei Morita
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yasushi Furukawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Inaba
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iwakura
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Toshio Shimokawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Akamizu
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Dong AC, Stephenson MD, Stagnaro-Green AS. The Need for Dynamic Clinical Guidelines: A Systematic Review of New Research Published After Release of the 2017 ATA Guidelines on Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:193. [PMID: 32318026 PMCID: PMC7154179 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The American Thyroid Association Guidelines on Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum (ATA Guidelines) were published in 2017, with an update not expected for another 5 years. Since release of the 2017 ATA Guidelines, greater than 500 articles have been published in the field. Furthermore, there are presently 14 prospective, interventional trials in progress registered at Clinicaltrials.gov Static guidelines updated every 5-7 years fail to provide timely evidence-based guidance to practicing clinicians. Consequently, guideline development should move toward the creation of dynamic documents. The present article reviews the literature published since the 2017 ATA Guidelines, both to benefit clinicians in practice and to make the case for Dynamic ATA Guidelines. Methods: Using the search terms "thyroid" and "pregnancy," a systematic review of literature published in Pubmed from 3/1/2017 to 12/31/2018 was conducted. The titles and/or abstracts of all articles were reviewed. All articles were classified by subject headings used in the 2017 ATA Guidelines. English-text articles classified under "hypothyroidism" or "thyroid autoimmunity" were examined in full-text. Using the questions and recommendations put forth by the previous ATA Guidelines, relevant articles were selected for discussion in this review. Results: At the time of the search, 659 unique articles on "thyroid and pregnancy" were identified, including 66 original studies on hypothyroidism and 26 on thyroid autoimmunity. Of these, 26 studies on hypothyroidism and 18 studies on thyroid autoimmunity were selected for inclusion in this review based on specific questions in the 2017 ATA Guidelines. Based on these 44 articles, we propose two specific changes to the 2017 ATA Guidelines. Conclusion: Based on new research, we recommend the 2017 ATA Guidelines be updated to recommend against treating thyroid antibody-negative women diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism in the second trimester or later; to reflect new, moderate-quality evidence supporting the treatment of thyroid peroxidase antibody-negative women with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels in the first trimester or earlier; and to recommend against treatment of euthyroid, thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Transitioning to a Dynamic ATA Guidelines would allow for these and future recommendations to be implemented in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan C. Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, United States
| | - Mary D. Stephenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alex Stewart Stagnaro-Green
- Department of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Alex Stewart Stagnaro-Green
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21
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Zhang Y, Wu W, Liu Y, Guan Y, Wang X, Jia L. The Impact of Preconception TSH on the Reproductive Outcomes of Infertile Women Undergoing the First Fresh D3 Embryo Transfer Cycle. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:8829138. [PMID: 33273917 PMCID: PMC7676923 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8829138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association between high-normal preconception TSH levels and reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer. METHODS This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer from January 2018 to May 2019 were initially included. The patients were divided into a low-TSH (0.27-2.5 mIU/L) group and a high-normal TSH (2.5-4.2 Miu) group. The reproductive outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS A total of 1786 women were ultimately included, in which 1008 of whom had serum TSH levels between 0.27 and 2.5 mIU/L and 778 of whom had serum TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.2 mIU/L. The patients were highly homogeneous in terms of general characteristics. High-normal TSH levels had no adverse impact on the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or live birth rate (respectively, aOR = 0.92, 1.30, and 0.88 and P = 0.416, 0.163, and 0.219). No significant differences were observed in terms of gestational age, single live birth rates, and birth weight, or birth length. CONCLUSION High-normal TSH levels did not significantly influence reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first fresh D3 embryo transfer. Further studies are needed to test whether the results might be applicable to a wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liting Jia
- Neonatal Screening Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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22
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Zhang Y, Wu W, Liu Y, Guan Y, Wang X, Jia L. High-Normal Preconception TSH Levels Have No Adverse Effects on Reproductive Outcomes in Infertile Women Undergoing the First Single Fresh D5 Blastocyst Transfer. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:1056484. [PMID: 32908501 PMCID: PMC7450336 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1056484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association between high-normal preconception TSH levels and reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer. METHODS This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer from January 2018 to May 2019 were initially included. The patients were divided into a low TSH (0.27-2.5 mIU/L) group and a high-normal TSH (2.5-4.2 mIU/L) group. The reproductive outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS A total of 824 women were ultimately included, 460 of whom had serum TSH levels less than 2.5 mIU/L and 364 of whom had serum TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.2 mIU/L. The patients were highly homogeneous in terms of general characteristics. High-normal TSH levels had no adverse impact on the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, or live birth rate (respectively, aOR = 0.84, 0.65, 0.61, and P=0.234, 0.145, 0.083). No significant differences were observed in terms of gestational age, single live birth rates, birth weight, or birth length. CONCLUSION High-normal TSH levels did not significantly influence reproductive outcomes in infertile women undergoing the first single fresh D5 blastocyst transfer. Further studies are needed to test whether the results might be applicable to a wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liting Jia
- Neonatal Screening Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Cai YY, Lin N, Zhong LP, Duan HJ, Dong YH, Wu Z, Su H. Serum and follicular fluid thyroid hormone levels and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:90. [PMID: 31699106 PMCID: PMC6839061 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective ofthis study was to assess the association between thyroid hormone (TH) levels in follicular fluid (FF) and serum and to determine whether THs impact assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. METHODS This study enrolled 299 women undergoing ART. Blood samples were drawn on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administrationand analysed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine(T4), triiodothyronine(T3),free T4 (fT4),free T3(fT3), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) levels. FF was obtained on the oocyte pick up (OPU) day and analysed forTSH, T4, T3, fT4, fT3, TPOAb, TgAb and estradiol levels. RESULTS (1) There were significant positive correlations between serum and FF TH and thyroid autoantibody levels. Statistically significant differences were discovered in serum and FF levels of TSH (p ≤ 0.001), T4 (p ≤ 0.001), T3 (p ≤ 0.001), TPOAbs (p ≤ 0.001) and TGAbs (p = 0.021). (2) Serum T4 levels [121.9(104.8,140.8) vs 114.1(98.6,130.6) nmol/l, p = 0.026], serum fT4 levels[(19.0(17.7,21.8) vs 18.6(17.0,20.1) pmol/l, p = 0.026], serum T4/T3 ratios [62.5 (55.7, 66.2) vs 59.4 (53.4, 64.9), p = 0.029], FF fT4 levels [19.0(17.5,21.3) vs 18.1(16.8,19.9) pmol/l, p = 0.009] and FF T4/T3 ratios [52.6 (46.4, 57.3) vs 50.0 (43.7, 53.1), p = 0.004] were significantly higher in the successful pregnancy group than the implantation failure group. (3) Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed positive associations of both the FF T4/T3 ratio and serum TSH levels with the numbers of retrieved oocytes (total or MII) and embryos (fertilized, cleavage, and good quality). CONCLUSIONS TH levels in FF are strongly correlated with those in serum on the HCG day, and THs on the HCG day may affect ART outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ying Cai
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Na Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Ping Zhong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Juan Duan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yun Hua Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Heng Su
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China.
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Jølving LR, Larsen MD, Fedder J, Friedman S, Nørgård BM. The chance of a live birth after assisted reproduction in women with thyroid disorders. Clin Epidemiol 2019; 11:683-694. [PMID: 31496823 PMCID: PMC6693421 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s208574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Women with thyroid disorders may have increased infertility and poor reproductive outcomes, but it is unclear if assisted reproductive technology (ART) is effective in this population. The aim of this study was to examine the chance of a pregnancy (biochemical and clinical), and a live birth after ART, in women with thyroid disorders undergoing ART treatment, compared to women without thyroid disorders. Among live-born children, we assessed the risk of congenital malformations. Patients and methods In a nationwide cohort study of all women undergoing ART treatments in Denmark from 1 January 1994 throughout June 2017, we calculated the chance of a pregnancy and a live birth after embryo transfer. Women with thyroid disorders were stratified into two groups: those diagnosed with hypothyroid or hyperthyroid disorders. The adjusted OR (aOR) of a biochemical and a clinical pregnancy, a live born child and a congenital malformation was computed using multilevel logistic regression models. Results In total, 199,674 embryo transfers were included in 2,101 women with thyroid disorders and in 65,526 women without thyroid disorders. The chance of a biochemical pregnancy was significantly reduced in women with hyperthyroidism (aOR=0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.93), and the aOR of a live birth was 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.98. The aOR for a live birth in women with hypothyroidism was 1.03 (95% CI 0.94–1.12). Children of women with hypothyroidism, who were conceived after ART treatment, had a significantly increased risk of any congenital malformation (aOR=1.46 [95% CI 1.07–2.00]). Conclusion Women with hyperthyroidism receiving ART treatment had a decreased chance of a live birth per embryo transfer compared to women without thyroid disorders. Women with hypothyroidism did not have a decreased chance of a live birth but their offspring had an increased risk of congenital malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Riis Jølving
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Due Larsen
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sonia Friedman
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Crohn's and Colitis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bente Mertz Nørgård
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Crohn's and Colitis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Pekcan MK, Ozgu-Erdinc AS, Yilmaz N. Impact of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity on clinical pregnancy rate after intrauterine insemination in euthyroid women. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:137-142. [PMID: 30951274 PMCID: PMC6501743 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between subclinical
hypothyroidism and thyroid autoantibodies with clinical pregnancy rate after
intrauterine insemination (IUI) in euthyroid women. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 497 women who underwent IUI
treatment. We assessed thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies and
clinical pregnancy rates of the patients. Results: The patients were divided into two groups according to TSH values: normal
group, n=387, and subclinical hypothyroidism group 2, n=110. The clinical
pregnancy rate was 15.2% in the Control Group and 17.3% in the study group
(p=0.656). In the Study Group, 35% of the patients had
anti-TPO positivity (p=0.531) and 42.1% of the patients had
anti-TG positivity (p=0.285). There was no statistically
significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the groups in
terms of antithyroid antibody positivity (p=0.54;
p=0.559, respectively). Conclusion: Anti-TPO antibodies and subclinical hypothyroidism had no impact on clinical
pregnancy rates in the women submitted to IUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Kuru Pekcan
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Health Practice Research Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - A Seval Ozgu-Erdinc
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Health Practice Research Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nafiye Yilmaz
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Health Practice Research Center, Ankara, Turkey
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Repelaer van Driel-Delprat CC, van Dam EWCM, van de Ven PM, Homsma S, van der Kooij L, Vis E, Peeters RP, Schats R, Lambalk CB. Live birth rate after intrauterine insemination is not different between women with lower quartile versus higher quartile normal range thyroid stimulating hormone levels. Hum Reprod Open 2019; 2019:hoz002. [PMID: 30895267 PMCID: PMC6396641 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does lower quartile normal range thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) compared to higher quartile normal range in women without thyroid hormone substitution affect live birth rate after a complete IUI treatment series? SUMMARY ANSWER Lower quartile normal range TSH, in women without thyroid hormone substitution, does not affect live birth rate after a complete intrauterine insemination treatment series compared to higher quartile normal range TSH. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY TSH is historically seen as the most sensitive test for thyroid function. Its distribution is right-skewed. Whether the preconceptional upper reference TSH values in subfertile women should be 2.5 or 4.5 mIU/L is under debate. Studies have shown that IUI patients treated with levothyroxine for TSH levels above 2.5 mIU/L show higher pregnancy rates. However, no adverse outcome is associated with untreated high normal TSH levels studied in first IUI cycles. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies have also impaired outcomes in some studies whereas others have shown an effect only in combination with high normal TSH levels. As a subgroup, patients with unexplained infertility showed increased levels of TSH. This article adds to the value of TSH evaluation and fertility outcome in four quartiles and in the context of a completed IUI treatment modus of a maximum of six inseminations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a retrospective cohort study in 909 women undergoing 3588 IUI cycles starting treatment between the first of January 2008 and the first of March 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged 22–45 years with TSH 0.3–4.5 mIU/L without thyroid hormone substitution were included at Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, an Iodine-sufficient area. The primary endpoint was live birth. Clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss and ongoing pregnancy were secondary endpoints. Logistic regression was used with the natural logarithm of TSH as a continuous predictor. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to compare groups of patients based on TSH values in four quartile TSH groups (0.3–1.21 mIU/L; 1.22–1.75 mIU/L; 1.76–2.34 mIU/L; 2.35–4.5 mIU/L) on basic characteristics and on the endpoints while adjusting for confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Analysis with the natural logarithm of TSH as a continuous variable showed no association with live birth, pregnancy chance or pregnancy loss. There were no differences in any of the outcomes across the quartile TSH level ranges after regression analysis before and after adjusting for age, BMI, use of alcohol, tobacco, use or gonadotrophins, sperm count, diminished ovarian reserve, unexplained infertility and primary or secondary subfertility. The distribution of primary and secondary subfertility and smoking characteristics were remarkably different across the four groups, with proportionally the lowest prevalence of primary subfertility and the highest rate of smoking in the lowest TSH group (0.3–1.20 mIU/L). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Unknown values of free thyroxine and thyroid peroxidase antibodies, as well as the retrospective character of the study, limit the clinical interpretability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS TSH in the highest quartile range (2.35–4.5 mIU/L) in subfertile women preceding IUI is not associated with a lower live birth rate or rate of clinical and ongoing pregnancy, or with loss of pregnancies, compared to subfertile women with TSH in the lower three quartile groups after complete intrauterine insemination treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(s) The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, division of Reproductive Medicine, and of Internal Medicine, division of Endocrinology provided support. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Repelaer van Driel-Delprat
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - E W C M van Dam
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - P M van de Ven
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - S Homsma
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - L van der Kooij
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - E Vis
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - R P Peeters
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam CA, The Netherlands
| | - R Schats
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
| | - C B Lambalk
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam MB, The Netherlands
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Zhang Y, Wu W, Liu Y, Wang X, Jia L. The Impact of Preconceptional Serum TSH Levels between 2.5 and 4.0 mIU/L on Infertile Women Going through Their First IUI Treatment Cycle. Int J Endocrinol 2019; 2019:8492904. [PMID: 31933640 PMCID: PMC6942814 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8492904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of preconceptional serum TSH levels on the clinical outcomes of infertile patients undergoing their first IUI treatment cycle. METHOD This was a retrospective study. Euthyroid patients undergoing the first cycle of IUI treatment from Jan 2017 to Aug 2018 were included. The patients were divided into a normal high TSH level (2.5-4.0 mIU/L) group and a low TSH level (0.4-2.5 mIU/L) group. Then, different factors were included separately to compare the outcomes between normal high and low TSH levels. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and miscarriage rates. The secondary outcomes were obstetric outcomes such as single live birth rates, birth length, birth weight, and duration of gestation. RESULTS Initially, 1856 patients were included, and 371 patients were excluded for different reasons. A total of 1485 patients were finally included in the analysis. The general parameters between normal high and low TSH levels were similar except for infertile duration and female BMI, which were, however, significantly different between AID-IUI patients and AIH-IUI patients (P=0.005 and P=0016). No significant differences were found in terms of either primary outcomes or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION Normal high-serum TSH levels within the reference range (0.4-4.0 mIU/L) measured before treatment seemed to have no adverse impact on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing their first IUI treatment cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingling Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liting Jia
- Neonatal Screening Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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28
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Safarian GK, Gzgzyan AM, Dzhemlikhanova Lyailya K, Niauri Dariko A. Does subclinical hypothyroidism and/or thyroid autoimmunity influence the IVF/ICSI outcome? Review of the literature. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:56-59. [PMID: 31532314 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1653564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
While overt hypothyroidism is a well-known risk factor for infertility, the association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) or thyroid autoimmunity and reproductive failure has been still not elucidated. In this literature review, the current data on the effect of SCH and/or thyroid autoimmunity and human reproduction is presented. The main ART outcome measures are as follows: number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, embryo quality, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. Current guidelines on the management of women with SCH and/or thyroid autoimmunity undergoing ART cycles will be presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Mkrtichevich Gzgzyan
- St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
- The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Named after D.O. Ott , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Kharryasovna Dzhemlikhanova Lyailya
- St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
- The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Named after D.O. Ott , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Alexandrovna Niauri Dariko
- St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
- The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Named after D.O. Ott , St. Petersburg , Russia
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29
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Zhao T, Chen BM, Zhao XM, Shan ZY. Meta-analysis of ART outcomes in women with different preconception TSH levels. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:111. [PMID: 30396353 PMCID: PMC6219175 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess whether elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels before conception can predict poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS Prior to July 2018, we searched the PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Google Scholar, and CNKI databases for studies. Retrospective or prospective reports that compared ART results in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with normal thyroid function were selected. Two reviewers separately reviewed each potential article for qualification, analyzed the quality of the studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and extracted the data. The PRISMA guidelines were adopted. RESULTS We selected a total of 18 publications that included 14,846 participants for this meta-analysis. When the TSH cut-off value for SCH was set at 2.5 mIU/L, no significant differences were observed in ART-related outcomes between SCH patients and normal women. The evaluated outcomes included the live birth rate (LBR) (OR: 0.93; 95% CI (0.77,1.12), P = 0.43), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (OR:1.02; 95% CI (0.90,1.17); P = 0.74), pregnancy rate (PR) (OR: 1.00; 95% CI (0.89,1.12); P = 0.99), and miscarriage rate (MR) (OR:1.24; 95% CI (0.85, 1.80); P = 0.26). Furthermore, when a higher TSH level was used as the cut-off value to diagnose SCH (i.e., 3.5-5 mIU/L), a significant difference was found in the MR (OR: 1.91; 95% CI (1.09, 3.35); P = 0.02) between the two groups of ART-treated women. However, when a broader cut-off value was used to define SCH, no significant differences were observed in the LBR (OR: 0.72; 95% CI (0.47,1.11); P = 0.14), CPR (OR: 0.82; 95% CI (0.66,1.00); P = 0.052), or PR (OR: 1.07; 95% CI (0.72,1.60); P = 0.74) between the two groups of ART-treated women. CONCLUSION No difference was observed in ART outcomes when a TSH cut-off value of 2.5 mIU/L was used. However, when a broader TSH cut-off value was used, preconception SCH resulted in a higher miscarriage rate than in normal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - B M Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X M Zhao
- Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Z Y Shan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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30
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Korevaar TI, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Messerlian C, de Poortere RA, Williams PL, Broeren MA, Hauser R, Souter IC. Association of Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity with Ovarian Reserve in Women Seeking Infertility Care. Thyroid 2018; 28:1349-1358. [PMID: 29943679 PMCID: PMC6157366 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While overt thyroid disease is a well known risk factor for infertility, the potential consequences of mild thyroid dysfunction or thyroid autoimmunity remain unknown. Experimental studies suggest a considerable role for thyroid hormone in the physiological mechanisms of ovarian reserve, but translation of such findings to human studies remains rare. A potential role for thyroid function in female reproduction could be especially relevant when the cause of infertility remains unknown, such as in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or unexplained infertility. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of thyroid function and autoimmunity with markers of ovarian reserve day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations and antral follicle count (AFC), and to investigate whether thyroid function or autoimmunity may have different effects in women with DOR or unexplained infertility. METHODS Thyrotropin, free thyroxine, thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (fT3), triiodothyronine, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs), and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs), as well as AFC and the day 3 FSH concentration, were measured among women seeking fertility treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. Multiple linear or mixed regression models were used to study the association of thyroid function or autoimmunity with AFC or day 3 FSH. RESULTS In the total study population (436 women, 530 AFC measurements), there was no association of thyroid function or TPOAb positivity with AFC. However, TgAb positivity was associated with a higher AFC (mean difference = 3.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-5.1], p < 0.001). In women with DOR or unexplained infertility, lower fT3 and TPOAb positivity were associated with a lower AFC (fT3: continuous nonlinear association, p = 0.009; TPOAb positivity: -2.3 follicles [confidence interval -3.8 to -0.5], p = 0.01), while TgAb positivity was not associated with AFC. Neither thyroid function nor thyroid antibody positivity was associated with the day 3 FSH concentration. CONCLUSIONS This study found that lower fT3 and TPOAb positivity are associated with a lower AFC in women with DOR or unexplained infertility. Future studies are required to replicate these findings and further elucidate the role of TgAbs and underlying mechanisms through which thyroid function and autoimmunity is associated with ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim I.M. Korevaar
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Address correspondence to:Tim I.M. Korevaar, MD, PhDDepartment of Environmental HealthHarvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health677 Huntington AvenueBoston, MA 02115
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ralph A. de Poortere
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maarten A. Broeren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Irene C. Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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31
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Seungdamrong A, Steiner AZ, Gracia CR, Legro RS, Diamond MP, Coutifaris C, Schlaff WD, Casson P, Christman GM, Robinson RD, Huang H, Alvero R, Hansen KR, Jin S, Eisenberg E, Zhang H, Santoro N. Preconceptional antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, but not thyroid-stimulating hormone, are associated with decreased live birth rates in infertile women. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:S0015-0282(17)31748-X. [PMID: 29102040 PMCID: PMC8129952 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether preconceptual thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies are associated with poor reproductive outcomes in infertile women. DESIGN Secondary analysis of data from two multicenter, randomized, controlled trials conducted by the Reproductive Medicine Network of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between preconceptual TSH levels and anti-TPO antibodies. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Serum samples from 1,468 infertile women were utilized. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cumulative conception, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates were calculated. RESULT(S) Conception, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates did not differ between patients with TSH ≥2.5 mIU/L vs. TSH < 2.5 mIU/L. Women with anti-TPO antibodies had similar conception rates (33.3% vs. 36.3%) but higher miscarriage rates (43.9% vs. 25.3%) and lower live birth rates (17.1% vs. 25.4%) than those without anti-TPO antibodies. Adjusted, multivariable logistic regression models confirmed elevated odds of miscarriage (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.12-4.22) and lower odds of live birth (oddr ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.96) in patients with anti-TPO antibodies. CONCLUSION(S) In infertile women, preconceptional TSH ≥2.5 mIU/L is not associated with adverse reproductive outcomes; however, anti-TPO antibodies are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and decreased probability of live birth. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PPCOS II NCT00719186; AMIGOS NCT01044862.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Seungdamrong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; Damien Fertility Partners, Shrewsbury, New Jersey
| | - Anne Z Steiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clarisa R Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Richard S Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - William D Schlaff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Peter Casson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Gregory M Christman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Randal D Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Karl R Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Susan Jin
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Esther Eisenberg
- Fertility and Infertility Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Heping Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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