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Chen X, Hong L, Mo M, Xiao S, Yin T, Liu S. Contributing factors for pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS after their first FET treatment: a retrospective cohort study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2314607. [PMID: 38349325 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2314607] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the contributing factors of clinical pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 574 PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment at a private fertility center from January 2018 to December 2021. RESULTS During the first FET cycle of PCOS patients, progesterone levels (aOR 0.109, 95% CI 0.018-0.670) and endometrial thickness (EMT) (aOR 1.126, 95% CI 1.043-1.419) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the clinical pregnancy rate. Similarly, progesterone levels (aOR 0.055, 95% CI 0.007-0.420) and EMT (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the live birth rate. In addition, AFC (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) was found to be a risk factor for preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS In women with PCOS undergoing their first FET, lower progesterone levels and higher EMT on hCG trigger day were associated with clinical pregnancy and live birth, and AFC was a risk factor for preterm delivery. During FET treatment, paying attention to the patient's endocrine indicators and follicle status may have a positive effect on predicting and improving the pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meilan Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Sun Y, Zhu A. Effect of body mass index on progesterone level on trigger day in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2364892. [PMID: 38946240 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2364892] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on progesterone (P) level on trigger day in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) cycles. METHODS This study was a retrospective cohort study. From October 2017 to April 2022, 412 in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients who were treated with GnRH-ant protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in the reproductive center of our hospital were selected as the research objects. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI level: normal weight group (n = 230):18.5 kg/m2≤BMI < 24 kg/m2; overweight group (n = 122): 24 kg/m2≤BMI < 28 kg/m2; Obesity group (n = 60): BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2. Variables with p < .10 in univariate analysis (BMI, basal FSH, basal P, FSH days, Gn starting dose and E2 level on trigger day) and variables that may affect P level on trigger day (infertility factors, basal LH, total FSH, HMG days and total HMG) were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the effect of BMI on P level on trigger day of GnRH-ant protocol. RESULTS After adjustment for confounding factors, compared with that in normal weight patients, the risk of serum P elevation on trigger day was significantly lower in overweight and obese patients (OR = 0.434 and 0.199, respectively, p < .05). CONCLUSION The risk of P elevation on trigger day in GnRH-ant cycles decreased with the increase of BMI, and BMI could be used as one of the predictors of P level on trigger day in GnRH-ant cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yuncheng Central Hospital affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Yuncheng, China
| | - Aizhen Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yuncheng Central Hospital affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Yuncheng, China
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De Rijdt S, Illingworth K, De Munck N, Tournaye H, Mackens S, De Vos M, Blockeel C. Early versus late follicular phase ovarian stimulation: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103889. [PMID: 38763121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is late follicular phase stimulation as efficient as early follicular phase stimulation in a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol in oocyte donors in terms of the number of oocytes. DESIGN In this open label, phase 3, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial using a two-arm design with a 1:1 allocation ratio, 84 oocyte donors were allocated to the early follicular start group (control group, n = 41) or the late follicular start group (study group, n = 43). In the control group, women followed a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol with recombinant FSH (r-FSH) 225 IU. In the study group, r-FSH 225 IU was initiated in the late follicular phase. The primary outcome was the number of oocytes. The secondary outcomes were the number of mature oocytes, consumption of gonadotrophins and GnRH antagonist, and cost of medication. RESULTS The number of oocytes did not differ between the control group and the study group (intent-to-treat analysis 15.5 ± 11.0 versus 14.0 ± 10.7, P = 0.52; per-protocol analysis 18.2 ± 9.7 versus 18.8 ± 7.8, P = 0.62). In addition, the number of mature oocytes did not differ between the groups (14.1 ± 8.1 versus 12.7 ± 8.5, P = 0.48). The duration of stimulation was shorter in the control group (10.0 ± 1.4 versus 10.9 ± 1.5 days, P = 0.01). The total amount of r-FSH used was lower in the control group (2240.7 ± 313.9 IU versus 2453.9 ± 330.1 IU, P = 0.008). A GnRH antagonist was used for approximately 6 days in the control group, while a GnRH antagonist was only prescribed for one woman in the study group (6.0 ± 1.4 days versus 0.13±0.7 days, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the cost of medication per cycle between the groups (1147.9 ± 182.8€ in control group versus 979.9 ± 129.0€ in study group, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Late follicular phase stimulation is as efficient as early follicular phase stimulation in terms of the number of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie De Rijdt
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Kim Illingworth
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Neelke De Munck
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Shari Mackens
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Jette, Belgium.
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Liu L, Liang H, Yang J, Shen F, Chen J, Ao L. Clinical data-based modeling of IVF live birth outcome and its application. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:76. [PMID: 38978032 PMCID: PMC11229224 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low live birth rate and difficult decision-making of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment regimen bring great trouble to patients and clinicians. Based on the retrospective clinical data of patients undergoing the IVF cycle, this study aims to establish classification models for predicting live birth outcome (LBO) with machine learning methods. METHODS The historical data of a total of 1405 patients undergoing IVF cycle were first collected and then analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. The statistically significant factors were identified and taken as input to build the artificial neural network (ANN) model and supporting vector machine (SVM) model for predicting the LBO. By comparing the model performance, the one with better results was selected as the final prediction model and applied in real clinical applications. RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analysis shows that 7 factors were closely related to the LBO (with P < 0.05): Age, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) treatment regimen, Gn starting dose, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day, Progesterone (P) value on HCG day, and embryo transfer strategy. By taking the 7 factors as input, the ANN-based and SVM-based LBO models were established, yielding good prediction performance. Compared with the ANN model, the SVM model performs much better and was selected as the final model for the LBO prediction. In real clinical applications, the proposed ANN-based LBO model can predict the LBO with good performance and recommend the embryo transfer strategy of potential good LBO. CONCLUSIONS The proposed model involving all essential IVF treatment factors can accurately predict LBO. It can provide objective and scientific assistance to clinicians for customizing the IVF treatment strategy like the embryo transfer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fujin Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jiao Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liangfei Ao
- Wuhan Jinxin Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Shen L, Zeng H, Fu Y, Ma W, Guo X, Luo G, Hua R, Wang X, Shi X, Wu B, Luo C, Quan S. Specific plasma microRNA profiles could be potential non-invasive biomarkers for biochemical pregnancy loss following embryo transfer. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:351. [PMID: 38720272 PMCID: PMC11080217 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma microRNAs act as biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing diseases. Reliable non-invasive biomarkers for biochemical pregnancy loss have not been established. We aim to analyze the dynamic microRNA profiles during the peri-implantation period and investigate if plasma microRNAs could be non-invasive biomarkers predicting BPL. METHODS In this study, we collected plasma samples from patients undergoing embryo transfer (ET) on ET day (ET0), 11 days after ET (ET11), and 14 days after ET (ET14). Patients were divided into the NP (negative pregnancy), BPL (biochemical pregnancy loss), and CP (clinical pregnancy) groups according to serum hCG levels at day11~14 and ultrasound at day28~35 following ET. MicroRNA profiles at different time-points were detected by miRNA-sequencing. We analyzed plasma microRNA signatures for BPL at the peri-implantation stage, we characterized the dynamic microRNA changes during the implantation period, constructed a microRNA co-expression network, and established predictive models for BPL. Finally, the sequencing results were confirmed by Taqman RT-qPCR. RESULTS BPL patients have distinct plasma microRNA profiles compared to CP patients at multiple time-points during the peri-implantation period. Machine learning models revealed that plasma microRNAs could predict BPL. RT-qPCR confirmed that miR-181a-2-3p, miR-9-5p, miR-150-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-98-5p, miR-363-3p were significantly differentially expressed between patients with different reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the non-invasive value of plasma microRNAs in predicting BPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Shen
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenmin Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Guoqun Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Foshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Rui Hua
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaocong Wang
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Biao Wu
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Song Quan
- Reproductive Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Wei Y, Luan T, Shen J, Zhang J, Zhang J, Su Y, Ling X, Li X, Zhao C. LH on GnRH-ant day to basal LH affects the IVF/ICSI outcome of PCOS women undergoing GnRH-antagonist protocol. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:624-632. [PMID: 37724009 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15131] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ratio of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) on gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) day to basal LH (hLH/bLH) on in-vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcome in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women who received GnRH-ant protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). METHODS This retrospective study was conducted in women with PCOS (n = 1116) who underwent the GnRH-ant protocol for COH between 2015 and 2022 and were stratified as group A (hLH/bLH < 1, n = 489) and group B (hLH/bLH ≥ 1, n = 627) according to the variation of serum LH. The outcomes of COH and the first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle were compared between group A, B and the linear relationship between hLH/bLH ratio and IVF/ICSI outcomes were studied by multivariate linear regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models. RESULTS There were significant differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes between group A and B. Group A had higher levels of bLH, AMH, estradiol (E2) on GnRH-ant start day and lower levels of LH on GnRH-ant start day. Group B has better ovulation induction outcomes: more retrieved oocytes, normally fertilized oocytes (2PN), cleavage embryos, available embryos and high-quality blastocysts. Multivariate linear regression analysis found no statistically significant connection between hLH/bLH and clinical outcomes. RCS models showed hLH/bLH had nonlinear association with outcomes, including number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN, available embryos, incidence of OHSS, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, abortion and live birth. CONCLUSIONS hLH/bLH ratio could be a more forward-looking indicator of clinical outcome in women with PCOS undergoing GnRH-ant protocols than LH on trigger day and the ratio of LH level on trigger day to basal LH. hLH/bLH = 1 may be the best condition for higher live birth rate and lower OHSS rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Shen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Pitner I, Mikuš M, Šprem Goldštajn M, Laganà AS, Chiantera V, Ferrari F, Shah M, D'Alterio MN, Vitale SG, Angioni S. Effects of different progesterone levels on reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies: from molecular basis to treatment strategies. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2190806. [PMID: 36963420 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2190806] [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: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this narrative review is to offer an overview about the role of progesterone levels on pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). METHODS A detailed computerized search of the literature was performed in the main electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science) to determine the importance of elevated progesterone levels at different stages of the cycle for pregnancy rates in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Our review also provides information on the differences between elevated progesterone levels and their interpretation in normal and in poorly responding women. RESULTS After careful evaluation, our search strategy yielded a total of 15 included articles, showing the possible factors that may have had an impact on the increased progesterone level before human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection and the different thresholds above which the pregnancy rate was lower. Furthermore, increased progesterone on cycle day 2 or 3 could serve as a marker for increased progesterone in the late follicular phase, which is associated with a lower pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Despite the literature data that support the negative effect of elevated progesterone on fresh cycles, due to lack of randomized controlled trials, the value of measuring progesterone in daily practice is questionable. Available evidence supports the detrimental effect of elevated progesterone in different subgroups of women, although there is still the need for defining different thresholds and durations of high progesterone exposure. The need for various thresholds for different cohorts of women, the inter-assay variability is making this decision harder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Pitner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mislav Mikuš
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Šprem Goldštajn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Federico Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mohsin Shah
- Department of Physiology, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Maurizio Nicola D'Alterio
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Ali KIA, Lawrenz B, Shanker U, Ruiz F, El-Damen A, ElKhatib I, Fatemi H, De Munck N. The Ratio of Serum Progesterone (P4) to the Number of Follicles (P4/follicle) is a More Objective Parameter for Euploidy Rate as Compared to Systemic Progesterone Levels. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3046-3054. [PMID: 37191816 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01258-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Does the late follicular phase progesterone (P4) and the P4-to-follicle-ratio affect the ploidy state of the biopsied embryos? A retrospective observational study conducted at ART Fertility Clinics Abu Dhabi and Muscat, including all stimulation cycles performed between January 2015 and December 2019. In total, 975 cycles were considered for this study. Inclusion criteria were ovarian stimulation due to primary/secondary infertility, patient's age between 18 and 45 years, ICSI as fertilization method, and patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Patients with testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and warmed oocytes were excluded. Our results have shown that progesterone had no effect on the euploid rate (p = 0.371). However, when adding the ratio of P4 to the number of follicles that were bigger than 10 mm in the last scan, a negative effect on the euploid rate (p < 0.05) was observed. This study was able to show that the use of only P4 is unable to predict ploidy outcomes. However, by including the number of follicles > 10 mm, a clear association was observed between P4/Foll ratio and euploid rate per cycle. The use of both parameters could aid clinicians in their decision to trigger a patient or continue stimulation. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm those results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Ibrahim Abu Ali
- ART fertility clinics, IVF Department, Muscat, Oman.
- American Hospital with Livio, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Barbara Lawrenz
- Obstetrical Department, Women's University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- ART fertility Clinics, IVF Department, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Upma Shanker
- ART fertility clinics, IVF Department, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Ahmed El-Damen
- ART fertility Clinics, IVF Department, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim ElKhatib
- ART fertility Clinics, IVF Department, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Human Fatemi
- ART fertility Clinics, IVF Department, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Neelke De Munck
- ART fertility Clinics, IVF Department, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Brussels IVF, UZ, Brussel, Belgium
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Pai AHY, Sung YJ, Li CJ, Lin CY, Chang CL. Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) protocol yields lower euploidy rate in older patients undergoing IVF. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:72. [PMID: 37550681 PMCID: PMC10408156 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore if exogenous progestin required for progestin primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol compromises the euploidy rate of patients who underwent preimplantation genetic testing cycles when compared to those who received the conventional gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed 128 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles performed from January 2018 to December 2021 in a single university hospital-affiliated fertility center. Infertile women aged 27 to 45 years old requiring PGT-A underwent either PPOS protocol or GnRH-antagonist protocol with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertilization. Frozen embryo transfers were performed following each PGT-A cycle. Data regarding the two groups were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS Patients who underwent PPOS treatment had significantly reduced blastocyst formation rate and euploidy rate compared to those who received the GnRH antagonist protocol. Subgroup-analysis was performed by stratifying patients' age into elder and young subgroups (elder: ≥ 38-year-old, young: < 38-year-old). In the elder sub-population, the blastocyst formation rate of the PPOS group was significantly lower than that of the GnRH-antagonist group (45.8 ± 6.1% vs. 59.9 ± 3.8%, p = 0.036). Moreover, the euploidy rate of the PPOS group was only about 20% of that of the GnRH-antagonist group (5.4% and 26.7%, p = 0.006). In contrast, no significant differences in blastocyst formation rate (63.5 ± 5.7% vs. 67.1 ± 3.2%, p = 0.45) or euploidy rate (30.1% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.221) were observed in the young sub-population. Secondary outcomes, which included implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate, were comparable between the two treatment groups, regardless of age. CONCLUSION When compared to the conventional GnRH-antagonist approach, PPOS protocol could potentially reduce the euploidy rate in aging IVF patients. However, due to the retrospective nature of this study, the results are to be interpreted with caution. Before the PPOS protocol is widely implemented, further studies exploring its efficacy in larger populations are needed to define the optimal patient selection suitable for this method. TRIAL REGISTRATION Human Investigation and Ethical Committee of Chang Gung Medical Foundation (202200194B0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Hsin-Yu Pai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen Ju Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chieh- Yu Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, 5 Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Liu L, Zhou H, Hu J, Sun X, Liu D, Huang G. Association between duration of progesterone supplementation and clinical outcomes in artificial frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1193826. [PMID: 37576967 PMCID: PMC10415160 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1193826] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The administration of progesterone before transfer in hormone replacement treatment (HRT) is crucial for the clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), but the optimal duration of progesterone remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the duration of progesterone administration on the clinical outcomes of FET cycles. Methods This prospective cohort study included 353 artificial FET cycles conducted at a reproductive medicine center between April and October 2021. The FET cycles were stratified into four groups based on the duration of progesterone supplementation before the procedure and the embryonic development stage: group P3 (73 patients) received intramuscular progesterone for 3 days and group P4 (87 patients) for 4 days before Day 3 frozen embryo transfer, group P5 (70 patients) for 5 days and group P6 (123 patients) for 6 days before frozen blastocyst transfer. This trial was performed using one or two vitrified embryo(s) when the endometrial thickness reached 7 mm after estrogen supplementation in an artificial cycle. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy, and secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy, implantation, early pregnancy loss, and live births. Results There were no significant differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups. No significant difference was observed in the clinical pregnancy rates between groups: 23/73 (31.5%) in group P3 vs 28/87 (32.2%) in group P4 (P = 0.927). Compared to group P5 (41/70, 58.6%), the clinical pregnancy rate was not significantly different in group P6 (77/123, 62.6%, P = 0.753). There was no significant difference in the implantation rates between groups: 33/136 (24.3%) in group P3 vs 34/166 (20.5%) in group P4 (P = 0.431), and 62/133 (46.6%) in group P5 vs 107/231 (46.3%) in group P6 (P = 0.956). The duration of progesterone supplementation (mean: 3.5 ± 0.5 days; range:3-4 days) before Day 3 frozen embryo transfer did not impact clinical pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 1.048; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.518-2.119). The duration of progesterone administration (mean: 5.6 ± 0.5 days; range:5-6 days) before frozen blastocyst transfer may not affect clinical pregnancy (OR 1.339; 95% CI, 0.717-2.497). Conclusion There may be no significant correlation between the duration of progesterone supplementation and pregnancy outcomes in artificial FET cycles, although the clinical pregnancy rate was higher when progesterone supplementation was extended for one day before FET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Doudou Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guiying Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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11
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Yadav A, Noor N, Mahey R, Singh N, Dwarakanathan V, Malhotra N. Serum progesterone on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger as a predictor of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome - a retrospective analysis of seven years. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:156-162. [PMID: 35916460 PMCID: PMC10279434 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between progesterone (P4) levels on the day of hCG trigger and IVF outcomes. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of IVF cycles from January-2013 to December-2019 from a single center. Women (21-39 years) submitted to IVF treatment for various infertility factors were included, while donor oocyte cycles and cancelled cycles were excluded from the study. The primary outcome measure was live birth rate. RESULTS A total of 2149 cycles were analyzed. Of these, 223 (10.38%) were in the low P4 group (<0.5 ng/ml), 1163 (54.12%) in the normal P4 group (0.5-1.5 ng/ml), and 763 (35.50%) in the high P4 group (>1.5ng/ml). The groups were comparable with respect to age, factor of infertility and baseline AMH. The antagonist protocol was significantly more prescribed to the high P4 group (p<0.001). Live birth rates were 14.4%, 21.6%, and 21% (p<0.001), respectively, in three groups. Univariate analysis found that total cetrotide dose, total number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, total number of embryos formed, transferred, and vitrified, and P4 on the day of hCG (p<0.001) were statistically significant after adjusting for age and BMI. In multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for age and BMI, only high P4 (aOR:0.60; p<0.001), total cetrotide dose (aOR: 0.82; p<0.001), and total utilizable embryos (aOR:1.11; p=0.029) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Having an elevated serum progesterone level on the day of hCG trigger was associated with lower pregnancy rates, but this is still not a robust marker to predict live births. More good quality evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Yadav
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nilofar Noor
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Reeta Mahey
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neeta Singh
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Neena Malhotra
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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12
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Petrone P, Vaiarelli A, Blockeel C. Double stimulation for the management of poor-prognosis patients: where are we going? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:246-253. [PMID: 36912335 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The technical improvements in IVF allowed the implementation of nonconventional ovarian stimulation protocols for some specific patients. Where time is crucial, such as with oncologic patients, poor-prognosis patients, patients with low ovarian reserve, and those with advanced maternal age, access to IVF treatment is even more critical. Some of these protocols might start in the late follicular phase, luteal phase, or involve both stimulations within the same ovarian cycle. RECENT FINDINGS Until now, published evidence showed that oocytes retrieved from unconventional protocol seem to be developmentally, genetically, and reproductively competent. Second stimulation in the same ovarian cycle after the conventional approach may represent a sound alternative to oocyte accumulation. This can be proposed in progress after careful counselling focused on the patients' chances of finding at least one euploid embryo on account of their age and of the number of blastocysts obtained after the conventional approach. SUMMARY The adoption of these new strategies, known as double stimulation protocol, can be conceived as a real full-personalization of ovarian stimulation. Multicentre prospective RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy, efficiency, and costs of double stimulation versus two consecutive conventional approaches with standard or mild stimulation and in a different IVF setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Petrone
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecologic Unit, University of Rome 'TorVergata'
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Huang LJ, Wan Q, Li T, Lv XY, Geng LH, He QQ, Zhong ZH, Li Y, Tang XJ. Effect of serum progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day / metaphase II oocyte ratio on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing ICSI cycle. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:224. [PMID: 37016365 PMCID: PMC10071741 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serum progesterone on human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day / metaphase II oocyte (P/MII) ratio might be a more predictable indicator of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes as compare to P/estradiol (E2) or P alone. Hence, we conducted a larger population study to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in the low and high P/MII ratio. METHODS A retrospective, single-center, larger population cohort study between January 2015 and August 2021. Calculate the threshold effect of P/MII ratio on clinical pregnancy rate according to the construct smooth curve fitting. Divide data into two groups by threshold for comparison. RESULTS 3566 fresh ICSI-ET cycles were included, in which 929 singleton delivery and 676 twin deliveries. Compare to P/MII ≤ 0.367 group, it indicated that the P/MII > 0.367 group had a lower clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, furthermore, a significantly higher rate of LBW and SGA were observed in the singleton and twin deliveries. No deleterious impact of high P/MII ratio on embryo quality and undesirable pregnancy outcomes was shown. CONCLUSIONS When P/MII is higher than 0.367, may have adverse impacts on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for ICSI cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Huang
- Research Center for Medical and Social Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qi Wan
- Xinan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, 610011, China
| | - Tian Li
- The Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xing-Yu Lv
- Xinan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, 610011, China
| | - Li-Hong Geng
- Xinan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, 610011, China
| | - Qi-Qi He
- Xinan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, 610011, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Zhong
- Research Center for Medical and Social Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Xinan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, 610011, China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Tang
- Research Center for Medical and Social Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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14
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Li J, Cui Y, Shi H, Bu Z, Wang F, Sun B, Zhang Y. Effects of trigger-day progesterone in the preimplantation genetic testing cycle on the embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes of the subsequent first frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:990971. [PMID: 36950680 PMCID: PMC10025458 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.990971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess whether progesterone (P) levels on the trigger day during preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles are associated with embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent first frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FET) cycle. Methods In this retrospective analysis, 504 eligible patients who underwent ICSI followed by frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) with preimplantation genetic test (PGT) between December 2014 and December 2019 were recruited. All patients adopted the same protocol, namely, the midluteal, short-acting, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol. The cutoff P values were 0.5 and 1.5 ng/ml when serum P was measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, and cycles were grouped according to P level on the day of HCG administration. Furthermore, the effect of trigger-day progesterone on embryo quality and the subsequent clinical outcome of FET in this PGT population was evaluated. Results In total, 504 PGT cycles were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the number of euploid blastocysts, top-quality blastocysts, euploidy rate, or miscarriage rate among the three groups (P>0.05). The 2PN fertilization rate (80.32% vs. 80.17% vs. 79.07%) and the top-quality blastocyst rate (8.71% vs. 8.24% vs. 7.94%) showed a downward trend with increasing P, and the between-group comparisons showed no significant differences (P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate (41.25% vs. 64.79%; P<0.05) and live birth rate (35.00% vs. 54.93%; P<0.05) in subsequent FET cycles were substantially lower in the high-P group than in the P ≤ 0.5 ng/ml group. After adjustments were made for confounding variables, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the high-P group had a lower clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR, 0.317; 95% CI, 0.145-0.692; P=0.004) and live birth rate (adjusted OR, 0.352; 95% CI, 0.160-0.773; P=0.009) than the low-P group in subsequent FET cycles, and the differences were significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates that in the PGT population, elevated P on the trigger day may diminish the top-quality blastocyst rate (although there is no difference in the euploidy rate). Trigger-day P is an important factor influencing clinical outcomes in subsequent FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdi Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yueyue Cui
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiqin Bu
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yile Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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15
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Neves AR, Montoya-Botero P, Sachs-Guedj N, Polyzos NP. Association between the number of oocytes and cumulative live birth rate: A systematic review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 87:102307. [PMID: 36707342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The available literature is controversial regarding the association between the number of oocytes retrieved and the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Although some authors report a continuous increase in the CLBR with the number of oocytes retrieved, others have found a plateau. A systematic review was conducted, including all eligible studies published until June 2022, to determine the optimal number of oocytes retrieved to maximize the CLBR. We found a positive association between the number of oocytes and the CLBR. However, this association varies according to patients' age. While in patients younger than 35 years, little benefit is derived from increasing the number of oocytes above 25-30, in patients older than 35 years, the number of oocytes seems to improve the CLBR until the extreme of reproductive age is reached. In women aged 44 years or older, the CLBR will be consistently low, independent of the number of oocytes retrieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Neves
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; IVI-RMA Lisboa, Portugal; Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Noemie Sachs-Guedj
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University (UZ Gent), 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Villanacci R, Buzzaccarini G, Marzanati D, Vanni VS, De Santis L, Alteri A, Candiani M, Pagliardini L, Papaleo E. Delayed blastocyst development is influenced by the level of progesterone on the day of trigger. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:361-370. [PMID: 36542311 PMCID: PMC9935760 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association between progesterone (P) level on the day of trigger and time to blastulation in IVF cycles. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study with autologous IVF cycles performed at our Institution from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 1109 IVF cycles were included. The primary outcome was to compare time to blastulation in terms of percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 according to progesterone level at trigger. RESULTS A total of 3517 blastocysts were analyzed. After dividing progesterone level in quartiles (Q1, P < 0.50 ng/ml; Q2 0.50 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 0.78 ng/ml; Q3, 0.79 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 1.15 ng/ml; Q4, P > 1.15 ng/ml), we observed a delay in blastocyst development according to the increasing level of progesterone at trigger (analysis by rank, P-value = 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors at the multivariate analysis, the percentage of day 5 blastocysts was reduced for Q3 (- 13.8%, 95% CI from - 20.5 to - 7.0%, p < 0.001) and Q4 (- 7.7%, 95% CI from - 15.5 to 0.0%, p = 0.05) compared to Q1 (reference). CONCLUSIONS Progesterone levels on day of trigger correlate to the percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 and a delayed blastocyst development day 5 is expected for high progesterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Villanacci
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Marzanati
- Reproductive Sciences Lab, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Stella Vanni
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia De Santis
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Reproductive Sciences Lab, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Jiang W, Li D, Zhu L, Wang J, Chen L, Zhang N, Wang S. Elevated serum progesterone levels on the hCG trigger day have a negative impact on the live birth rate in the first fresh IVF-ET cycle. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3503-3508. [PMID: 36451550 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2151345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To investigate whether there is a relationship between elevated serum progesterone (PROG) on the hCG trigger day and the live birth rate (LBR) in IVF/ICSI cycles, the retrospective analysis was carried out from the patients undergoing the first ART cycles throughout 2016. The PROG levels were measured on the hCG trigger day. The LBR, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR) and other parameter rate values were compared among the three different PROG elevations. A total of 2550 IVF/ICSI cycles fulfilling all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Finally, three groups [PROG <0.40 ng/mL, 0.40 ≤ PROG < 1.5 ng/mL, PROG ≥ 1.5 ng/mL] were categorised based on the serum PROG levels. LBR, CPR and IR declined as the PROG value increased, while there was no difference in the embryo utilisation rates. Serum PROG levels on the day of hCG administration were negatively associated with the LBR, even in ETs with a good prognosis.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The clinical effects of PROG are still controversial. Some studies have confirmed that there was not too much association between premature elevation of PROG and live birth, some are still convincing that there is a negative correlation and will result in ART cycles of pregnancy and LBR reduction.What do the results of this study add? Our data substantiated that the high serum PROG level had the lowest LBR, IR and CPR, but the embryo utilisation rate may not have too much to do with the elevated PROG.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study further strengthens the negative impact of elevated PROG levels on pregnancy outcomes, and suggests that frozen thawed embryo transfer appears to be a reasonable and advantageous approach for this subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linjun Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ningyuan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University, Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Martinez F, Clua E, Roca M, Garcia S, Polyzos NP. Comparison of blastocyst euploidy rates following luteal versus follicular phase stimulation in a GnRH antagonist protocol: a prospective study with repeated ovarian stimulation cycles. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2777-2786. [PMID: 36269092 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there any difference in the mean number of euploid embryos following luteal phase start (LS) and follicular phase start (FS) of ovarian stimulation? SUMMARY ANSWER The mean number of euploid blastocysts is equivalent independent of whether the inseminated oocytes are derived from FS or LS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Starting ovarian stimulation at any time of the cycle ('random-start') is commonly used for emergency fertility preservation in cancer patients. A few retrospective studies have been published evaluating LS in women undergoing ovarian stimulation in the context of IVF, but there is a lack of robust data on the comparative efficacy of LS versus FS.Although 'random start' is commonly used in cancer survivors, few retrospective and uncontrolled studies have been published evaluating luteal phase stimulation in women undergoing ovarian stimulation in the context of IVF. Owing to this evident lack of robust data on the efficacy of LS, guidelines typically recommend the LS approach only for medical reasons and not in the context of IVF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective, equivalence study, with repeated stimulation cycles, conducted between May 2018 and December 2021. Overall, 44 oocyte donors underwent two identical consecutive ovarian stimulation cycles, one initiated in the FS and the other in the LS. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate whether FS and LS in the same patient would result in equivalent numbers of euploid embryos following fertilization of oocytes with the same sperm sample. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Overall, 44 oocyte donors underwent two consecutive ovarian stimulation protocols with 150 μg corifollitropin alpha followed by 200 IU recombinant FSH (rFSH) in a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. The only difference between the two cycles was the day of initiation of ovarian stimulation, which was in the early follicular phase (FS) in one cycle, and in the luteal phase (LS) in the other. Forty-four oocyte recipients participated in the study receiving a mean of six metaphase II (MII) oocytes from each stimulation cycle (FS and LS). All MIIs were inseminated with the corresponding recipient's partner sperm (which had been previously frozen) or donor sperm, in order to safeguard the use of the same sample for either the FS or LS. Following fertilization and blastocyst culture, all generated embryos underwent genetic analysis for aneuploidy screening (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE FS resulted in a significantly shorter duration of ovarian stimulation (difference between means (DBM) -1.05 (95% CI -1.89; -0.20)) and a lower total additional dose of daily rFSH was needed (DBM -196.02 (95% CI -319.92; -72.12)) compared with LS. The donors' hormonal profile on the day of trigger was comparable between the two stimulation cycles, as well as the mean number of oocytes (23.70 ± 10.79 versus 23.70 ± 8.81) (DBM 0.00 (95% CI -3.03; 3.03)) and MII oocytes (20.27 ± 9.60 versus 20.73 ± 8.65) (DBM -0.45 (95% CI -2.82; 1.91)) between FS and LS cycles, respectively. Following fertilization, the overall blastocyst formation rate was 60.70% with a euploid rate of 57.1%. Comparisons between the two stimulation cycles did not reveal any significance differences in terms of fertilization rates (71.9% versus 71.4%), blastocyst formation rates (59.4% versus 62%) and embryo euploidy rates (56.9 versus 57.3%) for the comparison of FS versus LS, respectively. The mean number of euploid blastocysts was equivalent between the FS (1.59 ± 1.30) and the LS (1.61 ± 1.17), (DBM -0.02 (90%CI -0.48; 0.44)). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was performed in young, potentially fertile oocyte donors who are patients with high blastocyst euploidy rates. Although results may be extrapolated to young infertile women with good ovarian reserve, caution is needed prior to generalizing the results to infertile women of older age. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The current study provides evidence that initiation of ovarian stimulation in the luteal phase in young potentially fertile women may result in a comparable number of oocytes and comparable blastocyst euploidy rates compared with follicular phase stimulation. This may imply that in case of a freeze-all protocol in young patients with good ovarian reserve, clinicians may safely consider initiation of ovarian stimulation during the luteal phase. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by an unrestricted grant from MSD/Organon. N.P.P. has received Research grants and honoraria for lectures from: Merck Serono, MSD/Organon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Besins Intenational, Roche Diagnostics, IBSA, Theramex, Gedeon Richter. F.M., E.C., M.R. and S.G. declared no conflict of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study was registered at Clinical Trials Gov (NCT03555942).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Clua
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Roca
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Garcia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Comparable Pregnancy Loss and Neonatal Birthweights in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles Using Vitrified Embryos from Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation and GnRH Analogue Protocols: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206151. [PMID: 36294472 PMCID: PMC9604578 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206151] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The potential correlation between progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) and the risk of compromised embryo competence still lacks sound evidence. Methods: A large retrospective cohort study was used to compare the incidence of pregnancy loss and neonatal birthweights in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles using embryos from PPOS and GnRH analogue protocols. Propensity matched scores were used to balance the baseline confounders. Results: A total of 5744 matched cycles with positive hCG test were included to compare the pregnancy outcomes. The incidence of pregnancy loss was similar between PPOS and GnRH analogue groups (19.2% vs. 18.4%, RR 1.02 (0.97, 1.06), p > 0.05). The neonatal birthweights were comparable between two groups, respectively, for singleton births (3337.0 ± 494.4 g vs. 3346.0 ± 515.5 g) and in twin births (2496.8 ± 429.2 g vs. 2533.2 ± 424.2 g) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The similar incidence of pregnancy loss and neonatal birthweights in FET cycles using embryos from PPOS provided us with a more complete picture about the safety of PPOS.
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Khahani Namin A, Mohammadian F, Garrosi L, Tofighi S. The effect of the ratio of serum progesterone level to oocyte count on the day of IVF-ICSI injection on pregnancy outcomes in HCG cycles. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2022; 44:53-60. [PMID: 36063359 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2022-0049] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been several discussion and debates regarding the possible setremental influence of elevated serum progesterone (SP) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Our study aims to assess progestron to oocyte rates for assessing CPR and live birth rate (LBR) in IVF cycles and review previous articles. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, women under ovulation induction through IVF-ICSI using the GnRH-antagonist protocol were studied. Five specific indicators were considered to assess pregnancy outcome. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. RESULTS In the present research, 78 patients underwent IVF. The cut-off points for each of the three parameters were 1.2 (with a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 54%), 6.5 (with a sensitivity of 73.1% and a specificity of 56%), and 0.16 (with a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 60%, respectively). Only the number of oocytes (area below the curve of 0.64) was able to predict clinical pregnancy. The cut-off point for this parameter was 6.5 (with a sensitivity of 74.1% and a specificity of 66%). On the other hand, none of the parameters were able to predict live birth. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study should assist in the clinical management of patients with high SP on the day of HCG administration. We recommend, that the ratio of SP to oocyte is a useful parameter for refining the criteria of patients who have had embryo freezing of all embryos (by selective freezing) and subsequent transfer of frozen embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Khahani Namin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Mohammadian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Lida Garrosi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shabnam Tofighi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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21
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Woo J, Kwon H, Choi D, Park C, Kim J, Shin J, Kim J, Kang YJ, Koo H. Effects of Elevated Progesterone Levels on the Day of hCG on the Quality of Oocyte and Embryo. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154319. [PMID: 35893410 PMCID: PMC9331243 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is designed to investigate the effects of increased progesterone (P4) levels on the quality of retrieved oocytes and embryos during IVF. This retrospective analysis included 982 all-freezing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles (conducted between November 2019 and June 2020 at CHA Fertility Center Bundang, South Korea) in which serum P4 levels were measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Our study revealed that the serum P4 levels on the day of hCG administration are strongly associated with the rates of oocyte maturation, displaying a positive correlation in patients with serum P4 < 2.25 ng/mL (p = 0.025). Moreover, patients with serum P4 < 1.25 ng/mL showed relatively low fertilization rates (p = 0.037), and the rates of good embryo retrieval were significantly increased with the serum P4 level < 1.5 ng/mL (p = 0.001). Interestingly, serum P4 level on the day of hCG administration affects the rate of good-quality embryo development, especially at the cleavage stage, and is associated with the status of ovarian responses. Our current study suggests that serum P4 level on the day of hCG administration negatively affects the rates of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and the development of good embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeesoo Woo
- Research Competency Milestones Program of School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea;
| | - Hwang Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Donghee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Chan Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Jihyang Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Jieun Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeehyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Hwaseon Koo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (H.K.); (D.C.); (C.P.); (J.K.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.K.); (H.K.)
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22
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Berger M, Patel H, Buyalos R, Hubert G, Wang C, Shamonki M, Quinn M. Estradiol to progesterone ratio is not a predictor of oocyte maturity at time of ovulation trigger. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1667-1672. [PMID: 35672539 PMCID: PMC9365892 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02491-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the relationship between progesterone and oocyte maturity rate via estradiol to progesterone ratio (E/P) at the time of ovulatory trigger. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of first autologous IVF cycles from January to December 2018 from a private practice fertility center. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured on the day of ovulatory trigger. E/P was calculated to control for degree of response. Embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage for trophectoderm biopsy. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Oocyte retrieval rate (oocytes retrieved/follicles ≥ 13 mm), maturity rate (MII/oocytes retrieved), and euploid rate (euploid/total biopsied embryos) were calculated. Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy (> 10 weeks), and live births following frozen embryo transfer (FET) were examined in relation to E/P. Regression analyses were performed to analyze E/P as a categorical value (defined by quartile) on oocyte maturity. Results Two hundred eleven women underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and had steroid levels at trigger available. Mean E at trigger was 3449 ± 2040 pg/mL while mean P was 1.13 ± 0.58 ng/mL, with mean E/P of 3.36 + 2.04. There were no differences between quartiles of E/P with respect to retrieval, maturity rate, or euploid rate. Two hundred eleven IVF cycles resulted in 138 euploid frozen embryo transfers. There were no differences between quartiles of E/P with respect to clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, or live birth rate. Conclusion E/P ratio at the time of trigger does not impact oocyte retrieval rate, maturity rate, or euploid rate. Pregnancy and live birth outcomes were also not impacted.
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23
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Xu Y, Zhang J, Li A, Yang N, Cui N, Hao G, Gao BL. Impact of Elevated Progesterone in Late Follicular Phase on Early Pregnancy Outcomes and Live Birth Rate After Fresh Embryo Transfers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:855455. [PMID: 35372334 PMCID: PMC8965638 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.855455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of progesterone elevation during late follicular phase on early pregnancy outcomes and live births after fresh embryo transfers. Methods: Patients who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment cycles were retrospectively enrolled. The effect of progesterone elevation was analyzed on early pregnancy outcome and live births after fresh embryo transfers. Results: A total of 2,404 patients were enrolled on the day of HCG triggering (HCG0), 1,584 patients on the day before HCG triggering (HCG-1), and 800 patients 2 days before HCG triggering (HCG-2). With a 1 ng/ml increase in the progesterone level on HCG0 day when the progesterone level was ≥1.5 ng/ml, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased by 60% (95% CI: 0.2–0.7, p = 0.004), the intrauterine pregnancy rate decreased by 70% (95% CI: 0.2–0.7, p = 0.003), and the live birth rate decreased by 70% (95% CI: 0.1–0.7, p = 0.004). With a 1 ng/ml increase in the progesterone level on HCG-1 day, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased by 90% (95% CI: 0.0–0.5, p = 0.003) when the progesterone level was ≥1.6 ng/ml, the intrauterine pregnancy rate decreased by 90% (95% CI: 0.0–0.5, p = 0.001) when the progesterone was ≥1.5 ng/ml, and the live birth rate decreased by 90% (95% CI: 0.0–0.6, p = 0.015) when the progesterone was ≥1.7 ng/ml. On HCG-2 day when the progesterone was ≥1.2 ng/ml, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased by 80% (95% CI: 0.1–0.6, p = 0.003), and the intrauterine pregnancy rate decreased by 70% (95% CI: 0.1–0.7, p = 0.007) with a 1 ng/ml increase in the progesterone level. Conclusion: Elevated progesterone level during the late follicular phase is an independent risk factor affecting the clinical pregnancy rate, intrauterine pregnancy rate, and live birth rate among infertile patients undergoing IVF/ICSI after fresh embryo transfers. When the progesterone level exceeds a certain level, the early pregnancy and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfers show a rapid downward trend.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Na Cui
- *Correspondence: Na Cui, ; Guimin Hao,
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24
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Abe M, Yamamoto Y, Noguchi H, Tamura K, Aoki H, Takeda A, Minato S, Kamada S, Tachibana A, Iwasa T. Is a freeze-all strategy necessary for all embryo transfers : Fresh embryo transfer without progesterone elevation results in an equivalent pregnancy rate to cryopreserved embryo transfer. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2022; 69:224-229. [PMID: 36244773 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.69.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives : It has been suggested that the clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET) are superior to those of fresh embryo transfer. We examined whether a freeze-all strategy is necessary for all embryo transfers, and, if not, to evaluate the conditions in which the pregnancy rates of fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed ET did not differ. Methods : Patients who underwent blastocyst transfer at Tokushima University Hospital between 2008 and 2019 were enrolled. The clinical outcomes and clinical characteristics of 1,022 patients that underwent fresh embryo transfer and 1,728 patients that underwent frozen-thawed ET were examined retrospectively. We considered the factors that influenced the pregnancy outcomes of fresh embryo transfer. Results : The frozen-thawed ET group exhibited significantly higher pregnancy, live-birth, and miscarriage rates than the fresh embryo transfer group. In the fresh embryo transfer group, a high progesterone level on the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and lower grade embryos were risk factors for a low pregnancy rate. However, in the cases in which the progesterone level was < 1.0 ng / mL the pregnancy rate was equal to that of frozen-thawed ET. Conclusions : A freeze-all strategy is not necessary for embryo transfers, but should be employed in cases involving pre-ovulatory progesterone elevation. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 224-229, August, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Abe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tachibana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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Yang Q, Zhu L, Wang M, Huang B, Li Z, Hu J, Xi Q, Liu J, Jin L. Analysis of maturation dynamics and developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes under time-lapse monitoring. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:183. [PMID: 34893069 PMCID: PMC8662918 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00868-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To improve the developmental competence of in vitro cultured oocytes, extensive literature focused on maturation rate improvement with different additives in culture medium, while studies investigating the maturation dynamics of oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) and the influencing factors on oocyte viability are scarce. METHODS The study involved a retrospective observation by time-lapse monitoring of the IVM process of 157 donated GV oocytes from 59 infertile couples receiving ICSI in 2019, in Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. The GV oocytes derived from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles underwent rescue IVM (R-IVM), and the maturation dynamics, including GVBD time (GV-MI), time from GVBD to maturation (MI-MII), maturation time (GV-MII), and MII arrest duration (MII-ICSI), were recorded by time-lapse monitoring. The matured oocytes were inseminated at different MII arrest points and subsequent embryo developments were assessed. The effects of baseline clinical characteristics, oocyte diameters, and maturation dynamics on the developmental competence of the oocytes were also analyzed. RESULTS Totally, 157 GV oocytes were collected. GVBD happened in 111 oocytes, with a median GV-MI duration of 3.7 h. The median MI-MII duration was 15.6 h and the median GV-MII duration was 19.5 h. The maturation rate reached 56.7% at 24 h and 66.9% at 48 h, and the clinical factors, including patient age, FSH level, AMH level, ovarian stimulation protocol, and serum estradiol and progesterone levels on hCG trigger day, showed no effects on the 24-h maturation rate. The normal fertilization rate of oocytes resuming meiosis within 8 h and matured within 24 h was significantly higher than that of oocytes resuming meiosis after 8 h and matured after 24 h. Furthermore, among those oocytes matured within 24 h, the high-quality embryo formation rate of oocytes resuming meiosis within 4.5 h and matured within 19 h was significantly higher. All stated time was measured from the start point of IVM. Additionally, for oocytes from patients with serum progesterone levels less than 1 ng/ml on hCG trigger day, the high-quality embryo formation rate was significantly increased. CONCLUSION R-IVM technology could increase the available embryos for patients in routine COH cycles, but excessive culture beyond 24 h is not recommended. GV-MI duration of the oocyte, recorded by time-lapse system, and serum progesterone levels of patients on hCG trigger day can significantly affect the developmental potential of the IVM oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Roelens C, Racca A, Mackens S, Van Landuyt L, Gucciardo L, Tournaye H, De Vos M, Blockeel C. Artificially prepared frozen embryo transfer cycles are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:915-922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bayram A, De Munck N, Elkhatib I, Arnanz A, El-Damen A, Abdala A, Coughlan C, Garrido N, Vidales LM, Lawrenz B, Fatemi HM. The position of the euploid blastocyst in the uterine cavity influences implantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:880-889. [PMID: 34474972 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the position of the euploid blastocyst in the uterine cavity upon transfer, measured as distance in millimetres (mm) from the fundus (DFF) to the air bubble, influence implantation potential? DESIGN A total of 507 single/double euploid frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles at blastocyst stage were included retrospectively between March 2017 and November 2018 at a single centre. The patients were on average 33.3 years old. The FET were performed in natural cycles (n = 151) or hormone replacement therapy cycles (n = 356). RESULTS Of the 507 transfers, 370 (73.0%) resulted in a pregnancy, defined as human chorionic gonadotrophin concentration over 15 mIU/ml, and 341 (67.3%) in a clinical pregnancy, with an implantation rate of 62.0% and ongoing pregnancy rate of 59.6% (302/507). When comparing the number of embryos transferred, the pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were significantly higher after double-embryo transfer (DET) (P = 0.002: P < 0.001 and P = 0.002). The quality of the blastocyst in the single-embryo transfer group had a positive effect on the pregnancy rate (A versus B, P = 0.016; A versus C, P = 0.003) and clinical pregnancy rate (A versus C, P = 0.013). After performing a multivariate logistic regression analysis to consider the effect of all explanatory variables, a negative effect between DFF and pregnancy (P = 0.001), clinical pregnancy (P = 0.001) and ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.030) was found. When all variables remained constant, an increase of 1 mm of DFF changed the odds of pregnancy by 0.882, of clinical pregnancy by 0.891 and of ongoing pregnancy by 0.925. No significant effect of DFF was found on the miscarriage outcome (P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS The depth of blastocyst replacement inside the uterine cavity may influence the pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates and should be considered as an important factor to improve the success of IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aşina Bayram
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | | | - Ana Arnanz
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Andrea Abdala
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Barbara Lawrenz
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Obstetrical Department, Women's University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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The effect of late-follicular phase progesterone elevation on embryo ploidy and cumulative live birth rates. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:1063-1069. [PMID: 34654613 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does late-follicular phase progesterone elevation have a deleterious effect on embryo euploidy, blastocyst formation rate and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR)? DESIGN A multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study including infertile patients aged 18-40 years who underwent ovarian stimulation in a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) followed by a freeze-all strategy and euploid embryo transfer between August 2017 and December 2019. The sample was stratified according to the progesterone concentrations on the day of trigger: normal (≤1.50 ng/ml) and high (>1.50 ng/ml). Moreover, sensitivity analyses were performed to determine whether different conclusions would have been drawn if different cut-offs had been adopted. The primary outcome was the embryo euploidy rate. Secondary outcomes were the blastocyst formation rate, the number of euploid blastocysts and CLBR. RESULTS Overall 1495 intracytoplasmic sperm injection PGT-A cycles were analysed. Late-follicular phase progesterone elevation was associated with significantly higher late-follicular oestradiol concentrations (2847.56 ± 1091.10 versus 2240.94 ± 996.37 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and significantly more oocytes retrieved (17.67 ± 8.86 versus 12.70 ± 7.00, P < 0.001). The number of euploid embryos was significantly higher in the progesterone elevation group (2.32 ± 1.74 versus 1.86 ± 1.42, P = 0.001), whereas the blastocyst formation rate (47.1% [43.7-50.5%] versus 51.0% [49.7-52.4%]), the embryo euploidy rate (48.3% [44.9-51.7%] versus 49.1% [47.7-50.6%], the live birth rate in the first frozen embryo transfer (34.1% versus 31.1%, P = 0.427) and CLBR (38.9% versus 37.0%, P = 0.637) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Euploidy rate and CLBR do not significantly differ among PGT-A cycles with and without late-follicular progesterone elevation in a freeze-all approach.
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Racca A, Vanni VS, Somigliana E, Reschini M, Viganò P, Santos-Ribeiro S, Drakopoulos P, Tournaye H, Verheyen G, Papaleo E, Candiani M, Blockeel C. Is a freeze-all policy the optimal solution to circumvent the effect of late follicular elevated progesterone? A multicentric matched-control retrospective study analysing cumulative live birth rate in 942 non-elective freeze-all cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2463-2472. [PMID: 34223890 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is late follicular elevated progesterone (LFEP) in the fresh cycle hindering cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) when a freeze only strategy is applied? SUMMARY ANSWER LFEP in the fresh cycle does not affect the CLBR of the frozen transfers in a freeze only approach, nor the embryo freezing rate. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Ovarian stimulation promotes the production of progesterone (P) which has been demonstrated to have a deleterious effect on IVF outcomes. While there is robust evidence that this elevation produces impaired endometrial receptivity, the impact on embryo quality remains a matter of debate. In particular, previous studies have shown that LFEP is associated with a hindered CLBR. However, most clinical insight on the effect of progesterone on embryo quality in terms of CLBRs have focused on embryo transfers performed after the fresh transfer, thus excluding the first embryo of the cohort. To be really informative on the possible detrimental effects of LFEP, evidence should be derived from freeze-all cycles where no fresh embryo transfer is performed in the presence of progesterone elevation, and the entire cohort of embryos is cryopreserved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a matched case-control, multicentre (three centres), retrospective analysis including all GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles in which a freeze all (FA) policy of embryos on day 3/5/6 of embryonic development was applied between 2012 and 2018. A total of 942 patients (471 cases with elevated P and 471 matched controls with normal P values) were included in the analysis. Each patient was included only once. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The sample was divided according to the following P levels on the day of ovulation triggering: <1.50 ng/ml and ≥1.50 ng/ml. The matching of the controls was performed according to age (±1 year) and number of oocytes retrieved (±10%). The main outcome was CLBR defined as a live-born delivery after 24 weeks of gestation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. Estradiol levels on the day of trigger were significantly higher in the elevated P group. There was no significant difference in terms of fertilisation rate between the two groups. The elevated P group had significantly more cleavage stage frozen embryos compared to the normal P group while the total number of cryopreserved blastocyst stage embryos was the same. The CLBR did not differ between the two study groups (29.3% and 28.2% in the normal versus LFEP respectively, P = 0.773), also following confounder adjustment using multivariable GEE regression analysis (accounting for age at oocyte retrieval, total dose of FSH, progesterone levels on the day of ovulation trigger, day of freezing, at least one top-quality embryo transferred and number of previous IVF cycles, as the independent variables). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a multicentre observational study based on a retrospective data analysis. Better extrapolation of the results could be validated by performing a prospective analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study demonstrating that LFEP in the fresh cycle does not hinder CLBR of the subsequent frozen cycles in a FA approach. Thus, a FA strategy circumvents the issue of elevated P in the late follicular phase. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was received for this study. Throughout the study period and manuscript preparation, authors were supported by departmental funds from: Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium; Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Centro Scienze Natalità, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and IVI-RMA, Lisbon, Portugal. E.S. has competing interests with Ferring, Merck-Serono, Theramex and Gedeon-Richter outside the submitted work. E.P. reports grants from Ferring, grants and personal fees from Merck-Serono, grants and personal fees from MSD and grants from IBSA outside the submitted work. All the other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Racca
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UniversitairZiekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - V S Vanni
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - E Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Reschini
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - P Viganò
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.,Centro Scienze Natalità, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - P Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UniversitairZiekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UniversitairZiekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UniversitairZiekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Papaleo
- Centro Scienze Natalità, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Candiani
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Centro Scienze Natalità, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UniversitairZiekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Zagreb-School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Pardiñas ML, Nohales M, Labarta E, De los Santos JM, Mercader A, Remohí J, Bosch E, De los Santos MJ. Elevated serum progesterone does not impact euploidy rates in PGT-A patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1819-1826. [PMID: 34008094 PMCID: PMC8324650 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02197-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Some women undergoing stimulated cycles have elevated serum progesterone (P) on the day of ovulation trigger, but its effect on embryo quality is unclear. We analyze embryo quality among patients with high and low serum P undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). METHODS This retrospective study included 1597 patients divided into two groups by serum P values: < 1.5 ng/mL or ≥ 1.5 ng/mL. A gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol was established for each patient. Serum P levels were measured on the day of triggering. Propensity score matching and Poisson regression were done. Age, body mass index, and ovarian sensitivity index were also compared. RESULTS Elevated serum P was not significantly associated with euploid embryo rate or other embryo-quality variables evaluated in our study. Age was the only variable associated with euploidy rate (per MII oocyte, P < 0.001; per biopsied embryo, P = 0.008), embryo biopsy rate (P < 0.001), absolute number of euploid embryos (P = 0.008), and top-quality embryo rate (P = 0.008). Categorical variables decreased in value for every year of increased age in patients with high serum P. CONCLUSIONS Elevated serum P did not affect the number of euploid and good-quality embryos for transfer in GnRH antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Contrary to the clear influence of premature P elevation on endometrial receptivity based on literature, our results may help to tip the balance towards the absence of a negative effect of P elevation on embryo competence. More studies are needed to fully understand the effect of P elevation on reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mar Nohales
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Labarta
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, Biopolo, Iis Hospital la Le, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Amparo Mercader
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, Biopolo, Iis Hospital la Le, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Remohí
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, Biopolo, Iis Hospital la Le, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ernesto Bosch
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, Biopolo, Iis Hospital la Le, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria José De los Santos
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI RMA, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, Biopolo, Iis Hospital la Le, Valencia, Spain
- OB/GYN Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Hussein RS, Elnashar I, Abou-Taleb HA, Zhao Y, Abdelmagied AM, Abbas AM, Abdalmageed OS, Abdelaleem AA, Farghaly TA, Youssef AA, Badran E, Ibrahim MN, Amin AF. Progesterone/Oestradiol ratio can Better Predict Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes than Absolute Progesterone Level. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:28-35. [PMID: 34083989 PMCID: PMC8057156 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_57_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several parameters were proposed to predict the impact of premature luteinization on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes such as isolated progesterone (P) level, progesterone to oocyte ratio, and progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2). Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the predictive value of P/E2 ratio and isolated P level on the ovulation triggering day for pregnancy outcomes in fresh GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles. Settings and Design: A retrospective cohort study conducted in a university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center between January 2017 and April 2019. Methods: The study included women who underwent their first- or second-ranked GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles with day-3 embryo transfer. P/E2 ratio was calculated as (P [ng/mL] × 1000)/E2 (pg/mL). Cutoff values of ≥1.5 ng/ml for high P (HP) and ≥0.55 for HP/E2 ratio were chosen based on the literature. Statistical Analysis: A receiver operating curve was performed to detect the predictability of serum P/E2 and P for the ongoing pregnancy rate. First, patients were divided according to either P level (low P < 1.5 ng/mL and HP ≥1.5 ng/mL) or P/E2 ratio (low P/E2 <0.55 and HP/E2 ≥ 0.55). Patients were further divided into four subgroups: (Group A: HP and HP/E2 ratio, Group B: low P and low P/E2 ratio, Group C: HP only, and Group D: HP/E2 only). A multivariate regression analysis models were used to account for the effect of the cycle confounders on the likelihood of pregnancy. Results: A total of 402 ICSI cycles were analyzed. The area under the curve was 0.67 and 0.59 for P/E2 and P, respectively. P/E2 showed a significant association with ongoing pregnancy (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 0.409, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.222–0.753, P = 0.004) while HP revealed no significant predictive value (aOR: 0.542, 95% CI 0.284–1.036, P = 0.064) after the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: P elevation may not present as an independent predictor for cycle outcomes. P/E2 ratio has a better prognostic value than P alone in predicting pregnancy of GnRH antagonist cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda S Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ihab Elnashar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hisham A Abou-Taleb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ahmed M Abdelmagied
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taibah University, Medina, KSA
| | - Ahmed M Abbas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Osama S Abdalmageed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abdelaleem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Tarek A Farghaly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Esraa Badran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mostafa N Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Amin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Massarotti C, Stigliani S, Ramone A, Bovis F, Sozzi F, Remorgida V, Cagnacci A, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. Occurrence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates in metaphase II oocytes: relationship with stimulation protocols and outcome of ICSI and IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:907-917. [PMID: 33527992 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there any association between the appearance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa) in oocytes and ovarian stimulation, embryological, clinical and neonatal outcomes of ICSI and IVF cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER A suboptimal prolonged ovarian stimulation is detrimental to oocytes by inducing the occurrence of SERa, which reduces the reproductive potential of oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Controlled ovarian stimulation recruits oocytes of different qualities. Based on current evidence, it was agreed that non-homogeneous cytoplasm may represent the normal variability among oocytes rather than a dysmorphism with developmental significance. The only exception is the appearance of SERa within the ooplasm. Owing to the lack of univocal evidence in this literature about the safety of injecting oocytes with SERa and the mechanism responsible for the occurrence of SERa, this topic is still a matter of debate. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study performed at a tertiary level public infertility center. We included 1662 cycles (180 SERa+ and 1482 SERa-) from 1129 women (age: 20-44 years) who underwent IVF/ICSI treatments in 2012-2019. The SERa+ cycles had at least one SERa+ oocyte in the oocyte cohort. The SERa- cycles had morphologically unaffected oocytes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We collected stimulation data and embryological, clinical, neonatal outcomes of SERa- and SERa+ cycles and oocytes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, 347 out of 12 436 metaphase II oocytes (2.8%) were affected by SER. We performed only 12 transfers involving at least one SERa+ embryo. Stimulation length (P = 0.002), serum progesterone (P = 0.004) and follicle size (P = 0.046) at trigger, number of retrieved (P = 0.004) and metaphase II (P = 0.0001) oocytes were significantly higher in SERa+ than SERa- cycles. Fertilization rate was significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced in SERa+ cycles and oocytes compared to SERa- counterparts. Embryos of SERa+ cycles had a lower blastocyst formation rate compared to embryos of SERa- cycles (P = 0.059). Statistical analysis according to a generalized estimating equation model performed at patient level demonstrated that the duration of ovarian stimulation was predictive of SERa+ oocytes appearance. The clinical success of SERa+ cycles was lower than SERa- cycles, although no differences in neonatal birthweights or malformations were recorded in sibling unaffected oocytes of SERa+ cycles. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Given that SERa+ oocytes were discarded in our center for years and transfers of embryos originating from affected oocytes were generally avoided, clinical outcomes of SERa+ cycles are largely attributable to the transfer of embryos derived from unaffected oocytes of SERa+ cycles and we did not have data about newborns from affected oocytes, since none of the transfers involving SERa+ embryos resulted in a progressive clinical pregnancy. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, we speculate that the late-follicular phase elevated serum progesterone caused by a suboptimal prolonged ovarian stimulation may be detrimental to the oocytes by inducing the occurrence of SERa, resulting in negative effects on their reproductive potential. This raises the question of whether some stimulation regimens could be worse than others and a change in stimulation protocol would reduce the possibility of producing oocytes with suboptimal maturation. In particular, our data highlight the importance of correct timing of the trigger in order to maximize oocyte collection, not only in terms of numerosity but also their reproductive potential. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Massarotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Stigliani
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Arianna Ramone
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Bovis
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fausta Sozzi
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Valentino Remorgida
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 10-16132 Genova, Italy
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Vandenberghe LTM, Santos-Ribeiro S, De Munck N, Desmet B, Meul W, De Vos A, Van de Velde H, Racca A, Tournaye H, Verheyen G. Expanding the time interval between ovulation triggering and oocyte injection: does it affect the embryological and clinical outcome? Hum Reprod 2021; 36:614-623. [PMID: 33367689 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the time interval between ovulation triggering and oocyte denudation/injection associated with embryological and clinical outcome after ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER Expanding the time interval between ovulation triggering and oocyte denudation/injection is not associated with any clinically relevant impact on embryological or clinical outcome. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The optimal time interval between ovulation triggering and insemination/injection appears to be 38-39 h and most authors agree that an interval of >41 h has a negative influence on embryological and clinical pregnancy outcomes. However, in ART centres with a heavy workload, respecting these exact time intervals is frequently challenging. Therefore, we questioned to what extent a wider time interval between ovulation triggering and oocyte injection would affect embryological and clinical outcome in ICSI cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A single-centre retrospective cohort analysis was performed including 8811 ICSI cycles from 2010 until 2015. Regarding the time interval between ovulation triggering and oocyte injection, seven categories were considered: <36 h, 36 h, 37 h, 38 h, 39 h, 40 h and ≥41 h. In all cases, denudation was performed immediately prior to injection. The main outcome measures were oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo utilization rate (embryos adequate for transfer or cryopreservation) per fertilized oocyte. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were considered as secondary outcomes. Utilization rate, CPR and LBR were subdivided into two groups according to the day of embryo transfer: Day 3 or Day 5. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS During the study period, oocyte retrieval was routinely performed 36 h post-triggering except in the <36 h group. The interval of <36 h occurred only if OR was carried out before the planned 36 h trigger interval and was followed by immediate injection. Only cycles with fresh autologous gametes were included. The exclusion criteria were: injection with testicular/epididymal sperm, managed natural cycles, conventional IVF, combined conventional IVF/ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing and IVM cycles. Female age, number of oocytes, pre-preparation sperm concentration, post-preparation sperm concentration and motility, day of transfer, number of embryos transferred and quality of the best embryo transferred were identified as potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among the seven interval groups, adjusted mean maturation rates ranged from 76.4% to 83.2% and differed significantly (P < 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant difference in adjusted mean fertilization rates (range 69.2-79.3%; P < 0.001). The adjusted maturation and fertilization rates were significantly higher when denudation/injection was performed >41 h post-triggering compared to 38 h post-triggering (reference group). Oocyte denudation/injection at <36 h post-triggering had no significant effect on maturation, fertilization or embryo utilization rates compared to injection at 38 h. No effect of the time interval was observed on CPRs and LBRs, after adjusting for potential confounders. When oocyte injection was performed before 36 h the adjusted analysis showed that compared to 38 h after ovulation triggering the chance of having a live birth tends to be lower although the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio 0.533, 95% CI: 0.252-1.126; P = 0.099). Injection ≥41 h post-triggering did not affect LBR compared to injection at 38 h post-ovulation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As this is a large retrospective study, the influence of uncontrolled variables cannot be excluded. These results should not be extrapolated to other ART procedures such as IVM, conventional IVF or injection with testicular/epididymal sperm. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results indicate that the optimal injection time window may be less stringent than previously thought as both embryological and clinical outcome parameters were not significantly affected in our analysis. This is reassuring for busy ART centres that might not always be able to follow strict time intervals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding. The authors declare no conflict of interest related to the present study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T M Vandenberghe
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - N De Munck
- IVI-RMA Middle East Fertility Clinic, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - B Desmet
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Meul
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A De Vos
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Van de Velde
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Racca
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Verheyen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
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Conforti A, Esteves SC, Pellicer A, Sodano R, Messuti F, Carbone L, Morero S, Alviggi C, Sodano M. Effect of Dexamethasone Co-Treatment During Ovarian Stimulation in Women of Different Reproductive Age With Elevated Early Follicular Phase Progesterone Level: a Prospective Longitudinal Study. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3258-3264. [PMID: 33928591 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00590-7] [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: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to estimate the effect of dexamethasone during ovarian stimulation in women of different reproductive age with elevated early follicular phase progesterone level undergoing fresh IVF cycle. This study is a prospective longitudinal analysis of consecutive women who underwent fresh IVF cycles at a single center, between January 2012 to December 2013. Women with early follicular phase progesterone above 0.50 ng/ml, assessed in day 0 or day 5 of stimulation, were included. Study group (n = 113) included women who underwent dexamethasone supplementation until the day of triggering. Women who did not undergo dexamethasone treatment formed the control group (n = 109). We further stratified our study population according to age ranges: (1) ≤ 34 years, (2) between 35 and 39 years, and (3) ≥ 40 years. Significantly lower progesterone levels were observed in study than in control group (0.59 ± 0.21 vs 0.94 ± 0.42, p < 0.001). Such difference is not observed in women above 39 years old. Higher, albeit not significant, live birth rate was detected in the study versus control group, considering the overall population. In women ≤ 34 years old, a significantly higher live birth rate was observed in women who underwent dexametasone treatment than in the control group (67.5% vs 47.2%, p = 0.04). Conversely, live birth rates were similar between groups in women above 34 years old. Our data suggest that dexamethasone helps to modulate progesterone levels during the follicular phase and might improve live birth rate of women below 34 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Alviggi E, Sansone A, Trabucco E, Dusi L, Buffo L, Barnocchi N, Fiorini F, Colamaria S, Giuliani M, Argento C, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM. The euploid blastocysts obtained after luteal phase stimulation show the same clinical, obstetric and perinatal outcomes as follicular phase stimulation-derived ones: a multicenter study. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2598-2608. [PMID: 32951051 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the reproductive outcomes (clinical, obstetric and perinatal) different between follicular phase stimulation (FPS)- and luteal phase stimulation (LPS)-derived euploid blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER No difference was observed between FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocysts after vitrified-warmed single embryo transfer (SET). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Technical improvements in IVF allow the implementation non-conventional controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols for oncologic and poor prognosis patients. One of these protocols begins LPS 5 days after FPS is ended (DuoStim). Although, several studies have reported similar embryological outcomes (e.g. fertilization, blastulation, euploidy) between FPS- and LPS-derived cohort of oocytes, information on the reproductive (clinical, obstetric and perinatal) outcomes of LPS-derived blastocysts is limited to small and retrospective studies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Multicenter study conducted between October 2015 and March 2019 including all vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfers after DuoStim. Only first transfers of good quality blastocysts (≥BB according to Gardner and Schoolcraft's classification) were included. If euploid blastocysts obtained after both FPS and LPS were available the embryo to transfer was chosen blindly. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfer in the two groups. To achieve 80% power (α = 0.05) to rule-out a 15% difference in the LBR, a total of 366 first transfers were required. Every other clinical, as well as obstetric and perinatal outcomes, were recorded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Throughout the study period, 827 patients concluded a DuoStim cycle and among them, 339 did not identify any transferable blastocyst, 145 had an euploid blastocyst after FPS, 186 after LPS and 157 after both FPS and LPS. Fifty transfers of poor quality euploid blastocysts were excluded and 49 patients did not undergo an embryo transfer during the study period. Thus, 389 patients had a vitrified-warmed SET of a good quality euploid blastocyst (182 after FPS and 207 after LPS). For 126 cases (32%) where both FPS- and LPS-derived good quality blastocysts were available, the embryo transferred was chosen blindly with a 'True Random Number Generator' function where '0' stood for FPS-derived euploid blastocysts and '1' for LPS-derived ones (n = 70 and 56, respectively) on the website random.org. All embryos were obtained with the same ovarian stimulation protocol in FPS and LPS (GnRH antagonist protocol with fixed dose of rec-FSH plus rec-LH and GnRH-agonist trigger), culture conditions (continuous culture in a humidified atmosphere with 37°C, 6% CO2 and 5% O2) and laboratory protocols (ICSI, trophectoderm biopsy in Day 5-7 without assisted hatching in Day 3, vitrification and comprehensive chromosome testing). The women whose embryos were included had similar age (FPS: 38.5 ± 3.1 and LPS: 38.5 ± 3.2 years), prevalence of male factor, antral follicle count, basal hormonal characteristics, main cause of infertility and previous reproductive history (i.e. previous live births, miscarriages and implantation failures) whether the embryo came from FPS or LPS. All transfers were conducted after warming in an artificial cycle. The blastocysts transferred after FPS and LPS were similar in terms of day of full-development and morphological quality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The positive pregnancy test rates for FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocysts were 57% and 62%, biochemical pregnancy loss rates were 10% and 8%, miscarriage rates were 15% and 14% and LBRs were 44% (n = 80/182, 95% CI 37-51%) and 49% (n = 102/207, 95% CI 42-56%; P = 0.3), respectively. The overall odds ratio for live birth (LPS vs FPS (reference)) adjusted for day of blastocyst development and quality, was 1.3, 95% CI 0.8-2.0, P = 0.2. Among patients with euploid blastocysts obtained following both FPS and LPS, the LBRs were also similar (53% (n = 37/70, 95% CI 41-65%) and 48% (n = 27/56, 95% CI 35-62%) respectively; P = 0.7). Gestational issues were experienced by 7.5% of pregnant women after FPS- and 10% of women following LPS-derived euploid single blastocyst transfer. Perinatal issues were reported in 5% and 0% of the FPS- and LPS-derived newborns, respectively. The gestational weeks and birthweight were similar in the two groups. A 5% pre-term delivery rate was reported in both groups. A low birthweight was registered in 2.5% and 5% of the newborns, while 4% and 7% showed high birthweight, in FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocyst, respectively. Encompassing the 81 FPS-derived newborns, a total of 9% were small and 11% large for gestational age. Among the 102 LPS-derived newborns, 8% were small and 6% large for gestational age. No significant difference was reported for all these comparisons. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The LPS-derived blastocysts were all obtained after FPS in a DuoStim protocol. Therefore, studies are required with LPS-only, late-FPS and random start approaches. The study is powered to assess differences in the LBR per embryo transfer, therefore obstetric and perinatal outcomes should be considered observational. Although prospective, the study was not registered. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study represents a further backing of the safety of non-conventional COS protocols. Therefore, LPS after FPS (DuoStim protocol) is confirmed a feasible and efficient approach also from clinical, obstetric and perinatal perspectives, targeted at patients who need to reach the transfer of an euploid blastocyst in the shortest timeframe possible due to reasons such as cancer, advanced maternal age and/or reduced ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy.,GENERA Umbria, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Erminia Alviggi
- Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Sansone
- Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Ludovica Dusi
- GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | - Laura Buffo
- GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Fiorini
- GENERA Umbria, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Silvia Colamaria
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Giuliani
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Cindy Argento
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
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Hernandez-Nieto C, Lee JA, Alkon-Meadows T, Luna-Rojas M, Mukherjee T, Copperman AB, Sandler B. Late follicular phase progesterone elevation during ovarian stimulation is not associated with decreased implantation of chromosomally screened embryos in thaw cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1889-1899. [PMID: 32649755 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of a late follicular phase progesterone elevation (LFPE) during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on embryonic competence and reproductive potential in thaw cycles of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) screened embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study findings suggest that LFPE, utilizing a progesterone cutoff value of 2.0 ng/ml, is neither associated with impaired embryonic development, increased rate of embryonic aneuploidy, nor compromised implantation and pregnancy outcomes following a euploid frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Premature progesterone elevation during COH has been associated with lower pregnancy rates due to altered endometrial receptivity in fresh IVF cycles. Also, increased levels of progesterone (P) have been suggested to be a marker for ovarian dysfunction, with some evidence to show an association between LFPE and suboptimal embryonic development. However, the effect of LFPE on embryonic competence is still controversial. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective cohort analysis in a single, academic ART center from September 2016 to March 2020. In total, 5244 COH cycles for IVF/PGT-A were analyzed, of those 5141 were included in the analysis. A total of 23 991 blastocysts underwent trophectoderm biopsy and PGT analysis. Additionally, the clinical IVF outcomes of 5806 single euploid FET cycles were evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Cohorts were separated in two groups: Group 1: oocytes retrieved from cycles with normal P levels during ovulation trigger (P ≤ 2.0 ng/ml); Group 2: oocytes retrieved after cycles in which LFPE was noted (P > 2.0 ng/ml). Extended culture and PGT-A was performed. Secondly, IVF outcomes after a single euploid FET were evaluated for each cohort. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Four thousand nine hundred and twenty-five cycles in Group 1 were compared with 216 cycles on Group 2. Oocyte maturity rates, fertilization rates and blastulation rates were comparable among groups. A 65.3% (n = 22 654) rate of utilizable blastocysts was found in patients with normal P levels and were comparable to the 62.4% (n = 1337) observed in those with LFPE (P = 0.19). The euploidy rates were 52.8% (n = 11 964) and 53.4% (n = 714), respectively, albeit this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.81). Our multivariate analysis was fitted with a generalized estimating equation (GEE) and no association was found with LFPE and an increased odds of embryo aneuploidy (adjusted odds ratio 1.04 95% CI 0.86-1.27, P = 0.62). A sub-analysis of subsequent 5806 euploid FET cycles (normal P: n = 5617 cycles and elevated P: n = 189 cycles) showed no differences among groups in patient's BMI, Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), endometrial thickness at FET and number of prior IVF cycles. However, a significant difference was found in patient's age and oocyte age. The number of good quality embryos transferred, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy loss rates were comparable among groups. Of the registered live births (normal P group: n = 2198; elevated P group: n = 52), there were no significant differences in gestational age weeks (39.0 ± 1.89 versus 39.24 ± 1.53, P = 0.25) and birth weight (3317 ± 571.9 versus 3 266 ± 455.8 g, P = 0.26) at delivery, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective nature of the study and probable variability in the study center's laboratory protocol(s), selected progesterone cutoff value and progesterone assay techniques compared to other ART centers may limit the external validity of our findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Based on robust sequencing data from a large cohort of embryos, we conclude that premature P elevation during IVF stimulation does not predict embryonic competence. Our study results show that LFPE is neither associated with impaired embryonic development nor increased rates of aneuploidy. Embryos obtained from cycles with LFPE can be selected for transfer, and patients can be reassured that the odds of achieving a healthy pregnancy are similar to the embryos exposed during COH cycles to physiologically normal P levels. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was received for the realization of this study. Dr A.B.C. is advisor and/or board member of Sema 4 (Stakeholder in data), Progyny and Celmatix. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph A Lee
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Tanmoy Mukherjee
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan B Copperman
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Sandler
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Premature Luteinization May Impact In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes Through Dual Action on Both Uterus and Embryos. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-021-00304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Boynukalin FK, Yarkiner Z, Gultomruk M, Turgut NE, Ecemis S, Findikli N, Bahceci M. Elevation of progesterone on the trigger day exerts no carryover effect on live birth in freeze-all cycles. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:367-371. [PMID: 32611219 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1786510] [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: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effect of trigger day progesterone (P) levels on live birth in freeze-all cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of 1034 freeze-all female patients aged <38 years with single blastocyst transfers. Patients with (n = 268) or without (n = 766) preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidy (PGT-A) arm were further categorized into three subgroups based on trigger day P levels; low (<0.80 ng/ml), medium (0.8-1.49 ng/ml), and high (≥1.50 ng/ml). RESULTS Estradiol (E2) levels on trigger day, the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of mature oocytes increased significantly with increasing serum p values in cycles without and with PGT-A arms. Significant correlation was found between E2 levels on trigger day and serum P levels and between the number of total oocytes retrieved and serum P levels Live birth rates were similar in the three subgroups in without PGT-A arm (51%, 52.6%, and 51.5%, respectively; p = .922) and with PGT-A arm (55.1%, 55.1%, and 62.5%, respectively; p = .730). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that trigger day P levels were not significant for live birth. CONCLUSION The proposal that trigger day progesterone elevation (PE) exerts a detrimental effect on oocyte and embryo competence has no clinical validity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zalihe Yarkiner
- Department of Statistics, Cyprus Science University, Ozankoy, Cyprus
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Martinez F, Racca A, Rodríguez I, Polyzos NP. Ovarian stimulation for oocyte donation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:673-696. [PMID: 33742206 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since its introduction in the 1980s, oocyte donation (OD) has been largely integrated into ART. Lately, both demand and the indications for OD have increased greatly. Oocyte donors are healthy and potentially fertile women undergoing voluntarily ovarian stimulation (OS). Selection of the optimal type of stimulation is of paramount importance in order to achieve the most favourable outcomes for the oocyte recipients, but most importantly for the safety of the oocyte donors. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This is the first systematic review (SR) with the objective to summarize the current evidence on OS in oocyte donors. The scope of this SR was to evaluate the OD programme by assessing four different aspects: how to assess the ovarian response prior to stimulation; how to plan the OS (gonadotrophins; LH suppression; ovulation trigger; when to start OS); how to control for the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and other complications; and the differences between the use of fresh versus vitrified donated oocytes. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020, according to PRISMA guidelines in the databases PubMed and Embase, using a string that combined synonyms for oocytes, donation, banking, freezing, complications and reproductive outcomes. Studies reporting on the safety and/or efficacy of OS in oocyte donors were identified. The quality of the included studies was assessed using ROBINS-I and ROB2. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. Data were combined to calculate mean differences (MD) for continuous variables and odd ratios (OR) for binary data with their corresponding 95% CIs. Heterogeneity between the included studies was assessed using I2 and tau statistics. OUTCOMES In total, 57 manuscripts were selected for the review, out of 191 citations identified. Antral follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone levels correlate with ovarian response to OS in OD but have limited value to discriminate donors who are likely to show either impaired or excessive response. Five randomized controlled trials compared different type of gonadotrophins as part of OS in oocyte donors; owing to high heterogeneity, meta-analysis was precluded. When comparing different types of LH control, namely GnRH antagonist versus agonist, the studies showed no differences in ovarian response. Use of progesterone primed ovarian stimulation protocols has been evaluated in seven studies: the evidence has shown little or no difference, compared to GnRH antagonist protocols, in mean number of retrieved oocytes (MD 0.23, [95% CI 0.58-1.05], n = 2147; 6 studies; I2 = 13%, P = 0.33) and in clinical pregnancy rates among recipients (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.60-1.26], n = 2260, I2 = 72%, P < 0.01). There is insufficient evidence on long-term safety for babies born. GnRH agonist triggering is the gold standard and should be used in all oocyte donors, given the excellent oocyte retrieval rates, the practical elimination of OHSS and no differences in pregnancy rates in recipients (four studies, OR 0.86, 95%CI 0.58-1.26; I2 = 0%). OS in OD is a safe procedure with a low rate of hospitalization after oocyte retrieval. The use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device or a progestin contraceptive pill during OS does not impact the number of oocytes retrieved or the clinical pregnancy rate in recipients. Ultrasound monitoring seems enough for an adequate follow up of the stimulation cycle in OD. Use of fresh versus vitrified donated oocytes yielded similar pregnancy outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This update will be helpful in the clinical management of OS in OD based on the most recent knowledge and recommendations, and possibly in the management of women under 35 years undergoing oocyte vitrification for social freezing, owing to the population similarities. More clinical research is needed on OS protocols that are specifically designed for OD, especially in term of the long-term safety for newborns, effective contraception during OS, and treatment satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Racca
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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Coello A, Nohales M, Meseguer M, de Los Santos MJ, Remohí J, Cobo A. Prediction of embryo survival and live birth rates after cryotransfers of vitrified blastocysts. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:881-891. [PMID: 33785304 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Which pre-vitrification parameters are the most predictive of survival and live birth in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles? DESIGN A retrospective study including 11,936 warmed blastocysts. Pre-vitrification morphological parameters analysed for blastocysts included day of vitrification; blastocyst expansion degree; trophoectoderm grade (A, B and C); and inner cell mass grade (A, B and C). Univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations models were used to analyse survival, clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. A stepwise regression analysis was conducted to select and classify by order which outcomes were the most predictive. RESULTS The odds of survival increased almost twice for blastocysts with lower expansion degree (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.69; P < 0.001) and by about 50% for blastocysts vitrified on day 5 (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.89; P < 0.001). Multivariate generalized estimating equations model showed that trophectoderm grade followed by the day of vitrification were the most significant predictors of live birth. The odds of live birth increased nearly three times for blastocysts with trophectoderm graded as A compared with those with trophectoderm graded as C (OR 2.85; 95% CI 2.48 to 3.27; P < 0.001), and double for blastocysts vitrified on day 5 compared with those vitrified on day 6 (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.97 to 2.49; P < 0.001). The odds of live birth also increased in higher expansion degree blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Blastocysts vitrified on day 5 and those with higher trophoectoderm grade should be given priority when warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aila Coello
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mar Nohales
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain
| | - M José de Los Santos
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Remohí
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Cobo
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), University of Valencia, Pl. Policía Local 3, Valencia, Spain
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Zhang Y, Xu Y, Wang Y, Xue Q, Shang J, Yang X, Shan X. Comparison of the predictive value of progesterone-related indicators for pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol: a retrospective study. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:14. [PMID: 33436055 PMCID: PMC7802138 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00768-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are many progesterone (P) elevation-related indicators for predicting pregnancy outcomes, including the serum P, P-to-oestradiol ratio (P/E2), P-to-follicle index (PFI), and P-to-mature oocyte index (PMOI); however, due to inconsistencies in study populations and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols among studies, these indicators are controversial. Moreover, no researchers have included these four commonly used indicators in one study to compare their predictive efficacies. The objective of this study was to compare the predictive value of P-related indicators for pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol. Methods A total of 612 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited for this study. Serum samples were obtained on the morning of HCG injection for serum P and E2 measurements. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to determine the follicle count (≥ 14 mm in diameter). The number of mature oocytes was observed in the embryo laboratory after oocyte retrieval. Results In cases of P < 2.5 ng/ml, there was no significant difference in the serum P level or P/E2 between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group. The PFI and PMOI of the pregnant group were significantly lower than those of the non-pregnant group. According to the stratified analysis of the ovarian response, only the PMI and PMOI of the pregnant women in the normal ovarian response group were lower than those of the non-pregnant women. To compare the predictive value of the PFI and PMOI in IVF/ICSI outcomes, the patients were divided into four groups. The good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were highest in Group A (low PFI and low PMOI) and lowest in Group D (high PFI and high PMOI). In the two groups with discordant PFI and PMOI, namely Group B (low PFI and high PMOI) and Group C (high PFI and low PMOI), the good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were not significantly different. Conclusions The PFI and PMOI had equal value in predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes in the normal ovarian response group undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol. Each clinical centre can choose one of the indicators according to their actual situation in clinical practice and establish individual cut-off values for PFI and PMOI based on their own hormonal measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuqiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Xue
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Shang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Yang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Shan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, 100034, Beijing, China
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Mitra S, Patil M, Patil M, Nayak P. Pre-ovulatory hormones on day of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger and assisted reproductive technique outcomes in different ovarian response groups. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:406-414. [PMID: 35197687 PMCID: PMC8812392 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_91_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aims: Setting and Design: Materials and Methods: Statistical Analysis: Results: Conclusion:
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Being on the side of old findings: progesterone elevation on the day of oocyte maturation induction does not affect embryological parameters throughout the blastocyst culture period. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:581-587. [PMID: 32918591 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether there is any detrimental effect of progesterone elevation (PE) on the day of oocyte maturation induction on embryological development potentials. METHODS This retrospective single-center cohort study included a total of 1485 individual intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles between January 2014 and December 2018. Serum progesterone (P) levels were measured on the day of oocyte maturation induction following the GnRH antagonist suppression protocol. Embryological parameters such as maturation, fertilization rate (FR), top-quality embryo (TQE) formation rate per 2PN on day 3, and excellent-quality blastocyst (EQB) formation rate per 2PN on day 5/6 were recorded. The inclusion criteria for women were an age ≤ 37 years, a BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2, and access to a total sperm concentration ≥ 2 million. Groups were stratified according to the serum P levels using the cut-off levels of < 0.8 ng/ml; 0.8-1.49 ng/ml; and ≥ 1.5 ng/ml. RESULTS Peak E2 level and total number of oocytes retrieved were significantly related to PE (p < 0.001). FR did not display a significance difference between groups (p = 0.108). The TQE and the blastulation rates were not affected by PE (p = 0.82 and p = 0.68, respectively). Chi square analysis revealed a significant relationship between PE and the EQB formation rate (p = 0.01). GEE analysis failed to present any statistical significance regarding the effect of PE on neither the TQE nor the EQB formation rates per 2PN [OR 1.07; 95% (0.98-1.16) p = 0.113 and OR 0.93; 95% (0.80-1.07) p = 0.32, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with previously published papers, our study could not find any detrimental effect of PE on embryological outcomes throughout the blastocyst culture period.
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Blockeel C, Campbell A, Coticchio G, Esler J, Garcia-Velasco JA, Santulli P, Pinborg A. Should we still perform fresh embryo transfers in ART? Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2319-2329. [PMID: 31803911 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of researchers have alluded to the potential benefit of deferring the transfer of embryos produced during assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) away from ovarian stimulation, using cryopreservation to enable this. The scientific evidence that may justify this recent trend in the use of the so-called 'freeze-all strategy' includes early, mostly small randomised controlled trials that have demonstrated an increase in live birth rates after elective embryo cryopreservation in certain patient populations, as well as evidence from cohort studies and retrospective analyses. What are the risks and benefits of freeze-all strategies in ART, who are the patients in whom it is likely to be advantageous, and does the current evidence allow us to identify situations when deciding that a fresh embryo transfer would be counter-productive? ART professionals are often faced with challenging clinical decisions regarding the best course of treatment for their patient. The purpose of this opinion paper is to provide a clinical guide for whether to perform a fresh embryo transfer or to opt for freezing all embryos in specific situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - John Esler
- Queensland Fertility Group, Toowoomba Specialist Centre, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juan A Garcia-Velasco
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI-RMA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Université Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Universitaire Paris Centre (HUPC), Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine (Professor Chapron), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin, Paris, France.,Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016 (Professor Batteux), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Friis Wang N, Skouby SO, Humaidan P, Andersen CY. Response to ovulation trigger is correlated to late follicular phase progesterone levels: A hypothesis explaining reduced reproductive outcomes caused by increased late follicular progesterone rise. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:942-948. [PMID: 30927415 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between progesterone (P4) levels on the day of hCG or GnRH trigger and on the day of oocyte retrieval in IVF/ICSI cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER A significant positive correlation between P4 levels on the day of trigger and the day of oocyte retrieval is seen; HCG trigger induces a steeper P4 increase than GnRHa trigger. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FSH induces LH receptor (LHR) expression on granulosa cells, and LHR produces progesterone when exposed to LH-like activity. FSH per se also to some extent induces P4 secretion. Late follicular phase progesterone rise has been associated with reduced reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is based on data from a previously published RCT conducted from 2009 to 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 384 participants were enrolled; 199 received 5000 IU hCG and 185 received buserelin 0.5 mg for triggering ovulation. P4 was measured on the day of ovulation induction and on the day of oocyte retrieval. FSH consumption and number of retrieved follicles were recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant linear relationship between P4 on the day of ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval was seen in the hCG trigger group (P < 0.00001) as well as in the GnRHa trigger group (P < 0.00001). The P4 ratio (the increase in P4 between ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval) was significantly higher in the group of patients with <5 follicles compared to those with 5-15 and >15 follicles (P < 0.0001). The FSH consumption per follicle was significantly higher in the group of patients with <5 follicles compared to those with 5-15 and >15 follicles (P < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the study demonstrates a significant correlation between P4 levels before and after ovulation trigger, it does not demonstrate a causal relation to the number of LHRs present on granulosa cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study support the proposed hypothesis that follicles exposed to high levels of FSH during ovarian stimulation will respond with an inappropriately high LHR expression. This in turn causes a high P4 output in response to the trigger. This study further expands our understanding of the underlying mechanisms affecting reproductive outcomes in relation to ovarian stimulation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors received no specific funding for this work and disclose no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Friis Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - S O Skouby
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, Herlev, Denmark
| | - P Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Roelens C, Santos-Ribeiro S, Becu L, Mackens S, Van Landuyt L, Racca A, De Vos M, van de Vijver A, Tournaye H, Blockeel C. Frozen-warmed blastocyst transfer after 6 or 7 days of progesterone administration: impact on live birth rate in hormone replacement therapy cycles. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:125-132. [PMID: 32553469 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the difference in live birth rate (LBR) between frozen-warmed blastocyst transfer (FET) on the 6th or the 7th day of progesterone administration in artificially prepared cycles. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary university-based referral hospital. PATIENT(S) Patients who underwent FET between December 2015 and December 2017 in a hormone replacement therapy cycle (HRT). INTERVENTION(S) Group A included all eligible patients who underwent transfer of a vitrified-warmed blastocyst on the 6th day of progesterone administration; group B included patients who underwent blastocyst transfer on the 7th day of progesterone. The artificial HRT protocol in this study consisted of estrogen administration at a dose of 2 mg twice daily for 7 days followed by 2 mg three times daily for 6 days and micronized vaginal progesterone 200 mg three times daily from an adequately considered endometrial thickness onward. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live birth rate. RESULTS The study included 619 patients, 346 in group A and 273 in group B. The LBRs were comparable between both groups (36.6% for group A and group B), even after adjustment for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 1.073, 95% confidence interval 0.740-1.556). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher miscarriage rates for day 6 blastocysts transferred on the 6th day of progesterone supplementation compared with transfer on the 7th day of progesterone supplementation (50.0% versus 21.4%, respectively). Additionally, there was a tendency toward a higher LBR when the 7-day progesterone supplementation protocol was used for transfer of a day 6 blastocyst (21.5% and 35.5% for group A and group B, respectively). CONCLUSION Warmed blastocyst transfer on the 6th compared with the 7th day of progesterone administration in an HRT cycle results in similar LBR. Subgroup analysis of day 6 blastocysts showed significantly higher miscarriage rates when FET was performed on the 6th day of progesterone administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Roelens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Lauren Becu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shari Mackens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisbet Van Landuyt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annalisa Racca
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Brussels, Belgium
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Zhang D, Zhang D, Sun Z, Deng C, Yu Q, Zhen J. The effect of a transient premature luteinizing hormone surge without elevated serum progesterone on in vitro fertilization outcomes in a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist flexible protocol. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:550-553. [PMID: 31829082 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1683730] [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: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During controlled ovarian stimulation, the LH rising before triggering can lead to follicular luteinizations. However, LH can be suppressed immediately and no progesterone elevation with GnRH antagonist. This study retrospectively compared fresh IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes in antagonist protocols between the group with and the group without a premature LH surge. Logistic regression models were fitted to reduce the relevant confounders. Compared between premature LH surge group and control group, the implantation rates were 12.9% (30/233) vs 25.0% (141/536), p = .000; clinical pregnancy rates were 21.0% (25/119) vs 41.6% (119/286), p = .000; live birth rates were17.6% (21/119) vs 29.7% (85/286), p = .012. After adjusting for age, BMI, bFSH, and infertility factors, the adverse effects were still as pronounced for the clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.24-0.66) and live birth rates (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32-0.93. In a GnRH antagonist flexible protocol, a transient premature LH surge which can be suppressed immediately after the initiation of antagonist without elevated serum progesterone, will cause a detrimental effect on the development of the embryo and IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyan Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingran Zhen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Background: The 'freeze-all' practice refers to the cryopreservation of all mature oocytes or viable embryos after ovarian stimulation. The development of the vitrification technique has been crucial to make this approach a reality, since it increases the post-thaw survival rates and permits comparable implantation rates with fresh embryos. Nonetheless, as implantation probabilities are comparable to fresh embryo transfer in normo-responder patients, the freeze- all strategy has demonstrated no benefits overall.Method: Narrative review in which we give an overview of this approach, discuss recent advances in the field, as well as for whom, when and how it is recommended to emply the freeze-all technique.Results: However, there is some clinical evidence that shows its feasibility. Thus, it has been demonstrated that elevation of progesterone at the end of ovarian stimulation decreases the implantation rates after the transfer of day 6 blastocysts in fresh and some uterine pathologies; freeze-all is also the preferred option for patients undergoing pre-implantation genetic testing, since there is an improvement of the results and it allows for inclusion of all blastocysts of the cohort. In high responders, the freeze-all strategy optimizes the response whilst also minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Conclusion: Due to the different cases that a reproductive expert might encounter, it is essential to highlight benefits and drawbacks of this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Celada
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ernesto Bosch
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
- CONTACT Ernesto Bosch Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Plaza Policia Local n° 3, Valencia, 46015, Spain
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Volovsky M, Pakes C, Rozen G, Polyakov A. Do serum progesterone levels on day of embryo transfer influence pregnancy outcomes in artificial frozen-thaw cycles? J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1129-1135. [PMID: 32043182 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01713-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate whether progesterone (P4) levels on the day of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium correlate with pregnancy outcomes. METHODS This is a large retrospective cohort analysis comprising of N = 2010 FETs. In these cycles, P4 levels on the day of transfer were assessed in relation to pregnancy outcomes. A threshold of 10 ng/mL was used to simulate currently accepted levels for physiological corpus luteal function. Biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were compared between those with P4 levels above and below this threshold. Analyses using transfer day P4 thresholds of 5 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL were then completed to see if these could create further prognostic power. RESULTS When comparing FET outcomes in relation to P4 levels < 10 ng/mL and ≥ 10 ng/mL, we observed no differences in biochemical pregnancy rates (39.53% vs. 40.98%, p = 0.52), clinical pregnancy rates (20.82 vs. 22.78, p = 0.30), and live birth rates (14.25 vs. 16.21 p = 0.23). In patients whose P4 met the threshold of 20 ng/mL, there was similarly no statistically significant improvement in pregnancy outcomes. While there was no difference for biochemical or clinical pregnancy rates, a statistically significant improvement in live birth rates was observed for those with a transfer day P4 level ≥ 5 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that P4 levels at or above 10 ng/mL on the day of FET do not confer a statistically significant improvement in pregnancy outcomes. P4 below 5 ng/mg was associated with lower live birth rates suggesting that there is a threshold below which it is difficult to salvage FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Volovsky
- Maimonides Medical Center (OBGYN), New York, NY, USA. .,Royal Women's Hospital (OBGYN), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Genia Rozen
- Royal Women's Hospital (OBGYN), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex Polyakov
- Royal Women's Hospital (OBGYN), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Bozdag G, Turkyilmaz E, Yildiz S, Mumusoglu S, Yarali H. Progesterone Elevation and Preventive Strategies to Avoid Implantation Failure. Semin Reprod Med 2020; 37:265-272. [PMID: 31975355 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1700531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the wide utilization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, progesterone elevation (P4E) in the late follicular phase occurs in 5 to 30% of all ovarian stimulation (OS) cycles. Although the detrimental effect of P4E on pregnancy rates in fresh in vitro fertilization cycles is valid in all subsets of cases, higher levels of P4 and a longer duration of P4E may be needed in patients with a hyper-ovarian response in order for a negative impact on pregnancy rates to occur. Available preclinical and clinical data suggest that aggressive OS with high doses of follicle-stimulating hormone might increase 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase enzyme activity in human granulosa cells, which leads to high P4 production and hence a higher amount of leakage to the systemic circulation due to a lack of 17α-hydroxylase enzyme expression in human species. High P4 concentrations appear to alter gene expression in the endometrium; however, caution is necessary regarding its potential effect on oocyte/embryo quality with respect to the role of inherent follicular disruption in some women. In terms of the mechanism of overproduction in P4 synthesis, the main preventive strategy should be avoiding aggressive stimulation. Unfortunately, there is lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials for other approaches, including deferred embryo transfer in the thaw cycle. Since there is a significant inter-assay variability for P4 measurement, it may be wise to recommend that every center should define their own P4E and the level needed for harm to occur based on their own assays and datasets before deciding the best approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurkan Bozdag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esengul Turkyilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sule Yildiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezcan Mumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Yarali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.,Anatolia IVF and Women Health Centre, Ankara, Turkey
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