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Schulz I, Schulte J, Dipl-Med DW. Zygotic-splitting after in vitro fertilization and prenatal parenthood testing after suspected embryo mix-up - a case report. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:2057-2064. [PMID: 38696127 PMCID: PMC11306302 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03245-9] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
After in vitro fertilization with a single embryo, the parents learned about being pregnant with twins in the 10th week with various indications that an embryonic mix-up could have taken place. The affected couple thus expressed the urgent desire for a clarification of parenthood considering an abortion. However, the prenatal test results would not have been available until the 14/15th week of pregnancy. Legally, then, severe physical or mental distress of the pregnant woman must be claimed by physicians to justify an abortion after the twelfth week. However, a lack of genetic relatedness could lead to serious psychological distress for the parents, making a pregnancy termination possible even after the twelfth week, which is discussed in this case study alongside the interdisciplinary team's ethical, legal, and medical considerations.For the invasive relationship testing, cultivated chorionic villi samples (CVS) from both unborn and saliva samples from the putative parents were genetically analyzed using classical short tandem repeats (STR) analysis. The perfect match of both CVS profiles suggested the occurrence of an unusual late twin shaft, for which, fortunately, parenthood could be confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a prenatal investigation of a suspected embryo mix-up after assisted reproductive technology (ART), in which parenthood should be fixed. We want to draw attention to this unthinkable scenario, which may increase in the future with ART-induced rising multiple pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Schulz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department, University of Basel, Basel-Stadt Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel, CH-4056, Switzerland.
| | - Janine Schulte
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department, University of Basel, Basel-Stadt Pestalozzistrasse 22, Basel, CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Dorothea Wand Dipl-Med
- University Hospital Basel, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Schönbeinstrasse 40, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
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Jin H, Han Y, Zenker J. Cellular mechanisms of monozygotic twinning: clues from assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae022. [PMID: 38996087 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monozygotic (MZ) twins are believed to arise from the fission of a single fertilized embryo at different stages. Monochorionic MZ twins, who share one chorion, originate from the splitting of the inner cell mass (ICM) within a single blastocyst. In the classic model for dichorionic MZ twins, the embryo splits before compaction, developing into two blastocysts. However, there are a growing number of ART cases where a single blastocyst transfer results in dichorionic MZ twins, indicating that embryo splitting may occur even after blastocyst formation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE For monochorionic MZ twins, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cellular mechanisms involved in ICM splitting, drawing from both ART cases and animal experiments. In addition, we critically re-examine the classic early splitting model for dichorionic MZ twins. We explore cellular mechanisms leading to two separated blastocysts in ART, potentially causing dichorionic MZ twins. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies including research articles, reviews, and conference papers were searched in the PubMed database. Cases of MZ twins from IVF clinics were found by using combinations of terms including 'monozygotic twins' with 'IVF case report', 'ART', 'single embryo transfer', or 'dichorionic'. The papers retrieved were categorized based on the implicated mechanisms or as those with unexplained mechanisms. Animal experiments relating to MZ twins were found using 'mouse embryo monozygotic twins', 'mouse 8-shaped hatching', 'zebrafish janus mutant', and 'nine-banded armadillo embryo', along with literature collected through day-to-day reading. The search was limited to articles in English, with no restrictions on publication date or species. OUTCOMES For monochorionic MZ twins, ART cases and mouse experiments demonstrate evidence that a looser ICM in blastocysts has an increased chance of ICM separation. Physical forces facilitated by blastocoel formation or 8-shaped hatching are exerted on the ICM, resulting in monochorionic MZ twins. For dichorionic MZ twins, the classic model resembles artificial cloning of mouse embryos in vitro, requiring strictly controlled splitting forces, re-joining prevention, and proper aggregation, which allows the formation of two separate human blastocysts under physiological circumstances. In contrast, ART procedures involving the transfer of a single blastocysts after atypical hatching or vitrified-warmed cycles might lead to blastocyst separation. Differences in morphology, molecular mechanisms, and timing across various animal model systems for MZ twinning can impede this research field. As discussed in future directions, recent developments of innovative in vitro models of human embryos may offer promising avenues for providing fundamental novel insights into the cellular mechanisms of MZ twinning during human embryogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Twin pregnancies pose high risks to both the fetuses and the mother. While single embryo transfer is commonly employed to prevent dizygotic twin pregnancies in ART, it cannot prevent the occurrence of MZ twins. Drawing from our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying monochorionic and dichorionic MZ twinning, along with insights into the genetic mechanisms, could enable improved prediction, prevention, and even intervention strategies during ART procedures. REGISTRAITON NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Jin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yang Han
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Luijkx DG, Ak A, Guo G, van Blitterswijk CA, Giselbrecht S, Vrij EJ. Monochorionic Twinning in Bioengineered Human Embryo Models. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313306. [PMID: 38593372 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Monochorionic twinning of human embryos increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. The rarity of such twinning events, combined with ethical constraints in human embryo research, makes investigating the mechanisms behind twinning practically infeasible. As a result, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the origins and early phenotypic presentation of monochorionic twin embryos. In this study, a microthermoformed-based microwell screening platform is used to identify conditions that efficiently induce monochorionic twins in human stem cell-based blastocyst models, termed "twin blastoids". These twin blastoids contain a cystic GATA3+ trophectoderm-like epithelium encasing two distinct inner cell masses (ICMs). Morphological and morphokinetic analyses reveal that twinning occurs during the cavitation phase via splitting of the OCT4+ pluripotent core. Notably, each ICM in twin blastoids contains its own NR2F2+ polar trophectoderm-like region, ready for implantation. This is functionally tested in a microfluidic chip-based implantation assay with epithelial endometrium cells. Under defined flow regimes, twin blastoids show increased adhesion capacity compared to singleton blastoids, suggestive of increased implantation potential. In conclusion, the development of technology enabling large-scale formation of twin blastoids, coupled with high-sensitivity readout capabilities, presents an unprecedented opportunity for systematically exploring monochorionic twin formation and its impact on embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian G Luijkx
- MERLN Institute of Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
| | - Asli Ak
- MERLN Institute of Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Clemens A van Blitterswijk
- MERLN Institute of Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute of Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Vrij
- MERLN Institute of Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
- Gynaecology, Women Mother Child Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6202AZ, The Netherlands
- GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229ET, The Netherlands
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Stienstra K, Knigge A, Maas I. Gene-environment interaction analysis of school quality and educational inequality. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38429323 PMCID: PMC10907386 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
We study to what extent schools increase or decrease environmental and genetic influences on educational performance. Building on behavioral genetics literature on gene-environment interactions and sociological literature on the compensating and amplifying effects of schools on inequality, we investigate whether the role of genes and the shared environment is larger or smaller in higher-quality school environments. We apply twin models to Dutch administrative data on the educational performance of 18,384 same-sex and 11,050 opposite-sex twin pairs, enriched with data on the quality of primary schools. Our results show that school quality does not moderate genetic and shared-environmental influences on educational performance once the moderation by SES is considered. We find a gene-environment interplay for school SES: genetic variance decreases with increasing school SES. This school SES effect partly reflects parental SES influences. Yet, parental SES does not account for all the school SES moderation, suggesting that school-based processes play a role too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Stienstra
- Department of Sociology/ICS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Antonie Knigge
- Department of Sociology/ICS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke Maas
- Department of Sociology/ICS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hwa HL, Lin CY, Yu YJ, Linacre A, Lee JCI. DNA identification of monozygotic twins. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 69:102998. [PMID: 38100853 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102998] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
This study details the differentiation of identical twins based on single mutational base differences. There were three pairs of male monozygotic (MZ) twins in this study. DNA samples from blood, a buccal swab or saliva from each individual were all initially genotyped using 22 autosomal STR and 27 Y-STR loci. Preliminary screening confirmed there were no differences in the STR data between each pair of MZ twins. Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) data were generated from DNA extracted from the three body fluids from each individual. Kinship coefficients with 0.4254, 0.4557 and 0.4543 from 3 twins were generated based on WGS data to further confirm that their relationship was that of MZ twins. The fastq data generated by the Illumina Hiseq 2000 between MZ twins were then treated as "normal" as opposed to "tumor" using commercially available software tools to identify mutational single base changes. Sanger DNA sequencing confirmed there were 1, 5 and 9 single base changes found in WGS data from each of the three MZ twin sets. There was individual variation in the mutational base changes when comparing data from the three body fluids. The methods used in this study to differentiate MZ twins based on WGS data can readily be performed in many operational forensic DNA laboratories using user friendly software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Lin Hwa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City 23016, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Adrian Linacre
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - James Chun-I Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
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Lin J, Zhang K, Wu F, Wang B, Chai W, Zhu Q, Huang J, Lin J. Maternal and perinatal risks for monozygotic twins conceived following frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:36. [PMID: 38326864 PMCID: PMC10848471 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01349-9] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to explore the maternal and perinatal risks in cases of monozygotic twins (MZT) following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). METHODS All twin births that were conceived following FET from 2007 to 2021 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital in Shanghai, China were retrospectively reviewed. The exposure variable was twin type (monozygotic and dizygotic). The primary outcome was the incidence of neonatal death while secondary outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, Cesarean delivery, gestational age, birth weight, weight discordance, stillbirth, birth defects, pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neonatal jaundice. Analysis of the outcomes was performed using logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The causal mediation analysis was conducted. A doubly robust estimation model was used to validate the results. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival probability. The sensitivity analysis was performed with a propensity score-based patient-matching model. RESULTS Of 6101 dizygotic twin (DZT) and 164 MZT births conceived by FET, MZT showed an increased risk of neonatal death based on the multivariate logistic regression models (partially adjusted OR: 4.19; 95% CI, 1.23-10.8; fully adjusted OR: 4.95; 95% CI, 1.41-13.2). Similar results were obtained with the doubly robust estimation. Comparing MZT with DZT, the neonatal survival probability was lower for MZT (P < 0.05). The results were robust in the sensitivity analysis. Females with MZT pregnancies exhibited an elevated risk of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (adjusted OR: 2.42; 95% CI, 1.54-3.70). MZT were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth (prior to 37 weeks) (adjusted OR: 2.31; 95% CI, 1.48-3.67), low birth weight (adjusted OR: 1.92; 95% CI, 1.27-2.93), and small for gestational age (adjusted OR: 2.18; 95% CI, 1.21-3.69) in the fully adjusted analyses. The effect of MZT on neonatal death was partially mediated by preterm birth and low birth weight (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that MZT conceived by FET are related to an increased risk of neonatal death, emphasizing a potential need for comprehensive antenatal surveillance in these at-risk pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer / Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Fenglu Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bian Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Weiran Chai
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jialyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang University School of Medicine, 318 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Jiaying Lin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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van Dongen J, Hubers N, Boomsma DI. New insights into the (epi)genetics of twinning. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:35-42. [PMID: 38052159 PMCID: PMC10767898 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous dizygotic (DZ) twins, i.e. twins conceived without the use of ARTs, run in families and their prevalence varies widely around the globe. In contrast, monozygotic (MZ) twins occur at a constant rate across time and geographical regions and, with some rare exceptions, do not cluster in families. The leading hypothesis for MZ twins, which arise when a zygote splits during preimplantation stages of development, is random occurrence. We have found the first series of genes underlying the liability of being the mother of DZ twins and have shown that being an MZ twin is strongly associated with a stable DNA methylation signature in child and adult somatic tissues. Because identical twins keep this molecular signature across the lifespan, this discovery opens up completely new possibilities for the retrospective diagnosis of whether a person is an MZ twin whose co-twin may have vanished in the early stages of pregnancy. Here, we summarize the gene finding results for mothers of DZ twins based on genetic association studies followed by meta-analysis, and further present the striking epigenetic results for MZ twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny van Dongen
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki Hubers
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kuroda K. Management strategies following implantation failure of euploid embryos. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12576. [PMID: 38590944 PMCID: PMC11000815 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Euploid blastocyst implantation failure may result from embryonic factors undetectable by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A); however, various nonembryonic factors can also intricately interfere with implantation. This review seeks to clarify evidence-based testing and treatments for implantation failure after euploid embryo transfer. Methods We conducted a review of the literature on implantation failure after euploid embryo transfer or multiple embryo transfer cycles, which mainly included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results The recommended tests for implantation failure include (1) hysteroscopy, (2) endometrial CD138 immunohistochemistry and bacterial culture, (3) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and (4) thrombophilia screening. Based on diagnostic findings, the following treatments have been recommended: (1) antibiotics for chronic endometritis, (2) vitamin D replacement, (3) lifestyle modification, and (4) low-dose aspirin starting from the postimplantation period for thrombophilia. Moreover, frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer using assisted hatching and hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium may support embryo implantation. Conclusion To ensure a successful pregnancy in subsequent embryo transfers, simple, inexpensive, and evidence-based tests and treatments should be selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and EndoscopySugiyama Clinic MarunouchiTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyJuntendo University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Zhang LN, Wang ZZ, Wu JL, Ding WC, Lin XG, Ji T, Wang SS. Effect of Third Interstitial Fluid on Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Severe Pre-eclampsia and Twin Pregnancy: A 5-year Single-center Retrospective Study. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:1213-1220. [PMID: 38079055 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2815-5] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the effect of third interstitial fluid on adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies with severe pre-eclampsia, and explore the differences in bad ending between twins and singletons. METHODS The present retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with severe pre-eclampsia, who delivered in Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China, between 2017 and 2022. The adverse outcomes in singleton and twin pregnancies with severe pre-eclampsia were initially investigated. Then, the diverse maternal and fetal consequences between singleton and twin pregnancies in patients with severe pre-eclampsia were compared after merging with the third interstitial fluid. RESULTS A total of 709 patients were included for the present study. Among these patients, 68 patients had twin pregnancies, and 641 patients had singleton pregnancies. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage (2.81% vs. 13.24%, P<0.001), and admission rate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth (30.73% vs. 63.24%, P=0.011) were significantly higher in twin pregnancies. The neonatal weight of twins was statistically lower than singletons (1964.73±510.61 g vs. 2142.92±731.25 g, P=0.008). For the groups with the third interstitial fluid, the delivery week (P=0.001) and rate of admission to the NICU after birth were significantly advanced in twin pregnancy group, when compared to singleton pregnancy group (P=0.032), and the length of hospital stay was shorter (P=0.044). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the twin pregnancy group and the singletony pregnancy group without the third interstitial fluid. CONCLUSION The maternal and fetal adverse outcomes of patients with severe pre-eclampsia increased in twin pregnancies, when compared to singleton pregnancies. Thus, when patients develop the third interstitial fluid, twin pregnancies would more likely lead to adverse fetal outcomes, when compared to singleton pregnancies, and there would be no significant difference in maternal adverse outcomes. More attention should be given to patients who merge with the third interstitial fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Nan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zi-Zhuo Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Li Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen-Cheng Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Guang Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Teng Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Shuai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Guzys A, Reid SM, Bolch C, Reddihough DS, Teoh M, Palma-Dias R, Fung A, Cole S, Hodges R, Fahey M, Walker SP. Developmental outcomes for survivors of placental laser photocoagulation for the management of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:699. [PMID: 37770827 PMCID: PMC10540356 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05997-5] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses reverses the pathological process in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, thereby increasing survival, but there are a paucity of studies addressing long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of survivors. This study aimed to ascertain the presence of neurodevelopmental disabilities in child survivors of monochorionic pregnancies managed by placental laser photocoagulation in the Australian state of Victoria. METHODS All pregnancies undergoing placental laser photocoagulation with the Victorian Fetal Therapy Service between 2006-2017 were included. Information on each surviving child, including demographics, perinatal course, and developmental progress was collected from parents, and consent was sought to complete the Child Behaviour Checklist. Interviewers evaluated whether this information was consistent with a diagnosis of any of 14 neurodevelopmental conditions. A three-tiered outcome measure was allocated for each child: (1) unimpaired or developmentally normal, (2) mild or moderate neurological impairment, or (3) severe neurological impairment. Clinical predictors for adverse outcome were identified. RESULTS Of 116 pregnancies (113 twin, 3 triplet), 96 (83%) resulted in 1 + surviving fetuses. 57/113 (50%) twin pregnancies resulted in 2 survivors, 36 (32%) in 1 survivor, and 20 (18%) in no survivors. Of the 235 fetuses, 154 (65.5%) survived to follow-up. Survival increased from 59% in 2006-2008 to 73% in 2015-2017. 90/154 (58%) survivors were followed up at a mean age of 7.5 [SD 3.0] years. Based on parental interview and Child Behaviour Checklist data, 28/90 (31%) participants were assessed as having neurodevelopmental impairment, 27 of mild-moderate severity and 1 severe. Speech/language disorders, attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorders, and fine motor impairment were most common. Neonatal length of stay conferred the highest risk of impairment. CONCLUSION Substantial variation exists between fetal therapy services in the type and length of neonatal follow-up following fetoscopic laser coagulation, contributing to a lack of data on long-term outcomes. The findings from this study support increasingly urgent calls to undertake systematic and sustained follow-up of fetoscopic laser coagulation survivors until school age. Information from this study may assist parents in their decision-making when offered fetal surgery. Importantly, it highlights a group for targeted surveillance and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Guzys
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan M Reid
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christie Bolch
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dinah S Reddihough
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Teoh
- Fetal Diagnostics Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Fetal Therapy Service, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ricardo Palma-Dias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Ultrasound Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison Fung
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Cole
- Division of Maternity Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ryan Hodges
- Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Fahey
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Australia.
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Li Y, Chang Q, Mai Q. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of monozygotic twins resulting from assisted reproductive technology: a 10-year retrospective study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:51. [PMID: 37268975 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monozygotic twins (MZTs) are associated with high risks of maternal and fetal complications. Even with the widely used elective single embryo transfer (SET), the risk of MZTs following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments remains. However, most studies of MZTs focused on the relevant etiology, with few studies describing pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 19,081 SET cycles resulting from in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) performed between January 2010 and July 2020 in a single university-based center. A total of 187 MZTs were included in this investigation. The main outcome measures were the incidence, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of MZTs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to figure out the risk factors for pregnancy loss. RESULTS The overall rate of MZTs from ART treatment in SET cycles was 0.98%. No significant difference was found in the incidence of MZTs among the four groups (p = 0.259). The live birth rate of MZTs in the ICSI group (88.5%) was significantly more favorable than in the IVF, PGT and TESA groups (60.5%, 77.2% and 80%, respectively). IVF resulted in a significantly increased risk of pregnancy loss (39.4%) and early miscarriage (29.5%) in MZT pregnancies compared to ICSI (11.4%, 8.5%), PGT (22.7%, 16.6%) and TESA (20%, 13.3%). The total rate of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in MZTs was 2.7% (5/187); however, the TESA group had the highest rate at 20% and was significantly higher than the PGT group (p = 0.005). The four ART groups had no significant effect on the occurrence of congenital abnormalities or other neonatal outcomes in newborns from MZT pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that infertility duration, cause of infertility, the total dose of Gn used, history of miscarriages, and the number of miscarriages were not related to the risk of pregnancy loss (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The rate of MZTs was similar among the four ART groups. The pregnancy loss and the early miscarriage rate of MZTs was increased in IVF patients. Neither the cause of infertility nor the history of miscarriage was correlated with the risk of pregnancy loss. MZTs in the TESA group had a higher risk of TTTS, placental effects influenced by sperm and paternally expressed genes may play a role. However, due to the small total number, studies with larger sample sizes are still needed to validate these result. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of MZTs after PGT treatment seem to be reassuring but the duration of the study was short, and long-term follow-up of the children is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiyuan Chang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyun Mai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Matorras R, Vendrell A, Ferrando M, Larreategui Z. Early Spontaneous Twinning Recorded By Time-Lapse. Twin Res Hum Genet 2023; 26:215-218. [PMID: 37655615 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2023.24] [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: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Monozygotic twins (MZT) are 2.5 times more frequent in ART than in natural conceptions. A number of ART-related mechanisms have been probably linked with MZT. Studies that retrospectively analyze the time-lapse (TL) records resulting in MZT suggest that some morphokinetic traits of the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm could be predictors of MZT, but results are controversial. We present the complete TL record of one case of MZT that split itself at the very moment of the division into two cells, with one of the cells coming out through a hole in the zona pellucida (ZP). Both resulting embryos developed normally, and were vitrified. It is suggested that the hole in the ZP may facilitate the extrusion of some cells of the
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- IVI Bilbao, Lejona, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, Cruces University Hospital, Basque Country University, Baracaldo, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Baracaldo, Spain
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13
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Grynberg M, Cedrin-Durnerin I, Raguideau F, Herquelot E, Luciani L, Porte F, Verpillat P, Helwig C, Schwarze JE, Paillet S, Castello-Bridoux C, D'Hooghe T, Benchaïb M. Comparative effectiveness of gonadotropins used for ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in France: A real-world observational study from the French nationwide claims database (SNDS). Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 88:102308. [PMID: 36707343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102308] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This comparative non-interventional study using data from the French National Health Database (Système National des Données de Santé) investigated real-world (cumulative) live birth outcomes following ovarian stimulation, leading to oocyte pickup with either originator recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) products (alfa or beta), r-hFSH alfa biosimilars, or urinaries including mainly HP-hMG (menotropins), and marginally u-hFSH-HP (urofollitropin). Using data from 245,534 stimulations (153,600 women), biosimilars resulted in a 19% lower live birth (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.86) and a 14% lower cumulative live birth (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.89); and urinaries resulted in a 7% lower live birth (adjusted OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.96) and an 11% lower cumulative live birth (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.91) versus originator r-hFSH alfa. Results were consistent across strata (age and ART strategy), sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching, and with r-hFSH alfa and beta as the reference group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grynberg
- Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 92140, Clamart, France; Hôpital Jean Verdier, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 93140, Bondy, France.
| | - I Cedrin-Durnerin
- Hôpital Jean Verdier, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 93140, Bondy, France.
| | | | | | - L Luciani
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Real-World Evidence, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - F Porte
- Direction des Affaires économiques - Market Access, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | | | - C Helwig
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | | | - S Paillet
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Fertilité, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - C Castello-Bridoux
- Direction des Affaires Médicales - Fertilité, Merck Santé, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 - Box 805 | B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - M Benchaïb
- Hôpital Mère Enfant, Service de Médecine de La Reproduction et Préservation de La Fertilité, 69500, Bron, France.
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14
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Fitzallen GC, Taylor HG, Liley HG, Bora S. Within- and between-twin comparisons of risk for childhood behavioral difficulties after preterm birth. Pediatr Res 2023:10.1038/s41390-023-02579-1. [PMID: 37041209 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth and multiple gestation are independently associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe risks of screening positive for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anxiety in preterm-born twin children by zygosity (monozygotic, dizygotic) and birth order (first-born, second-born). METHODS Caregivers of 349 preterm-born twin pairs (42% monozygotic) aged 3-18 years reported child behavioral outcomes on Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior; Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition; and Preschool Anxiety Scale or Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders. RESULTS Concordance for behavioral outcomes in twin pairs ranged from 80.06 to 89.31% for ADHD, 61.01 to 84.23% for ASD, and 64.76 to 73.35% for anxiety. Monozygotic twins had a greater risk than dizygotic of screening positive for inattention (risk ratio = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.48-5.72) and social anxiety (1.79, 1.23-2.61). Relative to first-born, second-born twins had a greater risk of screening positive for hyperactivity/impulsivity (1.51, 1.06-2.16); overall ASD (2.38, 1.62-3.49); difficulties with social awareness (2.68, 1.94-3.71), social cognition (4.45, 3.06-6.46), and social communication (2.36, 1.56-3.57); restricted/repetitive behavior (1.91, 1.30-2.81); overall anxiety (1.34, 1.10-1.64); generalized anxiety (1.34, 1.11-1.60); and social anxiety (1.32, 1.06-1.64). CONCLUSION The current findings emphasize considering zygosity and birth order in preterm and multiple birth outcomes research, and highlight clinical implications for discharge planning, neurodevelopmental surveillance, and facilitating parenting and family support. IMPACT Zygosity and birth order are important determinants of behavioral and socioemotional outcomes in preterm-born twins. Among 349 preterm-born twin pairs aged 3-18 years (42% monozygotic), 61-89% demonstrated concordance for behavioral and socioemotional outcomes. Monozygosity had greater risks than dizygosity for positive screening of inattention and social anxiety. Second-born twins had greater risks than first-born for hyperactivity/impulsivity, social difficulties (awareness, cognition, communication), restricted/repetitive behavior, and anxiety (generalized, social). These findings have implications for discharge planning, neurodevelopmental surveillance, and facilitating parenting and family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Fitzallen
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - H Gerry Taylor
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Helen G Liley
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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15
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Chu CS, Li D, Olson-Chen C, Kawwass J, Vitek W. Recurrence risk and risk factors for monozygotic twin and triplet birth in over 65,000 single-embryo transfers. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:851-855. [PMID: 36746891 PMCID: PMC10224894 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02737-8] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the recurrence risk and risk factors for monozygotic splitting after elective single-embryo transfers (eSET). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed investigating 65,664 eSET cycles that resulted in a clinical pregnancy as reported in the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinical Outcomes Reporting System (CORS) between 2004 and 2017. Monozygosity was defined as more than one fetal heart tone by the first-trimester ultrasound and concordant sex at live birth. The primary outcome was recurrence risk, with recurrence defined as one patient having two or more cycles of eSET resulting in monozygotic multiples. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with smonozygotic splitting, using a multivariable logistic regression model and a stepwise purposeful model selection. RESULTS There were 1355 (2.05%) pregnancies that resulted in two or more fetal heart tones after SET, including 840 monozygotic twins and triplets at birth. Recurrence occurred in two cases-0.0001% of patients with multiple eSET cycles. One case resulted from embryos created from a single cohort with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching (AH), and blastocyst transfers. The second case resulted from donor egg embryos with ICSI and blastocyst transfers. Risk factors associated with monozygotic live birth were blastocyst transfer (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.47, P = 0.0176) and AH (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.44, P = 0.0081). CONCLUSION Recurrence of monozygotic live births in eSET was very rare. Blastocyst transfer and AH were confirmed to be risk factors for monozygotic live births, while ICSI, PGT, and FET do not appear to be associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Clinical and Translational Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Olson-Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Kawwass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wendy Vitek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Kadam N, Woodhead G, Kellam L, Campbell A, Jayaprakasan K. Odds and Predictors of Monozygotic Twinning in a Multicentre Cohort of 25,794 IVF Cycles. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072593. [PMID: 37048676 PMCID: PMC10095500 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072593] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The rate of monozygotic twinning (MZT) has seen a gradual increase in recent years. Numerous parameters involved in ART procedures are blamed for this surge, even though the exact explanation is as yet unknown. Our study's objectives were to determine the risk variables for monozygotic twinning after ART and to estimate their prevalence. We examined 25,794 IVF cycles for the incidence of monozygotic twinning in this observational analysis. Our study, which was carried out across seven tertiary IVF centres over the course of four years, found an overall MZT rate of 0.37% per embryo transfer procedure and 0.88% of all pregnancies. Monozygotic twinning was more commonly seen in fresh single-embryo transfer (SET) and blastocyst transfer cycles. Larger multicentre studies are needed to explore the potential risk variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikit Kadam
- Derby Fertility Unit, University Hospitals of Deby and Burton, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kanna Jayaprakasan
- Derby Fertility Unit, University Hospitals of Deby and Burton, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
- Care Fertility, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
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17
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Kozinszky Z, Surányi A. The High-Risk Profile of Selective Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040648. [PMID: 37109605 PMCID: PMC10141888 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The present review aims to provide a critical appraisal of the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up and to evaluate the optimal clinical management of monochorionic twin pregnancies where one of the twins is complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The classification is based on the umbilical artery (UA) diastolic flow reflecting the outcome. If the sFGR twin has positive diastolic flow (Type I) then the prognosis is good, and it does not require close surveillance. Biweekly or weekly sonographic and Doppler surveillance and fetal monitoring are recommended strategies to detect unpredictable complications in type II and type III forms, which are defined by persistently absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (AREDF) or cyclically intermittent absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (iAREDF) in the umbilical waveforms, respectively. The latest forms are associated with an increased risk of unexpected fetal demise of the smaller twin and 10-20% risk of neurological injury in the larger twin in addition to the overall risk of prematurity. The clinical course can be affected by elective fetal therapy ('dichorinization' of the placenta with laser or selective fetal reduction) or elective delivery in the presence of severe fetal deterioration. The prediction of the clinical outcome in complicated cases of type II and III sFGR cases remains elusive. Novel routines in fetal and placental scans in order to predict neurological impairments and unexpected fetal death to optimize the delivery time-point are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Kozinszky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Danderyds Hospital, 182 88 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Surányi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
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18
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Kondowe FJM, Clayton P, Gittins M, D'Souza SW, Brison DR, Roberts SA. Growth of twins conceived using assisted reproductive treatments up to 5 years old: a national growth cohort. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:751-761. [PMID: 36763679 PMCID: PMC10068277 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead018] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do twins conceived through assisted reproductive treatments (ART) grow differently from naturally conceived (NC) twins in early life? SUMMARY ANSWER Assessments at 6-8 weeks old and at school entry show that ART twins conceived from frozen embryo transfer (FET) grow faster than both NC twins and ART twins conceived from fresh embryo transfer (ET). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Singletons born from fresh ET grow more slowly in utero and in the first few weeks of life but then show postnatal catch-up growth by school age, compared to NC and FET babies. Evidence on early child growth of ART twins relative to NC twins is inconsistent; most studies are small and do not distinguish FET from fresh ET cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cohort study included 13 528 live-born twin babies conceived by ART (fresh ET: 2792, FET: 556) and NC (10 180) between 1991 and 2009 in Scotland. The data were obtained by linking Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority ART register data to the Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR02) and Scottish child health programme datasets. Outcome data were collected at birth, 6-8 weeks (first assessment), and school entry (4-7 years old) assessments. The primary outcome was growth, measured by weight at the three assessment points. Secondary outcomes were length (at birth and 6-8 weeks) or height (at school entry), BMI, occipital circumference, gestational age at birth, newborn intensive care unit admission, and growth rates (between birth and 6-8 weeks and between 6-8 weeks and school entry). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All twins in the linked dataset (born between 1991 and 2009) with growth data were included in the analysis. To determine outcome differences between fresh ET, FET, and NC twins, linear mixed models (or analogous logistic regression models) were used to explore the outcomes of interest. All models were adjusted for available confounders: gestational age/child age, gender, maternal age and smoking, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, year of treatment, parity, ICSI, and ET stage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the primary birth weight models, the average birth weight of fresh ET twins was lower [-35 g; 95% CI: (-53, -16)g] than NC controls, while FET twins were heavier [71 g; 95% CI (33, 110) g] than NC controls and heavier [106 g; 95% CI (65, 146) g] than fresh ET twins. However, the difference between FET and NC twins was not significant when considering only full-term twins (≥37 weeks gestation) [26 g; 95% CI (-30, 82) g], while it was significantly higher in preterm twins [126 g; 95% CI (73, 179) g]. Growth rates did not differ significantly for the three groups from birth to 6-8 weeks. However, FET twins grew significantly faster from 6 to 8 weeks than NC (by 2.2 g/week) and fresh ET twins (by 2.1 g/week). By school entry, FET twins were 614 g [95% CI (158, 1070) g] and 581 g [95% CI (100, 1063) g] heavier than NC and fresh ET twins, respectively. Length/height and occipital frontal circumference did not differ significantly at any time point. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the differences between ART and NC reflect the true ART effects, these effects are likely to be mediated partly through the different prevalence of mono/dizygotic twins in the two groups. We could not explore the mediating effect of zygosity due to the unavailability of data. The confounding variables included in the study were limited to those available in the datasets. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Live-born twins from FET cycles are heavier at birth, grow faster than their fresh ET and NC counterparts, and are still heavier at school entry. This differs from that observed in singletons from the same cohort, where babies in the three conception groups had similar weights by school entry age. The results are reassuring on known differences in FET versus fresh ET and NC twin outcomes. However, FET twins grow faster and are consistently larger, and more ART twins depict catch-up growth. These may lead to an increased risk profile for non-communicable diseases in later life. As such, these twin outcomes require careful evaluation using more recent and comprehensive cohorts. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the EU H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN) grant Dohartnet (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018-812660). The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiskani J M Kondowe
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Centre for Biostatistics, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Clayton
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Child Health & Paediatric Endocrinology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Gittins
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Centre for Biostatistics, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen W D'Souza
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS. Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Centre for Biostatistics, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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19
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A Case of Sex Discordant Dichorionic Diamniotic Twins after Single Embryo Transfer and the Importance of Zygosity Testing. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed4010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Single embryo transfer (SET) is a technique used in assisted reproductive treatment (ART) that is used to promote singleton pregnancies. To date, there are five reported cases of dizygotic twin pregnancies with mothers who underwent SET. Here, we present a sixth case of a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy with sex discordance. The patient is a 34-year-old woman with unexplained secondary infertility who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer from a SET. The ultrasonographic images from the first and second trimester scans identified dichorionic, diamniotic twin gestations. The delivery was full term and postnatal genetic testing confirmed 46, XX, and 46, XY offspring. Pathology reports of the placental and membrane findings reported diamniotic, dichorionic twins. There was no zygosity testing conducted, thus it is unknown if the twins are monozygotic or dizygotic. Two possible etiologies for sex-discordant twins, in this case, are concurrent natural conception via breakthrough ovulation at the time of SET, or discordant postzygotic nondisjunction of a single embryo. Multiple gestations may still occur in the setting of SET and zygosity testing in these instances would better elucidate our understanding of this occurrence. Moreover, improved data on the zygosity of multiple gestations following SET may enhance patient counseling.
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20
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Vlachadis N, Vrachnis D, Loukas N, Fotiou A, Maroudias G, Antonakopoulos N, Stavros S, Vrachnis N. Temporal Trends in Multiple Births in Greece: The Evolution of an Epidemic. Cureus 2023; 15:e35414. [PMID: 36987481 PMCID: PMC10040221 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple births constitute the dominant adverse effect of fertility treatments and are associated with increased perinatal risks. The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine and present time trends in multiple births in Greece. Methods Data on live births by multiplicity were derived from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, covering a 65-year period from 1957 to 2021. Temporal trends in multiple birth rates (MBR), twin birth rates (TwBR), as well as in triplet and higher-order birth rates (Tr+BR) were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis, and the annual percentage changes (APC) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and level of statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results The MBR in Greece showed a downward trend from 1957 to 1979 (APC = -1.7, 95% CI: -2.0 to -1.4, p < 0.001). However, the rate started to climb in the 1980s, accelerated during the 1990s, and continued to rise in the two most recent decades, reaching a historic high and a world record of 57.2 per 1,000 births in 2021, i.e., a 3.4-fold increase since 1985. The TwBR increased from an all-time low of 16.5 per 1,000 births in 1978 with APC = 1.4 (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.5, p = 0.021) during 1979-1989, APC = 6.3 (95% CI: 5.5 to 7.2, p < 0.001) during 1989-2001, and APC = 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.5, p < 0.001) during the last two decades (2001-2021). The Tr+BR, after an all-time low of 17.5 per 100,000 births in 1966, increased dramatically from 1982 to 2000 (APC = 12.4, 95% CI: 9.6 to 15.2, p < 0.001), leveled off during 2000-2011, and after reaching a historic maximum of 351.1 per 100,000 births in 2010, there was a sharp decreasing trend during the last decade (2011-2021: APC = -12.1, 95% CI: -16.8 to -7.2, p < 0.001). Conclusion The dramatic increases in maternal age as well as in medically assisted conceptions have resulted in an epidemic increase in MBR in Greece reaching world record levels. During the last decade, there was an encouraging decline in the Tr+BR; however, the TwBR has continued to trend upwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Vlachadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Messinia, Kalamata, GRC
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, GRC
| | - Alexandros Fotiou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | | | | | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
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21
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Sugiyama M, Yamakawa T, Harada M, Ohira A, Ichikawa M, Akiyama T, Orime K, Nakanishi S, Aoki S, Terauchi Y. Comparing the course and delivery outcomes of Japanese twin pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: a single-center retrospective analysis. Endocr J 2022; 69:1183-1191. [PMID: 35705298 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Singleton pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multiple pregnancies are associated with increased risks of perinatal complications; however, the impact of GDM on maternal and neonatal outcomes in multiple pregnancies is unknown, and there are currently few reports on GDM status in twin pregnancies. This study aimed to compare the background and perinatal outcomes between Japanese twin pregnancies with and without GDM at a perinatal center in Japan. Additionally, the clinical course of GDM was investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, women with twin pregnancies underwent GDM screening at Yokohama City University Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2016. Overall, 307 twin pregnancies were divided into GDM (47 cases, 15.3%) and non-GDM (260 cases, 84.7%) groups. GDM-associated pregnancy complications, GDM status, and pregnancy outcomes were ascertained. Women with GDM were older and had a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index than those without GDM. Glycemic control was good in all patients, and there was no difference in delivery outcomes between the two groups. Gestational weight gain was lower in pregnant women with GDM (+8.0 kg) than in those without GDM (+11.8 kg), suggesting the impact of strict nutritional guidance on twin pregnancies with GDM. In conclusion, twin pregnancies with GDM did not have different delivery outcomes compared to those without GDM. To manage twin pregnancies with GDM, this study suggests that it is important to monitor patients' weight and blood glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sugiyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamakawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Marina Harada
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Akeo Ohira
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ichikawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Akiyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Kazuki Orime
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nakanishi
- Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonate, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Shigeru Aoki
- Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonate, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa 232-0024, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terauchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
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22
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Scaravelli G, Pisaturo V, Levi Setti PE, Ubaldi FM, Livi C, Borini A, Greco E, Villani MT, Coccia ME, Revelli A, Ricci G, Fusi F, Costa M, Migliorati E, De Luca R, Vigiliano V, Bolli S, Reschini M. Monozygotic twin rate among ART centers: a multicenter analysis of data from 18 Italian units. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2349-2354. [PMID: 36053372 PMCID: PMC9596663 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02603-z] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The risk of monozygotic twins (MZTs) is increased in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. Several systematic reviews have investigated the possible determinants linked to ART, but results obtained have not been conclusive. The study aims to investigate whether the incidence of MZT differed among ART centers. METHODS This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study using the Italian ART National Registry database and involving the centers reporting data from individual ART cycles from 2015 to 2019. To investigate the incidence of MZT, only single embryo transfer cycles were considered. Women who had sex-discordant deliveries were excluded. MZT rate was calculated as the number of multiple pregnancies (more than one gestational sac at first ultrasound) out of the total number of clinical pregnancies. A binomial distribution model was used to determine the 95% CI of the frequency of MZT. RESULTS Eighteen centers were included, and they provided data on 10,433 pregnancies. The total number of MZT was 162, corresponding to an incidence of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.3-1.8%). The rate of MZT among centers varied between 0% (95% CI: 0.0-25.9%) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.3-8.1%). All the 95% CIs included 1.5%, rejecting the hypothesis that the MZT rate may significantly differ among centers. CONCLUSIONS The rate of MZT did not significantly vary among ART centers. Local factors are unlikely to explain the increased rate of MZT in ART pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Scaravelli
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi Setti
- Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Livi
- Demetra GeneraLife Assisted Procreation Center, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus, International Medical University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Centre, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Revelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U/2U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Fusi
- Department of Maternal Fetal and Pediatric Medicine, ASST, Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mauro Costa
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Migliorati
- Surgery for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genera Umbria S.R.L, Umbertide, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Luca
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vigiliano
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Bolli
- ART Italian National Register, National Center for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Reschini
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
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23
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Glujovsky D, Quinteiro Retamar AM, Alvarez Sedo CR, Ciapponi A, Cornelisse S, Blake D. Cleavage-stage versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 5:CD002118. [PMID: 35588094 PMCID: PMC9119424 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002118.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in embryo culture media have led to a shift in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) practice from cleavage-stage embryo transfer to blastocyst-stage embryo transfer. The rationale for blastocyst-stage transfer is to improve both uterine and embryonic synchronicity and enable self selection of viable embryos, thus resulting in better live birth rates. OBJECTIVES To determine whether blastocyst-stage (day 5 to 6) embryo transfer improves the live birth rate (LBR) per fresh transfer, and other associated outcomes, compared with cleavage-stage (day 2 to 3) embryo transfer. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, from inception to October 2021. We also searched registers of ongoing trials and the reference lists of studies retrieved. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effectiveness of IVF with blastocyst-stage embryo transfer versus IVF with cleavage-stage embryo transfer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were LBR per fresh transfer and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates (cCPR). Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), multiple pregnancy, high-order multiple pregnancy, miscarriage (all following first embryo transfer), failure to transfer embryos, and whether supernumerary embryos were frozen for transfer at a later date (frozen-thawed embryo transfer). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included 32 RCTs (5821 couples or women). The live birth rate following fresh transfer was higher in the blastocyst-stage transfer group (odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.51; I2 = 53%; 15 studies, 2219 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 31% of women achieve live birth after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 32% and 41% would do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer improves the cCPR. A post hoc analysis showed that vitrification could increase the cCPR. This is an interesting finding that warrants further investigation when more studies using vitrification are published. The CPR was also higher in the blastocyst-stage transfer group, following fresh transfer (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.39; I2 = 51%; 32 studies, 5821 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if 39% of women achieve a clinical pregnancy after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 42% and 47% will probably do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer increases multiple pregnancy (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.33; I2 = 30%; 19 studies, 3019 women; low-quality evidence) or miscarriage rates (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.38; I2 = 24%; 22 studies, 4208 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 9% of women have a multiple pregnancy after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 8% and 12% would do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. However, a sensitivity analysis restricted only to studies with low or 'some concerns' for risk of bias, in the subgroup of equal number of embryos transferred, showed that blastocyst transfer probably increases the multiple pregnancy rate. Embryo freezing rates (when there are frozen supernumerary embryos for transfer at a later date) were lower in the blastocyst-stage transfer group (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.57; I2 = 84%; 14 studies, 2292 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 60% of women have embryos frozen after cleavage-stage transfer, between 37% and 46% would do so after blastocyst-stage transfer. Failure to transfer any embryos was higher in the blastocyst transfer group (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.55; I2 = 36%; 17 studies, 2577 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if 1% of women have no embryos transferred in planned fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 2% and 4% probably have no embryos transferred in planned fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. The evidence was of low quality for most outcomes. The main limitations were serious imprecision and serious risk of bias, associated with failure to describe acceptable methods of randomisation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is low-quality evidence for live birth and moderate-quality evidence for clinical pregnancy that fresh blastocyst-stage transfer is associated with higher rates of both than fresh cleavage-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer improves the cCPR derived from fresh and frozen-thawed cycles following a single oocyte retrieval. Although there is a benefit favouring blastocyst-stage transfer in fresh cycles, more evidence is needed to know whether the stage of transfer impacts on cumulative live birth and pregnancy rates. Future RCTs should report rates of live birth, cumulative live birth, and miscarriage. They should also evaluate women with a poor prognosis to enable those undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and service providers to make well-informed decisions on the best treatment option available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demián Glujovsky
- Reproductive Medicine, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Genética y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Marta Quinteiro Retamar
- Eggs donation program - Genetics unit, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Ginecologia y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Argentine Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simone Cornelisse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Deborah Blake
- Repromed Fertility Specialists, Auckland, New Zealand
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24
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Madani S, Machaty Z, Vajta G. An Alternative Way to Improve Mammalian Embryo Development In Vitro: Culture of Zona Pellucida-Free Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:111-117. [PMID: 35506897 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of data proves that the presence of the zona pellucida is not essential to mammalian embryo production, including maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture. In fact, the structure of the zona pellucida of in vitro-produced embryos differs significantly from its in vivo counterpart, influencing metabolism and requiring disproportionate efforts to crack open at the time of hatching. This review aims to focus attention on this field and stimulate research in zona-free embryo culture. In domestic animals, extensive application of purpose-designed culture systems for zona-free embryos proved the feasibility of this approach. It may open new possibilities and increase efficiency in both transgenic research and human-assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Madani
- Department of Biology and Physiology of Organisms, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Houari Boumedien, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, Australia.,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
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25
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Lewi L. What fetal medicine specialists should know about the monochorionic placenta. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:17-32. [PMID: 35430160 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Monochorionic twins are at risk of transfusion imbalances as long as they are connected to the shared placenta during their intrauterine journey. This review article addresses the macroscopic examination of the monochorionic placenta at the time of birth and explains placental dye injection studies to document the vascular anastomoses and placental sharing. We elaborate on the different types of anastomoses, the importance of how the placenta is divided between the twins, and the angioarchitecture in twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence and selective fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Lewi
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Dept. Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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26
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:718-724. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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27
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Dietrich JE, Strowitzki T. Embryotransfer an Tag 2/3 vs. Tag 5/6 und „time-lapse imaging“. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-021-00422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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28
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Sun F, Hara S, Tomita C, Tanoue Y, Yatsuki H, Higashimoto K, Soejima H. Phenotypically concordant but epigenetically discordant monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twins with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3062-3067. [PMID: 34037318 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder caused by (epi)genetic alterations. The incidence of monozygotic (MZ) twins in BWS is higher than in the general population. Most MZ twins with BWS are female and have phenotypical discordance: one twin is clinically diagnosed with BWS, while the other shows a mild or normal phenotype. The most frequent (epi)genetic alteration in MZ twins is loss of methylation of imprinting control region 2 (ICR2-LOM) at 11p15.5. Intriguingly, ICR2-LOM is usually found in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of both twins, even if they are clinically discordant. Here, we present a rare pair of MZ dichorionic diamniotic female twins with BWS and concordant phenotypes (a Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum score of 5 in each twin). Molecular analysis of genomic DNA from PBL revealed ICR2-LOM in one twin but not the other. Our analyses suggest that ICR2-LOM occurred between days 1 and 3 after fertilization, followed by twinning. We speculate that during embryogenesis, ICR2-LOM cells were distributed to the hematopoietic stem cells in different ratios in the two fetuses, and also to commonly affected tissues, such as the tongue, in similar ratios, although we were unable to analyze any tissues other than PBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Sun
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.,Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Satoshi Hara
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Tomita
- Department of Neonatology, Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuka Tanoue
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yatsuki
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Ken Higashimoto
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Soejima
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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29
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Neonatal and maternal outcomes among twin pregnancies stratified by mode of conception in the United States. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:514-521. [PMID: 33975727 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare neonatal and maternal outcomes among twin pregnancies conceived as a result of different types of fertility treatments with those of spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies. DESIGN Retrospective Cohort. SETTING Population-based analysis. PATIENT(S) Population-based analysis of twin pregnancies in the United States based on their mode of conception using the natality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (from January 2015 through December 2017). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. RESULT(S) The overall prevalence of early adverse maternal outcomes and medical complications and obstetric complications including the risk of unplanned hysterectomy, intensive care unit admission, maternal blood transfusion, and perineal laceration were significantly higher in the fertility treatment group (including both ovulation induction/intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology groups) compared with those of the spontaneous conception group, even after adjusting for several potential confounders. The risk of adverse composite neonatal outcomes was slightly lower in the spontaneous conception live twin birth group even after adjustment for several potential confounders. CONCLUSION(S) The rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity in twins conceived via different fertility treatments was slightly increased compared with those of twins conceived spontaneously. Because the absolute risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity were low, overall reassurance regarding these outcomes can be provided to the patients undergoing all types of fertility treatments.
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30
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Jundi SI, Pereira NCDA, Merighi TM, Santos JFD, Yadid IM, Coslovsky M, Criscuolo TS, Penna IADA. Monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy after single embryo transfer at blastocyst stage: a case report. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:168-170. [PMID: 32960525 PMCID: PMC7863101 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200052] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Single embryo transfer is highly encouraged on in vitro fertilization due to its lower rates of multiple pregnancy. Nevertheless, the likelihood of multiple pregnancy is higher when using assisted reproductive technology, probably because of embryo handling. Timing is crucial in the post-fertilization division of a single embryo to establish the amniocity and chorionicity of the gestation. In the case reported a 38 year-old woman, nulligravid, had a single blastocyst implanted, which resulted in monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic twins. Despite being rare, there are reports of similar cases questioning the current knowledge on time of embryo division and the impact of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia I Jundi
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís M Merighi
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Isaac M Yadid
- Clínica Primordia Medicina Reprodutiva. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcio Coslovsky
- Clínica Primordia Medicina Reprodutiva. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Ivan A de A Penna
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Niterói, RJ, Brazil.,Clínica Fert Rio. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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31
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Turrina S, Bortoletto E, Giannini G, De Leo D. Monozygotic twins: Identical or distinguishable for science and law? MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2021; 61:62-66. [PMID: 33591870 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420922335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Monozygotic twins, also known as monovular twins, share an identical genetic heritage because they are two individuals who derive from the same zygote. For this reason, they have been considered indistinguishable. They represent a limit for the application of markers and analytical methods that are routinely used in forensic science because analyses of DNA fragments (short tandem repeats analysed by capillary electrophoresis) are unable to distinguish monozygotic twins. The recent introduction of ultra-deep next generation sequencing in forensic genetics, also known as massively parallel sequencing, has made it possible to identify a number of genetic variations through genome sequencing (such as copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms and DNA methylation) that make it possible to distinguish monozygotic twins. Here, we present a case of ascertaining biological paternity, in which the alleged father had a monozygotic twin brother. This case led to the examination of international law in similar cases in which the only available biological evidence derives from classical forensic genetic analysis, performed with short tandem repeat (autosomal and/or gonosomal) capillary electrophoresis and the probative value, if recognised, of the next generation sequencing technology in the courtroom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Turrina
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine - Forensic Genetics Laboratory, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Bortoletto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine - Forensic Genetics Laboratory, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giannini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine - Forensic Genetics Laboratory, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Domenico De Leo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine - Forensic Genetics Laboratory, University of Verona, Italy
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32
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Dallagiovanna C, Vanni VS, Somigliana E, Busnelli A, Papaleo E, Villanacci R, Candiani M, Reschini M. Risk Factors for Monozygotic Twins in IVF-ICSI Cycles: a Case-Control Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1421-1427. [PMID: 33258063 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00406-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with a higher incidence of monozygotic twin pregnancies, which are known to be burdened by a higher risk of main obstetric complications. The reasons behind this association are still unclear. In the present study, we therefore investigate the risk factors for monozygotic twinning in pregnancies achieved by IVF. We conducted a multicenter retrospective case-control study. All IVF cycles performed between 2014 and 2019 at the infertility units of two Italian academic institutes were retrospectively reviewed. Only pregnancies obtained with single embryo transfer were eligible. A total of 50 monozygotic twin pregnancies (cases) were identified and matched in a 1:5 ratio to 250 singleton pregnancies (controls) by study center and study period. Monozygotic twin pregnancies were diagnosed by ultrasound. Women experiencing miscarriage could be included provided that the pregnancy loss occurred after a definitive diagnosis of monozygotic twin pregnancy. Demographic, clinical, and embryological characteristics were retrieved from patients' charts. Overall, the incidence of monozygotic twin pregnancies was 1.2% (50 out of 4016 single embryo transfers). At univariate analyses, statistically significant differences emerged for BMI, peripheral levels of estradiol and progesterone at the time of hCG administration, total number of retrieved suitable oocytes, freezing-thawing cycles, and assisted hatching. After performing a multivariate logistic analysis, only assisted hatching remained significantly associated with monozygotic twinning (adjusted odds ratio 2.32, 95%CI 1.03-5.25). Blastomere separation during the passage through this artificial hole or interference with the signaling pathway within the embryo could be the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dallagiovanna
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. .,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valeria Stella Vanni
- Centro Scienze Natalità, Gynecol/Obstet Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, Milan, Rozzano, 20089, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Centro Scienze Natalità, Gynecol/Obstet Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Villanacci
- Centro Scienze Natalità, Gynecol/Obstet Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Reschini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Health and Well-Being Outcomes of Adolescents Conceived Through In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1428-1438. [PMID: 33237512 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00407-z] [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: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
What is the perception of health and well-being of adolescents from an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cohort? We conducted a survey, from September 2015 to June 2016, through self-completion questionnaires, on 487 singleton or twin ART-conceived 11- to 15-year-old adolescents, followed up since 1994, as part of an ART cohort. Collected data concerned perinatal characteristics, health indicators and perception, eating habits, behavior, and living standards. A total of 60.6% of the questionnaires were returned and could therefore be analyzed. This concerned 295 adolescents who were representative of the 788 remaining adolescents of our cohort, in terms of type of ART, maternal and perinatal characteristics, but not gender (sex ratio = 0.77). Overall, 15.3% reported chronic diseases, and only 13.3% of them considered that their chronic disease had an impact on their school life. Moreover, 94.2% of adolescents perceived that their health was "excellent" or "good"; 97.3% adolescents had normal weight or were underweight; onset of menstruation was 12 years old (± 1) for girls, age usually reported for puberty in girls; 51.9% declared having regular physical activity, boys more frequently than girls. Moreover, 70.6% of the boys had a sedentary behavior compared to 44.8% of the girls. A total of 73.5% of the adolescents were stressed at school, but school demand was considered high only in 12.2% of cases. Finally, 90% declared to have high life satisfaction. Overall, ART does not appear to have particular effect on the health indicators and behavior of adolescents who participated in the survey except for higher family affluence scale.
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Mejia RB, Capper EA, Summers KM, Ten Eyck P, Van Voorhis BJ. Elective transfer of one embryo is associated with a higher cumulative live birth rate and improved perinatal outcomes compared to the transfer of two embryos with in vitro fertilization. F S Rep 2020; 2:50-57. [PMID: 34223273 PMCID: PMC8244291 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the effects of initial elective single embryo transfer (ieSET) and initial double embryo transfer (iDET) strategies on the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and perinatal outcomes after IVF. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) reporting clinics. Patient(s) 49,333 patients with initial oocyte retrievals between January 2014 and December 2015. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary outcome was CLBR, defined as up to 1 live birth resulting from a retrieval cycle and linked transfer cycles. Secondary outcomes included cycles to pregnancy, multifetal delivery rate, infant birthweight, and perinatal mortality rate. Result(s) Compared to iDET, ieSET was associated with increased CLBR (74% vs. 57%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.26–1.38). When stratified by age, the same trend was seen in all age categories, with statistical significance for those <38 years of age. ieSET was associated with reduced multifetal delivery (8% vs. 34%; AOR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.12–0.14), increased birthweight (mean difference, 406 grams; 95% CI, 387–425), reduced preterm births (1.2% vs. 2.8%), and reduced perinatal mortality (0.5% vs. 1.2%). Compared with iDET, ieSET was associated with slightly more embryo transfer cycles (1.7 vs. 1.4 cycles; AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.16–1.21) to achieve a pregnancy resulting in live birth. Conclusion(s) The association of ieSET with a higher CLBR and markedly improved perinatal outcomes outweigh the relatively minor increase in time to pregnancy, reinforcing the guidance for eSET in initial transfer cycles, particularly in younger patients with a good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Mejia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Emily A Capper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Karen M Summers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Patrick Ten Eyck
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bradley J Van Voorhis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
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Huo P, Deng K, Wang L, Li M, Yao J, Le J, Lei X, Zhang S. The effect of laser-assisted hatching on the methylation and expression pattern of imprinted gene IGF2/H19 in mouse blastocysts and offspring. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:3057-3067. [PMID: 33089439 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01975-4] [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: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the effects of drilling and thinning treatment of laser-assisted hatching on the expression and methylation of imprinted gene IGF2/H19 in embryos and offspring. METHODS The prehatching blastocysts with treatment of drilling or thinning, or control prehatching blastocysts, were transplanted in surrogate uteri. The DNA methylation of IGF2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR) and the expression of IGF2 and H19 were respectively evaluated using bisulfite conversion-mediated sequencing and real-time PCR. RESULTS The drilling group showed a significant increase in the development rate of hatched blastocysts in comparison with the control and thinning group. DNA methylation level of IGF2/H19 ICR of hatched blastocysts in the thinning group was 27.33% in comparison with the 38.67% and 36% observed in the control and drilling group. The thinning treatment increased the DNA methylation level of IGF2/H19 ICR in the placenta in comparison with the control and drilling group. The drilling and thinning treatment decreased the expression level of H19 mRNA in prehatching and hatched blastocysts as well as placenta, while a significant increase in the expression level of H19 mRNA of offspring was observed in the thinning group. The thinning treatment increased the expression level of IGF2 mRNA of prehatching blastocysts and offspring and a significant decrease in placenta, while the drilling treatment resulted in a significant increase in the expression level of IGF2 mRNA of hatched blastocysts and placenta. CONCLUSION These observations suggested that drilling used for hatching of in vitro cultured mouse blastocysts may improve the production of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huo
- School of Public and Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China
| | - Jianghua Le
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China
| | - Xiaocan Lei
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, China.
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Liu X, Li P, Shi J. Double trouble? Impact of frozen embryo transfer on the monozygotic twinning rate: a retrospective cohort study from 8459 cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:3051-3056. [PMID: 33083861 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01985-2] [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: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare monozygotic twinning (MZT) rates in patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen embryo transfer. METHODS All clinical pregnancies after single ET carried out in our IVF center between 2014 and 2018 (n = 8459) were retrospectively analyzed for the incidence of MZT. MZT rate was compared in women who underwent fresh ET (n = 3876) and frozen ET (n = 4583). RESULTS There was a total of 120 MZT identified in the fresh ET group (3.10%) and 103 MZT in the frozen ET group (2.25%), which was significant (p = 0.015). In the univariate analysis, the risk of MZT was decreased with frozen embryo transfer (OR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94, p = 0.016) and increased with mild stimulation protocol in the fresh cycle (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.04-3.45, p = 0.036). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that frozen embryo transfer was associated with a significant decrease risk of MZT (adjusted OR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.90, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Frozen ET is associated with a lower risk of MZT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xitong Liu
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Li
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
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Vaughan DA, Seidler EA, Murphy LA, Cleary EG, Penzias A, Norwitz ER, Sakkas D. Double trouble? Clinic-specific risk factors for monozygotic twinning. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:587-594. [PMID: 32622657 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate clinic-specific risk factors for monozygotic twinning (MZT) using a large, electronic database. DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. SETTING Infertility clinics. PATIENT(S) Using an electronic medical record system, viable clinical pregnancy (confirmation of a gestational sac(s) and presence of at least one fetal pole with a heartbeat on first trimester ultrasound), data were obtained from homologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles after single ET from June 1, 2004, to December 31, 2016. Monozygotic twinning was defined as a pregnancy with two fetal heartbeats on ultrasound with sex concordance at birth. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Risk factors for MZT including cycle type, method of insemination, and method of cryopreservation. RESULT(S) Of the 28,265 IVF cycles that met inclusion criteria over the study period, 8,749 (31.0%) resulted in a viable intrauterine clinical pregnancy. There were 102 (2.7%) MZT in the fresh cycle cohort and 133 (2.7%) in the frozen cycle cohort. Neither cryopreservation nor the method of cryopreservation was a significant risk factor for MZT. However, the use of sequential media was an independent risk factor for MZT in fresh, but not frozen, ETs (odds ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.68). Significant differences were seen in the incidence of MZT between clinics, and this difference persisted after controlling for known risk factors (clinic 0, reference; clinic 2, odds ratio = 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-3.32; clinic 3, odds ratio = 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-2.87). CONCLUSION(S) Differences in MZT rates exist between individual IVF clinics, suggesting that variations in practice patterns may contribute to this event. The present study noted the use of sequential media was an independent risk factor for fresh but not frozen cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis A Vaughan
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Emily A Seidler
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Murphy
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ekaterina G Cleary
- Center for Integration of Science and Industry, Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Alan Penzias
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Woolnough B, Jackson A, Leveille MC, Gale J. Grossesse quadrichoriale quadriamniotique après un transfert d'embryon unique planifié. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2020; 43:1227-1228. [PMID: 32475702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Woolnough
- Département d'obstétrique et de gynécologie, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Aaron Jackson
- Département d'obstétrique et de gynécologie, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | | | - Jenna Gale
- Département d'obstétrique et de gynécologie, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
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Woolnough B, Jackson A, Leveille MC, Gale J. Quadrachorionic quadramnionic gestation following elective single embryo transfer. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2020; 43:1225-1226. [PMID: 32473984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.02.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Woolnough
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - Aaron Jackson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | | | - Jenna Gale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
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Assisted reproductive technology and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-020-0018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasing worldwide, and observational studies have indicated that women who conceived by ART have an increased risk of pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to determine the risk of GDM among women who conceived with ART by systematic review and meta-analysis.
Main text
A systematic literature search was conducted in ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase through May 2017 for English-language articles using a list of keywords. All studies comparing GDM in women conceived by ART and those who conceived spontaneously were included. Data extraction was performed by two authors independently and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. In total, 48 studies with 91,487 pregnancies conceived through ART and 2,525,234 spontaneously conceived met the inclusion criteria. There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity among these studies (P < 0.001, I2 = 98.6%). Random effects meta-analysis showed a significant increase in GDM among those who conceived by ART compared with those who conceived spontaneously (pooled relative risk = 1.51, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–1.93). Visual inspection of the funnel plot did not reveal any publication bias, which was supported by Egger’s test and Begg’s test.
Conclusion
The findings of this systematic review indicate that the use of ART treatment is associated with a 1.51-fold increase in GDM. Women need to be counselled carefully before undergoing ART treatment about the possibility and risk of GDM.
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Kamath MS, Antonisamy B, Sunkara SK. Zygotic splitting following embryo biopsy: a cohort study of 207 697 single-embryo transfers following IVF treatment. BJOG 2019; 127:562-569. [PMID: 31828906 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risk of monozygotic splitting with embryo biopsy during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). DESIGN A cohort study. SETTING Anonymised assisted reproductive technology national data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, UK. POPULATION Women undergoing single-embryo transfer (SET) following either pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) involving embryo biopsy or IVF without PGT. METHODS Data on women undergoing SET either following PGT and non-PGT IVF treatment in 2000-2016 were analysed to compare the risk of zygotic splitting and monozygotic twining. Logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN OUTCOMES Monozygotic spitting, monozygotic twin birth. RESULTS Data comprising a total of 207 697 SET cycles (4544 following PGT and 203 153 following non-PGT IVF) were analysed. The live birth rate per embryo transfer was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.5-33.2%) following PGT and 26.9% (95% CI 26.7-27.1%) following non-PGT IVF. The incidence of zygotic splitting following PGT was 2.4% (95% CI 1.7-3.3%) versus 1.5% (95% CI 1.4-1.6%) following non-PGT IVF. There was a significantly higher risk of zygotic splitting with PGT versus non-PGT IVF cycles (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.19-2.27). The higher risk of zygotic splitting with PGT cycles remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.06-2.15). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated an increased risk of monozygotic splitting with embryo biopsy. Given the current sparse literature, it is important to accumulate further evidence to validate the findings. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT A likely increased risk of monozygotic splitting following embryo biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - B Antonisamy
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - S K Sunkara
- Division of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Yamashita S, Ikemoto Y, Ochiai A, Yamada S, Kato K, Ohno M, Segawa T, Nakaoka Y, Toya M, Kawachiya S, Sato Y, Takahashi T, Takeuchi S, Nomiyama M, Tabata C, Fujiwara T, Okamoto S, Kawamura T, Kawagoe J, Yamada M, Sato Y, Marumo G, Sugiyama R, Kuroda K. Analysis of 122 triplet and one quadruplet pregnancies after single embryo transfer in Japan. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 40:374-380. [PMID: 32033910 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the prevalence of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies after single embryo transfer (SET) in Japan. DESIGN A retrospective observational study was conducted on 274,605 pregnancies after 937,848 SET cycles in registered assisted reproductive technology (ART) data from the Japanese ART national registry database between 2007 and 2014. A questionnaire survey of ART centres was also conducted. Data on pregnancies with embryo division into three or more after SET were analysed. RESULTS According to the Japanese ART national registry database, SET resulted in 109 triplet pregnancies (0.04% of pregnancies), and the questionnaire reports from 31 centres revealed 33 triplet and one quadruplet pregnancies. After exclusion of 20 duplicated cases, 122 triplet and one quadruplet pregnancies included 46 monochorionic (one gestational sac [37.4%]), 18 dichorionic (two gestational sacs [14.6%]) and 59 trichorionic pregnancies (three gestational sacs [48.0%]). Compared with singleton pregnancies, patients with monozygotic triplet or quadruplet pregnancies were less frequently diagnosed with unexplained infertility (P = 0.004), more often received gonadotrophin injections for ovarian stimulation in 39 cases with information available (P = 0.021) and underwent more blastocyst transfers and assisted hatching (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of live birth, defined as at least one baby born, excluding induced abortion, was 64.6% (73/116 pregnancies) of monozygotic triplet or quadruplet pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS Combined Japanese ART national registry and survey data revealed 122 triplet and one quadruplet pregnancies, the majority after cryopreserved embryo transfer. Most were conceived after blastocyst transfer and often after assisted hatching, which are potential risk factors for zygotic splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Yamashita
- Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Oita University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikemoto
- Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Asako Ochiai
- Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | | | | | - Motoharu Ohno
- Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Saint Mother Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Institute for ART, Fukuoka 807-0825, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Toshifumi Takahashi
- Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shigeto Takeuchi
- ART Reproductive Medical Center, Saiseikai Matsusaka General Hospital, Mie 515-8557, Japan
| | - Mari Nomiyama
- Takagi Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fukuoka 831-0016, Japan
| | - Chisa Tabata
- Sanno Hospital, Center for Human Reproduction and Gynecologic Endoscopy, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujiwara
- Sanno Hospital, Center for Human Reproduction and Gynecologic Endoscopy, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan; Phoenix ART Clinic, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan
| | | | | | - Jun Kawagoe
- Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Keio University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuichi Sato
- Tatedebari Sato Hospital, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gunma 370-0836, Japan
| | - Genzo Marumo
- Marumo Ladies Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 106-6004, Japan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan
| | - Keiji Kuroda
- Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Tokyo 116-0023, Japan.
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Maroufizadeh S, Navid B, Alizadeh A, Amini P, Almasi-Hashiani A, Mohammadi M, Khedmati Morasae E, Omani-Samani R. Risk of gestational diabetes mellitus following assisted reproductive technology: systematic review and meta-analysis of 59 cohort studies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:2731-2740. [PMID: 31570010 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1670790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in previous studies, but its risk has not been consistent. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the risk of GDM in women who conceived with ART via a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. METHODS ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the risk of GDM through May 2017 using the relevant keywords. Two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. RESULTS The search yielded 957 records relating to GDM and use of ART, from which 59 eligible cohorts were selected for meta-analysis (n = 96,785). There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity among these studies (χ(58)2 = 3072.34, p < .001; I2=98.1%). The pooled estimate of GDM risk using the random effects model was 9.00% (95% CI: 7.90-10.20). Visual inspection of the funnel plot indicated the presence of low publication bias, but Egger's test did not reveal publication bias. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that the risk of GDM was very high among women who conceived with ART treatment. GDM screening, management, and improved care are vital in ART pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Maroufizadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnaz Navid
- Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Alizadeh
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Payam Amini
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Almasi-Hashiani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Khedmati Morasae
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Psychology, Health, and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Reza Omani-Samani
- Department of Medical Ethics and Law, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Dijkstra A, Cuervo-Arango J, Stout TAE, Claes A. Monozygotic multiple pregnancies after transfer of single in vitro produced equine embryos. Equine Vet J 2019; 52:258-261. [PMID: 31232484 PMCID: PMC7027474 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Monozygotic multiple pregnancy is rare in horses, but may be more common after transfer of an in vitro produced (IVP) embryo. Objectives To determine the occurrence, incidence, characteristics and outcome of monozygotic siblings arising from in vivo and IVP equine embryos. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods A total of 496 fresh in vivo and 410 frozen‐thawed IVP blastocysts, produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of in vitro matured oocytes from Warmblood mares, were transferred into recipient mares. The likelihoods of pregnancy and multiple pregnancy were calculated, and the clinical features and outcome of any multiple pregnancy were recorded. Results The likelihood of pregnancy after transfer of a single IVP or in vivo embryo was 62% (254/410) and 83% (413/496) respectively. The incidence of multiple pregnancy was 1.6% (4/254) and 0% (0/413) for IVP and in vivo blastocysts, respectively. More specifically, three IVP blastocysts yielded twin embryo propers/fetuses, and one IVP conceptus developed three distinct embryonic bodies. Interestingly, only one embryonic vesicle was detected at all ultrasonographic examinations prior to embryo proper development. Multiple embryonic bodies only became apparent at later scans to check for an embryo proper and heartbeat, or when the recipient mare aborted. Two twin pregnancies aborted spontaneously at 3 and 9 months, respectively, while the heartbeat was lost from all three embryos in the triplet pregnancy before day 35 of gestation. Twin reduction by per rectum compression of one fetal thorax was attempted at day 50 of gestation in the fourth case; however, both fetuses were lost. Main limitations Small number of cases. Conclusions In vitro embryo production resulted in a higher incidence of multiple monozygotic pregnancy, which could only be diagnosed after development of the embryo proper and is likely to result in pregnancy loss later in gestation if left untreated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dijkstra
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - T A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Busnelli A, Dallagiovanna C, Reschini M, Paffoni A, Fedele L, Somigliana E. Risk factors for monozygotic twinning after in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:302-317. [PMID: 30691632 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the risk factors for monozygotic twin (MZT) and monochorionic twin (MCT) pregnancies after in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Women who achieved MZT and non-MZT pregnancies through IVF. INTERVENTION(S) Systematic search of Medline from January 1995 to October 2018 with cross-checking of references from relevant articles in English. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Possible risk factors for MZT or MCT pregnancies after IVF, comprising extended embryo culture, insemination method (conventional IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]), embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies or for monogenic/single-gene defects (PGT-A or PGT-M) programs, assisted hatching (AH), oocytes donation, female age, and embryo cryopreservation. RESULT(S) A total of 40 studies were included. Blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer, and female age <35 years were associated with a statistically significant increase in the MZT and MCT pregnancy rate after IVF: (23 studies, OR 2.16, 95% CI, 1.74-2.68, I2=78%; 4 studies, OR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62, I2=62%; and 3 studies, OR 1.90, 95% CI, 1.21-2.98, I2=59%; 2 studies, OR 2.34; 95% CI, 1.69-3.23, I2=0, respectively). Conventional IVF compared with ICSI and assisted hatching were associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of MZT pregnancy (9 studies, OR 1.19, 95% CI, 1.04-1.35, I2=0; 16 studies, OR 1.17, 95% CI, 1.09-1.27, I2=29%, respectively). Embryo biopsy for PGT-A or PGT-M, embryo cryopreservation, and oocytes donation were not associated with MZT pregnancies after IVF. CONCLUSION(S) Blastocyst transfer is associated with an increased risk of both MZT and MCT pregnancies after IVF. Further evidence is needed to clarify the impact of female age, insemination method and AH on the investigated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Dallagiovanna
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e del Neonato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Reschini
- Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e del Neonato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Paffoni
- ART Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Luigi Fedele
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e del Neonato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e del Neonato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Barnes‐Davis ME, Cortezzo DE. Two cases of atypical twinning: Phenotypically discordant monozygotic and conjoined twins. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:920-925. [PMID: 31110715 PMCID: PMC6509934 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical twinning highlights that complex mechanisms responsible for twinning are not fully understood and may give further insight into the mechanisms involved. To assume that phenotypic difference is the result of dizygotic twinning would be erroneous and could have significant implications in the care and counseling provided to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Barnes‐Davis
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary BiologyCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
| | - DonnaMaria E. Cortezzo
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary BiologyCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Pain and Palliative MedicineCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
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Blastocyst culture and transfer in clinically assisted reproduction: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril 2019; 110:1246-1252. [PMID: 30503113 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this Practice Committee Opinion, which replaces the 2013 ASRM Practice Committee Opinion of the same name (Fertil Steril 2013; 99:667-72), are to review the literature regarding the clinical application of blastocyst transfer and identify the potential risks and laboratory issues related to the use of this technology. This document does not apply to patients undergoing blastocyst culture and transfer for preimplantation genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
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- American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
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- American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
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48
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Calero Ruiz MM, Mangano Armada AI, Gutiérrez Romero JM, Torrejón Cardoso R. Quadruple pregnancy after post-IVF/ICSI transfer of blastocysts. Rev Int Androl 2019; 18:39-42. [PMID: 30880130 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2018.11.001] [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: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical case of a quadruple pregnancy (monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic) after the transfer of two blastocysts generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This is the case of a 29-year-old woman patient with transfer of two blastocysts after long cultivation of 6 embryos generated by ICSI and vitrified on day +3. This revealed quadruple clinical pregnancy (monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic) of 56 days of evolution by transvaginal ultrasound. The couple decided to undergo a selective embryonic reduction of the monochorionic diamniotic pregnancy after receiving information about the risks arising from it. After that embryonic reduction the uncomplicated pregnancy continued until 36 weeks of gestation, achieving reproductive success with the birth of two babies alive and healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Isabel Mangano Armada
- UGC Intercentros Hospitales Universitarios Puerta del Mar/Puerto Real Atención Integral a la Mujer, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Torrejón Cardoso
- UGC Intercentros Hospitales Universitarios Puerta del Mar/Puerto Real Atención Integral a la Mujer, Cádiz, Spain
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49
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Hattori H, Kitamura A, Takahashi F, Kobayashi N, Sato A, Miyauchi N, Nishigori H, Mizuno S, Sakurai K, Ishikuro M, Obara T, Tatsuta N, Nishijima I, Fujiwara I, Kuriyama S, Metoki H, Yaegashi N, Nakai K, Arima T. The risk of secondary sex ratio imbalance and increased monozygotic twinning after blastocyst transfer: data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:27. [PMID: 30795788 PMCID: PMC6387559 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have suggested that blastocyst transfer is associated with i) imbalance in the secondary sex ratio (SSR) (which favors male offspring), ii) increased incidence of monozygotic twins (MZT). In contrast, others have not found these changes. In this study, we evaluated the association between blastocyst transfer and SSR and MZT, considering potential parental confounders. METHODS The Japan Environment and Children's Study is a large, nationwide longitudinal birth cohort study funded by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. We used this large dataset, including 103,099 pregnancies, to further investigate the association between blastocyst transfer, SSR and MZT, using spontaneously conceived pregnancies, non-assisted reproductive technology (non-ART) treatment (intrauterine insemination and ovulation induction with timed intercourse) and cleavage stage embryo transfer for comparison. We evaluated the association with each group, the SSR, and the frequency of MZT, calculating the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) using multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusting for potential parental confounders such as basic health and socioeconomic status. RESULTS For each group (spontaneous conception vs. non-ART treatment vs. cleavage stage embryo transfer vs. blastocyst transfer), the percentages of males were 51.3% vs 50.7% vs 48.9% vs 53.4% and the monozygotic twinning rates per pregnancy were 0.27% vs 0.11% vs 0.27% vs 0.99% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that blastocyst transfer was significantly associated with a higher SSR and higher incidence of MZT than the other three groups (SSR: AOR 1.095, 95% CI1.001-1.198; MZT: AOR 4.229, 95% CI 2.614-6.684). CONCLUSIONS There are significant relationships between blastocyst transfer and SSR imbalance and a higher occurrence of MZT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Hattori
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Akane Kitamura
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Fumiaki Takahashi
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aClinical Reseach, Innovation and Education Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Akiko Sato
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Naoko Miyauchi
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Hidekazu Nishigori
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Satoshi Mizuno
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Kasumi Sakurai
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Pharmacy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Ichiko Nishijima
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Ikuma Fujiwara
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDivision of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute for Disaster Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aTohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573 Japan
- 0000 0001 2248 6943grid.69566.3aDepartment of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575 Japan
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Heras S, Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Fernández-González R, Pericuesta E, Laguna-Barraza R, Pérez-Cerezales S, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Embryo responses to stress induced by assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1292-1306. [PMID: 30719806 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to the birth of millions of babies. In cattle, thousands of embryos are produced annually. However, since the introduction and widespread use of ART, negative effects on embryos and offspring are starting to emerge. Knowledge so far, mostly provided by animal models, indicates that suboptimal conditions during ART can affect embryo viability and quality, and may induce embryonic stress responses. These stress responses take the form of severe gene expression alterations or modifications in critical epigenetic marks established during early developmental stages that can persist after birth. Unfortunately, while developmental plasticity allows the embryo to survive these stressful conditions, such insult may lead to adult health problems and to long-term effects on offspring that could be transmitted to subsequent generations. In this review, we describe how in mice, livestock, and humans, besides affecting the development of the embryo itself, ART stressors may also have significant repercussions on offspring health and physiology. Finally, we argue the case that better control of stressors during ART will help improve embryo quality and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Heras
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gómez-Redondo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández-González
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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