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Xu Q, Li M, Wang X, Lu H, Zou W. Dichorionic triamniotic triplets after two blastocysts transfer underwent multifetal pregnancy reduction: two case reports and literature review. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:492. [PMID: 39237895 PMCID: PMC11375843 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03324-4] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in the rate of multiple pregnancies in clinical practice is associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Given the high risk of dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies, reducing DCTA triplet pregnancies to twin or singleton pregnancies is often beneficial. CASE PRESENTATION This article reports on two cases of DCTA triplet pregnancies resulting from two blastocyst transfers. Given the high risk of complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies, patients have a strong desire to preserve the dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins. Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) was performed in both cases to continue the pregnancy with DCDA twins by reducing one of the MCDA twins. Both of the pregnant women in this report eventually gave birth to healthy twins at 37 weeks. CONCLUSIONS For infertile couples with multiple pregnancies but with a strong desire to remain the DCDA twins, our report suggests that reducing DCTA triplets to DCDA twin pregnancies may be an option based on clinical operability and assessment of surgical difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhua Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Education, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Min Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Education, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Education, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hedong Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Disorders and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Diseases, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Education, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Innovation Research Institute of Engineering Medicine and Medical Equipment, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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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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Zhang N, Tian T, Li J, Zhu X, Jiesisibieke D, Fang S, Liu P, Li R, Qiao J, Yang R. A comparison of pregnancy outcomes and congenital malformations in offspring between patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection and conventional in vitro fertilization: a retrospective cohort study. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:982-990. [PMID: 38253118 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.025] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) would increase the malformation risk in fetuses and live births compared with conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT(S) Data were collected from couples who underwent conventional IVF or ICSI from January 2009 to December 2019 at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital in the People's Republic of China. A total of 46,167 conventional IVF fresh transfer cycles and 33,247 ICSI fresh transfer cycles were included. INTERVENTION(S) Intracytoplasmic sperm injection and conventional IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcomes were congenital abnormalities in live births. The secondary outcomes included the pregnancy outcomes, the malformations among the miscarriages, specific types of malformations in live births, birth weight, and sex. RESULT(S) The rates of congenital malformations in conventional IVF and ICSI were 5.44‰ and 5.78‰, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, as indicated by the adjusted odds ratio of 1.098 (95% confidence interval 0.787, 1.532). The rates of specific malformations were comparable between ICSI and IVF. Additionally, no discernible disparities were noted in pregnancy outcomes, the malformations among the miscarriages,birth weight between the two groups. CONCLUSION Our study suggested the safety of ICSI and provided novel evidence by comparing pregnancy outcomes and congenital malformations in offspring between patients undergoing conventional IVF and ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaxuan Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dina Jiesisibieke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilin Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program (2023), Beijing, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Huang Q, Yan W, Mao L, Wang C, Lin J, Liu Y, Wang Z. Dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after preimplantation genetic testing and single blastocyst transfer. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2366. [PMID: 38872403 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2366] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the potential for multiple pregnancies, natural conception occurring in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) increases undesired genetic risk. Some studies showed that a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after a single blastocyst transfer could be caused by embryo splitting or concurrent spontaneous conception. CASE We describe a patient undergoing PGT who had a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after single blastocyst transfer in a natural cycle. In this case, we recommended to determine genetic status of the twins by prenatal diagnosis. The results showed that karyotype, chromosome copy number variation, and parental ACAT1 variation of the twins were all normal and similar. To investigate the origin of pregnancy, we used the genotype data of single-nucleotide polymorphisms typical of genome-wide association studies. Dizygotic twins were inferred by robust estimation of kinship coefficients, which confirmed the occurrence of a spontaneous conception. CONCLUSIONS This case strengthens the importance of genetic counseling to inform couples with reproductive genetic risk, such as those who undergo PGT, that intercourse should be avoided, especially in natural transfer cycles. Moreover, prenatal diagnosis remains essential and is strongly recommended to avoid genetic risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxiang Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Lihua Mao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Juan Lin
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, Fuzong Clinical College of Fujian Medical University (900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force), Fuzhou, China
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Alteri A, Arroyo G, Baccino G, Craciunas L, De Geyter C, Ebner T, Koleva M, Kordic K, Mcheik S, Mertes H, Pavicic Baldani D, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rugescu I, Santos-Ribeiro S, Tilleman K, Woodward B, Vermeulen N, Veleva Z. ESHRE guideline: number of embryos to transfer during IVF/ICSI†. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:647-657. [PMID: 38364208 PMCID: PMC10988112 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae010] [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] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which clinical and embryological factors should be considered to apply double embryo transfer (DET) instead of elective single embryo transfer (eSET)? SUMMARY ANSWER No clinical or embryological factor per se justifies a recommendation of DET instead of eSET in IVF/ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY DET is correlated with a higher rate of multiple pregnancy, leading to a subsequent increase in complications for both mother and babies. These complications include preterm birth, low birthweight, and other perinatal adverse outcomes. To mitigate the risks associated with multiple pregnancy, eSET is recommended by international and national professional organizations as the preferred approach in ART. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for development and update of ESHRE guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PUBMED/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, and relevant papers published up to May 2023, written in English, were included. Live birth rate, cumulative live birth rate, and multiple pregnancy rate were considered as critical outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Based on the collected evidence, recommendations were discussed until a consensus was reached within the Guideline Development Group (GDG). A stakeholder review was organized after the guideline draft was finalized. The final version was approved by the GDG and the ESHRE Executive Committee. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The guideline provides 35 recommendations on the medical and non-medical risks associated with multiple pregnancies and on the clinical and embryological factors to be considered when deciding on the number of embryos to transfer. These recommendations include 25 evidence-based recommendations, of which 24 were formulated as strong recommendations and one as conditional, and 10 good practice points. Of the evidence-based recommendations, seven (28%) were supported by moderate-quality evidence. The remaining recommendations were supported by low (three recommendations; 12%), or very low-quality evidence (15 recommendations; 60%). Owing to the lack of evidence-based research, the guideline also clearly mentions recommendations for future studies. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The guideline assessed different factors one by one based on existing evidence. However, in real life, clinicians' decisions are based on several prognostic factors related to each patient's case. Furthermore, the evidence from randomized controlled trials is too scarce to formulate high-quality evidence-based recommendations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The guideline provides health professionals with clear advice on best practice in the decision-making process during IVF/ICSI, based on the best evidence currently available, and recommendations on relevant information that should be communicated to patients. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to stimulate further studies in the field. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The guideline was developed and funded by ESHRE, covering expenses associated with the guideline meetings, the literature searches, and the dissemination of the guideline. The guideline group members did not receive payment. DPB declared receiving honoraria for lectures from Merck, Ferring, and Gedeon Richter. She is a member of ESHRE EXCO, and the Mediterranean Society for reproductive medicine and the president of the Croatian Society for Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine. CDG is the past Chair of the ESHRE EIM Consortium and a paid deputy member of the Editorial board of Human Reproduction. IR declared receiving reimbursement from ESHRE and EDCD for attending meetings. She holds an unpaid leadership role in OBBCSSR, ECDC Sohonet, and AER. KAR-W declared receiving grants for clinical researchers and funding provision to the institution from the Swedish Cancer Society (200170F), the Senior Clinical Investigator Award, Radiumhemmets Forskningsfonder (Dnr: 201313), Stockholm County Council FoU (FoUI-953912) and Karolinska Institutet (Dnr 2020-01963), NovoNordisk, Merck and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. She received consulting fees from the Swedish Ministry of Health and Welfare. She received honoraria from Roche, Pfizer, and Organon for chairmanship and lectures. She received support from Organon for attending meetings. She participated in advisory boards for Merck, Nordic countries, and Ferring. She declared receiving time-lapse equipment and grants with payment to institution for pre-clinical research from Merck pharmaceuticals and from Ferring. SS-R received research funding from Roche Diagnostics, Organon/MSD, Theramex, and Gedeo-Richter. He received consulting fees from Organon/MSD, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Merck Serono. He declared receiving honoraria for lectures from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Besins, Organon/MSD, Theramex, and Gedeon Richter. He received support for attending Gedeon Richter meetings and participated in the Data Safety Monitoring Board of the T-TRANSPORT trial. He is the Deputy of ESHRE SQART special interest group. He holds stock options in IVI Lisboa and received equipment and other services from Roche Diagnostics and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. KT declared receiving payment for honoraria for giving lectures from Merck Serono and Organon. She is member of the safety advisory board of EDQM. She holds a leadership role in the ICCBBA board of directors. ZV received reimbursement from ESHRE for attending meetings. She also received research grants from ESHRE and Juhani Aaltonen Foundation. She is the coordinator of EHSRE SQART special interest group. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. DISCLAIMER This guideline represents the views of ESHRE, which were achieved after careful consideration of the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. In the absence of scientific evidence on certain aspects, a consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders has been obtained. Adherence to these clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee a successful or specific outcome, nor does it establish a standard of care. Clinical practice guidelines do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. ESHRE makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the clinical practice guidelines and specifically excludes any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose (full disclaimer available at https://www.eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Legal).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gemma Arroyo
- Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Laurentiu Craciunas
- Department of Fertility Services and Gynaecology, Newcastle Fertility Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christian De Geyter
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Klaudija Kordic
- Patient Representative, Executive Committee, Fertility Europe, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dinka Pavicic Baldani
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Laboratory of Translational Fertility Preservation, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioana Rugescu
- Cells Department, National Transplant Agency, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Valencian Institute of Infertility in Lisbon (IVI-RMA Lisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Zdravka Veleva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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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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Palomba S, Viganò P, Chamayou S, Donarelli Z, Costantini MP, Marci R, Piomboni P, Fino E, Montano L, Guglielmino A, Somigliana E. Diagnosis and management of infertility: NICE-adapted guidelines from the Italian Society of Human Reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:9. [PMID: 38183116 PMCID: PMC10768082 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In Italy the fertility rate is very low, and an increasing number of patients are infertile and require treatments. The Italian Law concerning the safety of patient care, and the professional liability of health professionals, indicates that health professionals must comply with the recommendations set out in the guidelines developed by public and private bodies and institutions, as well as scientific societies and technical-scientific associations of the health professions, except for specific cases. Unfortunately, no guideline for the diagnosis and the management of infertility is currently available in Italy. In 2019, the Italian Society of Human Reproduction pointed out the need to produce Italian guidelines and subsequently approved the establishment of a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional working group (MMWG) to develop such a guideline. The MMWG was representative of 5 scientific societies, one national federation of professional orders, 3 citizens' and patients' associations, 5 professions (including lawyer, biologist, doctor, midwife, and psychologist), and 3 medical specialties (including medical genetics, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology). The MMWG chose to adapt a high-quality guideline to the Italian context instead of developing one from scratch. Using the Italian version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II scoring system, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines were selected and adapted to the Italian context. The document was improved upon by incorporating comments and suggestions where needed. This study presents the process of adaptation and discusses the pros and cons of the often-neglected choice of adapting rather than developing new guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy.
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1039, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandrine Chamayou
- HERA Center, Unit of Reproductive Medicine (U.M.R.), Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy
| | - Zaira Donarelli
- Psychological Counselling Service, University of Palermo, Palermo, and Clinical Psychology Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Marci
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Unit of Medically Assisted Reproduction, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Egidio Fino
- Italian Society of Human Reproduction, SIRU, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in Uro-Andrology, Local Health Authority of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonino Guglielmino
- HERA Center, Unit of Reproductive Medicine (U.M.R.), Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Heath, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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9
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Ge X, Zhang J, Shi H, Bu Z. Effect of blastocyst morphology on the incidence of monozygotic twinning pregnancy after single blastocyst transfer. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2228434. [PMID: 37393931 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2228434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: To explore whether blastocyst morphology [blastocyst stage, inner cell mass (ICM), and trophectoderm (TE) grading] impacts the occurrence of monozygotic twinning (MZT) after single blastocyst transfer (SBT).Materials and methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted including all clinical pregnancies after single blastocyst transfer between January 2015 and September 2021 (n = 9229). Blastocyst morphology was assessed using Gardner grading system. MZT was defined as more than one gestational sac (GS), or two or more fetal heartbeats in a single GS via ultrasound at 5-6 gestational weeks.Results: The overall MZT rate was 2.46% (227 of 9229 cases), of which was the highest in blastocysts of grade A TE and lowest in those with grade C TE (grade A: B:C = 3.40%:2.67%:1.58%, p = .002). Higher risk of MZT pregnancy was associated with higher trophectoderm grading [A vs. C: aOR, 1.883, 95% CI 1.069-3.315, p = .028; B vs C: aOR, 1.559, 95% CI 1.066-2.279, p = .022], but not extended culture in vitro (day 5 vs. day 6), vitrification (fresh vs. frozen-thawed ET), assisted hatching (AH), blastocyst stage (stage 1-6) or ICM grading (A vs. B).Conclusions: We conclude that TE grade is an independent risk factor of MZT after single blastocyst transfer. Blastocysts with high-grade trophectoderm are more liable to obtain monozygotic multiple gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Ge
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhiqin Bu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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10
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Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Roero S, Arduino S, Arese A, Fea T, Ferrando I, Scaltrito G, Casula V, Ronco A, Bossotti C, Zizzo R, Scali R, Revelli A. Retrospective comparison of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies stratified by spontaneous or artificial conception. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:1019-1024. [PMID: 37489906 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) vs. spontaneously conceived counterparts. METHODS Retrospective comparison. Data about MCDA twin pregnancies, conceived spontaneously or by IVF, attending the Twin Pregnancy Care Unit of Sant'Anna Hospital in Turin (Italy) between January 1st 2010 and March 31st 2022, were collected retrospectively. Obstetric, fetal, and neonatal outcomes of MCDA twin pregnancies by IVF were compared to those of spontaneously conceived counterparts. Data were described by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS 541 MCDA twin pregnancies were included in the study, among which 45 conceived by IVF and 496 spontaneously conceived. Women with IVF twins were older than those who conceived spontaneously (36.7 ± 5.7 vs. 32.1 ± 5.2 years; p<0.001). No significant difference in the prevalence of pregnancy complications between the two groups was found, except for an increased incidence of hypertensive disorders among IVF pregnancies (17.8 vs. 8.5 %; p=0.039), which resulted nonsignificant after adjusting for maternal age and parity (aOR 1.9, 95 % CI 0.8-4.6). Data about 1,046 live born babies (90 conceived by IVF and 956 spontaneously) were also collected: perinatal outcomes did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that MCDA twin pregnancies following IVF are not at increased risk of adverse outcomes compared to spontaneous MCDA twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Roero
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvana Arduino
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Arianna Arese
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Teresa Fea
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Isabella Ferrando
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Scaltrito
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Viola Casula
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alice Ronco
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Carlotta Bossotti
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Zizzo
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Scali
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Twin Pregnancy Care Unit, Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant'Anna Obstetric Gynecological Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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12
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Curfs MHJM, Cohlen BJ, Slappendel EJ, Schoot DC, Derhaag JG, van Golde RJT, van der Heijden GW, Baart EB, Smeenk JMJ, Ritfeld VEEG, Brohet RM, van Bavel CCAW. A multicentre double-blinded randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of laser-assisted hatching in patients with repeated implantation failure undergoing IVF or ICSI. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1952-1960. [PMID: 37646072 PMCID: PMC10546076 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead173] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does assisted hatching increase the cumulative live birth rate in subfertile couples with repeated implantation failure? SUMMARY ANSWER This study showed no evidence of effect for assisted hatching as an add-on in subfertile couples with repeated implantation failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The efficacy of assisted hatching, with regard to the live birth rate has not been convincingly demonstrated in randomized trials nor meta-analyses. It is suggested though that especially poor prognosis women, e.g. women with repeated implantation failure, might benefit most from assisted hatching. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was designed as a double-blinded, multicentre randomized controlled superiority trial. In order to demonstrate a statistically significant absolute increase in live birth rate of 10% after assisted hatching, 294 participants needed to be included per treatment arm, being a total of 588 subfertile couples. Participants were included and randomized from November 2012 until November 2017, 297 were allocated to the assisted hatching arm of the study and 295 to the control arm. Block randomization in blocks of 20 participants was applied and randomization was concealed from participants, treating physicians, and laboratory staff involved in the embryo transfer procedure. Ovarian hyperstimulation, oocyte retrieval, laboratory procedures, embryo selection for transfer and cryopreservation, the transfer itself, and luteal support were performed according to local protocols and were identical in both the intervention and control arm of the study with the exception of the assisted hatching procedure which was only performed in the intervention group. The laboratory staff performing the assisted hatching procedure was not involved in the embryo transfer itself. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were eligible for inclusion in the study after having had either at least two consecutive fresh IVF or ICSI embryo transfers, including the transfer of frozen and thawed embryos originating from those fresh cycles, and which did not result in a pregnancy or as having had at least one fresh IVF or ICSI transfer and at least two frozen embryo transfers with embryos originating from that fresh cycle which did not result in a pregnancy. The study was performed at the laboratory sites of three tertiary referral hospitals and two university medical centres in the Netherlands. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The cumulative live birth rate per started cycle, including the transfer of fresh and subsequent frozen/thawed embryos if applicable, resulted in 77 live births in the assisted hatching group (n = 297, 25.9%) and 68 live births in the control group (n = 295, 23.1%). This proved to be statistically not significantly different (relative risk: 1.125, 95% CI: 0.847 to 1.494, P = 0.416). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There was a small cohort of subfertile couples that after not achieving an ongoing pregnancy, still had cryopreserved embryos in storage at the endpoint of the trial, i.e. 1 year after the last randomization. It cannot be excluded that the future transfer of these frozen/thawed embryos increases the cumulative live birth rate in either or both study arms. Next, at the start of this study, there was no international consensus on the definition of repeated implantation failure. Therefore, it cannot be excluded that assisted hatching might be effective in higher order repeated implantation failures. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study demonstrated no evidence of a statistically significant effect for assisted hatching by increasing live birth rates in subfertile couples with repeated implantation failure, i.e. the couples which, based on meta-analyses, are suggested to benefit most from assisted hatching. It is therefore suggested that assisted hatching should only be offered if information on the absence of evidence of effect is provided, at no extra costs and preferably only in the setting of a clinical trial taking cost-effectiveness into account. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Netherlands Trial Register (NTR 3387, NL 3235, https://www.clinicaltrialregister.nl/nl/trial/26138). TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 6 April 2012. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 28 November 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben J Cohlen
- Isala Fertility Center, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dick C Schoot
- Department of Gynecology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Josien G Derhaag
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ron J T van Golde
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Esther B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper M J Smeenk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Richard M Brohet
- Department of Innovation and Science, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
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13
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Chen N, Li J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Gao J, Hu J, Cui L, Chen ZJ. Risk factors associated with monozygotic twinning in offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad035. [PMID: 37840637 PMCID: PMC10570986 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad035] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the factors influencing the occurrence of monozygotic (MZ) twins in offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART)? SUMMARY ANSWER Parental ages, the transfer of fresh versus frozen embryos, and the grade of blastocysts are all related to MZ twinning in ART offspring. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Offspring conceived by ART have significantly increased risk of MZ twins, which may be due to the characteristics of the infertile population. The objective of this study was to explore the incidence of monozygotic (MZ) twins after ART and to clarify the risk factors for MZ twinning. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A total of 255 monozygotic twins were enrolled in this cohort study, and then matched with singletons at a ratio of 1:4 randomly (with 1020 in the control group). All offspring were conceived by single embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS The collected data were divided into the following three aspects for analysis: characteristics of the infertile population, gamete or embryo manipulations, and factors related to embryo development. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The incidence of MZ twins was 1.638% (255 out of 15 567 pregnancies after single embryo transfers). Compared to singleton births, a significantly lower rate of frozen embryo transfers (FET; 78.0% vs 86.1% P = 0.002) was seen amongst the MZ twins. Amongst fresh ETs, the rate of blastocyst transfers in the MZ twins group was higher compared to that in the control group (92.9% vs 75.4%, P = 0.005). We also found that certain grades of blastocysts in terms of trophectoderm (TE) development, inner cell mass + TE development and the classification of 'top-quality' embryos were associated with the incidence of MZ twinning (P = 0.025, P = 0.012, P = 0.020, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher paternal age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-1.00, P = 0.029) and FET (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.33-0.68, P = 0.001) may be protective factors against MZ twinning. However, higher maternal age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, P = 0.027) and the transfer of blastocysts (OR = 4.31, 95% CI = 1.46-12.73, P = 0.008) appeared to be associated with an increased risk of MZ twinning. Amongst blastocyst transfers, a C grade TE may be protective factor against MZ twinning (B: OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.18-3.07, P = 0.009; A: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.93-2.67, P = 0.089). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION First, our definition of MZ twins was based on twins' birth after single embryo transfers (SET), rather than ultrasound examination during early pregnancy. Second, the parental characteristics of the two groups were homogenous, so it was difficult to find any associations between infertility factors and the incidence of MZ twins. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This multifaceted analysis of the risk factors for MZ twinning provides some information for clinical interventions in high-risk populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the National Key Technology Research and Developmental Program of China (2022YFC2704404), CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2021-I2M-5-001), Taishan Scholars Program for Young Experts of Shandong Province (tsqn201909195), the Basic Science Center Program (31988101), and the Shandong Provincial Key Research and Development Program (2020ZLYS02). All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yexing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiarong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 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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15
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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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16
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Liu S, Xu Q, Wang Y, Song B, Wei Z. Pregnancy incidence and associated risk factors of dichorionic triamniotic triplet under assisted reproduction: A large sample of clinical data analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1049239. [PMID: 37008934 PMCID: PMC10063967 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1049239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies are rare in spontaneous pregnancy. The aim was to characterize the incidence and risk factors of DCTA triplet pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods A retrospective analysis of 10,289 patients, including 3,429 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle and 6,860 frozen ET cycle, was performed from January 2015 to June 2020. The effect of different ART parameters on the incidence of DCTA triplet pregnancies was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Among all clinical pregnancies after ART, the incidence of DCTA was 1.24%. 1.22% occurred in the fresh ET cycle, while 1.25% occurred in the frozen ET cycle. The number of ET and cycle type has no effect on the occurrence of DCTA triplet pregnancies (p = 0.987; p = 0.056, respectively). There were significant differences in DCTA triplet pregnancies rate among receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) [1.92% vs. 1.02%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.461, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.315-0.673], blastocyst transfer (BT) versus cleavage-ET (1.66% vs. 0.57%, P < 0.001, OR = 0.329, 95% CI 0.315-0.673), and maternal age ≥ 35 years versus maternal age < 35 years (1.00% vs. 1.30%, P = 0.040, OR = 1.773, 95% CI 1.025-3.066). Based on the regression analysis of cycle type, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate was higher in maternal age < 35 years than in maternal age ≥ 35 years (1.35% vs. 0.97%, P < 0.001, OR = 5.266, 95% CI 2.184-12.701), BT versus cleavage-ET (1.47% vs. 0.94%; P = 0.006, OR = 0.346, 95% CI 0.163-0.735), and receiving ICSI was higher than receiving IVF (3.82% vs. 0.78%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.085, 95% CI 0.039-0.189) in fresh ET cycle. However, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate did not show difference in maternal age, insemination methods, and number of ET, and only BT was found to be associated with a higher DCTA triplet pregnancies rate in the frozen ET cycle (1.73% vs. 0.30%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.179, 95% CI 0.083-0.389). Conclusion The prevalence of DCTA triplet pregnancies has increased after ART. Maternal age < 35 years, BT, and receiving ICSI are risk factors for DCTA triplet pregnancies, also in fresh ET cycle. However, in frozen ET cycle, BT is an independent risk factor for increased DCTA triplet pregnancies rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anhui Province Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Qianhua Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Yafen Wang
- First Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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The Impact of Assisted Hatching on Monozygotic Twinning is Related to Female Age and Insemination Method: A New Perspective. Twin Res Hum Genet 2022; 25:202-205. [PMID: 36172934 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2022.27] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Whether assisted hatching (AH) is associated with a higher incidence of monozygotic twinning (MZT) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology remains controversial; the aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between AH and MZT. A total of 8900 clinical pregnancies were selected among embryo transfer cycles from January 2011 to October 2019. Women receiving day (D) 3 embryos were divided into groups A-C: group A (n = 1651) and group B (n = 1045) included women aged ≤37 or ≥38 years, respectively, with zona pellucida (ZP) thinning; group C (n = 3865) included women aged ≤37 years without AH. Women aged ≤37 years who underwent blastocyst transfer and/or blastocyst ZP breaching were included in group D (n = 2339). The incidence of MZT was compared among groups A, B and C, and between groups C and D. The incidence of MZT in group B (2.2%) was significantly higher than in group A (1.0%), especially following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), while the incidence of MZT in group A (1.0%) was significantly lower than in group C (2.2%). The MZT rate with in vitro fertilization was higher in group D (2.8%) than in group C (2.2%), but the MZT rate following ICSI was not significantly different between the two groups. ZP thinning of D3 embryos may increase the risk of MZT in older women (≥38 years), but decrease it in younger women (≤37 years). ZP breaching may be useful to reduce the incidence of MZT in ICSI-generated blastocysts.
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20
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Brouillet S, Mereuze S, Ranisavljevic N, Chauveau C, Hamamah S, Cattin J, Verebi C, Cabrol C, Ishmukhametova A, Girardet A, Anahory T, Willems M. Molecular Characterization of a Rare Case of Monozygotic Dichorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy after Single Blastocyst Transfer in Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10835. [PMID: 36142745 PMCID: PMC9504855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is widely used to select unaffected embryos, increasing the odds of having a healthy baby. During the last few decades, it was accepted that monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies occurred from the embryo splitting before Day 3 postfertilization according to Corner's dogma. Hence, the occurrence of a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after a single blastocyst transfer was considered a dizygotic pregnancy resulting from blastocyst transfer and concurrent natural fertilization. In our study, we have provided for the first time molecular proof that a single blastocyst transfer can result in a monozygotic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy, invalidating Corner's dogma. In this case, we recommend systematically assessing the genetic status of dichorionic twins after single blastocyst transfer using prenatal diagnosis to exclude the risk from a potential concurrent spontaneous pregnancy and to ensure that both fetuses are unaffected. To achieve this goal, we have developed here an innovative noninvasive prenatal diagnosis by exclusion of paternal variants with droplet digital PCR, maximizing the reliability of genetic diagnosis. Further multicentric prospective studies using genetic testing are now required to establish the rate of blastocyst splitting leading to dichorionic pregnancy in PGT and to identify the risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Brouillet
- DEFE, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Biologie de la Reproduction/DPI et CECOS, Département de Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandie Mereuze
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Claire Chauveau
- Department of Medical Genetics, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Samir Hamamah
- DEFE, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Biologie de la Reproduction/DPI et CECOS, Département de Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Cattin
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, CHU Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France
| | - Camille Verebi
- Service de Médecine Génomique, Maladies de Système et d’Organe, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique, DMU BioPhyGen, APHP Centre—Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Anne Girardet
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- PhyMedExp, CHU of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Tal Anahory
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Reference Centre AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, INSERM U1298, INM, Department of Medical Genetics, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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21
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Ghidini A, Gandhi M, McCoy J, Kuller JA, Kuller JA. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #60: Management of pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:B2-B12. [PMID: 34736912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of assisted reproductive technology has increased in the United States in the past several decades. Although most of these pregnancies are uncomplicated, in vitro fertilization is associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes primarily caused by the increased risks of prematurity and low birthweight associated with in vitro fertilization pregnancies. This Consult discusses the management of pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and provides recommendations based on the available evidence. The recommendations by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine are as follows: (1) we suggest that genetic counseling be offered to all patients undergoing or who have undergone in vitro fertilization with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 2C); (2) regardless of whether preimplantation genetic testing has been performed, we recommend that all patients who have achieved pregnancy with in vitro fertilization be offered the options of prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis (GRADE 1C); (3) we recommend that the accuracy of first-trimester screening tests, including cell-free DNA for aneuploidy, be discussed with patients undergoing or who have undergone in vitro fertilization (GRADE 1A); (4) when multifetal pregnancies do occur, we recommend that counseling be offered regarding the option of multifetal pregnancy reduction (GRADE 1C); (5) we recommend that a detailed obstetrical ultrasound examination (CPT 76811) be performed for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 1B); (6) we suggest that fetal echocardiography be offered to patients with pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (GRADE 2C); (7) we recommend that a careful examination of the placental location, placental shape, and cord insertion site be performed at the time of the detailed fetal anatomy ultrasound, including evaluation for vasa previa (GRADE 1B); (8) although visualization of the cervix at the 18 0/7 to 22 6/7 weeks of gestation anatomy assessment with either a transabdominal or endovaginal approach is recommended, we do not recommend serial cervical length assessment as a routine practice for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization (GRADE 1C); (9) we suggest that an assessment of fetal growth be performed in the third trimester for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization; however, serial growth ultrasounds are not recommended for the sole indication of in vitro fertilization (GRADE 2B); (10) we do not recommend low-dose aspirin for patients with pregnancies achieved with IVF as the sole indication for preeclampsia prophylaxis; however, if 1 or more additional risk factors are present, low-dose aspirin is recommended (GRADE 1B); (11) given the increased risk for stillbirth, we suggest weekly antenatal fetal surveillance beginning by 36 0/7 weeks of gestation for pregnancies achieved with in vitro fertilization (GRADE 2C); (12) in the absence of studies focused specifically on timing of delivery for pregnancies achieved with IVF, we recommend shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers when considering induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation (GRADE 1C).
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22
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Nie Y, Qiao X, Li S, Pan Z, Zhang J, Xu L. Dichorionic quadruplet pregnancy comprising monozygotic triplets and singleton after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and transfer of two fresh embryos: a case report. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221075506. [PMID: 35118888 PMCID: PMC8819775 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221075506] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic triplet pregnancies are very rare in assisted reproductive
technology, and the relationship between monozygotic multiple pregnancies and
several assisted reproductive techniques, including blastocyst transfer, remains
unclear. Here, the case of a 28-year-old female patient with dichorionic
quadruplet pregnancy following intracytoplasmic sperm injection and transfer of
two day-3 fresh embryos, without assisted hatching, is reported. At 7 weeks
following embryo transfer, the dichorionic quadruplet pregnancy, comprising
monozygotic monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplets plus a singleton, was
detected by a transabdominal ultrasound scan. After counselling, the patient
underwent selective reduction of the MCTA triplet pregnancy at 7 weeks after
embryo transfer. The remaining singleton pregnancy was uneventful, resulting in
a live birth at 38+ weeks. As the predictors of monozygotic multiple
gestations remain poorly characterized, clinicians and patients should give
great consideration to the risks associated with monozygotic multiple
pregnancies, even if the patient has not undergone blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sicong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangzhi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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López-Gatius F, Saleri R, De Rensis F, Llobera-Balcells M, Garcia-Ispierto I. Transfer of a single fresh in vitro-produced embryo may prevent twin pregnancy without compromising the fertility of the cow. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:450-455. [PMID: 34978732 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14079] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examines whether the transfer of a fresh in vitro-produced (IVP) embryo can avoid the risk of twin pregnancy without reducing the fertility of a cow. The study population was comprised of 416 lactating dairy cows synchronized for oestrus: 294 were fixed-time inseminated (AI cows), and 122 were given GnRH treatment at the time of embryo transfer (ET) an IVP embryo (ET cows). Of the 416 cows, 167 (40.1%) became pregnant. Twin pregnancy was recorded in 20.8% of the AI pregnant cows (21/101), whereas no ET cows had twins (0/66). Significant interaction (p < .01) was observed between breeding technique and the period of the year for the likelihood of pregnancy. This meant that using AI cows during the warm period (May-September) as reference, the odds ratio for pregnancy in ET cows during the warm period was 3.4 (p = .001). In conclusion, transfer of a single fresh IVP embryo proved useful to prevent the risk of twin pregnancy without affecting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain.,Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain
| | - Roberta Saleri
- Veterinary Medical-Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio De Rensis
- Veterinary Medical-Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain.,Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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24
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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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25
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Kelly AG, Blakemore JK, McCaffrey C, Grifo JA. Evaluation of clinical parameters as predictors of monozygotic twins after single frozen embryo transfer. F S Rep 2021; 2:428-432. [PMID: 34934983 PMCID: PMC8655405 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.07.001] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine if recent evolutions in laboratory protocols, including the increased use of natural cycles and the use of a hyaluronan-containing transfer medium, affected the rate of monozygotic twin (MZT) pregnancies after single frozen embryo transfer (FET). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Urban university-based fertility center. Patients Patients who underwent single FET between January 2016 and December 2018 resulting in an intrauterine pregnancy. Interventions Transition to a transfer protocol with a hyaluronan-containing transfer medium in July 2017. Main Outcome Measures Number of MZT pregnancies. Results There were 1,619 cycles that met the inclusion criteria and 31 (1.9%) resulted in MZT pregnancies. A hyaluronan-containing transfer medium was used in 875 (54.1%) cycles. Programmed cycles were used for 1,385 (85.5%) FETs and 234 (14.5%) cycles were natural. The mean age at FET, oocyte age, endometrial echo thickness, inner cell mass grade, trophectoderm grade, expansion, and day of blastocyst vitrification were similar between the groups. The use of a hyaluronan-containing transfer medium resulted in fewer MZTs. After controlling potential confounders with a multivariate regression, the use of the hyaluronan-containing medium still resulted in fewer MZTs. Monozygotic twins were colinear with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), so PGT was excluded as a variable in our regression. A regression of PGT only cycles showed that the use of the hyaluronan-containing medium was still associated with a reduction in MZT pregnancies. Conclusions The use of a hyaluronan-containing transfer medium was associated with a lower rate of MZTs. Other clinical parameters, including cycle type, were not associated with changes in the number of MZTs. The use of PGT needs to be further investigated as a risk factor for MZTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia G Kelly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer K Blakemore
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Caroline McCaffrey
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Grifo
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, New York
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Shi W, Jin L, Liu J, Zhang C, Mi Y, Shi J, Wang H, Liang X. Blastocyst morphology is associated with the incidence of monozygotic twinning in assisted reproductive technology. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:654.e1-654.e16. [PMID: 34245681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased incidence of monozygotic twinning after a blastocyst transfer has been previously reported in assisted reproductive technology treatment. It is uncertain whether this phenomenon is due to the extended culture time, culture medium, or inherent blastocyst parameters. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between blastocyst parameters (in vitro culture time, blastocyst stage, and inner cell mass and trophectoderm grading) and the incidence of monozygotic twinning after assisted reproductive technology. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study employing data from a multicenter, large, electronic database from 4 academic hospitals. All clinical pregnancies after a single blastocyst transfer between January 2014 and February 2020 were included. Blastocyst morphology was evaluated based on the Gardner grading system, considering the blastocyst stage, and inner cell mass and trophectoderm grading (grades A, B, and C). Monozygotic twinning was defined as ≥2 fetal heartbeats in a single gestational sac or 2 gestational sacs with sex concordance at birth. The multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic regression models were used to compute adjusted relative risks for the association between blastocyst parameters and the incidence of monozygotic twinning. RESULTS The overall monozygotic twinning rate was 1.53% (402 of 26,254 cases). The monozygotic twinning was not associated with the culture time in vitro (day 5 vs day 6) or blastocyst stage (early, blastocyst, expanded, hatching, and hatched). Alternatively, monozygotic twinning was associated with lower inner cell mass grading (B vs A: adjusted relative risk, 1.67 [95 % confidence interval, 1.28-2.25]; C vs A: adjusted relative risk, 1.98 [95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.11]) and higher trophectoderm grading (B vs C: adjusted relative risk, 1.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.92]; A vs C: adjusted relative risk, 2.14 [95% confidence interval, 1.45-3.20]). The incidence of monozygotic twinning was the lowest in blastocysts with grade A inner cell mass and grade B or C trophectoderm (0.82%, as the reference) and the highest in blastocysts with grade B or C inner cell mass and grade A trophectoderm (2.40%; adjusted relative risk, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-4.43). The incidence of monozygotic twinning in blastocysts with consistent inner cell mass or trophectoderm grading was somewhere in between (both A: 1.58%; adjusted relative risk, 1.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.04]; both B or C: 1.59%; adjusted relative risk, 1.84 [95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.90]). CONCLUSION Higher risk of monozygotic twinning was associated with blastocyst morphology specific to those blastocysts with loosely arranged inner cell mass cells combined with tightly packed trophectoderm cells.
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Abstract
Along with the rise of assisted reproductive technology, multifetal gestations increased dramatically. Twin pregnancies account for 97% of multifetal pregnancies and 3% of all births in the United States. Twins and higher-order multiples carry increased risks of obstetric, perinatal, and maternal complications; these risks increase with increasing fetal number. Neonatal morbidity and mortality in multifetal gestations is driven primarily by prematurity. Both spontaneous and indicated preterm births are increased in multifetal gestations, and only a limited number of strategies are available to mitigate this risk. No single intervention has been shown to decrease the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in most twin pregnancies. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis is recommended in all multifetal pregnancies to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its associated complications. Antenatal management of multifetal gestations depends on chorionicity, which should be established using ultrasonography in the first trimester. Unlike dichorionic twin gestations, monochorionic pregnancies experience unique complications because of their shared vascular connections, and therefore, need frequent ultrasound surveillance. Even uncomplicated twin gestations have higher rates of unanticipated stillbirth compared with singletons. Delivery of twin pregnancies is generally indicated in the late preterm to early term period depending on chorionicity and other clinical factors. For most diamniotic twin pregnancies with a cephalic presenting fetus, vaginal delivery after 32 weeks' gestation is a safe and reasonable option with high rates of success and no increased risk of perinatal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra R Duffy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
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28
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Dirican EK, Olgan S. On the origin of zygosity and chorionicity in twinning: evidence from human in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2809-2816. [PMID: 34398401 PMCID: PMC8608953 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproduction is presumed to increase monozygotic twin rates, with the possible contribution of laboratory and medical interventions. Monozygotic dichorionic gestations are supposed to originate from the splitting of an embryo during the first four days of development, before blastocyst formation. Single embryo transfers could result in dichorionic pregnancies, currently explained by embryo splitting as described in the worldwide used medical textbooks, or concomitant conception. However, such splitting has never been observed in human in vitro fertilization, and downregulated frozen cycles could also produce multiple gestations. Several models of the possible origins of dichorionicity have been suggested. However, some possible underlying mechanisms observed from assisted reproduction seem to have been overlooked. In this review, we aimed to document the current knowledge, criticize the accepted dogma, and propose new insights into the origin of zygosity and chorionicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Kerem Dirican
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07100 Turkey
| | - Safak Olgan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07100 Turkey
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29
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Ying Y, Lu X, Zhang H, Arhin SK, Hou X, Wang Z, Wu H, Lu J, Tang Y. Clinical and perinatal outcomes of fresh single-blastocyst-transfer cycles under an early follicular phase prolonged protocol according to day of trigger estradiol levels. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11785. [PMID: 34395072 PMCID: PMC8320517 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgroud This study’s objectives were to compare the clinical, perinatal, and obstetrical outcomes of patients with different estradiol (E2) levels in fresh single-blastocyst-transfer (SBT) cycles under an early follicular phase prolonged regimen on the day of trigger. Methods We recruited patients in fresh SBT cycles (n = 771) undergoing early follicular phase prolonged protocols with β-hCG values above 10 IU/L between June 2016 and December 2018. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into four groups according to their serum E2 level percentages on the day of trigger: <25th, 25th–50th, 51st–75th, and >75th percentile groups. Results Although the rates of clinical pregnancy (85.57% (166/194)), embryo implantation 86.60% (168/194), ongoing pregnancy (71.13% (138/194)), and live birth (71.13% (138/194)) were lowest in the >75th percentile group, we did not observe any significant differences (all P > 0.05). We used this information to predict the rate of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) area under the curve (AUC) = 72.39%, P = 0.029, cut off value of E2 = 2,893 pg/ml with the 75% sensitivity and 70% specificity. The 51st–75th percentile group had the highest rates of low birth weight infants (11.73% (19/162), P = 0.0408), premature delivery (11.43% (20/175), P = 0.0269), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (10.49% (17/162), P = 0.0029), twin pregnancies (8.57% (15/175), P = 0.0047), and monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies (8.57% (15/175); P = 0.001). We did not observe statistical differences in obstetrics complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Conclusion We concluded that serum E2 levels on the day of trigger were not good predictors of live birth rate or perinatal and obstetrical outcomes. However, we found that high E2 levels may not be conducive to persistent pregnancies. The E2 level on the day of trigger can still be used to predict the incidence of early onset severe OHSS in the fresh SBT cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfen Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaosheng Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huina Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Samuel Kofi Arhin
- School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Xiaohong Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zefan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jieqiang Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunbing Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Trend of medically induced monozygotic twin deliveries according to age, parity, and type of assisted reproductive technique during the period 2007-2017 in Lombardy Region, Northern Italy: a population-based study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2341-2347. [PMID: 34244872 PMCID: PMC8490568 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02268-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The risk of monozygotic (MZT) twinning is increased in pregnancies after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, determinants remain poorly understood. To shed more light on this issue, we analyzed the estimated frequency of MZT twins from ART in Lombardy, Northern Italy, during the period 2007–2017. Methods This is a population-based study using regional healthcare databases of Lombardy Region. After having detected the total number of deliveries of sex-concordant and sex-discordant twins from ART, we calculated MZT rate using Weinberg’s method. Standardized ratios (SRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of MZT deliveries, adjusted for maternal age, were computed according to calendar period, parity, and type of ART. Results On the whole, 19,130 deliveries from ART were identified, of which 3,446 were twins. The estimated rate of MZT births among ART pregnancies was higher but decreased over time (p-value = 0.03); the SRs being 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18–1.51), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.83–1.11), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.79–1.07) for the periods 2007–2010, 2011–2014, and 2015–2017, respectively. The SRs of MZT among women undergoing first-level techniques, conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were 0.47 (95% CI: 0.38–0.57), 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88–1.17), and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.27–1.61) (p-value < 0.0001). The ratio of MZT births was significantly higher in women younger than 35 years (p-value < 0.0001) and slightly higher among nulliparae (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion Despite a reduction of MZT rate from ART over the time, the risk remains higher among ART pregnancies rather than natural ones. Younger women and women undergoing ICSI showed the highest risk of all. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-021-02268-0.
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Liu C, Su K, Chen L, Zhao Z, Wang X, Yuan C, Liang Y, Ji H, Li C, Zhou X. Prediction of oocyte quality using mRNA transcripts screened by RNA sequencing of human granulosa cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:413-420. [PMID: 34400084 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can RNA transcripts of granulosa cells be used to assess oocyte quality? The possibility of predicting the developmental competence of oocytes by RNA sequencing analysis of granulosa cells was evaluated. DESIGN Granulosa cell samples were collected from 29 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment and divided into two groups: 14 samples from the high blastocyst rate group and 15 from the low blastocyst rate group. Ten samples from each group were selected for RNA sequencing. RESULTS A total of 129 differentially expressed genes associated with high developmental competence of oocytes were identified. COL1A2, renin and COL1A1 were selected and further examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expression levels of COL1A2 and renin by qRT-PCR were consistent with the results of RNA sequencing. CONCLUSION RNA sequencing data could provide novel marker genes for the non-invasive evaluation of oocyte quality and embryo developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; Beijing Dairy Cattle Center, Beijing 100192, China; Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100095, China
| | - Ketong Su
- Reproductive Medical Center, Zhanjiang Jiuhe Hospital, Zhanjiang 524094, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zijiao Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yuqi Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Zhanjiang Jiuhe Hospital, Zhanjiang 524094, China
| | - Huili Ji
- Reproductive Medical Center, Zhanjiang Jiuhe Hospital, Zhanjiang 524094, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
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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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Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Alviggi E, Sansone A, Trabucco E, Dusi L, Buffo L, Barnocchi N, Fiorini F, Colamaria S, Giuliani M, Argento C, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM. The euploid blastocysts obtained after luteal phase stimulation show the same clinical, obstetric and perinatal outcomes as follicular phase stimulation-derived ones: a multicenter study. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2598-2608. [PMID: 32951051 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the reproductive outcomes (clinical, obstetric and perinatal) different between follicular phase stimulation (FPS)- and luteal phase stimulation (LPS)-derived euploid blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER No difference was observed between FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocysts after vitrified-warmed single embryo transfer (SET). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Technical improvements in IVF allow the implementation non-conventional controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols for oncologic and poor prognosis patients. One of these protocols begins LPS 5 days after FPS is ended (DuoStim). Although, several studies have reported similar embryological outcomes (e.g. fertilization, blastulation, euploidy) between FPS- and LPS-derived cohort of oocytes, information on the reproductive (clinical, obstetric and perinatal) outcomes of LPS-derived blastocysts is limited to small and retrospective studies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Multicenter study conducted between October 2015 and March 2019 including all vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfers after DuoStim. Only first transfers of good quality blastocysts (≥BB according to Gardner and Schoolcraft's classification) were included. If euploid blastocysts obtained after both FPS and LPS were available the embryo to transfer was chosen blindly. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfer in the two groups. To achieve 80% power (α = 0.05) to rule-out a 15% difference in the LBR, a total of 366 first transfers were required. Every other clinical, as well as obstetric and perinatal outcomes, were recorded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Throughout the study period, 827 patients concluded a DuoStim cycle and among them, 339 did not identify any transferable blastocyst, 145 had an euploid blastocyst after FPS, 186 after LPS and 157 after both FPS and LPS. Fifty transfers of poor quality euploid blastocysts were excluded and 49 patients did not undergo an embryo transfer during the study period. Thus, 389 patients had a vitrified-warmed SET of a good quality euploid blastocyst (182 after FPS and 207 after LPS). For 126 cases (32%) where both FPS- and LPS-derived good quality blastocysts were available, the embryo transferred was chosen blindly with a 'True Random Number Generator' function where '0' stood for FPS-derived euploid blastocysts and '1' for LPS-derived ones (n = 70 and 56, respectively) on the website random.org. All embryos were obtained with the same ovarian stimulation protocol in FPS and LPS (GnRH antagonist protocol with fixed dose of rec-FSH plus rec-LH and GnRH-agonist trigger), culture conditions (continuous culture in a humidified atmosphere with 37°C, 6% CO2 and 5% O2) and laboratory protocols (ICSI, trophectoderm biopsy in Day 5-7 without assisted hatching in Day 3, vitrification and comprehensive chromosome testing). The women whose embryos were included had similar age (FPS: 38.5 ± 3.1 and LPS: 38.5 ± 3.2 years), prevalence of male factor, antral follicle count, basal hormonal characteristics, main cause of infertility and previous reproductive history (i.e. previous live births, miscarriages and implantation failures) whether the embryo came from FPS or LPS. All transfers were conducted after warming in an artificial cycle. The blastocysts transferred after FPS and LPS were similar in terms of day of full-development and morphological quality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The positive pregnancy test rates for FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocysts were 57% and 62%, biochemical pregnancy loss rates were 10% and 8%, miscarriage rates were 15% and 14% and LBRs were 44% (n = 80/182, 95% CI 37-51%) and 49% (n = 102/207, 95% CI 42-56%; P = 0.3), respectively. The overall odds ratio for live birth (LPS vs FPS (reference)) adjusted for day of blastocyst development and quality, was 1.3, 95% CI 0.8-2.0, P = 0.2. Among patients with euploid blastocysts obtained following both FPS and LPS, the LBRs were also similar (53% (n = 37/70, 95% CI 41-65%) and 48% (n = 27/56, 95% CI 35-62%) respectively; P = 0.7). Gestational issues were experienced by 7.5% of pregnant women after FPS- and 10% of women following LPS-derived euploid single blastocyst transfer. Perinatal issues were reported in 5% and 0% of the FPS- and LPS-derived newborns, respectively. The gestational weeks and birthweight were similar in the two groups. A 5% pre-term delivery rate was reported in both groups. A low birthweight was registered in 2.5% and 5% of the newborns, while 4% and 7% showed high birthweight, in FPS- and LPS-derived euploid blastocyst, respectively. Encompassing the 81 FPS-derived newborns, a total of 9% were small and 11% large for gestational age. Among the 102 LPS-derived newborns, 8% were small and 6% large for gestational age. No significant difference was reported for all these comparisons. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The LPS-derived blastocysts were all obtained after FPS in a DuoStim protocol. Therefore, studies are required with LPS-only, late-FPS and random start approaches. The study is powered to assess differences in the LBR per embryo transfer, therefore obstetric and perinatal outcomes should be considered observational. Although prospective, the study was not registered. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study represents a further backing of the safety of non-conventional COS protocols. Therefore, LPS after FPS (DuoStim protocol) is confirmed a feasible and efficient approach also from clinical, obstetric and perinatal perspectives, targeted at patients who need to reach the transfer of an euploid blastocyst in the shortest timeframe possible due to reasons such as cancer, advanced maternal age and/or reduced ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy.,GENERA Umbria, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Erminia Alviggi
- Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Sansone
- Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Ludovica Dusi
- GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | - Laura Buffo
- GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Fiorini
- GENERA Umbria, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Silvia Colamaria
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Giuliani
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Cindy Argento
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Clinica Ruesch, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,GENERA Veneto, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, Marostica, Italy
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Spangmose AL, Ginström Ernstad E, Malchau S, Forman J, Tiitinen A, Gissler M, Opdahl S, Romundstad LB, Bergh C, Wennerholm UB, Henningsen AA, Pinborg A. Obstetric and perinatal risks in 4601 singletons and 884 twins conceived after fresh blastocyst transfers: a Nordic study from the CoNARTaS group. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:805-815. [PMID: 32294185 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies after fresh blastocyst transfer (BT) comparable with those born after fresh cleavage stage transfer (CT) and spontaneous conception (SC)? SUMMARY ANSWER Fresh BT is associated with a higher risk of placental and perinatal complications. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY BT optimizes the selection of top-quality embryos and increases pregnancy and live birth rates per transfer compared to CT. However, concerns have been raised as extended culture duration may increase obstetric complications and impair perinatal outcomes. Previous studies have shown a higher risk of preterm birth (PTB) among infants born after BT compared with CT. Pregnancies after BT are also prone to a higher risk of same-sex twins after single embryo transfer (SET). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective register-based cohort study used data from Denmark, Norway and Sweden including three cohorts: 56 557 singletons and 16 315 twins born after fresh IVF/ICSI cycles and 2 808 323 SC singletons in Denmark (birth years 1997-2014), Norway (2010-2015) and Sweden (2002-2015). Of the fresh IVF/ICSI singletons, 4601 were born after BT and 51 956 after CT. The twin cohort consisted of 884 fresh IVF/ICSI children born after BT and 15 431 fresh IVF/ICSI children born after CT. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were obtained from a large Nordic cohort of children born after ART and SC initiated by the Committee of Nordic ART and Safety (CoNARTaS). The CoNARTaS cohort was established by cross-linking National ART-, Medical Birth-, and National Patients Registers using the unique personal identification number, allocated to every citizen in the Nordic countries. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes after BT, CT and SC were compared using logistic regression analysis. For perinatal outcomes, we calculated gestational age based on the date of oocyte pick-up (OPU) and in sensitivity analyses on data from Denmark and Norway, we also calculated gestational age based on the second-trimester ultrasonography (US) scan. Risk of pregnancies with same-sex twins after SET was used as a proxy for risk of monozygotic twins. Adjustments were made for child's sex, birth year, parity (0 or >1), maternal age, body mass index, smoking, educational level, fertilization method (IVF/ICSI), the number of aspirated oocytes, SET and country. Information on educational level and the number of aspirated oocytes was not available for Norway. Children born after frozen embryo transfer were not included. The birth cohorts were restricted according to the year in which BT was introduced in the different countries. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A higher risk of placenta previa was found in singleton pregnancies after BT compared with CT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.11 [95% CI 1.76; 2.52]). Singletons born after BT had a higher risk of PTB (aOR 1.14 [95% CI 1.01; 1.29]) compared with CT singletons, when estimated based on OPU. Furthermore, an altered male/female ratio (aOR 1.13 [95% CI 1.06; 1.21]) with more males following BT compared with CT was seen. Risk of same-sex twins after SET was higher after single BT compared with single CT (aOR 1.94 [95% CI 1.42; 2.60]). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Residual confounding cannot be excluded, in particular related to duration and cause of infertility that we could not adjust for due to lack of reliable data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Extended embryo culture to the blastocyst stage has the potential to compromise obstetric and perinatal outcomes in fresh cycles. These results are important since an increasing number of IVF/ICSI treatments are performed as BT. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NORDFORSK (project no: 71450). The Research Fund of Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital. ReproUnion Collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V ÖKS. Grants from Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement (LUA/ALF 70940), Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation. The Research Council of Norway through its Centres of Excellence funding scheme, project number 262700. None of the authors has any conflicts of interests to declare regarding this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Spangmose
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Ginström Ernstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Malchau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J Forman
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Gissler
- Information Services Department, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland and Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - L B Romundstad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - C Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U B Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A A Henningsen
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Eliasen T, Gabrielsen A, Bay B, Iversen L, Knudsen U. Monochorionic twins after single blastocyst transfer: retrospective cohort and blinded time lapse annotation analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:62-65. [PMID: 33958311 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is it possible to identify monochorionic twin pregnancies before blastocyst transfer based on maternal or embryo characteristics registered by time lapse? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study including women who received fertility treatment (n = 6501) between 2010 and 2019 at two fertility clinics in central Denmark. The treatment resulted in 2239 pregnancies after single embryo transfer (SET) and, of those, 43 (1.92%) were monochorionic twins. Baseline characteristics, information on assisted reproductive technology and ultrasonic findings at gestational week 8 were collected on all women. Furthermore, a blinded time lapse annotation analysis was conducted by two independent laboratory technicians on a total of 85 embryos. A total of 22 embryos leading to monochorionic pregnancies were matched with 63 embryos leading to singleton pregnancies. RESULTS A monochorionic twin rate of 1.92% was found. No significant difference was found in maternal age, the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection compared with IVF, indication for treatment or other maternal characteristics. In the blinded annotation analysis, inner cell mass grade A was associated with an increased risk of twinning (P = 0.04) in fresh embryos. The s3 division timing was found to be significantly shorter in fresh twin compared with singleton embryos (P = 0.006). No other time lapse parameters were found to be characteristic of twin embryos. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first blinded annotation study to identify aspects in time lapse resulting in monochorionic twins after SET. Whether inner cell mass grade A and s3 reflect a biological background for monochorionic twinning merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troels Eliasen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Anette Gabrielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Bay
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Lea Iversen
- The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Ulla Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
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Maternal and Perinatal Factors Associated With Twin Pregnancies in Ecuador. Twin Res Hum Genet 2021; 24:133-139. [PMID: 33752776 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2021.12] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
There are few studies on twins in Ecuador and Latin America. It requires a better understanding of perinatal conditions, especially from an ethnic perspective. This work aims to assess perinatal factors related to twin pregnancy in Ecuadorian Mestizo individuals. We performed an epidemiological, observational and cross-sectional study at the Hospital San Francisco and Hospital Nueva Aurora in Quito, Ecuador, from November 2019 to January 2020. It included 203 newborns from twin pregnancies, including mothers with and without pathological history. The average gestational age was 31 weeks, and the APGAR score at first minute was 6.86, with significant differences. Regarding the metabolic balance, the mean pH was 6.14; and bicarbonate was 11.57, with significant differences. Twins had intrauterine growth restriction in 6.9% of cases, with significant differences (p = .003); 81.4% required supplemental oxygen, with significant differences (p = .002); 93% required noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), with significant differences (p = . 003); 93% required inotropic and sedation, with substantial differences; 69% required antibiotics (≥21 days), with significant differences (p = .014); and 17.2% needed between 8 to 14 days of hospitalization, and 51% more than 28 days, with significant differences. The studied mothers' demographic profile was mostly Mestizos, with an average age of 32 years, and 93% had a poverty status. Most of the twins were diamniotic monochorial and were discordant twins. It found jaundice, premature anemia and sepsis in 100% of twins and hyaline membrane disease in 89.66% of twins. Twins of women with relevant prenatal care had more premature births (30.4 ± 2.6 weeks), more acid-base imbalance, APGAR at ≥7 min in 90% of cases, and patent ductus arteriosus in all. There was also a greater need for double intensive phototherapy than twins of healthy women.
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Garcia-Ispierto I, López-Gatius F. Benefits and Risks of Preventing Twin Pregnancies. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010148. [PMID: 33440763 PMCID: PMC7827721 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical problems associated with twin pregnancies have been well established, and twin births are now considered undesirable or even disastrous for the dairy cattle industry and the individual cow. The high incidence of early fetal loss, abortion during the mid-lactation period, dystocia, stillbirth, and placenta retention should be considered a preventable consequence of management, as these disorders greatly compromise the welfare and productive lifespan of a cow carrying or delivering twins. The use of sexed semen generates herd replacements and additional heifers, so a proposed strategy for twin pregnancy prevention is the transfer of a single in vitro-produced female beef cow embryo to cows not suitable for producing replacements. Another proposed strategy is drainage at insemination of co-dominant follicles to prevent twin pregnancies in cows with genetic merit. As a result, embryo survival should improve, economic losses associated with twin pregnancies will be prevented, beef output from the herd will be increased, and the health and welfare of the cow will certainly benefit. In this review, the clinical prospects of preventing or avoiding twin pregnancies using both procedures are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300 Barbastro, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Gimeno I, Cañón-Beltrán K, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Gómez E. Senescence and Apoptosis During in vitro Embryo Development in a Bovine Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619902. [PMID: 33392207 PMCID: PMC7775420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects up to 14% of couples under reproductive age, leading to an exponential rise in the use of assisted reproduction as a route for conceiving a baby. In the same way, thousands of embryos are produced in cattle and other farm animals annually, leading to increased numbers of individuals born. All reproductive manipulations entail deviations of natural phenotypes and genotypes, with in vitro embryo technologies perhaps showing the biggest effects, although these alterations are still emerging. Most of these indications have been provided by animal models, in particular the bovine species, due to its similarities to human early embryo development. Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to environmental stress in vivo and in vitro. Thus, during in vitro culture, a number of stressful conditions affect embryonic quality and viability, inducing subfertility and/or long-term consequences that may reach the offspring. A high proportion of the embryos produced in vitro are arrested at a species-specific stage of development during the first cell divisions. These arrested embryos do not show signs of programmed cell death during early cleavage stages. Instead, defective in vitro produced embryos would enter a permanent cell cycle arrest compatible with cellular senescence, in which they show active metabolism and high reactive oxygen species levels. Later in development, mainly during the morula and blastocyst stages, apoptosis would mediate the elimination of certain cells, accomplishing both a physiological role in to balancing cell proliferation and death, and a pathological role preventing the transmission of damaged cells with an altered genome. The latter would acquire relevant importance in in vitro produced embryos that are submitted to stressful environmental stimuli. In this article, we review the mechanisms mediating apoptosis and senescence during early embryo development, with a focus on in vitro produced bovine embryos. Additionally, we shed light on the protective role of senescence and apoptosis to ensure that unhealthy cells and early embryos do not progress in development, avoiding long-term detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
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Li H, Shen T, Sun X. Monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic pregnancies following single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer: a retrospective case series. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:768. [PMID: 33302917 PMCID: PMC7726857 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary aim of the study is to report cases of monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic (DC-DA) pregnancies after single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. METHODS This is a retrospective case series. All single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles performed between June 2013 and December 2018 at the Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, were reviewed retrospectively. We included frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles which clinical pregnancy was confirmed with multiple gestational sacs showed on ultrasonography at around 6 to 7 weeks of gestation. We then conducted an in-depth analysis to further exclude cases which contained newborns of different genders or natural FET cycles. RESULTS Five thousand four hundred fifteen frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles were preformed between June 2013 and December 2018 at the Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Of these, fourteen women underwent a single blastocyst transfer and then achieved clinical pregnancy with an ultrasound diagnosis of multi-chorionic pregnancy. With one natural cycle FET excluded, we finally included thirteen single blastocyst transfer cycles performed in down-regulated controlled FET or hormone replacement FET, in which the possibility of concurrently spontaneous pregnancy was extremely small. These included 13 cases reveal the phenomenon of monozygotic DC-DA twinning after single blastocyst transfer, which challenges the classical theory that only monochorionic pregnancy could happen after 3 days of fertilization. CONCLUSION This case series suggest that single blastocyst transfer could result DC-DA pregnancies during IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Tingting Shen
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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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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41
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Maternal age is associated with embryo splitting after single embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:79-83. [PMID: 33098038 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether maternal age has an impact on monozygotic twinning (MZT) rates in women undergoing single embryo transfer (SET). METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study analyzed for the incidence of MZT of all clinical pregnancies after a single embryo transfer was carried out between 2014 and 2018. The effect of different assisted reproductive technology (ART) parameters on the incidence of MZT was evaluated. RESULTS There were a total of 8459 cycles resulting in pregnancy during the study period. Of these pregnancies, 8236 were singletons and 223 were MZT. The preterm birth rate, miscarriage rate, and cesarean section rate were higher in MZT. Birth weight and gestational age at delivery were lower and smaller. In the univariate analysis, the risk of MZT was decreased with frozen embryo transfer (ET). A nonlinear relationship was observed between maternal age and MZT. A negative relationship between maternal age and MZT was observed in the patients' age ≥ 36 years. CONCLUSION Advanced maternal age was associated with a lower rate of MZT. A threshold female age of 36 years existed for lower MZT.
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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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43
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44
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Bergh C, Kamath MS, Wang R, Lensen S. Strategies to reduce multiple pregnancies during medically assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:673-679. [PMID: 32826048 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple birth rates after fertility treatment are still high in many countries. Multiple births are associated with increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight babies, in turn increasing the risk of severe morbidity for the children. The multiple birth rates vary in different countries between 2% and 3% and up to 30% in some settings. Elective single-embryo transfer, particularly in combination with frozen-embryo transfer and milder stimulation in ovulation induction/intrauterine insemination, to avoid multifollicular development is an effective strategy to decrease the multiple birth rates while still achieving acceptable live-birth rates. Although this procedure is used successfully in many countries, it ought to be implemented broadly to improve the health of the children. One at a time should be the normal routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Mohan S Kamath
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Song B, Wang Z, Chen Y, Wang C, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Repeated triplets complicated by monochorionic diamniotic twins following assisted reproduction: a case report and literature review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:373. [PMID: 32576252 PMCID: PMC7313207 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monochorionic twinning involves numerous maternal and fetal complications, triplets complicated by a monochorionic pair are at further increased risk. Here, we report a case of repeated triplets complicated by monochorionic diamniotic twins with successful pregnancy outcomes in a woman using autologous oocytes. CASE PRESENTATION A 30-year-old female undergoing embryo transfer with fresh and frozen embryo cycles with autologous oocytes. The two cycles were confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound to result in successful clinical pregnancies of triplets complicated by a monochorionic twinning. The first pregnancy resulted in a singleton delivery after a selective reduction of the monochorionic pair. The subsequent pregnancy resulted in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after the heartbeat of one of the monochorionic twin fetuses stopped at 43 days after embryo transfer. Both of the pregnancies ended with successful live births. CONCLUSIONS Our case report of repeated triplets with monochorionic twins suggests the potential causes and risk factors of monochorionic twinning in assisted reproduction and raises concern regarding the timing of multifetal pregnancy reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China. .,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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46
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MacKenna A, Schwarze JE, Crosby J, Zegers-Hochschild F. Factors associated with embryo splitting and clinical outcome of monozygotic twins in pregnancies after IVF and ICSI. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa024. [PMID: 32432173 PMCID: PMC7225016 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A MacKenna
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, 7591046, Santiago, Chile
| | - J E Schwarze
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, 7591046, Santiago, Chile
| | - J Crosby
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, 7591046, Santiago, Chile
| | - F Zegers-Hochschild
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Las Condes, Lo Fontecilla 441, 7591046, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Ethics and Public Policies in Human Reproduction, Universidad Diego Portales, Ejercito 250, 8370056, Santiago, Chile
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Abstract
Over the past 40 years access and effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have increased, and to date more than 8 million children have been conceived after ART globally. Most pregnancies resulting from ART are uncomplicated and result in the birth of healthy children. Yet, it is well known that pregnancies following ART are more likely to be affected by obstetric complications such as hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, preterm birth, and low birth weight compared with spontaneously conceived pregnancies. ART children are also at increased risk of birth defects. The majority of the problems arise as a result of multiple pregnancies and can be reduced by transferring a single embryo, thereby avoiding multiple pregnancies. New ART technologies are constantly introduced, and monitoring of the health of ART children is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, Gothenburg, Sweden
- CONTACT Ulla-Britt Wennerholm Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, GothenburgSE 416 85, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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48
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Lazzari G, Colleoni S, Crotti G, Turini P, Fiorini G, Barandalla M, Landriscina L, Dolci G, Benedetti M, Duchi R, Galli C. Laboratory Production of Equine Embryos. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103097. [PMID: 32563445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are well developed in humans and cattle and are gaining momentum also in the equine industry because of the fact that the mare does not respond to superovulation but can donate large numbers of oocytes through ovum pick up (OPU). After collection, the oocytes can be fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a variety of stallion semen samples, even of poor quality, and the resulting embryos can establish high pregnancy rates after cryopreservation and transfer. The discoveries that equine oocytes can be held at room temperature without loss of viability and that an increase in vitro maturation time can double the number of embryos produced are fueling the uptake of the OPU technique by several clinics that are shipping oocytes of their client's mares to specialized ICSI laboratories for embryo production and freezing. In this article, we present a retrospective analysis of 10 years of work at Avantea with a special focus on the last 3 years. Based on our data, an average production of 1.7 to 2 embryos per OPU-ICSI procedure can be obtained from warmblood donor mares with a pregnancy rate of 70% and a foaling rate in excess of 50%. OPU-ICSI offers the added value of freezing embryos that allows the development of embryo commercialization worldwide to the benefit of top horse breeders who are endorsing this technology as never before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea, Cremona, Italy; Fondazione Avantea Onlus, Cremona, Italy; Equigea, Ocala, FL.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Cremona, Italy; Fondazione Avantea Onlus, Cremona, Italy; Equigea, Ocala, FL
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49
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Monoamniotic twin pregnancy following the transfer of a single blastocyst resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection of a single oocyte: a case report. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:344-348. [PMID: 32297587 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000167] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In this report we present an unusual case of a couple who achieved a twin pregnancy by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with a single immature oocyte retrieved. The oocyte was at metaphase I at 39 h post human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration, which is our standard ICSI time. Extended culture allowed the extrusion of the polar body, and sperm injection was performed at 43 h post-trigger. The fertilized egg underwent embryo biopsy on day 3 and preimplantation genetic assessment for three chromosomes (X, Y and 21). The embryo remained in culture until day 5. Later, the biopsy results reported a transferable embryo, which was replaced to the uterine cavity at blastocyst stage. Pregnancy test gave a positive β-hCG result, and the 6 weeks' scan, performed to confirm the fetal heart, revealed the presence of one amniotic sac and two fetal heartbeats, which currently have been so far eventless and smooth, ongoing at 18 weeks of gestation.
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50
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Brouillet S, Martinez G, Coutton C, Hamamah S. Is cell-free DNA in spent embryo culture medium an alternative to embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing? A systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:779-796. [PMID: 32417199 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is increasingly used worldwide. It currently entails the use of invasive techniques, i.e. polar body, blastomere, trophectoderm biopsy or blastocentesis, to obtain embryonic DNA, with major technical limitations and ethical issues. Evidence suggests that invasive PGT can lead to genetic misdiagnosis in the case of embryo mosaicism, and, consequently, to the selection of affected embryos for implantation or to the destruction of healthy embryos. Recently, spent culture medium (SCM) has been proposed as an alternative source of embryonic DNA. An increasing number of studies have reported the detection of cell-free DNA in SCM and highlighted the diagnostic potential of non-invasive SCM-based PGT for assessing the genetic status of preimplantation human embryos obtained by IVF. The reliability of this approach for clinical applications, however, needs to be determined. In this systematic review, published evidence on non-invasive SCM-based PGT is presented, and its current benefits and limitations compared with invasive PGT. Then, ways of optimizing and standardizing procedures for non-invasive SCM-based PGT to prevent technical biases and to improve performance in future studies are discussed. Finally, clinical perspectives of non-invasive PGT are presented and its future applications in reproductive medicine highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Brouillet
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, Inserm 1036, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies de Grenoble (BIG), Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection (BCI), Grenoble 38000, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Clinique et Biologique d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation- Centre d'étude et de conservation des œufs et du sperme humains (CECOS), La Tronche 38700, France; INSERM U1203, Equipe "Développement Embryonnaire Précoce Humain et Pluripotence", Institut de Médecine Régénératrice et de Biothérapie, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, Inserm, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), équipe Génétique Epigénétique et Thérapie de l'Infertilité (GETI), Grenoble 38000, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Hôpital Couple Enfant, Département de Génétique et Procréation, Laboratoire de Génétique Chromosomique, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, Inserm, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), équipe Génétique Epigénétique et Thérapie de l'Infertilité (GETI), Grenoble 38000, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Hôpital Couple Enfant, Département de Génétique et Procréation, Laboratoire de Génétique Chromosomique, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Samir Hamamah
- INSERM U1203, Equipe "Développement Embryonnaire Précoce Humain et Pluripotence", Institut de Médecine Régénératrice et de Biothérapie, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, Montpellier 34295, France; CHU Montpellier, ART/PGD Division, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, Cedex 5, Montpellier 34295, France.
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