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Pohjonen EM, Ahinko K, Huhtala H, Erkinaro T, Lehto J, Pellas E, Vilmi-Kerälä T, Laivuori H. Clinical features of preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders in pregnancies after different frozen embryo transfer regimens. Pregnancy Hypertens 2024; 36:101123. [PMID: 38636430 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2024.101123] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare whether the clinical features of preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) were different in pregnancies after a frozen embryo transfer (FET), depending on the FET regimen used. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study including 58 pregnancies with PE and 64 pregnancies with GH, all with singleton live births. Pregnancies were stratified according to the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical characteristics of PE and GH, maternal background factors, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), key perinatal outcomes. RESULTS Among PE patients, no difference was found in the clinical characteristics and in the maternal background factors, when comparing women with a CL to women without a CL. PE patients in the group without a CL had a hemorrhage of > 500 mL or > 1000 mL significantly more often than patients with a CL. Multivariable analyses confirmed this risk. Perinatal outcomes were similar. Among GH patients, there was no difference in the clinical features and maternal background factors, when comparing CL cycles to cycles without a CL. The amount of PPH was higher among the patients without a CL, but the frequency of a > 500 mL or > 1000 mL hemorrhage was similar between groups. No risk increase was seen in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS Among FET patients with PE, the risk of PPH wasincreased in pregnancies after cycles without a CL, compared to cycles with a CL. The presence or absence of a CL did noteffectthe severity of PE and GH, the duration of pregnancy or blood pressure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva-Maria Pohjonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa. Elämänaukio 2, 33521 Tampere, Finland; Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Tampereen yliopisto, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Katja Ahinko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa. Elämänaukio 2, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tarja Erkinaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Satasairaala Central Hospital, Pori, Finland
| | - Johanna Lehto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Elena Pellas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Tiina Vilmi-Kerälä
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa. Elämänaukio 2, 33521 Tampere, Finland; Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Tampereen yliopisto, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Conrad KP, von Versen-Höynck F, Baker VL. Pathologic maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with programmed embryo transfer: potential etiologies and strategies for prevention. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:843-859. [PMID: 38536596 PMCID: PMC11052758 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03042-8] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In the first of two companion papers, we comprehensively reviewed the recent evidence in the primary literature, which addressed the increased prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, late-onset or term preeclampsia, fetal overgrowth, postterm birth, and placenta accreta in women conceiving by in vitro fertilization. The preponderance of evidence implicated frozen embryo transfer cycles and, specifically, those employing programmed endometrial preparations, in the higher risk for these adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. Based upon this critical appraisal of the primary literature, we formulate potential etiologies and suggest strategies for prevention in the second article. METHODS Comprehensive review of primary literature. RESULTS Presupposing significant overlap of these apparently diverse pathological pregnancy outcomes within subjects who conceive by programmed autologous FET cycles, shared etiologies may be at play. One plausible but clearly provocative explanation is that aberrant decidualization arising from suboptimal endometrial preparation causes greater than normal trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling. Thus, overly robust placentation produces larger placentas and fetuses that, in turn, lead to overcrowding of villi within the confines of the uterine cavity which encroach upon intervillous spaces precipitating placental ischemia, oxidative and syncytiotrophoblast stress, and, ultimately, late-onset or term preeclampsia. The absence of circulating corpus luteal factors like relaxin in most programmed cycles might further compromise decidualization and exacerbate the maternal endothelial response to deleterious circulating placental products like soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 that mediate disease manifestations. An alternative, but not mutually exclusive, determinant might be a thinner endometrium frequently associated with programmed endometrial preparations, which could conspire with dysregulated decidualization to elicit greater than normal trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling. In extreme cases, placenta accreta could conceivably arise. Though lower uterine artery resistance and pulsatility indices observed during early pregnancy in programmed embryo transfer cycles are consistent with this initiating event, quantitative analyses of trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling required to validate the hypothesis have not yet been conducted. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial preparation that is not optimal, absent circulating corpus luteal factors, or a combination thereof are attractive etiologies; however, the requisite investigations to prove them have yet to be undertaken. Presuming that in ongoing RCTs, some or all adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with programmed autologous FET are circumvented or mitigated by employing natural or stimulated cycles instead, then for women who can conceive using these regimens, they would be preferable. For the 15% or so of women who require programmed FET, additional research as suggested in this review is needed to elucidate the responsible mechanisms and develop preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk P Conrad
- Departments of Physiology and Aging and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Frauke von Versen-Höynck
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lutherville, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Stock SJ, Aiken CE. Barriers to progress in pregnancy research: How can we break through? Science 2023; 380:150-153. [PMID: 37053324 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf9347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Healthy pregnancies are fundamental to healthy populations, but very few therapies to improve pregnancy outcomes are available. Fundamental concepts-for example, placentation or the mechanisms that control the onset of labor-remain understudied and incompletely understood. A key issue is that research efforts must capture the complexity of the tripartite maternal-placental-fetal system, the dynamics of which change throughout gestation. Studying pregnancy disorders is complicated by the difficulty of creating maternal-placental-fetal interfaces in vitro and the uncertain relevance of animal models to human pregnancy. However, newer approaches include trophoblast organoids to model the developing placenta and integrated data-science approaches to study longer-term outcomes. These approaches provide insights into the physiology of healthy pregnancy, which is the first step to identifying therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Stock
- University of Edinburgh Usher Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
- University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Wellcome Leap In Utero Program, Wellcome Leap Inc., Culver City, CA 90232, USA
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Kuate Defo A, Daskalopoulou SS. Alterations in Vessel Hemodynamics Across Uncomplicated Pregnancy. Am J Hypertens 2023; 36:183-191. [PMID: 36638267 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is marked by the onset of rapid hemodynamic alterations in order to accommodate the needs of the developing fetus. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, and its measurement in clinical practice has been recommended. It follows a U-shaped curve in uncomplicated pregnancy, decreasing to a nadir in mid-pregnancy and rising at term. Systemic vasodilation occurs due to elevated nitric oxide, prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin. Vascular resistance decreases to a nadir in mid-pregnancy, while endothelial function is enhanced starting in the first trimester. Plasma volume increases by about 50%, and total red blood cell mass increases by up to 40%. Cardiac output increases by up to 45%, at first due primarily to elevated stroke volume, then mainly due to increased heart rate. Along with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is safe for use in pregnancy. It may assess cardiac function more accurately than echocardiography, and may be indicated in specific clinical cases. Moreover, blood pressure decreases to a nadir in mid-pregnancy and rises to near preconception values postpartum. An appreciation of the vascular changes occurring in healthy pregnancy can aid in the prediction and diagnosis of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and inform treatment. In particular, noninvasive arterial stiffness/hemodynamics assessment provides unique clinical information beyond blood pressure and traditional maternal characteristics, and can signal a need for further testing, or be used in combination with other tests to predict or diagnose complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuate Defo
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stella S Daskalopoulou
- Vascular Health Unit, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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5
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Bila J, Dotlic J, Radjenovic SS, Vidakovic S, Tulic L, Micic J, Stojnic J, Babovic I, Dmitrovic A, Chiantera V, Laganà AS, Terzic M. Predictive Value of Basal Serum Progesterone for Successful IVF in Endometriosis Patients: The Need for a Personalized Approach. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101639. [PMID: 36294778 PMCID: PMC9605137 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101639] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The data regarding the role of progesterone (P4) in reproductive events of endometriosis patients are limited. This prospective study aimed to examine the predictive value of basal P4 serum levels for successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with primary infertility and endometriosis. The study included 73 patients divided according to endometriosis treatment (surgery vs. control—no treatment). The general data, basal hormonal status, and pregnancy rates were determined for every patient. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 40.3% of patients, and more often in patients treated for endometriosis before IVF. The regression analysis showed that higher basal P4 serum levels were associated with achieving pregnancy through IVF. When regression was adjusted for the patient and IVF characteristics, higher basal P4 serum levels were associated with pregnancy achievement in both groups of women, along with the basal serum levels of FSH, LH, and AMH; EFI score; and stimulation protocol. The ROC analysis showed that the basal P4 serum level for successful IVF should be ≥0.7ng/mL. The basal P4 serum level cut-off for IVF success in endometriosis patients was determined for the first time. Constructed models for IVF success prediction emphasize the importance of determining the basal P4 serum levels for the personalized treatment of endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovan Bila
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-361-5592; Fax: +381-11-361-5603
| | - Jelena Dotlic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Spremovic Radjenovic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snezana Vidakovic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Tulic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Micic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Stojnic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Babovic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Dmitrovic
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr Koste Todorovica 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica Starijeg 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Milan Terzic
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Zhanybek-Kerey Khans Street, 5/1, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan or
- Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, Corporate Fund “University Medical Center”, Turan Ave. 32, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Conrad KP, von Versen-Höynck F, Baker VL. Potential role of the corpus luteum in maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy and preeclampsia risk. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:683-699. [PMID: 34437863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Studies in the gravid rat model revealed a key role for the corpus luteal hormone, relaxin, in the maternal circulatory changes of early pregnancy epitomized by profound systemic vasodilation and increased arterial compliance. To determine whether the corpus luteum may play a similar role in human pregnancy, women who conceived by in vitro fertilization were studied. Implementation of artificial (programmed) cycles for embryo transfers, which precluded the formation of a corpus luteum, was associated with notable attenuation of the gestational rise in cardiac output and fall in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (reflecting impairment of arterial dilation and increased compliance, respectively) and deficiencies in other cardiovascular changes normally observed during the first trimester. Cardiac output and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were restored after the first trimester of pregnancy, consistent with rescue by placental vasodilators, such as placental growth factor. In addition, a potential role of corpus luteal factors in reducing the risk of developing preeclampsia was hypothesized. In most single and multiple center, prospective and retrospective cohort (and registry) studies, the risk of developing preeclampsia and preeclampsia with severe features was increased specifically in women undergoing autologous frozen embryo transfer in artificial cycles without the formation of a corpus luteum relative to natural, modified natural, stimulated, or controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and spontaneous pregnancies-all associated with the formation of at least 1 corpus luteum. Taken together, these observational studies are sufficiently compelling to warrant randomized clinical trials comparing preeclampsia risk in autologous frozen embryo transfer in natural vs artificial cycles. Impaired endometrial function because of suboptimal hormonal administration is an alternative but not mutually exclusive explanation for increased preeclampsia risk in autologous frozen embryo transfer in artificial cycles. Potential mechanisms by which the corpus luteum may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia and whether autologous frozen embryo transfer in artificial cycles is associated with increased risk of preterm preeclampsia, term preeclampsia, or both are discussed. Last, suggestions for future investigations are noted.
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