P-613 Association between basal androgen concentrations and number of follicles on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation in poor responders undergoing IVF; A prospective study

Study question

Are basal androgen concentrations associated with the number of follicles on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Summary answer

A significant negative association is present between (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) DHEAS concentrations and the number of follicles on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation.

What is known already

Studies in animals have shown that androgens promote early follicular development and granulosa cell proliferation, by augmenting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression in granulosa cells. Several retrospective studies have evaluated the association between basal androgen concentrations and follicular development in normal and poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF with conflicting results.

Study design, size, duration

This prospective study was performed between 02/2020 and 01/2022 in 103 poor responders according to the Bologna criteria. Androgens, including total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), Δ4-androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP), were measured at the initiation of ovarian stimulation, using the automated Elecsys immunoanalyser (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Ovarian stimulation was performed using a fixed dose of 300 IU of recombinant gonadotrophins and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Triggering of final oocyte maturation was performed in the presence of three follicles of ≥ 17mm. The primary outcome measure was the number of follicles ≥11mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation. The association between androgen concentrations and the number of follicles ≥11mm on the day of triggering was evaluated using generalized estimating equations, accounting for female age and body mass index (BMI). Values were expressed as coefficient (coef) or mean (95% confidence interval).

Main results and the role of chance

Female age was 41.9 (41.2-42.6) years, while BMI was 26.1 (24.9-27.3) kg/m2. The duration of ovarian stimulation was 10.3 (9.7-10.8) days and the total dose of gonadotrophins required was 3058 (2903-3213) IU. The number of follicles ≥11 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation was 6.1 (5.3-7.0). The number of COCs retrieved was 3.9 (3.2-4.6), the number of MII oocytes was 3.4 (2.8-3.9) and the number of 2pn oocytes was 2.5 (2.1-2.8).

No significant association was found between basal testosterone (coef: -0.008, -0.019 to + 0.003, p = 0.17), 17-OHP (coef: -0.044, -0.391 to + 0.303, p = 0.80), SHBG (coef: -0.002, -0.007 to + 0.002, p = 0.25) Δ4-androstenedione (coef: -0.101, -0.306 to + 0.104, p = 0.33) concentrations and the number of follicles ≥11mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation. In contrast, a significant negative association was found between basal DHEAS (coef: -0.011, -0.019 to -0.003, p = 0.007) concentrations and the number of follicles ≥11 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation. Higher DHEAS concentrations were associated with the development of fewer follicles ≥11 mm.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This prospective study evaluated the association between basal androgen concentrations and the number of follicles on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation in poor responders stimulated with a fixed dose of recombinant FSH. However, the precision of the estimates could be increased by analyzing a larger study population.

Wider implications of the findings

DHEA supplementation in poor responders undergoing IVF has not been shown to improve ovarian response. Given the significant negative association between DHEAS concentrations and the number of follicles on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation, future studies on DHEA supplementation should consider basal DHEAS concentrations.

Trial registration number

N/A

O-127 Higher probability of live birth after testosterone pretreatment in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study question

Does testosterone pretreatment increase the probability of pregnancy in poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and gonadotrophins for in-vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Summary answer

Testosterone pretreatment increases clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF.

What is known already

Androgens have been shown to stimulate early stages of follicular growth, increase the number of primary, pre-antral and antral follicles as well as increase ovarian sensitivity to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Although androgen supplementation has been evaluated in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyzed in six systematic reviews until today currently no solid conclusions can be drawn regarding its effectiveness.

Study design, size, duration

A literature search was performed until September 2021 aiming to identify RCTs evaluating testosterone pretreatment in poor responders. Outcome measures included achievement of pregnancy, total dose of gonadotrophins required, duration of stimulation, estradiol levels, endometrial thickness and number of follicles ≥17 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation, number of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved, embryos transferred, metaphase II (MII) and 2-pronuclei oocytes (2pn) and the proportion of patients having an embryo transfer (ET).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Eight RCTs published between 2006 and 2021 were analyzed, including 760 women. Pretreatment with transdermal testosterone gel was performed in all studies with a dose ranging from 10 to 12.5 mg/day for 10 to 56 days. In dichotomous data, estimates were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using the fixed or random effects method. In continuous data, differences were pooled across resulting in a weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI.

Main results and the role of chance

Testosterone pretreatment was associated with a significantly higher live birth (RR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.09 to 3.92) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 2.25, 95%CI: 1.54) in women with POR undergoing IVF, while there was also a significant increase in the number of COCs retrieved (WMD: +0.88, 95% CI: +0.22 to + 1.54). Significantly less days to complete ovarian stimulation (WMD: -0.81 days, 95% CI: -1.46 to −0.16), a lower total dose of gonadotrophins (WMD: -368.8 IUs, 95% CI: −612.4 to -125.2), a thicker endometrium on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation (WMD: +0.83 mm, 95% CI: +0.13 to + 1.53) and a lower cancellation rate due to poor ovarian response (RR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.20 to 0.71) were observed. No significant differences were observed in estradiol levels (WMD: -8.12 pg/mL, 95% CI: -118.2 to + 101.96), in the numbers of follicles ≥17 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation (WMD: +0.82, 95%CI: -0.11 to + 1.74), of MII oocytes (WMD: +0.50, 95% CI: -0.17 to + 1.17),  of 2pn oocytes (WMD: +0.49, 95% CI: -0.11 to + 1.10), of embryos transferred (WMD: +0.21, 95%CI: -0.07 to + 0.49) and in the proportion of patients with ET (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.04).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The definition of poor ovarian response varied among studies and a considerable heterogeneity regarding the type, dose and duration of testosterone pretreatment was present. Although the present study is currently the largest meta-analysis evaluating testosterone pretreatment, the total number of patients is still not large enough to draw solid conclusions.

Wider implications of the findings

The current study suggests that the probability of pregnancy is increased in poor responders pretreated with transdermal testosterone. This increase, in the absence of other proven beneficial interventions in these patients, justifies the conduction of further relevant RCTs.

Trial registration number

CRD42021262098

P–022 Improvement in sperm concentration and motility after oral antioxidant supplementation in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair: systematic review and meta-analys

Study question

Does oral antioxidant supplementation improve sperm quality in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair?

Summary answer

Oral antioxidant supplementation improves sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair. What is known already: Benefit from oral antioxidant supplementation has been shown in infertile men with varicocele following surgical repair. Similarly, oral antioxidant supplementation has been suggested in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair. However, its effect currently remains controversial.

Study design, size, duration

A literature search was performed until January 2021 aiming to identify prospective studies evaluating the use of oral antioxidant supplementation alone or in combination in men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Seven prospective studies were identified, published between 1987 and 2018, including 278 infertile men with varicocele who had not undergone surgical repair. The number of patients included ranged from 20 to 65. Sperm analysis, evaluating sperm concentration, motility and morphology was performed in these studies before and after oral antioxidant supplementation. Meta-analysis of weighted data was performed using random effects model. Results are reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Main results and the role of chance

Seven studies were included in the systematic review. Oral antioxidant supplementation was performed by a combination of pentoxifylline, zinc and folic acid (single study), a combination of l-carnitine, fumarate, acetyl-l-carnitine, fructose, CoQ, vitamin C, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 (single study), a combination of L-Carnitine, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, zinc , and selenium, l-carnitine (single study), or sole treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine (single study), L-Carnitine (single study), Coenzyme Q10 (single study) or zinc sulfate (single study). For the purpose of meta-analysis, the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation was evaluated after three months of treatment.

Oral antioxidant supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration (WMD +5.65x106/ml 95% CI: +1.11 to + 10.12 p = 0.01, random effects model) and motility (WMD +4.30%, 95% CI: +0.86 to + 7.74 p = 0.01, random effects model) in infertile men with varicocele who had not undergone surgical repair.

On the other hand, no significance difference was observed in sperm morphology (WMD +3.9%, 95% CI: –0.16 to + 8.04 p = 0.06, random effects model) and volume (WMD +0.53ml, 95% CI: 0.0 to + 1.0 p = 0.052, random effects model).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The number of relevant trials and that of patients included is small to allow for solid conclusions to be drawn. Moreover, although different oral antioxidants have been administered in infertile who had not undergone surgical repair, subgroup analysis was not feasible.

Wider implications of the findings: Currently, limited evidence supports the use of oral antioxidants in the treatment of men with varicocele, who have not undergone surgical repair. Although the benefit in sperm concentration and motility appears to be modest, it might be important regarding achievement of pregnancy in these men.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-173 Decline in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations following radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment in women with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study question

Does radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment in premenopausal women with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) affects ovarian reserve, as evaluated by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Summary answer

AMH concentrations decreased at three, six and 12 months following RAI treatment in women with DTC, whereas no difference was observed regarding FSH.

What is known already

Thyroid cancer is the third most common type of female malignancy and DTC is the most common histopathological type. Thyroidectomy constitutes the mainstay of treatment for DTC, followed by administration of RAI, which acts as an adjuvant therapy to destroy residual cancerous thyroid tissue. However, the effect of RAI on ovarian reserve of these women, as assessed by AMH, AFC and FSH, remains controversial.

Study design, size, duration

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed aiming to identify studies evaluating the effect of RAI treatment on ovarian reserve in women with DTC. For this purpose, a literature search in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL was carried out until 06/12/2020. The primary outcome measure was the effect of RAI on ovarian reserve, as evaluated by AMH, AFC and FSH.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Studies were eligible if they included premenopausal women with DTC, treated with a single RAI dose and assessed for at least one marker of ovarian reserve repeatedly within 12 months post-RAI.Meta-analysis of weighted data was performed using random effects model. Results were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Main results and the role of chance

Four prospective eligible studies, published between 2005 and 2020, were eligible for the meta-analysis, evaluating a total of 154 women. The number of participants ranged from 24 to 50. The single dose of RAI used to treat DTC ranged from 50 to 150 mCi. AMH concentrations decreased at three (WMD -1.66 ng/ml, 95% CI -2.42 to -0.91, p < 0.0001; I2 0%), six (WMD -1.58 ng/ml, 95% CI -2.63 to -0.52, p = 0.003; I2 54.7%) and 12 months (WMD -1.62 ng/ml, 95% CI -2.02 to -1.22, p < 0.0001; I2 15.5%) following a single RAI dose compared with baseline (three studies; n = 104). With respect to FSH concentrations, no difference was observed at six (WMD +3.29 IU/l, 95% CI -1.12 to + 7.70, p = 0.14; I2 96.8%) and 12 months (WMD +0.13 IU/l, 95% CI -1.06 to + 1.32, p = 0.83; I2 55.2%) post-RAI compared with baseline (two studies; n = 83). No data on AFC was available.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The small number of studies and patients included, as well as the lack of data on AFC may have compromised the validity of the conclusions drawn. Moreover, subgroup analysis according to female age was not feasible, due to the lack of relevant data.

Wider implications of the findings

The negative effect of RAI on ovarian reserve in premenopausal women with DTC, as indicated by the decreased AMH, should be confirmed by data on AFC, which are currently not available. These findings necessitate close monitoring of ovarian reserve in such women, counselling them regarding the need for fertility preservation.

Trial registration number

N/A

Hormonal replacement therapy in ovarian cancer survivors: a survey among Greek gynecologists

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

In this survey we evaluated the prescription attitude of Greek gynecologists towards hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for ovarian cancer survivors.

METHODS

An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 900 members of the Hellenic Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology presenting a hypothetical case of an ovarian cancer survivor with indications for HRT followed by a series of relevant questions.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-eight responses were analyzed with regards to age, gender and practice setting. HRT would be prescribed by 48% of Greek gynecologists; regarding type of regimen, 60% would prescribe tibolone, 19% estrogen alone and 21% estrogen plus progestagen. In contrast, 52% of Greek gynecologists would not prescribe HRT due to the fear of ovarian cancer relapse (83%), or the development of breast cancer (6%), or both cancers (9%); among them, 21% would alternatively prescribe CNS medications, 9% SERMs, phyto-estrogens or bisphosphonates, while the remaining 70% would not prescribe anything.

CONCLUSIONS

One out of two Greek gynecologists would prescribe HRT in ovarian cancer survivors. An alternative therapy, mainly CNS medications, would be suggested by 21% of the opposers.

Communication infrastructure in a contact center for home care monitoring of chronic disease patients

The Citizen Health System (CHS) is a European Commission (EC) funded project in the field of IST for Health. Its main goal is to develop a generic contact center which in its pilot stage can be used in the monitoring, treatment and management of chronically ill patients at home in Greece, Spain and Germany. Such contact centers, which can use any type of communication technology, and can provide timely and preventive prompting to the patients are envisaged in the future to evolve into well-being contact centers providing services to all citizens. In this paper, we present the structure of such a generic contact center and in particular the telecommunication infrastructure, the communication protocols and procedures, and finally the educational modules that are integrated into this contact center. We discuss the procedures followed for two target groups of patients where two randomized control clinical trials are under way, namely diabetic patients with obesity problems, and congestive heart failure patients. We present examples of the communication means between the contact center medical personnel and these patients, and elaborate on the educational issues involved.

A neural network approach in diabetes management by insulin administration

Diabetes management by insulin administration is based on medical experts' experience, intuition, and expertise. As there is very little information in medical literature concerning practical aspects of this issue, medical experts adopt their own rules for insulin regimen specification and dose adjustment. This paper investigates the application of a neural network approach for the development of a prototype system for knowledge classification in this domain. The system will further facilitate decision making for diabetic patient management by insulin administration. In particular, a generating algorithm for learning arbitrary classification is employed. The factors participating in the decision making were among other diabetes type, patient age, current treatment, glucose profile, physical activity, food intake, and desirable blood glucose control. The resulting system was trained with 100 cases and tested on 100 patient cases. The system proved to be applicable to this particular problem, classifying correctly 92% of the testing cases.

A JAVA implementation of a medical knowledge base for decision support

Distributed decision support is a challenging issue requiring the implementation of advanced computer science techniques together with tools of development which offer ease of communication and efficiency of searching and control performance. This paper presents a JAVA implementation of a knowledge base model called ARISTOTELES which may be used in order to support the development of the medical knowledge base by clinicians in diverse specialised areas of interest. The advantages that are evident by the application of such a cognitive model are ease of knowledge acquisition, modular construction of the knowledge base and greater acceptance from clinicians.

Computer-aided prescription--a prototype system

This study intends to satisfy two purposes: To prove the necessity of an electronical prescription aid and to propose a structure that can be interpreted into software which will be able to cover that need. The complicated market reality and the disadvantages of the written pharmaceutical directories make the existence of an electronical aid absolutely necessary. The structure of a prescription system should be based upon the drastic substance with its consequences (adverse effects, relative and absolute contraindications, pharmakokinetics and interactions). Every drastic substance will lead to the connection of pharmacology with the market reality and its own consequences (product identification through text and image, trade name, pharmaceutical company, strength, package information). The whole structure constitutes a completed relation--database system that is capable of answering any simple question or query that concerns the field of prescribing. The final production of such an aid is believed to help in a very high degree prescribing in a more precise and correct way, saving financial means for the patient and the health insurance as well as saving the doctor's time.