Fresh or frozen day 6 blastocyst transfer: is there still a question?

BACKGROUND

The Live Birth Rate (LBR) after day 5 (D5) blastocyst transfer is significantly higher than that with D6 embryos in both fresh and frozen-vitrified embryo transfer cycles, according to the most recently published meta-analyses. Therefore, for women obtaining only D6 blastocysts, the chances of pregnancy may be lower but nonetheless sufficient to warrant transferring such embryos. The best strategy for transfer (i.e., in fresh versus frozen cycles) remains unclear and there is a paucity of data on this subject.

METHODS

A total of 896 couples with D6 single blastocyst transfers were retrospectively analyzed: patients receiving a fresh D6 embryo transfer (Fresh D6 transfer group, n = 109) versus those receiving a frozen-thawed D6 embryo transfer (Frozen D6 transfer group, n = 787). A subgroup comprising a freeze-all cycle without any previous fresh or frozen D5 embryo transfers (Elective frozen D6, n = 77) was considered and also compared with the Fresh D6 transfer group. We compared LBR between these two groups. Correlation between D6 blastocyst morphology according to Gardner's classification and live birth occurrence was also evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The LBR was significantly lower after a fresh D6 blastocyst transfer compared to the LBR with a frozen-thawed D6 blastocyst transfer [5.5% (6/109) vs. 12.5% (98/787), p = 0.034]. Comparison between LBR after Elective frozen D6 group to the Fresh D6 blastocyst transfers confirmed the superiority of frozen D6 blastocyst transfers. Statistical analysis of the blastocyst morphology parameters showed that both trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) grades were significantly associated with the LBR after D6 embryo transfer (p < 0.001, p = 0.037). Multiple logistic regression revealed that frozen D6 thawed transfer was independently associated with a higher LBR compared with fresh D6 transfer (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: [1.05-6.17]; p = 0.038). Our results also show that transferring a good or top-quality D6 blastocyst increased the chances of a live birth by more than threefold.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that transferring D6 blastocysts in frozen cycles improves the LBR, making it the best embryo transfer strategy for these slow-growing embryos.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

An integrated multi-tissue approach for endometriosis candidate biomarkers: a systematic review

Biomarker identification could help in deciphering endometriosis pathophysiology in addition to their use in the development of non invasive diagnostic and prognostic approaches, that are essential to greatly improve patient care. Despite extensive efforts, no single potential biomarker or combination has been clinically validated for endometriosis.Many studies have investigated endometriosis-associated biological markers in specific tissues, but an integrative approach across tissues is lacking. The aim of this review is to propose a comprehensive overview of identified biomarkers based on tissue or biological compartment, while taking into account endometriosis phenotypes (superficial, ovarian or deep, or rASRM stages), menstrual cycle phases, treatments and symptoms.We searched PubMed and Embase databases for articles matching the following criteria: 'endometriosis' present in the title and the associated term 'biomarkers' found as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms or in all fields. We restricted to publications in English and on human populations. Relevant articles published between 01 January 2005 (when endometriosis phenotypes start to be described in papers) and 01 September 2022 were critically analysed and discussed.Four hundred forty seven articles on endometriosis biomarkers that included a control group without endometriosis and provided specific information on endometriosis phenotypes are included in this review. Presence of information or adjustment controlling for menstrual cycle phase, symptoms and treatments is highlighted, and the results are further summarized by biological compartment. The 9 biological compartments studied for endometriosis biomarker research are in order of frequency: peripheral blood, eutopic endometrium, peritoneal fluid, ovaries, urine, menstrual blood, saliva, feces and cervical mucus. Adjustments of results on disease phenotypes, cycle phases, treatments and symptoms are present in 70%, 29%, 3% and 6% of selected articles, respectively. A total of 1107 biomarkers were identified in these biological compartments. Of these, 74 were found in several biological compartments by at least two independent research teams and only 4 (TNF-a, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and miR-451) are detected in at least 3 tissues with cohorts of 30 women or more.Integrative analysis is a crucial step to highlight potential pitfalls behind the lack of success in the search for clinically relevant endometriosis biomarkers, and to illuminate the physiopathology of this disease.

Genetic diagnosis, sperm phenotype and ICSI outcome in case of severe asthenozoospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagellum

STUDY QUESTION

Are ICSI outcomes impaired in cases of severe asthenozoospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagellum (MMAF phenotype)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Despite occasional technical difficulties, ICSI outcomes for couples with MMAF do not differ from those of other couples requiring ICSI, irrespective of the genetic defect.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Severe asthenozoospermia, especially when associated with the MMAF phenotype, results in male infertility. Recent findings have confirmed that a genetic aetiology is frequently responsible for this phenotype. In such situations, pregnancies can be achieved using ICSI. However, few studies to date have provided detailed analyses regarding the flagellar ultrastructural defects underlying this phenotype, its genetic aetiologies, and the results of ICSI in such cases of male infertility.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We performed a retrospective study of 25 infertile men exhibiting severe asthenozoospermia associated with the MMAF phenotype identified through standard semen analysis. They were recruited at an academic centre for assisted reproduction in Paris (France) between 2009 and 2017. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed in order to determine the sperm ultrastructural phenotype and the causal mutations, respectively. Finally 20 couples with MMAF were treated by assisted reproductive technologies based on ICSI.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Patients with MMAF were recruited based on reduced sperm progressive motility and increased frequencies of absent, short, coiled or irregular flagella compared with those in sperm from fertile control men. A quantitative analysis of the several ultrastructural defects was performed for the MMAF patients and for fertile men. The ICSI results obtained for 20 couples with MMAF were compared to those of 378 men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia but no MMAF as an ICSI control group.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

TEM analysis and categorisation of the flagellar anomalies found in these patients provided important information regarding the structural defects underlying asthenozoospermia and sperm tail abnormalities. In particular, the absence of the central pair of axonemal microtubules was the predominant anomaly observed more frequently than in control sperm (P < 0.01). Exome sequencing, performed for 24 of the 25 patients, identified homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic mutations in CFAP43, CFAP44, CFAP69, DNAH1, DNAH8, AK7, TTC29 and MAATS1 in 13 patients (54.2%) (11 affecting MMAF genes and 2 affecting primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)-associated genes). A total of 40 ICSI cycles were undertaken for 20 MMAF couples, including 13 cycles (for 5 couples) where a hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test was required due to absolute asthenozoospermia. The fertilisation rate was not statistically different between the MMAF (65.7%) and the non-MMAF (66.0%) couples and it did not differ according to the genotype or the flagellar phenotype of the subjects or use of the HOS test. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer did not differ significantly between the MMAF (23.3%) and the non-MMAF (37.1%) groups. To date, 7 of the 20 MMAF couples have achieved a live birth from the ICSI attempts, with 11 babies born without any birth defects.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The ICSI procedure outcomes were assessed retrospectively on a small number of affected subjects and should be confirmed on a larger cohort. Moreover, TEM analysis could not be performed for all patients due to low sperm concentrations, and WES results are not yet available for all of the included men.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

An early and extensive phenotypic and genetic investigation should be considered for all men requiring ICSI for severe asthenozoospermia. Although our study did not reveal any adverse ICSI outcomes associated with MMAF, we cannot rule out that some rare genetic causes could result in low fertilisation or pregnancy rates.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No external funding was used for this study and there are no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

P–608 The new standard for ovulation triggering should be GnRH agonist rather than hCG during controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study question

Do Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) triggering improves oocyte maturation, clinical outcomes, and safety compared to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggering during controlled ovarian stimulation with an antagonist protocol?

Summary answer

The final triggering using GnRHa allows a higher number of retrieved and mature oocytes to be obtained with comparable clinical outcomes and lower OHSS risk.

What is known already

GnRHa represent an alternative to hCG for ovulation triggering after controlled ovarian stimulation with an antagonist protocol for IVF/ICSI. GnRHa triggering is thought to be more physiological due to the endogenous surges in LH and FSH levels. However, the benefit of GnRHa over hCG triggering on oocyte maturation remains controversial.

Study design, size, duration

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials. Searches were conducted from 01 January 1990 to 15 April 2020 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and EudraCT, using the following search terms: ‘GnRH agonist’, ‘hCG’, ‘triggering’. Two independent reviewers carried out the study selection, the bias assessment using the RoB2 tool, and the data extraction according to Cochrane methods.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The primary outcomes were the total number of retrieved oocytes and the number of mature oocytes. The main secondary outcomes were the number of embryos obtained, the clinical pregnancy rate, the early pregnancy loss rate, the live birth rate, and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Random-effects meta-analysis was performed followed by prespecified sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 29 randomised controlled trials were included. The mean number of retrieved oocytes [difference in means (95% CI) 0.99 (0.21, 1.78); p = 0.01; n = 26] and of mature oocytes [0.68 (0.04, 1.33); p = 0.04; n = 12] were statistically significantly higher after GnRHa than after hCG triggering. A similar difference was observed for the number of embryos [0.94 (0.19, 1.68); p = 0.01; n = 10]. No differences in the clinical pregnancy rate [risk ratio 1.01 (0.90, 1.14); p = 0.83; n = 23], early pregnancy loss [1.27 (0.94, 1.71); p = 0.13; n = 16], and live birth rate [1.00 (0.77, 1.29); p = 0.97; n = 6] were noted. GnRHa was associated with a lower incidence of OHSS [odds ratio 0.25 (0.08, 0.74); p = 0.012; n = 20].

Limitations, reasons for caution

The validity of meta-analysis results depends mainly on the quality and the number of the published studies available.

Wider implications of the findings: In light of its safety and effectiveness, GnRHa should be the new standard for triggering in antagonist cycles, with dual triggering with hCG when the risk of OHSS is low and a fresh embryo transfer approach is used.

Trial registration number

NA

Day 5 versus Day 6 blastocyst transfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes

STUDY QUESTION

Is there a difference in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates (LBRs) between blastocysts developing on Day 5 (D5) and blastocysts developing on Day 6 (D6) following fresh and frozen transfers?

SUMMARY ANSWER

D5 blastocyst transfers (BTs) present higher clinical pregnancy and LBRs than D6 in both fresh and frozen transfers.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

BT is increasingly popular in assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers today. To our knowledge, no meta-analysis has focused on clinical outcomes in both fresh and frozen BT. Concerning frozen blastocysts, one meta-analysis in 2010 found no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between D5 and D6 BT. Since then, ART practices have evolved particularly with the wide use of vitrification, and more articles comparing D5 and D6 BT cycles have been published and described conflicting results.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Systematic review and meta-analysis of published controlled studies. Searches were conducted from 2005 to February 2018 on MEDLINE and Cochrane Library and from 2005 to May 2017 on EMBASE, Eudract and clinicaltrials.gov, using the following search terms: blastocyst, Day 5, Day 6, pregnancy, implantation, live birth and embryo transfer (ET).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 47 full-text articles were preselected from 808 references, based on title and abstract and assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottowa Quality Assessment Scales. Study selection and data extraction were carried out by two independent reviewers according to Cochrane methods. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed on all data (overall analysis) followed by subgroup analysis (fresh, vitrified/warmed, slow frozen/thawed).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Data from 29 relevant articles were extracted and integrated in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the 23 studies that reported clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) as an outcome, including overall fresh and/or frozen ET cycles, showed a significantly higher CPR following D5 ET compared with D6 ET (risk ratio (RR) = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15-1.39, P < 0.001). For CPR, calculated subgroup RRs were 2.38 (95% CI: 1.74-3.24, P < 0.001) for fresh BT; 1.27 (95% CI: 1.16-1.39, P < 0.001) for vitrified/warmed BT; and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.93-1.41, P = 0.20) for slow frozen/thawed BT. LBR was also significantly higher after D5 BT (overall RR = 1.50 (95% CI: 1.32-1.69), P < 0.001). The LBR calculated RRs for subgroups were 1.74 (95% CI: 1.37-2.20, P < 0.001) for fresh BT; 1.38 (95% CI: 1.23-1.56, P < 0.001) for vitrified/warmed BT; and 1.44 (95% CI: 0.70-2.96, P = 0.32) for slow frozen/thawed BT. Sensitivity analysis led to similar results and conclusions: CPR and LBR were significantly higher following D5 compared to D6 BT.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The validity of meta-analysis results depends mainly on the quality and the number of the published studies available. Indeed, this meta-analysis included no randomized controlled trial (RCT). Slow frozen/thawed subgroups showed substantial heterogeneity.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In regards to the results of this original meta-analysis, ART practitioners should preferably transfer D5 rather than D6 blastocysts in both fresh and frozen cycles. Further RCTs are needed to address the question of whether D6 embryos should be transferred in a fresh or a frozen cycle.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was sponsored by an unrestricted grant from GEDEON RICHTER France. The authors have no competing interests to declare.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018080151.

The follicular fluid metabolome differs according to the endometriosis phenotype

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there a follicular fluid-specific metabolic profile in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) depending on the presence of an associated ovarian endometrioma (OMA) that could lead to the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease?

DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) experiments were carried out on 50 follicular fluid samples from patients presenting with DIE, associated or not associated with an OMA, and 29 follicular fluid samples from patients with infertility caused by a tubal obstruction.

RESULTS

Concentrations of glucose, citrate, creatine and amino acids such as tyrosine and alanine were lower in women with DIE than control participants, whereas concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, lipids and ketone bodies were higher. Metabolic analysis revealed enhanced concentrations of glycerol and ketone bodies in patients with OMA, indicative of an activation of lipolysis followed by beta-oxidation. Concentrations of lactate and pyruvate were increased in patients without OMA, whereas the concentration of glucose was decreased, highlighting activation of the anaerobic glycolysis pathway. Differences in concentrations of amino acids such as threonine and glutamine were also statistically relevant in discriminating between the presence or absence of OMA.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate a mitochondrial dysregulation in endometriosis phenotypes, with a modified balance between anaerobic glycolysis and beta-oxidation in OMA phenotypes that could affect the fertility of women with endometriosis. As the composition of the follicular fluid has been shown to be correlated with oocyte development and outcome of implantation after fertilization, these findings may help explain the high level of infertility in these patients.

Is it time to reconsider how to manage oocytes affected by smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates?

STUDY QUESTION

Did the revised Alpha/ESHRE consensus (Vienna, 2017) bring a real answer on managing oocytes with aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SERa)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

According to the currently available literature, a case by case approach on the time of injecting/inseminating SERa+ oocytes may be not helpful for embryologists making a decision, so we suggest fertilizing both SERa+ and SERa- oocytes and prioritizing embryos derived from SERa- oocytes.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY?

In 2011, the Istanbul consensus recommended not to inject/inseminate SER+ oocytes due to adverse foetal outcomes reported in literature. At the end of 2017, a panel of experts reconsidered this recommendation and advised a case by case approach. Hence, with a lack of clear recommendations, in-vitro fertilization practitioners still have heterogeneous attitudes when managing SERa+ oocytes. In this context of controversy, an updated review could be helpful in (i) forming a common language for managing cases of SERa+ oocytes and (ii) offering the most ethical practice and best care for patients seeking infertility treatment or fertility preservation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This review (with a last literature search on 1 June 2018) evaluated the effect of the SER dysmorphism on embryological and neonatal outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Studies were considered for inclusion if they were prospective or retrospective cohort or case-control studies. Electronic searches of the Pubmed and Embase databases were done using the keyword combination: smooth endoplasmic reticulum, SER, oocyte and zygote. Abstracts and articles written in English and limited to humans were included.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The search returned a total of 726 studies among which 21 met the inclusion criteria. The literature does not unanimously support a negative association between SERa and embryogenesis, implantation or assisted reproductive therapy outcomes. The reviewed studies reported 112 neonatal outcomes after transfers where at least one embryo originated from oocyte affected by SERa. They included 101 healthy babies, three live births with malformations, three neonatal deaths, one stillbirth and four medical interruptions of pregnancy. After transfer of embryos exclusively derived from SERa+ oocytes, a total of 48 healthy newborns were reported along with four babies with perinatal complications (including one ventricular septal defect), one stillbirth, one neonatal death and one pregnancy termination for multiple malformations.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

As with any review, this review was limited by the quality of the included studies especially in terms of possible methodological limitations, the limited sample size and the retrospective aspect of the studies. Among the 21 selected studies, seven were abstracts and two were case reports. Of the remaining 14 studies, only three were prospective. The tools used in identifying SERa+ oocytes may have varied from one study to another and a consequent misclassification cannot be excluded. Considering the poor resolution of light microscopy in detecting SER aggregates, we are not sure that apparently SERa- oocytes do not really exhibit such a dysmorphism if they were analysed under electronic microscopy or a time lapse system.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In the light of the existing data and the lack of a real link between fertilizing SERa+ oocytes and the occurrence of embryo aneuploidy/malformations, we think that discarding SERa+ oocytes may be not the most ethical approach even in patients with large cohorts on the day of oocyte retrieval. Avoiding the wastage of oocytes and embryos with respect to medical ethics remains a constant concern in daily IVF practice. Thus, we recommend that all mature oocytes could be fertilized and embryos originating from SERa- oocytes would be preferably transferred, even if they come from a cohort with SERa+ oocytes. The remaining embryos derived from SERa+ oocytes could be considered with a lower priority for transfer after obtaining consent from the couple if a strict follow-up of the pregnancy and the baby is performed.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

We have no conflict of interest to declare and no funding was received.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Endometriosis phenotypes are associated with specific serum metabolic profiles determined by proton-nuclear magnetic resonance

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the correlation between serum metabolic profile and endometriosis phenotype?

DESIGN

A pilot study nestled in a prospective cohort study at a university hospital, including 46 patients with painful endometriosis who underwent surgery and 21 controls who did not have macroscopic endometriotic lesions. Endometriosis was strictly classified into two groups of 23 patients each: endometrioma (OMA) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Serum samples were collected before surgery for metabolomic profiling based on proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with statistical approaches. Comparative identification of the metabolites in the serum from endometriosis patients and from controls was carried out, including an analysis according to endometriosis phenotype.

RESULTS

The serum metabolic profiles of the endometriosis patients revealed significantly lower concentrations of several amino acids compared with the controls, whereas the concentrations of free fatty acids and ketone bodies were significantly higher. The OMA and the DIE phenotypes each had a specific metabolic profile, with higher concentrations of two ketone bodies in the OMA group, and higher concentrations of free fatty acids and lipids in the DIE group.

CONCLUSION

Proton-nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics of serum samples were found to have ample potential for identifying metabolic changes associated with endometriosis phenotypes. This information may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Tobacco consumption is associated with slow-growing day-6 blastocysts

Objective

To investigate if there are any obvious clinical factors associated with delayed blastulation at day 6 (D6) compared with day 5 (D5).

Design

Monocentric observational cohort study from November 2012 to December 2018.

Setting

Tertiary-care academic medical center.

Patient(s)

A total of 941 women with an entire cohort of exclusively D5 blastocysts compared with 162 patients with a cohort of exclusively D6 blastocysts.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Clinical characteristics and data related to the ovarian stimulation protocols.

Result(s)

After univariate analysis, a significantly higher proportion of women who were active smokers was found in the D6 group compared with the D5 group (n = 22/162 [13.6%] vs. n = 82/941 [8.7%]). In addition, the women in the D6 group had a higher rank number of assisted reproductive technology (ART; total no. of ART cycles performed: 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1) and a lower antral follicle count (AFC; 18.7 ± 11.3 vs. 22.2 ± 12.8). Moreover, fertilization with the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection was used more frequently in the D6 group compared with the D5 group. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders highlighted several independent predictors for reaching blastocyst stage at D6 rather than D5: being an active smoker, previous ART cycles, and a lower AFC.

Conclusion(s)

Obtaining an exclusively D6 blastocyst cohort is independently associated with women who are active smokers, previous ART cycles, and a lower AFC. These findings provide evidence, to be confirmed by further studies, that women who are active smokers could greatly benefit from smoking cessation before undergoing ART.

The Ovarian Response After Follicular Versus Luteal Phase Stimulation with a Double Stimulation Strategy

The double-ovarian stimulation strategy has been proposed to optimize the number of oocytes retrieved within the shortest possible timeframe. The objective of this study is to explore the effectiveness of luteal phase (LP) ovarian stimulation as compared to the previous follicular phase (FP) stimulation in a double stimulation strategy. We conducted an observational cohort study of women scheduled for a double stimulation protocol between March 2014 and June 2017, who had completed the FP controlled ovarian stimulation (COS 1) and started the LP stimulation (COS 2) in the same cycle. Women received equivalent daily doses of gonadotropins in combination with GnRH-antagonist protocol for both the COS 1 and the COS 2 performed during the same cycle. Ovulation was triggered using GnRH-agonist in the two stimulations. The primary outcome was the number of oocytes retrieved. A total of 77 patients were included in the analysis. The number of oocytes retrieved after COS 1 was significantly higher than after the COS 2 (5.25 ± 3.38 for COS 1 versus 3.83 ± 3.14 for COS 2; p = 0.001). The duration of the stimulation was significantly shorter, the total dose of injected gonadotropins was significantly lower, and the estradiol level on the trigger day was significantly higher with COS 1 as compared to COS 2. Stimulation during the LP in a double-successive stimulation strategy results in a lower ovarian response as compared to the FP equivalent daily dose stimulation.

Oligo-anovulation is not a rarer feature in women with documented endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of oligo-anovulation in women suffering from endometriosis compared to that of women without endometriosis.

DESIGN

A single-center, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital-based research center.

PATIENT (S)

We included 354 women with histologically proven endometriosis and 474 women in whom endometriosis was surgically ruled out between 2004 and 2016.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Frequency of oligo-anovulation in women with endometriosis as compared to that prevailing in the disease-free reference group.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the rate of oligo-anovulation between women with endometriosis (15.0%) and the reference group (11.2%). Regarding the endometriosis phenotype, oligo-anovulation was reported in 12 (18.2%) superficial peritoneal endometriosis, 12 (10.6%) ovarian endometrioma, and 29 (16.6%) deep infiltrating endometriosis.

CONCLUSION(S)

Endometriosis should not be discounted in women presenting with oligo-anovulation.

Prolonged estrogen (E2) treatment prior to frozen-blastocyst transfer decreases the live birth rate

STUDY QUESTION

How does the duration of estrogen (E2) treatment prior to frozen-blastocyst transfers affect the live birth rate (LBR)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Prolonged E2 exposure as part of artificial endometrial preparation (AEP) significantly decreases the LBR after autologous frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

One effective method for endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer is AEP, a sequential regimen with E2 and progesterone, which aims to mimic the endocrine exposure of the endometrium in a normal cycle. Nevertheless, the optimal duration of E2 administration prior to transfer remains unknown.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

An observational cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital between 01/07/2012 and 31/12/2015. The main inclusion criteria was having a single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with an AEP using exogenous E2.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 1377 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers were assigned to four groups according to the duration of the E2 administration prior to the embryo transfers. These comprised a '≤21 days' group (n = 330), a '22-28 days' group (n = 665), a '29-35 days' group (n = 289) and a '36-48 days' group (n = 93). The '≤21 days' group' was taken as the reference group. The main measured outcome was the LBR following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers. Statistical analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

LBR significantly decreased when the E2 exposure prior to the frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer exceeded 28 days: OR = 0.66; 95% CI [0.46-0.95]; P = 0.026 and OR = 0.49 [0.27-0.89]; P = 0.018, respectively, for the '29 to 35 days' group and for the '36 to 48 days' group compared to the reference group. Early pregnancy loss rates significantly increased when the E2 exposure lasted more than 35 days prior to the frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (OR = 2.37 [1.12-5.05]; P = 0.025 vs. the reference group). After multivariate logistic regression, E2 exposure lasting more than 28 days prior to the frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer was associated with a decrease in the LBR, for the '29-35 days' group (OR = 0.65; [0.45-0.95]; P = 0.044) as for the '36-48 days' group (OR = 0.49; [0.26-0.92]; P = 0.035), vs. the reference group.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

One limitation is linked to the observational design of this study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In order to give patients the best chance to obtain a live birth after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer, the length of E2 exposure prior to the frozen-blastocyst transfer should not exceed 28 days. This study provides new insight in regard to endometrial preparation using AEP prior to frozen-blastocyst transfer.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding and no competing interest.

The Deferred Embryo Transfer Strategy Seems Not to be a Good Option After Repeated IVF/ICSI Cycle Failures

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess whether a deferred frozen–thawed embryo transfer (Def-ET) offers any benefits compared to a fresh ET strategy in women who have had 2 or more consecutive in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) cycle failures.

Design:

An observational cohort study in a tertiary referral care center including 416 cycles from women with a previous history of 2 or more consecutive IVF/ICSI failures cycles. Both Def-ET and fresh ET strategies were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The main outcome measured was the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR).

Results:

A total of 416 cycles were included in the analysis: 197 in the fresh ET group and 219 in the Def-ET group. The CLBR was not significantly different between the fresh and Def-ET groups (58/197 [29.4%] and 57/219 [26.0%], respectively, P = .437). In addition, after the first ET, there was no significant difference in the live birth rate between the fresh ET and Def-ET groups (50/197 [25.4%] vs 44/219 [20.1%], respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that compared to the fresh strategy, the Def-ET strategy was not associated with a higher probability of live birth.

Conclusions:

In cases with 2 or more consecutive prior IVF/ICSI cycle failures, a Def-ET strategy did not result in better ART outcomes than a fresh ET strategy.

The deferred embryo transfer strategy improves cumulative pregnancy rates in endometriosis-related infertility: A retrospective matched cohort study

Background

Controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproduction technology (ART) may alters endometrial receptivity by an advancement of endometrial development. Recently, technical improvements in vitrification make deferred frozen-thawed embryo transfer (Def-ET) a feasible alternative to fresh embryo transfer (ET). In endometriosis-related infertility the eutopic endometrium is abnormal and its functional alterations are seen as likely to alter the quality of endometrial receptivity. One question in the endometriosis ART-management is to know whether Def-ET could restore optimal receptivity in endometriosis-affected women leading to increase in pregnancy rates.

Objective

To compare cumulative ART-outcomes between fresh versus Def-ET in endometriosis-infertile women.

Materials and methods

This matched cohort study compared def-ET strategy to fresh ET strategy between 01/10/2012 and 31/12/2014. One hundred and thirty-five endometriosis-affected women with a scheduled def-ET cycle and 424 endometriosis-affected women with a scheduled fresh ET cycle were eligible for matching. Matching criteria were: age, number of prior ART cycles, and endometriosis phenotype. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

135 in the fresh ET group and 135 in the def-ET group were included in the analysis. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate was significantly increased in the def-ET group compared to the fresh ET group [58 (43%) vs. 40 (29.6%), p = 0.047]. The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was 34.8% (n = 47) and 17.8% (n = 24) respectively in the Def-ET and the fresh-ET groups (p = 0.005). After multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, Def-ET was associated with a significant increase in the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate as compared to fresh ET (OR = 1.76, CI95% 1.06–2.92, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Def-ET in endometriosis-affected women was associated with significantly higher cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates. Our preliminary results suggest that Def-ET for endometriosis-affected women is an attractive option that could increase their ART success rates. Future studies, with a randomized design, should be conducted to further confirm those results.

Assisted reproduction technique outcomes for fresh versus deferred cryopreserved day-2 embryo transfer: a retrospective matched cohort study

Ovarian stimulation could adversely affect endometrial receptivity and consequently embryo implantation. One emerging strategy is the 'freeze-all' approach. Most studies have focused on blastocyst transfers, with limited research on day-2 deferred cryopreserved embryo transfers. In this large retrospective cohort study, outcomes were compared between day-2 fresh versus deferred cryopreserved embryo transfers. After matching by age and number of previous cycles, 325 cycles were included in the fresh group and 325 in the deferred cryopreserved embryo transfers group: no significant differences were found between groups in implantation (0.20 ± 0.33 versus 0.17 ± 0.31, respectively) and ongoing pregnancy rates (21.85% versus 18.46%). Independent predictors for ongoing pregnancy after a multiple logistic regression analysis were the women's age (OR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97), body mass index (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99), the number of two pronuclei embryos (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.40) and at least one grade 1 embryo transferred (OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.26 to 3.05). In the case of a day-2 embryo transfer, outcomes after treatment with assisted reproduction techniques are similar for fresh versus deferred cryopreserved embryo transfers when pre-transfer progesterone exposures are similar in the two groups.