A case of empty follicle syndrome who conceived after aspiration of an endometrial cyst.

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) has been defined as a condition where no oocytes can be retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF) even though ultrasound findings and estradiol (E2) levels suggest the presence of potential follicles. The EFS is a rare condition with an incidence of 0.5-7 % of women undergoing IVF treatments. Although there are many hypotheses as to the cause of EFS, including advanced ovarian age, drug-related problems, and dysfunctional folliculogenesis, its cause remains unknown. A 37-year-old woman with endometriosis and a 5-year history of primary infertility underwent IVF treatment for 4 cycles. No oocytes were retrieved in 2 cycles and no fertilized eggs were obtained in the other 2 cycles. We assumed that endometriosis adversely affected folliculogenesis and fertilization. Aspiration of an endometrial cyst in the right ovary and subsequent administration of oral contraceptives resulted in successful folliculogenesis and fertilization. Thereafter, she conceived and delivered a 2,662 g female infant at 38 weeks of gestation. Here, we report a case of EFS who conceived in the 5th IVF cycle after aspiration of an endometrial cyst. We assumed that endometriosis might have been involved in the dysfunction of folliculogenesis and EFS.

Effects of Saireito on the ovarian function of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSES: It is sometimes difficult to restore a regular ovulatory cycle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using classic agents such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins. Saireito, a herbal medicine, is believed to have an effect similar to corticosteroids. We examined the effect of Saireito on ovulatory induction and endocrine status in women with PCOS. METHODS: Twenty-four women with PCOS were treated with Saireito for 3 months. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured before and after treatment, and ovulation was assessed. We compared serum LH levels between ovulation (n = 21) and anovulation (n = 3) groups, and compared ovulation rate and serum LH levels between obese (n = 6) and nonobese (n = 18) groups. RESULTS: Ovulation was restored in 21 (87.5%) of the 24 PCOS patients following administration of Saireito for 3 months. LH levels were significantly decreased 1 month after medication in ovulatory group (P < 0.001), but only slightly decreased in anovulatory group. Ovulation rate in the nonobese group (94.4%) was higher than in the obese group (66.7%). Serum LH levels were significantly reduced in the nonobese group, but only slightly reduced in the obese group. CONCLUSIONS: Saireito reduced serum LH levels and increased ovulatory rate, particularly in nonobese women.

Retrospective analysis of laparoscopic salpingostomy and conservative expectant management of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To identify predictive factors for successful expectant management of ectopic pregnancy and to evaluate the prognosis for fertility after expectant management and laparoscopic salpingostomy. METHODS: Forty-six cases of expectant management and eighty cases of laparoscopic salpingostomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects were classified in three groups: those who underwent laparoscopic salpingostomy, those treated by expectant management only, and those treated by expectant management but requiring additional treatment. RESULTS: The rates of tubal patency, intrauterine pregnancy and repeated ectopic pregnancy in the laparoscopic salpingostomy group were 75, 40, and 16%. The rates in the expectant management group were not significantly different: 72, 42 and 15%. Finally, the rates in the extra treatment group were 75, 39 and 15%. Success rate of expectant management was 54%. In 93% of cases expectant management was successfully completed when the initial levels of urinal hCG were less than 3000 mIU/ml and the levels of hCG 48 h later were less than 80% of the initial levels. However, expectant management alone was insufficient and required extra treatment in 90% of cases when the initial levels of hCG were 3000 mIU/ml and above or when the levels of hCG level 48 h later was 80% of initial levels and above. CONCLUSIONS: Expectant management in combination with salpingostomy is not only minimally invasive but also a useful way to preserve fertility. Initial urine hCG levels and their variation over time can help predict whether expectant management will succeed.