Directive clinique No 315 : Prévention du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne.

DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

Time-lapse KIDScoreD5 for prediction of embryo pregnancy potential in fresh and vitrified-warmed single-embryo transfers.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can KIDScoreD5 predict which blastocysts have the highest potential for achieving pregnancy? DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of 670 single fresh or frozen (FET) embryo transfer cycles was conducted between May 2019 and June 2021 at the Ottawa Fertility Centre, Canada. Blastocysts obtained from stimulated eligible cycles and cultured in a time-lapse incubator were selected for transfer or cryopreservation based on Gardner morphological scoring. Implantation and viable pregnancy rates were analysed retrospectively using KIDScoreD5 and Gardner scores associated with the transferred embryos. The predictive power of the KIDScoreD5 and Gardner assessment was evaluated using the average area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: KIDScoreD5 was positively correlated with implantation (r = 0.96, P = 0.002) and viable pregnancy (r = 0.96, P  = 0.0001) rates. In fresh embryo transfer cycles, the AUC for implantation rate was significantly higher for KIDScoreD5 compared with Gardner scoring (0.70 versus 0.63, P  = 0.03). For FET, significantly higher AUC were calculated for KIDScoreD5 than for Gardner scoring, for both implantation (0.64 versus 0.54, P  = 0.002) and viable pregnancy (0.63 versus 0.53, P  = 0.002) rates. When the ranking of cryopreserved embryos was based on KIDScoreD5, 46.2% of the FET cycles had at least one unused sibling embryo with a better KIDScoreD5 than the one selected for FET based on Gardner assessment. CONCLUSIONS: KIDScoreD5 predicts implantation and viable pregnancy rates of blastocysts better than Gardner morphological assessment in single fresh or cryopreserved embryo transfer cycles.

Does omitting teratospermia as a selection criterion for ICSI change pregnancy rates?

PURPOSE: There is controversy whether teratospermia is associated with poorer IVF outcomes and if ICSI may overcome this deficit. The debate likely lies in study heterogeneity, poor adjustment for confounders, and inter-observer variation in sperm morphology assessment. Given the current literature, a shift in practice was implemented at our center in February 2017, whereby teratospermia was no longer a criterion for ICSI. We hypothesized that, despite decreasing ICSI rates, we would see no change in ART outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed including 1821 couples undergoing IVF/ICSI at a single center from January 2016 to December 2018, divided into cohorts before and after the practice change. The primary outcome of clinical pregnancy and secondary outcomes of fertilization, fertilization failure, good quality blastocyst formation, embryo utilization, positive hCG, and miscarriage rates was compared, adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analysis was performed evaluating teratospermia as the only reason for a male factor infertility diagnosis. RESULTS: Despite a decrease in ICSI rate of 30.3%, we found no significant difference in clinical intrauterine pregnancy rate, with an adjusted relative risk of 0.93 (0.81, 1.07, P = 0.3008). There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes after multivariate adjustment. Subgroup analysis for those with male factor infertility due to teratospermia showed no difference in outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study concurs with the recent data suggesting that employing ICSI solely for teratospermia is unnecessary. This may allow clinics to decrease ICSI rates without sacrificing success rates, leading to lower cost and risk associated with treatment.

No-268-The Diagnosis and Management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and provide recommendations on its diagnosis and clinical management. OUTCOMES: These guidelines will assist in the early recognition and management of ovarian hyperstimulation. Early recognition and prompt systematic supportive care will help avert poor outcomes. EVIDENCE: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for relevant articles, using the key words "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" and "gonadotropins," and guidelines created by other professional societies were reviewed. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report.

The prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and provide recommendations on its prevention. OPTIONS: Preventative measures, early recognition, and prompt systematic supportive care will help avoid poor outcomes. OUTCOMES: Establish guidelines to assist in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, early recognition of the condition when it occurs, and provision of appropriate supportive measures in the correct setting. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2011 to 2013 using appropriate controlled vocabulary ([OHSS] ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and: agonist IVF, antagonist IVF, metformin, HCG, gonadotropin, coasting, freeze all, agonist trigger, progesterone) and key words (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian stimulation, gonadotropin, human chorionic gonadotropin, prevention). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies published in English. There were no date restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to February 2013. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Summary Statements 1. The particular follicle-stimulating hormone formulation used for ovarian stimulation does not affect the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I) 2. Coasting may reduce the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III) 3. Coasting for longer than 3 days reduces in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2) 4. The use of either luteinizing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin for final oocyte maturation does not influence the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I) 5. There is no clear published evidence that lowering the human chorionic gonadotropin dose will result in a decrease in the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III) 6. Cabergoline starting from the day of human chorionic gonadotropin reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at higher risk and does not appear to lower in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2) 7. Avoiding pregnancy by freezing all embryos will prevent severe prolonged ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at high risk. (II-2) 8. Pregnancy rates are not affected when using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in GnRH antagonist protocols for final egg maturation when embryos are frozen by vitrification for later transfer. (II-2) Recommendations 1. The addition of metformin should be considered in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome who are undergoing in vitro fertilization because it may reduce the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-A) 2. Gonadotropin dosing should be carefully individualized, taking into account the patient's age, body mass, antral follicle count, and previous response to gonadotropins. (II-3B) 3. Cycle cancellation before administration of human chorionic gonadatropin is an effective strategy for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but the emotional and financial burden it imposes on patients should be considered before the cycle is cancelled. (III-C) 4. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist stimulation protocols are recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The risk of severe OHSS in patients on GnRH antagonist protocols who have a very robust ovarian stimulation response can be reduced by using a GnRH agonist as a substitute for human chorionic gonadotropin to trigger final oocyte maturation. (I-B) 5. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with a GnRH agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation is recommended for donor oocyte and fertility preservation cycles. (III-C) 6. Albumin or other plasma expanders at the time of egg retrieval are not recommended for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-E) 7. Elective single embryo transfer is recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III-C) 8. Progesterone, rather than human chorionic gonadotropin, should be used for luteal phase support. (I-A) 9. Outpatient culdocentesis should be considered for the prevention of disease progression in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (II-2B).

Objectif : Passer en revue les aspects cliniques du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne et fournir des recommandations quant à sa prévention. Options : La mise en œuvre de mesures de prévention, la constatation précoce de la présence de ce syndrome et l'offre sans délai et systématique de soins de soutien nous aideront à éviter l'obtention de piètres issues. Issues : Établir des lignes directrices permettant d'orienter la prévention du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne, la constatation précoce de la présence du syndrome lorsque ce dernier se manifeste et l'offre de mesures de soutien appropriées dans le bon contexte. Résultats : La littérature publiée a été récupérée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans Medline, Embase et The Cochrane Library entre 2011 et 2013 au moyen d'un vocabulaire contrôlé (« ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ¼, « agonist IVF ¼, « antagonist IVF ¼, « metformin ¼, « HCG ¼, « gonadotropin ¼, « coasting ¼, « freeze all ¼, « agonist trigger ¼, « progesterone ¼) et de mots clés (« ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ¼, « ovarian stimulation ¼, « gonadotropin ¼, « human chorionic gonadotropin ¼, « prevention ¼) appropriés. Les résultats ont été restreints aux analyses systématiques, aux études observationnelles et aux essais comparatifs randomisés / essais cliniques comparatifs publiés en anglais. Aucune restriction n'a été imposée en matière de date. Les recherches ont été mises à jour de façon régulière et ont été intégrées à la directive clinique jusqu'en février 2013. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été identifiée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans les sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, dans des registres d'essais cliniques et auprès de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. Valeurs : La qualité des résultats est évaluée au moyen des critères décrits dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (Tableau). Déclarations sommaires 1. La formulation particulière d'hormone folliculostimulante qui est utilisée aux fins de la stimulation ovarienne n'affecte pas l'incidence du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (I) 2. La pratique du « coasting ¼ pourrait atténuer l'incidence du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne grave. (III) 3. Le maintien de la pratique du « coasting ¼ pendant plus de trois jours entraîne la baisse des taux de grossesse de la fécondation in vitro. (II-2) 4. L'utilisation d'hormone lutéinisante ou de gonadotrophine chorionique humaine aux fins de la maturation finale des ovocytes n'influence pas l'incidence du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (I) 5. Aucune donnée probante publiée n'indique clairement que le fait d'abaisser la dose de gonadotrophine chorionique humaine entraîne une atténuation du taux de syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (III) 6. Le cabergoline, administrée à partir du jour du déclenchement au moyen de gonadotrophine chorionique humaine, atténue l'incidence du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne chez les patientes exposées à des risques élevés et ne semble pas entraîner une baisse des taux de fécondation in vitro. (II-2) 7. Le fait d'éviter la grossesse en procédant à la congélation de tous les embryons permet de prévenir la manifestation d'un syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne grave et prolongé chez les patientes exposées à des risques élevés. (II-2) 8. Lorsque les embryons sont congelés par vitrification aux fins d'un transfert à une date ultérieure, l'utilisation d'agonistes de la gonadolibérine (dans le cadre de protocoles faisant appel à des antagonistes de la gonadolibérine) pour la maturation finale des ovocytes n'affecte pas les taux de grossesse. (II-2) Recommandations 1. L'ajout d'un traitement à la metformine devrait être envisagé chez les patientes présentant le syndrome des ovaires polykystiques qui ont recours à la fécondation in vitro, puisqu'il pourrait mener à une baisse de l'incidence du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (I-A) 2. La posologie de gonadotrophines devrait être rigoureusement personnalisée, en tenant compte de l'âge de la patiente, de sa masse corporelle, de sa numération des follicules antraux et de sa réaction précédente aux gonadotrophines. (II-3B) 3. L'annulation du cycle avant l'administration de gonadotrophine chorionique humaine constitue une stratégie permettant de prévenir efficacement le syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne; toutefois, le fardeau affectif et financier qu'une telle pratique impose aux patientes devrait être pris en considération au préalable. (III-C) 4. L'utilisation de protocoles de stimulation au moyen d'un antagoniste de la gonadolibérine est recommandée chez les patientes exposées à des risques élevés de syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. Chez les patientes qui font l'objet de protocoles aux antagonistes de la gonadolibérine et qui réagissent de façon très robuste à la stimulation ovarienne, le risque de syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne grave peut être atténué en utilisant un agoniste de la gonadolibérine à titre de substitut à la gonatrophine chorionique humaine pour le déclenchement de la maturation finale des ovocytes. (I-B) 5. Pour ce qui est des donatrices d'ovocytes et dans le cadre des cycles de préservation de la fertilité, la mise en œuvre d'un protocole qui fait appel à un antagoniste de la gonadolibérine (et à un agoniste de la gonadolibérine pour le déclenchement de la maturation finale des ovocytes) est recommandée. (III-C) 6. L'utilisation d'albumine ou d'autres succédanés du plasma au moment de la récupération d'ovules n'est pas recommandée aux fins de la prévention du syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (I-E) 7. Le transfert sélectif d'un seul embryon est recommandé aux patientes qui sont exposées à un risque élevé de syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne. (III-C) 8. Pour assurer le soutien de la phase lutéale, l'utilisation de progestérone devrait être préférée à celle de gonadotrophine chorionique humaine. (I-A) 9. La tenue d'une culdocentèse en clinique externe devrait être envisagée pour la prévention de l'évolution de la maladie, en présence d'un syndrome d'hyperstimulation ovarienne grave. (II-2B).

Evaluation of Early Frozen Blastocyst Transfer in A True Natural Cycle Protocol in Comparison to A Hormone Replacement Protocol: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Timing of frozen embryo transfer (FET) within a purported window of implantation is of increasing interest, and there is a paucity of evidence surrounding the transfer of frozen embryos early within these frozen embryo transfer protocols. This study aimed to evaluate whether live birth rates were equivalent after FET of blastocysts 4 days after luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in a true natural cycle protocol, compared to a hormone replacement (HR) protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective cohort study involving patients undergoing autologous frozen blastocyst transfer from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2016. Cycles were grouped according to their protocol: true natural cycle (hormonal detection of LH surge with FET scheduled four days later) versus HR cycle (luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist suppression, oral or vaginal estradiol and intramuscular progesterone starting five days before FET). A total of 850 cycles were included, 501 true natural cycles and 349 HR cycles. The primary outcome was the live birth rate, secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage. Logbinomial regression models were performed adjusting for a priori selected variables. RESULTS: Adjusted resulted in live birth rates of 38.7 and 40.4%, [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-1.22, P=0.729] in the natural cycle and HR groups, respectively. The secondary outcome analyses did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference in the rate of positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), clinical intrauterine pregnancy rate, or miscarriage rate. CONCLUSION: The timing of the FET four days after LH surge in a true natural cycle protocol results in equivalent live birth rates compared to a HR protocol. Results of this study suggest that the window of implantation within the natural cycle may be less finite than currently believed and further prospective studies evaluating the timing of frozen embryo transfer are warranted.

Comparative Embryo Development Outcomes following Extending Embryo Culture to Day 6: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Past studies have shown that culturing slow-growing embryos from day 5 to day 6 may increase vitrification yield. This study aims to evaluate if the proportion of embryos eligible for vitrification increases by growing embryos not vitrified by day 5 to day 6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, a Canadian tertiary-care clinic-based cohort was identified between August 2019 and December 2020. In vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles involving autologous oocytes with at least one viable day 5 embryo were selected for inclusion. We compared embryo developmental outcomes of IVF cycles performed before and after an embryo cryopreservation policy change. Prior to March 2020, good-quality day 5 blastocysts of any stage were eligible for vitrification, and after that date, good-quality expanded blastocysts on either day 5 or day 6 were eligible. The primary outcome is the comparative proportion of embryos eligible for vitrification. The secondary outcome is to identify embryo, maternal and cycle factors that are predictive of day 6 vitrification. RESULTS: A total of 3,438 viable embryos across 679 consecutive IVF cycles were included in this study. After the policy change, we found similar mean proportions of blastocysts eligible for cryopreservation (46.9% per IVF cycle in group 2 vs. 44.4% in group 1, mean difference 0.025, 95% confidence interval -0.021 to 0.071, P=0.28). The mean number of cryopreserved embryos were significantly higher in group 2 (mean 2.2 vs. 1.7 embryos, P=0.007). Factors that predicated an embryo's progression to day 6 included: younger age of egg provider, presence of an early blastocyst on day 5, and cycles involving surgically-retrieved sperm. CONCLUSION: A cryopreservation policy change to include good-quality full and expanded day 6 blastocysts while avoiding to vitrify early blastocysts on day 5 yielded comparable proportions of embryos eligible for vitrification per IVF cycle.

Reduced live birth rates after embryo transfer in patients with prior cesarean delivery: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether live birth rates following first embryo transfer (ET) among patients after cesarean delivery are lower compared to patients with only prior vaginal delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study including patients with prior delivery who underwent first subsequent embryo transfer (fresh or frozen) between January 2013 and September 2019. The primary outcome was live birth rate among patients with at least one prior cesarean delivery compared to vaginal delivery only. Secondary outcomes included positive serum hCG, clinical intrauterine pregnancy and miscarriage rates. We performed a subgroup analysis with the cesarean delivery group based on labour status at the time of delivery. We fit a multivariable log-binomial regression model. RESULTS: Total of 962 patients met inclusion criteria: 351 in the cesarean delivery group and 611 in the vaginal delivery group. Live birth rate was significantly lower in the cesarean delivery group compared to vaginal delivery group at 30.0% vs 36.9% [aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.98]. We also found lower positive hCG [aRR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94] and clinical pregnancy [aRR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99]. There was no significant difference in miscarriage rate. A subgroup analysis within the cesarean delivery group in active labour demonstrated significantly lower live birth rates compared to the vaginal delivery group [aRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.92]. CONCLUSIONS: Live birth rates following first ET were significantly lower after cesarean delivery compared to vaginal delivery. These findings may be largely attributable to a subgroup of patients with prior cesarean delivery in active labour who may be at particular risk of reduced live birth rates after ET.

The diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and provide recommendations on its diagnosis and clinical management. OUTCOMES: These guidelines will assist in the early recognition and management of ovarian hyperstimulation. Early recognition and prompt systematic supportive care will help avert poor outcomes. EVIDENCE: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for relevant articles, using the key words "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" and "gonadotropins," and guidelines created by other professional societies were reviewed. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report (Table 1). RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Once the diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is made, disease severity should be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. (III-B) 2. The physician prescribing gonadotropins should inform each woman of her personal risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III-A) 3. In areas where patients do not have ready access to physicians familiar with the diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the physician prescribing gonadotropins should ensure that women are made aware that they should contact a physician or a member of the team within the hospital unit who has relevant experience, should the need arise. (III-B) 4. Outpatient management is recommended for women with mild and moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If outpatient management for more severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is to be undertaken, the physician should ensure that the woman is capable of adhering to clinical instructions and that there is a system in place to assess her status every 1 to 2 days. (III-A) 5. Paracentesis should be performed in admitted patients with tense ascites to alleviate their discomfort. (II-2B) 6. Outpatient culdocentesis should be considered for the prevention of disease progression in moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (II-2B) 7. Women with severe and critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should be admitted to hospital for intravenous hydration and observation. (III-A) 8. Intravenous hydration should be initiated with a crystalloid solution to prevent hemoconcentration and provide adequate end-organ perfusion. If end-organ perfusion is not maintained with a crystalloid solution, an alternate colloid solution should be administered. (II-2B) 9. Pain relief in admitted patients should be managed with acetaminophen and/or opioid analgesics. (III-B) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with antiplatelet properties should not be used. (III-B) 10. Women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should be considered for treatment with prophylactic doses of anticoagulants. (II-2B) 11. Critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, according to the end organ affected. (III-C).

Does ovarian reserve predict egg quality in unstimulated therapeutic donor insemination cycles?

OBJECTIVE: To compare reproductive outcomes of patients with very low, low, normal, and high antral follicle counts undergoing unstimulated therapeutic donor insemination (TDI) cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated regional fertility clinic. PATIENT(S): Four hundred fifty-nine patients who had 1,107 TDI treatment cycles from January 2006 to December 2013. INTERVENTION(S): Unstimulated therapeutic donor insemination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rates and miscarriage rates as surrogate markers for oocyte quality. RESULT(S): The overall pregnancy rate per cycle start was 12.46% in the study population. There was no difference in per-cycle or cumulative pregnancy rates among patients with very low, low, average, or high antral follicle counts within each patient age group of ≤35, 36-39, and ≥40 years. The overall miscarriage rate per pregnancy was 13.61%. When stratified by patient age, there was no correlation between miscarriage rate and antral follicle count. CONCLUSION(S): AFC is not a predictor of pregnancy or miscarriage rates in patients undergoing unstimulated TDI.

The diagnosis and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: No. 268, November 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and provide recommendations on its diagnosis and clinical management. OUTCOMES: These guidelines will assist in the early recognition and management of ovarian hyperstimulation. Early recognition and prompt systematic supportive care will help avert poor outcomes. EVIDENCE: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database were searched for relevant articles, using the key words "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" and "gonadotropins," and guidelines created by other professional societies were reviewed. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report (Table 1).

Prospective cohort study of three- versus two-dimensional ultrasound for prediction of oocyte maturity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether three-dimensional follicular ultrasound (3-D) measurements are better predictors of optimal timing of hCG administration than two-dimensional (2-D) images, the current standard. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): Seventy-six patients undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Seventy-six consecutive patients undergoing serial follicular monitoring during IVF had an additional daily 3-D volume scan of their ovaries once lead follicles had reached 16 mm diameter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of mature oocytes retrieved. RESULT(S): The 2-D follicular diameter measurements predicted 25.4% of the observed variance in the number of mature oocytes retrieved. The 3-D follicular volume measurements were more predictive of outcome, accounting for 29.2% of the observed variance in number of mature oocytes retrieved. Follicles >22 mm diameter and 5 mL volume were associated with fewer mature oocytes reflecting an undesired postmature state. Follicles measuring 11 to 15 mm had a 50% chance of yielding a mature oocyte. CONCLUSION(S): Three-dimensional follicular volume measurements have a stronger correlation with the number of mature oocytes retrieved than 2-D measurements. As 3-D technology improves, this parameter may replace 2-D measurements in the optimal timing of hCG before oocyte retrieval.

Renal artery dissection during an in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare case of a renal artery dissection presenting as new-onset hypertension and severe flank pain during an IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Private, university-affiliated infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): A previously healthy 39-year-old woman with secondary infertility undergoing her second IVF/ICSI cycle. INTERVENTION(S): Renal artery angioplasty and medical management with multiple antihypertensive agents. Institutional review board approval was not applicable and therefore not obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Control of hypertension. RESULT(S): The patient presented with severe flank pain and new-onset severe hypertension on day 5 of ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI. At that time her estrogen level was 685 pmol/L. An ultrasound examination showed evidence for infarction of the upper pole of the right kidney, and an angiogram revealed a right renal artery dissection. Blood pressure was eventually controlled after renal artery angioplasty and initiation of multiple antihypertensive agents. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first report of a renal artery dissection presenting during ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI. There were no hemodynamic or serum estrogen changes that could explain a link between the IVF process and the renal artery dissection.