Prolactin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is due to hypothalamic dysregulation. Literature lacks data about prolactin in FHA women, although both prolactin levels and FHA are associated with stress. Moreover, polycystic ovarian morphology is common in FHA and there is an association between FHA and polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess prolactin levels in FHA patients and controls with a special focus on factors influencing prolactin levels, that could be considered as "sensors" of the hypothalamic-pituitary dysregulation. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 140 women with clearly defined FHA were compared to 70 healthy, normally ovulating women matched for age. The main outcome parameter was prolactin. Factors associated with prolactin levels > 12 µg/L were tested using a multivariable binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The median prolactin level was 11.5 µg/L (interquartile range, IQR 7.5-14.4), which was similar to the control group (median 10.7, IQR 8.3-14.5; p = 0.065). Only two women had hyperprolactinemia (prolactin > 25 µg/L; 1.4%). In a multivariable binary logistic regression model eating disorder (odds ratio, OR 0.206; p = 0.040), excessive exercise (OR 0.280; p = 0.031) and TSH (OR 1.923; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with prolactin levels > 12 µg/L. CONCLUSION: Women with FHA have similar prolactin levels to healthy age-matched individuals. Eating disorders and excessive exercise where associated with prolactin levels < 12 µg/L, in contrast to TSH.

The prevalence of abnormal semen parameters in male partners of women with anovulatory polycystic ovarian syndrome: a retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility, often requiring ovarian stimulation in affected women attempting to conceive. Male partner semen quality and shared lifestyle factors can significantly impact reproductive outcomes. However, current international guidelines lack evidence-based recommendations on the necessity and timing of semen analysis for the fertility management of anovulatory PCOS women. METHODS: In a retrospective case-control study, semen analysis results of male partners of 187 anovulatory PCOS women scheduled for ovarian stimulation were analyzed and compared to a control group of 76 male partners of women with bilateral tubal occlusion. RESULTS: The prevalence of semen analysis results with at least one parameter classified as "borderline" and "pathological" among male partners of women with PCOS eligible to undergo ovarian stimulation was 51.3% and 22.5%, compared to 44.7% and 13.2% in the control group, respectively (p = 0.027). In the PCOS group, male body mass index (odds ratio, OR 1.478, p < 0.001), and smoking status (OR 6.228, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of pathological sperm test results, while no association was observed with any female characteristics (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of pathological sperm analysis results provides lacking epidemiological data on semen quality in this population, emphasizing the critical need for early male fertility evaluation prior to ovarian stimulation in PCOS women. Moreover, our findings indicate that the risk prediction for abnormal semen quality cannot be based on the female's data.

Prevalence of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea in a cohort of women referred because of polycystic ovary syndrome.

In this unselected population of women referred to a center specialized in gynecologic endocrinology for suspicion of PCOS, a minimum rate of misdiagnosed FHA patients of about 2% was found. It is necessary to evaluate reliable markers for the differential diagnosis between PCOS and FHA to avoid incorrect treatment, which might lead to negative long-term effects in women with undiagnosed FHA.

Stress and polycystic ovarian morphology in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) reveal polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) in up to 50%. If stress sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the reason why PCOS women are prone to develop FHA, patients with FHA caused by stress should reveal PCOM more often. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 38 stress-associated and 38 excessive exercise-induced FHA women were included. The main outcome parameter was PCOM. In addition, the focus was on general patient characteristics as well as on prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). RESULTS: PCOM was found in 34/76 patients (44.7%). The stress group showed a higher prevalence of PCOM than the excessive exercise group (57.9% versus 31.6%, p = 0.019) as well as higher prolactin levels (median 13.2ng/mL versus 11.7ng/mL, p = 0.008) and a trend towards higher DHEAS levels (p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: In FHA women, the PCOM prevalence was significantly higher in the stress-group than in the excessive exercise-group. The well-known stress sensitivity in women with PCOS might explain why PCOS women are prone to develop FHA as well as the high PCOM prevalence in FHA women.

Different Impacts of Cryopreservation in Endothelial and Epithelial Ovarian Cells.

The aim of our laboratory-based study was to investigate the extent of delayed-onset cell death after cryopreservation in endothelial and epithelial cell lines of ovarian origin. We found differences in percentages of vital cells directly after warming and after cultivation for 48 to 72 h. A granulosa cell line of endothelial origin (KGN) and an epithelial cell line (OvCar-3) were used. In both DMSO-containing and DMSO-free protocols, significant differences in vitality rates between the different cell lines when using open and closed vitrification could be shown (DMSO-containing: KGN open vs. OvCar open, p = 0.001; KGN closed vs. OvCar closed, p = 0.001; DMSO-free: KGN open vs. OvCar open, p = 0.001; KGN closed vs. OvCar closed, p = 0.031). Furthermore, there was a marked difference in the percentage of vital cells immediately after warming and after cultivation for 48 to 72 h; whereas the KGN cell line showed a loss of cell viability of 41% using a DMSO-containing protocol, the OvCar-3 cell loss was only 11% after cultivation. Using a DMSO-free protocol, the percentages of late-onset cell death were 77% and 48% for KGN and OvCar-3 cells, respectively. Our data support the hypothesis that cryopreservation-induced damage is cell type and cryoprotective agent dependent.

Basal and dynamic relationships between serum anti-Müllerian hormone and gonadotropins in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, with or without polycystic ovarian morphology.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), whether there is a difference between patients with and without polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) concerning the response to a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test and to pulsatile GnRH treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective observational study, 64 women with FHA who underwent a GnRH stimulation test and 32 age-matched controls without PCOM were included. Pulsatile GnRH treatment was provided to 31 FHA patients and three-month follow-up data were available for 19 of these. RESULTS: Serum levels of gonadotropins and estradiol were lower in FHA women than in controls (p < 0.05). FHA patients revealed PCOM in 27/64 cases (42.2%). FHA patients without PCOM revealed lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels than controls (median 2.03 ng/mL, IQR 1.40-2.50, versus 3.08 ng/mL, IQR 2.24-4.10, respectively, p < 0.001). Comparing FHA patients with and without PCOM, the latter revealed lower AMH levels, a lower median LH increase after the GnRH stimulation test (240.0%, IQR 186.4-370.0, versus 604.9%, IQR 360.0-1122.0; p < 0.001) as well as, contrary to patients with PCOM, a significant increase in AMH after three months of successful pulsatile GnRH treatment (median 1.69 ng/mL at baseline versus 2.02 ng/mL after three months of treatment; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In women with FHA without PCOM, the phenomenon of low AMH levels seems to be based on relative gonadotropin deficiency rather than diminished ovarian reserve. AMH tended to rise after three months of pulsatile GnRH treatment. The differences found between patients with and without PCOM suggest the former the existence of some PCOS-specific systemic and/or intra-ovarian abnormalities.

Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an evidence-based safety and tolerability overview of dydrogesterone under various progesterone-deficient conditions as a commemoration of its role in managing women's reproductive health over the past 60 years. METHODS: To identify relevant publications, we used a semi-systematic approach, which included performing a structured search through the PubMed and Cochrane central databases as well as an unstructured search for publications published in English from 2010 onward with human clinical data. RESULTS: A total of 32 relevant clinical studies were identified. Results were reported in the context of overall adverse events (AEs) and segregated according to various progesterone-deficient conditions. AEs concerning breasts (breast cancer risk), the endometrium (endometrial cancer risk), venous thromboembolism risk, and cardiovascular risk were found to be minimal when dydrogesterone was used as part of a menopausal hormone therapy regimen lasting ≤260 weeks. Vagina-related AEs, such as bleeding, discharge, irritation, and difficult coitus, occurred less frequently with dydrogesterone when used as luteal phase support in the context of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). However, other common AEs, such as headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, flatulence, and nausea, occurred more frequently with dydrogesterone. No maternal complications or congenital anomalies could be linked to dydrogesterone usage during ARTs or during early pregnancy to prevent recurrent miscarriages. Studies on dydrogesterone in endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome remain scarce. CONCLUSIONS: Post-approval, dydrogesterone has displayed a favorable safety and tolerability profile during its 60-year use, which is reassuring, considering its important role in managing women's reproductive health.

Comparison of a practice-based versus theory-based training program for conducting vacuum-assisted deliveries: a randomized-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Vacuum-assisted deliveries (VAD) are complex procedures that require training and experience to be performed proficiently. We aimed to evaluate if a more resource intensive practice-based training program for conducting VAD is more efficient compared to a purely theory-based training program, with respect to immediate training effects and persistence of skills 4-8 weeks after the initial training. METHODS: In this randomized-controlled study conducted in maternity staff, participants performed a simulated low-cavity non-rotational vacuum delivery before (baseline test) and immediately after the training (first post-training test) as well as 4-8 weeks thereafter (second post-training test). The study's primary endpoint was to compare training effectiveness between the two study groups using a validated objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) rating scale. RESULTS: Sixty-two participants were randomized to either the theory-based group (n = 31) or the practice-based group (n = 31). Total global and specific OSATS scores, as well as distance of cup application to the flexion point improved significantly from baseline test to the first post-training test in both groups (pall < 0.007). Skill deterioration after 4-8 weeks was only found in the theory-based group, whereas skills remained stable in the practice-based group. CONCLUSION: A practice-based training program for conducting VAD results in comparable immediate improvement of skills compared to a theory-based training program, but the retention of skills 4-8 weeks after training is superior in a practice-based program. Future studies need to evaluate, whether VAD simulation training improves maternal and neonatal outcome after VAD.

Is Chronic Endometritis Associated with Tubal Infertility? A Prospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Chronic endometritis (CE), which often presents asymptomatically, is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent implantation failure after in vitro fertilization, and endometriosis. Data connecting CE with fallopian tubal occlusion are limited. The aim was to assess a potential association of CE, defined by the presence of syndecan-1 (CD138)-positive plasma cells in endometrial tissue samples, with fallopian tube patency and other factors for infertility, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, and hydrosalpinges. DESIGN: Prospective, monocentral pilot study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: A cohort of 100 women who were infertile was enrolled from July 2019 to December 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy and laparoscopy with chromopertubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CE was found in 13 women (13.0%) and was associated with endometriosis (p = .034) and unilateral/bilateral fallopian tube blockage (p = .013). In women with endometriosis, the mean number of CD138-positive cells was positively correlated with the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score (r = .302, p = .028). In a binary regression model, the presence of a hydrosalpinx on one or both sides (odds ratio 15.308; 95% confidence interval, 1.637-143.189; p = .017) and the finding of CE in the endometrial tissue sample (odds ratio 5.273; 95% confidence interval, 1.257-22.116; p = .023) were significantly associated with fallopian tubal occlusion. CONCLUSION: CE was significantly associated with blockage of the fallopian tubes and endometriosis. Endometriosis stage was associated with the number of CD138-positive cells in endometrial biopsies.

Detection of hysteroscopic fluid in the pouch of Douglas: a prospective cohort study about the predictability of bilateral tubal occlusion.

PURPOSE: To determine whether an increase in cul de sac (CDS) fluid after hysteroscopy is predictive of tubal patency. METHODS: In a prospective clinical cohort study, 115 subfertile women undergoing laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery at the Medical University of Vienna were invited to participate. The primary outcome was determining whether an increase in fluid in the pouch of Douglas was reflective of unilateral or bilateral tubal patency. Vaginal sonography before and after hysteroscopy was performed to detect fluid in the pouch of Douglas, directly followed by laparoscopy with chromopertubation. RESULTS: Laparoscopic chromopertubation revealed bilateral Fallopian tube occlusion in 28 women (24.3%). Twenty-seven/40 patients (67.5%) with no fluid shift had bilateral occlusion during the consecutive laparoscopy (p < 0.001). One/75 patients (1.3%) showing a fluid shift had bilateral occlusion (sensitivity of a present fluid shift for uni- or bilateral patency 85.1%, 95% CI: 81.7-99.9, specificity: 96.4%, 95% CI: 75.8-91.8). Intracavitary abnormalities (odds ratio, OR, 0.038; p = 0.030) and adhesions covering one or both tubes (OR 0.076; p = 0.041) increased the risk for a false abnormal result, i.e., uni- or bilateral tubal patency despite the lack of a fluid shift. CONCLUSION: When CDS fluid does not change after hysteroscopy, this is a sensitive test for tubal occlusion and further testing may be warranted. However, if there is an increase in CDS fluid after hysteroscopy, particularly for a patient without fluid present prior, this is both sensitive and specific for unilateral or bilateral tubal patency.

Autoimmunological serum parameters and bone mass density in premature ovarian insufficiency: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: It is still not clear whether to screen women with primary premature ovarian insufficiency for autoimmunity. Moreover, a possible association of autoimmunity with decreased bone mass density in premature ovarian insufficiency patients has not been evaluated. Thus, the objectives of this study were to review our experience with the use of an autoimmune screening panel in premature ovarian insufficiency women and to focus on bone mass density. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 76 chromosomally normal women with primary premature ovarian insufficiency were included. The main outcome parameters were the results of an autoimmune screening panel and of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Median age was 33 years. Sixty percent of premature ovarian insufficiency patients revealed abnormal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry results (minimal T-score < -1.0). Any signs of autoimmunity were found in 21 women (36.2%). The most frequent abnormal results were increased thyroperoxidase antibodies (24.1%) and thyroglobulin antibodies (20.7%). A longer duration of amenorrhea (ß = -0.015; p = 0.007), any abnormality during autoimmune screening (ß = -0.940; p = 0.010), and a lower body mass index (ß = -0.057; p = 0.036) were associated with a lower minimal T-score. CONCLUSION: In chromosomally normal women with primary premature ovarian insufficiency, the prevalence of autoimmunity and decreased bone mass density seem high. Our data highlight the association between autoimmune abnormalities and decreased dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry results.

Markers of vitality in ovaries of transmen after long-term androgen treatment: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gender-affirming hormone therapy has been hypothesized to reduce the patient's reproductive potential in transmen, although the exact long-term effects on future fertility are unknown. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study we aimed to evaluate ovaries of 20 transmen by using hormone serum levels, histomorphological analysis and fluorescence activated cells sorting (FACS) analysis - in order to assess the amount of vital cells. RESULTS: The median total number of follicles per field of view was 39 (IQR 12-122). Of all follicles (n = 1661), the vast majority was primordial (n = 1505, 90.6%), followed by primary (n = 76, 4.6%), abnormal (n = 63, 3.8%) and secondary follicles (n = 17, 1.0%). FACS analysis was available for 13 samples (65.0%) and the median frequency of vital cells was 87.5% (IQR, 77.7-95.4%). Both a higher age (p = 0.032) and a lower BMI (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a higher frequency of vital cells. CONCLUSION: The majority of ovarian cells after long-term androgen treatment were vital in FACS analysis and histomorphological evaluation revealed a normal cortical follicle distribution. These results are currently exploratory, but might be promising for issues on fertility preservation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Medical University of Vienna (EK 2240/2016) and was retrospectively registered in the Current Controlled Trials Register (registration number NCT03649087 , date of registration: 28.08.2018).

Assessment of Tubal Patency: A Prospective Comparison of Diagnostic Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopic Chromopertubation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the presence of a visualizable "flow" effect in the fallopian tube ostia in hysteroscopy was predictive of tubal patency. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: In a prospective study, infertile women who underwent surgery because of infertility between March and November 2018 were included. The main outcome parameter was fallopian tube patency assessed by laparoscopic chromopertubation. The predictive parameter tested was the presence of hysteroscopic tube flow. PATIENTS: Seventy-two infertile women. INTERVENTIONS: Combined hysteroscopy and laparoscopy with chromopertubation. RESULTS: One-hundred forty-four fallopian tubes were evaluated, with 88 (61.1%) patent tubes at laparoscopic chromopertubation. A positive hysteroscopic flow effect was recorded for 94 (65.3%) ostia and was accurate in predicting patency (p < .001), with a sensitivity of 85.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.1-91.9) and a specificity of 66.1% (95% CI, 52.2-78.2). A multivariate binary regression model revealed that the presence of a hydrosalpinx (odds ratio = 8.216; 95% CI, 1.062-63.574; p = .044) and peritubal adhesions (odds ratio = 3.439; 95% CI, 1.142-10.353; p = .028) were associated with a false-normal flow result. A hazy hysteroscopic picture was found in 15 of 21 (71.4%) and 5 of 51 (9.8%) cases with and without bilateral tubal occlusion, respectively (p < .001, sensitivity = 71.4% [95% CI, 47.8-88.7], specificity = 90.2% [95% CI, 78.6-96.7]). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of hysteroscopic tubal flow was a reliable indicator of tubal patency. A hydrosalpinx or peritubal adhesions increase the risk for a false-normal result. A hazy hysteroscopic picture suggests bilateral tubal occlusion. Using the hysteroscopic flow effect, one can provide additional information for the patient.

Hysteroscopic Assessment of Tubal Patency: A Randomized Comparison between the Flow and Parryscope Techniques.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the "Parryscope" and "flow" techniques for hysteroscopic assessment of tubal patency. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: From May to October 2019, women with subfertility undergoing laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery at the Medical University of Vienna were invited to participate in the study. The primary outcome was accuracy of Fallopian tube patency relative to the gold standard of laparoscopic chromopertubation. PATIENTS: Sixty women with subfertility. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopy with either the "Parryscope" or the "flow" techniques for tubal assessment, directly followed by laparoscopy with chromopertubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hysteroscopic prediction of fallopian tube patency was possible in a statistically significant manner in both study groups (p <0.05). The Parryscope technique achieved higher sensitivity (90.6%, 95% CI: 61.7-98.4) and specificity (100%, 95% CI: 90.0-100.0) than the flow technique (sensitivity: 73.7%, 95% CI: 48.8-90.9 and specificity: 70.7%, 95% CI: 54.5-83.9). CONCLUSION: Using the Parryscope technique to determine if air bubbles traverse the ostia can provide valuable additional information during hysteroscopy and is more accurate in predicting fallopian tubal occlusion than the flow method.

The impact of a standardized micronutrient supplementation on PCOS-typical parameters: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether a micronutrient supplementation preparation that includes a high amount of omega-3 unsaturated acids, other anti-oxidants and co-enzyme Q10 would have an impact on specific serum parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The study was designed as a monocentral, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial, from June 2017 to March 2018 (Clinical Trials ID: NCT03306745). Sixty women with PCOS were assigned to either the "multinutrient supplementation group" (one unlabeled soft capsule containing omega-3 fatty acids and one unlabeled tablet containing folic acid, selenium, vitamin E, catechin, glycyrrhizin, and co-enzyme Q10, for 3 months) or the "control group" (two unlabeled soft capsules containing 200 µg folic acid each, for 3 months). The main outcome parameters were anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), total testosterone, and androstenedione. In addition, the focus was on luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the LH:FSH ratio, sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and estradiol. RESULTS: In the multinutrient supplementation group, the LH:FSH ratio (2.5 ± 1.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.5, p = 0.001), testosterone (0.50 ± 0.19 versus 0.43 ± 0.15, p = 0.001), and AMH (8.2 ± 4.2 versus 7.3 ± 3.6, p < 0.001) declined significantly, whereas the other parameters, namely estradiol, LH, FSH, androstenedione, and SHBG remained stable. CONCLUSION: A micronutrient supplementation that includes omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, selenium, vitamin E, catechin, glycyrrhizin, and co-enzyme Q10, given for a minimum of 3 months, is beneficial for women with PCOS in terms of PCOS-specific parameters (LH:FSH ratio, serum testosterone and serum AMH).

Basal Anti Mullerian hormone levels and endometrial thickness at midcycle can predict the outcome after clomiphene citrate stimulation in anovulatory women with PCOS, a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Recent studies reported that in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, other stimulation agents are superior to the popular first-line regimen, clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovarian stimulation. Nonetheless, CC is still widely used since it is not clear which patients will not respond to it. Furthermore, the prognostic value of endometrium thickness at midcycle is controversial. We aimed to find factors predicting the response to CC and the prognostic value of endometrial thickness at midcycle. METHODS: We collected data retrospectively from 89 anovulatory PCOS patients who had the first stimulation with 50 mg CC. We analyzed the basal levels of AMH, testosterone, LH, LH:FSH ratio and the endometrial thickness at midcycle by univariate, followed by multivariate regression. The outcome measures were pregnancy, follicle maturation and endometrial thickness at midcycle. RESULTS: Stimulation with 50 mg CC resulted in follicle maturation in 50.6% of the women and in 27.0% pregnancies. In the univariate analysis, greater endometrial thickness, lower LH and AMH levels and a lower LH:FSH ratio were associated with pregnancy (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only endometrial thickness remained predictive (p = 0.045). The endometrial thickness cutoff level of ≥ 8 mm showed a sensitivity of 87.5% (96% CI 67.6-97.3) and a specificity of 66.7% (95% CI 43.0-85.4) for prediction of pregnancy. In the multivariate analysis AMH levels 5.4 (3.4; 7.0) (ng/mL) predicted pregnancy (ß = - 0.194 ± 0.092; p = 0.034) CONCLUSION: We suggest to refrain from CC as first-line regimen in patients with AMH > 7 ng/ml. Under CC treatment, the cutoff value of ≥ 8 mm endometrium thickness at midcycle is associated with a better outcome.

The impact of repetitive oocyte retrieval on the ovarian reserve: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To investigate a possible influence of repetitive micro-traumata on the ovaries in the course of oocyte retrieval during IVF/ICSI treatment on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. METHODS: The study included retrospectively collected data from women who underwent three or more consecutive IVF/ICSI treatments between 2007 and 2017. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate changes in serum AMH levels on cycle days 1-3 during the course of repetitive IVF/ICSI treatments. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included in this study. Median AMH levels before the first, second and third IVF/ICSI cycles were 3.8 ng/mL (IQR 1.8-7.1), 3.3 ng/mL (IQR 1.8-6.1) and 3.0 ng/mL (IQR 1.6-5.3), respectively (p = n.s.). In patients who underwent IVF/ICSI due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we found a significant decrease in AMH serum levels between the first [AMH 9.7 ng/mL (IQR 7.4-14.4)] and the third [AMH 5.3 ng/mL (IQR 3.3-10.4)] IVF/ICSI cycles (p = 0.026). When performing a generalized linear model, we found PCOS to be an independent predictor for serum AMH decrease during the course of three oocyte retrievals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing the indications for IVF/ICSI, we observed a significant decrease in AMH serum levels after repetitive oocyte retrievals only in women with PCOS, while the decrease in AMH was not significant in patients with tubal factor, endometriosis, male factor and unexplained infertility. This finding leads us to hypothesize that repetitive micro-traumata on the ovarian cortex might diminish/normalize functional ovarian reserve in women with PCOS. Further prospective studies are highly warranted to allow firm conclusions.

Risk-adapted management for vasa praevia: a retrospective study about individualized timing of caesarean section.

PURPOSE: Vasa praevia is a rare condition with high foetal mortality if not detected prenatally. There is limited evidence available to determine the ideal timing of delivery and management recommendations. The aim of this study was to critically review our experience with vasa praevia, with a focus on diagnosis and management. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, all cases of vasa praevia identified in our department from January 2003 to December 2017 were included. All cases were diagnosed antenatally during sonographic inspection of the placenta, and individualized management for each patient was performed based on individual risk factors. 19 cases of vasa praevia were identified (15 singletons, four twins). 13 patients (79%) presented placental anomalies. In patients at high risk for preterm birth, caesarean delivery was performed between 34-35 weeks after early hospitalization and administration of corticosteroids, whereas in patients at low risk for preterm birth, caesarean section could be delayed to 35-37 weeks of gestation. Administration of corticosteroids was not obligatory in the latter cases. RESULTS: There were two acute caesarean sections, due to premature abruption of the placenta and vaginal bleeding. There was no maternal or foetal/neonatal death. None of the neonates required blood transfusion. There is limited evidence available with which to determine the ideal timing of delivery. CONCLUSION: However, our individualized, risk-adapted management, which attempts to delay the timing of caesarean section up to two weeks beyond the standard recommendation, seems feasible, with just two emergency caesarean sections and no case of foetal or maternal death.

Does anti-Mullerian hormone predict the outcome of further pregnancies in idiopathic recurrent miscarriage? A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether anti-Mullerian hormone, basal follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and female age would predict future outcomes in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage were retrospectively included. Luteal support with or without a combined treatment regimen for idiopathic recurrent miscarriage was applied in a tertiary-care center in Vienna. Occurrence and outcome of further pregnancies were analyzed. RESULTS: Within a median follow-up duration of 42.3 months, 94 women (81.0%) achieved one or more pregnancies. Further miscarriages occurred in 47 patients in whom only a higher number of previous miscarriages was predictive (OR 3.568, 95% CI 1.457-8.738; p = 0.005). Fifty-seven women had a live birth > 23 + 0 gestational weeks. In a multivariate analysis, age (OR 0.920, 95% CI 0.859-0.986; p = 0.019) and the number of previous miscarriages (OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.193-0.841; p = 0.016), but not AMH (OR 1.191, 95% CI 0.972-1.461; p = 0.091) were significantly predictive. CONCLUSION: AMH seems of either no or only minor relevance for the prediction of further miscarriages and live birth in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage.

Management of uterine ectopic pregnancy - local vs. systemic methotrexate.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided local methotrexate (MTX) vs. systemic methotrexate in uterine ectopic pregnancy regarding the beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) clearance duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with interstitial pregnancy, cervical pregnancy or cesarean scar pregnancy were included. Methotrexate was administered locally ultrasound-guided (25 mg methotrexate fixed dose) or systemically (intramuscular; 50 mg/m2 body weight). Beta hCG clearance duration in days formed the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with uterine ectopic pregnancy were included. The mean estimated beta hCG clearance duration was 29.2 days longer in patients with local methotrexate compared with systemic methotrexate (64.7 vs. 31.5 days, respectively; p = 0.026). There was no significant difference between local vs. systemic methotrexate regarding adverse events such as bleeding (p = 0.376), pain (p = 0.146) or secondary surgery (p = 0.631). There was no association of initial beta hCG levels (p = 0.746), initial progesterone levels (p = 0.870) or patients' age (p = 0.604) and the beta hCG clearance duration. No significant difference in beta hCG clearance duration comparing local methotrexate injection with aspiration vs. local methotrexate injection without aspiration could be found (mean 49.4 and 71.6 days, respectively, p = 0.225). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with uterine ectopic pregnancies, the mean estimated beta hCG clearance duration was 29.2 days longer when applying local methotrexate compared with systemic methotrexate.