The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus definition of hyper-responders for in-vitro fertilization.

PURPOSE: To provide an agreed upon definition of hyper-response for women undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS)? METHODS: A literature search was performed regarding hyper-response to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 5 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements in the questionnaire for the first round of the Delphi consensus. The questionnaire was distributed to 31 experts, 22 of whom responded (with representation selected for global coverage), each anonymous to the others. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥ 66% of the participants agreed and ≤ 3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. RESULTS: 17/18 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. (I) Definition of a hyper-response: Collection of ≥ 15 oocytes is characterized as a hyper-response (72.7% agreement). OHSS is not relevant for the definition of hyper-response if the number of collected oocytes is above a threshold (≥ 15) (77.3% agreement). The most important factor in defining a hyper-response during stimulation is the number of follicles ≥ 10 mm in mean diameter (86.4% agreement). (II) Risk factors for hyper-response: AMH values (95.5% agreement), AFC (95.5% agreement), patient's age (77.3% agreement) but not ovarian volume (72.7% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, the most important risk factor for a hyper-response is the antral follicular count (AFC) (68.2% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, when AMH and AFC are discordant, one suggesting a hyper-response and the other not, AFC is the more reliable marker (68.2% agreement). The lowest serum AMH value that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 2 ng/ml (14.3 pmol/L) (72.7% agreement). The lowest AFC that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 18 (81.8% agreement). Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as per Rotterdam criteria are at a higher risk of hyper-response than women without PCOS with equivalent follicle counts and gonadotropin doses during ovarian stimulation for IVF (86.4% agreement). No consensus was reached regarding the number of growing follicles ≥ 10 mm that would define a hyper-response. CONCLUSION: The definition of hyper-response and its risk factors can be useful for harmonizing research, improving understanding of the subject, and tailoring patient care.

The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization.

PURPOSE: To provide agreed-upon guidelines on the management of a hyper-responsive patient undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) METHODS: A literature search was performed regarding the management of hyper-response to OS for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 4 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥66% of the participants agreed, and ≤3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. A total of 28/31 experts responded (selected for global coverage), anonymous to each other. RESULTS: A total of 26/28 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. The target number of oocytes to be collected in a stimulation cycle for IVF in an anticipated hyper-responder is 15-19 (89.3% consensus). For a potential hyper-responder, it is preferable to achieve a hyper-response and freeze all than aim for a fresh transfer (71.4% consensus). GnRH agonists should be avoided for pituitary suppression in anticipated hyper-responders performing IVF (96.4% consensus). The preferred starting dose in the first IVF stimulation cycle of an anticipated hyper-responder of average weight is 150 IU/day (82.1% consensus). ICoasting in order to decrease the risk of OHSS should not be used (89.7% consensus). Metformin should be added before/during ovarian stimulation to anticipated hyper-responders only if the patient has PCOS and is insulin resistant (82.1% consensus). In the case of a hyper-response, a dopaminergic agent should be used only if hCG will be used as a trigger (including dual/double trigger) with or without a fresh transfer (67.9% consensus). After using a GnRH agonist trigger due to a perceived risk of OHSS, luteal phase rescue with hCG and an attempt of a fresh transfer is discouraged regardless of the number of oocytes collected (72.4% consensus). The choice of the FET protocol is not influenced by the fact that the patient is a hyper-responder (82.8% consensus). In the cases of freeze all due to OHSS risk, a FET cycle can be performed in the immediate first menstrual cycle (92.9% consensus). CONCLUSION: These guidelines for the management of hyper-response can be useful for tailoring patient care and for harmonizing future research.

Factors Associated with the Development of Thrombosis in Pediatric Behçet Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients with pediatric Behçet disease (BD) with and without thrombosis to elucidate the factors that may contribute to the development of thrombosis. METHODS: This observational, descriptive, medical records review study included patients with BD (n = 85) who were diagnosed at age younger than 16 years at our clinic between 2010 and 2022. The demographic, clinical, and available laboratory data of patients with and without thrombosis were compared. The potential risk factors for the development of thrombosis were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Central venous sinus thrombosis was the most common type of thrombosis. Thrombosis was significantly more common in male patients ( p = 0.002), and regression analysis revealed that being male was a risk factor for developing thrombosis. Genital ulcers were less common in patients with thromboses. Patients with thrombosis had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, leukocyte, and neutrophil counts, as well as antinuclear antibody positivity. In contrast, mean platelet volume and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in patients with thrombosis. According to the logistic regression analysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate value >17 mm/h was a risk factor for developing thrombosis (odds ratio, 1; confidence interval, 1.1-1.8; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Male sex has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis in children with BD. Inflammatory parameters may serve as predictive factors for thrombosis in pediatric BD.

Luteal-long GnRH agonist versus flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist protocols for overweight and obese patients who underwent ICSI.

A total of 413 consecutive infertile patients (572 cycles) with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m(2) were enrolled into the study. The luteal-long GnRH agonist group (Group I) constituted 211 patients (300 cycles) and the flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist group (Group II) constituted 202 patients (272 cycles). The duration of stimulation (d) (10.1 ± 2.5 vs. 9.2 ± 2.0; p < 0.01); the total dose of gonadotrophin used (IU) (3,099.4 ± 2,885.0 vs. 2,684.0 ± 1,046.4; p < 0.05) and the E2 level on the day of hCG (pg/ml) (2,375.8 ± 1,554.6 vs. 1,905.6 ± 1,598.8; p < 0.01) were significantly lower in Group II when compared with Group I. However, the ongoing pregnancy per embryo transfer (37.0% vs. 25.7%; p < 0.05) and the implantation rate (25.7% vs. 15.6%; p < 0.01) were significantly lower in Group II when compared with Group I. In conclusion, we noted that the luteal-long GnRH agonist protocol produced higher implantation rates and higher clinical-ongoing pregnancy rates in overweight and obese patients when compared with the flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist protocol.

Impact of isolated obesity on ICSI outcome.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of isolated obesity on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 775 patients undergoing 1113 ICSI cycles were categorized on the basis of body mass index (BMI): group 1 (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2); normal weight; n = 627 cycles), group 2 (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m m(2); overweight; n = 339 cycles) and group 3 (BMI >or=30 kg/m(2); obese; n = 147 cycles). Sixty-three (10.0%) cycles in group 1, 53 (15.6%) cycles in group 2 and 26 cycles (17.7%) in group 3 were cancelled (P < 0.05 for group 1 versus groups 2 and 3). Despite the significantly higher total gonadotrophin consumption in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1, the mean serum oestradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration was significantly higher in group 1 (P < 0.05). The number of cumulus-oocyte complexes, metaphase II oocytes, and two-pronucleated oocytes were significantly lower in group 3 compared with group 1 (P < 0.05). However, fertilization rate, the mean number of embryos transferred, the mean number of grade 1 embryos transferred, clinical pregnancy, implantation, multiple pregnancy and miscarriage rates were comparable among the three groups. The rate of cycles with cryopreservable embryos was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1 (P < 0.05).

The effect of short-interval laparoscopic lysis of adhesions on pregnancy rates following Nd-YAG laser photocoagulation of polycystic ovaries.

Laparoscopic Nd-YAG laser photocoagulation of the ovaries was performed in 40 anovulatory women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary disease. Following this procedure, the subjects were randomly assigned to have either a second-look laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions within 3-4 weeks of the initial laparoscopy (N = 19) or expectant management (N = 20). One patient assigned to the laparoscopy group refused the procedure. Minimal and mild adhesions that did not distort the normal tubo-ovarian relationship were encountered in 13 patients (68%) in the second-look laparoscopy group; these adhesions were easily lysed using sharp or blunt dissection. The pregnancy rates over 6 months were similar in the two groups (47% in the second-look group and 55% in the expectant-management group; P greater than .05). These data suggest that early laparoscopic lysis of adhesions does not improve short-term conception rates following laparoscopic Nd-YAG laser photocoagulation of polycystic ovaries.

Urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) versus recombinant FSH in clomiphene citrate-resistant, normogonadotropic,chronic anovulation: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of urinary FSH and recombinant FSH for ovulation induction in patients with clomiphene citrate-resistant, normogonadotropic, chronic anovulation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: University-based infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): Fifty-one women. INTERVENTION(S): Subjects were randomized to receive either urinary FSH (35 patients, 64 cycles) or recombinant FSH (16 patients, 32 cycles). A maximum of three cycles using the low-dose step-up protocol with the same gonadotropin were undertaken. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cumulative ovulation and pregnancy rates after three cycles, total gonadotropin dose, duration of stimulation, and single follicle development rate. RESULT(S): Cumulative ovulation rates were 89.3% and 93.1% for the urinary FSH and recombinant FSH groups, respectively. The threshold and total doses of FSH and the duration of stimulation were similar between the two groups. Significantly more single follicle development was noted in the recombinant FSH group. The respective clinical pregnancy rates per noncanceled cycles in the urinary FSH and recombinant FSH groups were 23.2% and 27.6%. There were three sets of twins in the urinary FSH group. No case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was encountered. CONCLUSION(S): Urinary FSH and recombinant FSH are both efficient and safe for inducing ovulation with the low-dose step-up protocol.

Results of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in women with infertility due to genital tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the results of IVF-ET in women with infertility due to genital tuberculosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: In vitro fertilization and ET unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-four cycles of IVF-ET were undertaken in 24 women with genital tuberculosis and the results were compared with 366 cycles in 274 nontuberculous tubal factor couples. INTERVENTIONS: All women with genital tuberculosis were evaluated with hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, and acid fast bacilli stain before treatment with IVF-ET. RESULTS: Subjects with genital tuberculosis had higher basal FSH levels, required more exogenous gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, reached lower peak E2 levels, and yielded fewer oocytes and embryos when compared with tubal factor patients. Furthermore, in women with genital tuberculosis, clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was lower and spontaneous abortion rate was higher. CONCLUSIONS: Women with genital tuberculosis appear to represent a less favorable subset within other tubal factor patients when treated with IVF-ET.

PIP: At Hacettepe University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, 24 women with genital tuberculosis had undergone 44 cycles of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and 274 women with tubal infertility not related to genital tuberculosis (controls) had undergone IVF-ET. Physicians compared the results of IVF-ET in these two sets of women. Women with genital tuberculosis had significantly higher day-3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels than the controls (11.6 vs. 7.7 mIU/ml; p 0.001). Thus, they had a higher number of ampules of hMG than the controls (27.3 vs. 18.4; p 0.05) to achieve peak estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the number of days of follicle stimulation. Peak estradiol levels were lower among cases than controls (852 vs. 1141 pg/ml; p 0.05), while the number of days of follicle stimulation was higher among cases than controls (10.3 vs. 7.5; p 0.01). Women with genital tuberculosis also had a significantly lower number of aspirated oocytes and of transferred embryos than controls (5.8 vs. 7.7 and 2 vs. 2.9, respectively; p 0.01 for both). They also had a much lower clinical pregnancy rate than controls (9.1% vs. 21.3%; p 0.001). Women with genital tuberculosis also had a significantly higher spontaneous abortion rate than controls (75% vs. 19.2%; p 0.05). The only woman with genital tuberculosis who delivered a live infant had undergone hysteroscopic lysis of dense intrauterine synechia. The lower pregnancy rate was largely due to the fewer embryos available for transfer among the women with genital tuberculosis. The implantation rates per transferred embryo were not significantly different between the two groups (5.85% for cases vs. 8.6% for controls). These findings suggest that women with genital tuberculosis are a less favorable subset among tubal factor patients when treated with IVF-ET. Physicians should anticipate these women to have a reduced ovarian reserve, lower intrauterine pregnancy, and higher miscarriage rates.

The results of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in couples with unexplained infertility failing to conceive with superovulation and intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the results of IVF-ET in couples with long-standing unexplained infertility who had failed to conceive with four to six cycles of superovulation and IUI. DESIGN: Retrospective case control series. SETTING: University IVF-ET center. PATIENTS: One hundred seventeen couples with unexplained infertility who had failed to conceive with superovulation and IUI underwent 157 cycles of IVF-ET. Results were compared with 194 tubal factor couples subjected to 250 IVF-ET cycles within the same time period. RESULTS: Total fertilization failure events were more common (20.4% versus 7.6%) and tended to be repetitive in couples with unexplained infertility. When total fertilization failure events were excluded, fertilization rates (57.8% versus 60.9%) and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates over three cycles (55.4% versus 46.5%) were similar in unexplained infertility and tubal disease groups. CONCLUSIONS: Couples with unexplained infertility failing to conceive with superovulation and IUI have a favorable outcome when treated subsequently with IVF-ET. Conception rates similar to couples with tubal disease may be expected despite a higher incidence of total fertilization failure events.

Salpingoscopic findings in women with occlusive and nonocclusive salpingitis isthmica nodosa.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To characterize ampullary endosalpingeal findings in women with occlusive or nonocclusive salpingitis isthmica nodosa. DESIGN: Prospective case study. SETTING: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a University Hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty women (38 tubes) with occlusive or nonocclusive salpingitis isthmica nodosa were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Salpingoscopy was performed during diagnostic laparoscopy in 20 women (38 tubes) with hysterosalpingographic evidence of salpingitis isthmica nodosa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Salpingoscopic findings were recorded and the patients were managed accordingly. RESULTS: Of the 38 tubes 10 appeared radiographically and laparoscopically normal. Two tubes were occluded distally. Of the 26 tubes with occlusive or nonocclusive salpingitis isthmica nodosa, 5 (19.2%) showed varying degrees of endosalpingeal abnormality. Patients with abnormal salpingoscopy were regarded as having bipolar tubal disease and were referred for assisted conception. The remaining patients were scheduled for microsurgical tubal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: One in five patients with proximal tubal disease may have ampullary endosalpingeal damage of varying degrees. However, the significance of this finding in relation to subsequent management strategies and fertility outcome is yet to be characterized.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection versus in vitro fertilization for patients with a tubal factor as their sole cause of infertility: a prospective, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF in women with a tuboperitoneal factor as their sole cause of infertility. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Hacettepe University Assisted Reproduction Unit, Ankara, Turkey. PATIENT(S): Seventy-six consecutively seen patients with tuboperitoneal factor infertility were randomized on an alternate basis to undergo either intracytoplasmic sperm injection (38 patients and cycles) or IVF (38 patients and cycles). INTERVENTION(S): Intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): A comparable number of oocytes and embryos were obtained with intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF. The two-pronuclei fertilization rates per metaphase II oocyte or mature cumulus-oocyte complex were similar in the two groups. The numbers of total and grade I embryos transferred also were similar. Comparisons of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF did not reveal any statistically significant differences in individual implantation rates (38.75% +/- 24.46% and 34.58% +/- 16.97%, respectively) clinical pregnancy rates per cycle (21.05% and 21.05%, respectively), or take-home infant rates (18.42% and 15.79%, respectively). The type of procedure performed was not a significant predictor of clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): When a decision is made to proceed with an assisted reproductive technique in patients with a tubal factor as their sole cause of infertility, IVF should be the initial treatment of choice.

Follicle-stimulating hormone levels on cycle day 3 to predict ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization using a flare-up protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cycle day 3 serum FSH levels predict poor ovarian response and cycle cancellation in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF. DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: University hospital IVF program. PATIENT(S): The study includes outcomes of 637 initial cycles of IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was undertaken with a short, flare-up GnRH agonist and hMG protocol. The relation of cycle day 3 FSH levels with various cycle characteristics and outcomes was determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The accuracy of cycle day 3 FSH levels in predicting poor ovarian response and cycle cancellation was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the optimum cutoff value for the cycle day 3 serum FSH level that best predicted poor ovarian response and cycle cancellation. RESULT(S): A cycle day 3 serum FSH level > or = 13 mIU/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 1.00) was associated with a high likelihood of poor ovarian response and cycle cancellation. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of an FSH level of 13 mIU/mL in predicting cycle cancellation were 52%, 91%, and 6.04, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Cycle day 3 FSH screening appears to be a fairly accurate predictor of poor ovarian response and cycle cancellation in women undergoing COH using a short, flare-up GnRH agonist and hMG protocol.

Evaluation of adhesion formation after laparoscopic treatment of polycystic ovarian disease.

The incidence and fertility effects of postoperative adhesion formation after laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery or laser photocoagulation of polycystic ovaries has not been adequately analyzed. Short-interval second-look laparoscopy appears to be a useful method for addressing this issue. Employing short-interval second-look laparoscopy 3 to 4 weeks after the initial laparoscopic intervention, we were able to demonstrate adhesions in 6 of 7 patients (85%) treated with ovarian electrocautery and 8 of 10 patients (80%) submitted to laser therapy. The adhesions were amenable to laparoscopic lysis in 12 of 14 patients (85%). The subsequent conception rates within 6 months of second-look laparoscopy that were 57% and 40% in the electrocautery and the Nd:YAG laser groups, respectively, may in part be attributed to the restoration of normal pelvic anatomy during this procedure.

The ascites in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome does not originate from the ovary.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the direct ovarian contribution to ascites formation in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a rabbit model. DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. SETTING: Research center of a university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: New Zealand White rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Both ovaries of the rabbits in the experimental group were enclosed within a pouch developed from the surrounding peritoneum and mesosalpinx by microsurgery. Animals in the control group did not undergo any surgical intervention. Ovarian hyperstimulation was induced by alternate day equine chorionic gonadotropin and intermittent human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of ascites formation and the morphological and endocrinologic signs of ovarian hyperstimulation. RESULTS: The serial plasma estradiol and progesterone levels, ovarian weights, and ascites response were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Isolation of both ovaries from the peritoneal cavity does not prevent ascites formation in the OHSS. Increased transudation across extraovarian serosal surfaces contributes to ascites formation in OHSS.

Short-term effects of three continuous hormone replacement therapy regimens on platelet tritiated imipramine binding and mood scores: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of continuous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens on platelet-tritiated ((3)H-) imipramine binding (Bmax) and mood. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Sixty postmenopausal patients. INTERVENTION(S): Randomization to 3 months of daily treatment with tibolone and conjugated equine estrogen (CEE).625 mg combined either with 2.5 or 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The inclusion criteria-matched patients declined for HRT were prescribed daily alendronate. Pre- and posttreatment blood sampling for Bmax and mood evaluation with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were done. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores. RESULT(S): As compared with baseline, both CEE+MPA regimens and tibolone significantly increased Bmax. The comparisons of percent change from baseline Bmax for the CEE+MPA and tibolone groups were similar. All three HRT regimens improved the BDI significantly, while there were no significant changes in the STAI. In the alendronate group, there were no significant changes in both pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores. CONCLUSION(S): Continuous treatment with CEE+MPA and tibolone increases platelet (3)H-imipramine binding and improves mood. Mood-enhancing effects of tibolone may occur through the serotonergic system, as is the case with estrogen.

Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess cardiac flow parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: A prospective case-control study. SETTING: University-based hospital. PATIENT(S): Thirty consecutive patients with PCOS were enrolled. Thirty women with regular menstrual cycles served as the controls. INTERVENTION(S): Systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed by standard two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and area-under-curve insulin analysis. Serum hormones, lipid profile, homocysteine, vitamin B(12), folate, fibrinogen, uric acid, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I concentrations were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Systolic and diastolic function parameters, insulin sensitivity and serum homocysteine levels. RESULT(S): The mean serum homocysteine and uric acid concentrations were significantly higher in the PCOS group. Patients with PCOS had significant hyperinsulinemia. All systolic function parameters were comparable between the two groups. However, patients with PCOS had significantly lower peak mitral flow velocity in early diastole and significantly lower ratio between the early and late peak mitral flow velocities and also had significantly longer isovolumic relaxation time, reflecting a trend for nonrestrictive-type diastolic dysfunction. The area-under-curve insulin correlated positively with peak mitral flow velocity in late diastole (r = 0.375). The mean cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio correlated negatively with mean mitral flow velocity in early diastole (E) peak (r = -0.474). The mean fasting insulin level correlated negatively with mean E/A ratio (r = -0.387). CONCLUSION(S): Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with PCOS.

Complications of radical hysterectomy in women with early stage cervical cancer: clinical analysis of 270 cases.

During a 25 year period, 270 cases of stage IB and IIA cervical cancer were subjected to radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The morbidity rate was 27.6% and mortality rate was 0.3%. While injuries to the great vessels were the most common intra-operative complications, the most frequent postoperative complications were in the urinary system. The leading causes of morbidity were bladder dysfunction (16.2%), urinary infection (5.9%), lymphocyst (6.4%) and wound infections (3.5%). While the overall complications seem high, the frequency of serious morbidity has diminished and radical hysterectomy now represents one of the accepted methods of treatment of cervical carcinoma, with good 5-year survival rates.

The presence and extent of endometriosis do not effect clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of endometriosis on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study which enrolled 1280 consecutive cycles of 834 couples of ICSI with ejaculated sperm. Among them, 973 cycles of 632 couples had resulted in embryo transfer (ET). The presence of endometriosis was noted in 110 consecutive cycles of 45 patients among which 78 cycles of 44 patients had resulted in ET. Data from endometriosis group were analyzed in subgroups of minimal-mild (49 ET cycles of 25 patients) and moderate-severe (29 ET cycles of 19 patients). The controls consisted of 1170 consecutive cycles of age-matched 771 couples. Of the controls, 588 couples had 895 cycles of ET. Main outcome measures were implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: There were no differences in cycle and ET cancellation rates between control and endometriosis groups. The number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization and cleavage rates and the number and quality of embryos developed and transferred were similar among the groups. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were also comparable. CONCLUSION: The presence and extent of endometriosis do not affect implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in patients undergoing ICSI.

The origin of spermatozoa does not affect intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the origin of spermatozoa, ejaculate or testicular, affects intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 890 consecutive first ICSI and embryo transfer cycles done for male infertility. The ICSI outcome of ejaculated spermatozoa (n=780) and testicular spermatozoa retrieved from patients with obstructive azoospermia (n=43), non-obstructive azoospermia (n=53) and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (n=14) were compared by using chi-square test, independent t-test and ANOVA with Bonferroni test. RESULTS: All azoospermic males had a diagnostic testicular biopsy at least 6 months before the ICSI procedure. Spermatozoa were successfully retrieved in all 43 patients with obstructive azoospermia and in 72.6% of 73 non-obstructive cases. The cycle characteristics of the four groups were similar apart from a younger mean female age in the non-obstructive azoospermia group when compared with the ejaculated spermatozoa group. The fertilization, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were comparable among the four groups. CONCLUSION: Testicular spermatozoa recovered from patients with obstructive and all types of non-obstructive azoospermia were as much as effective as ejaculated spermatozoa in ICSI.