Pediatric back pain-Diagnostic algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Back pain in the pediatric population is common. History and a thorough physical examination and a systematic work-up approach are key components to guide the physician in evaluating the possible causes of pain and providing appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this review was to develop an algorithmic approach to assist physicians in the assessment of pediatric back pain. A comprehensive review of prevalence, differential diagnoses and proper management of pediatric back pain are also presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive literature search was performed in PubMed to gather articles on the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic tools, differential diagnoses and appropriate management of pediatric back pain. RESULTS: Available literature revealed that pediatric back pain is a common complaint. Although most cases are non-specific and self-limiting, there is a wide differential that should be considered including inflammatory, neoplastic, infectious and mechanical causes. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity and vigorous physical activity have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing back pain. We proposed an algorithm to guide the physician's decision about the next step in the diagnostic process. CONCLUSION: A well-defined strategy in the diagnostic process is needed in approaching children/adolescents with back pain. This would have the benefit of minimizing costs, unnecessary tests and child/family anxiety as well as increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Do biomarkers allow a differentiation between osteonecrosis of the femoral head and osteoarthritis of the hip? - a biochemical, histological and gene expression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating disease of the hip joint. Its early diagnosis is crucial to increase the chances of joint preserving, yet difficult due to similarities with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip in its clinical appearance. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of ONFH and its pathologic processes in contrast to OA and to identify serum biomarkers helping to improve the diagnosis of the disease. DESIGN: Bone and bone marrow samples were collected from 24 patients diagnosed with OA and 25 patients with ONFH during total hip replacement surgery. RNA was isolated, histological examination, determination of free reactive oxygen species as well as gene expression and biomarker analysis were performed. RESULTS: Histological analysis revealed differences in the structural and cellular pattern between the groups. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation for the genes ASPN, COL1A1, COL2A1 and IL6 and a significant downregulation for HIF1A in ONFH compared to OA group. Analysis of serum biomarkers showed significant differences between the groups for asporin and adiponectin. A final logistical regression model including the parameters adiponectin, asporin and HIF 1α was overall significant, explained 34.5 % of variance and classified 74.5 % of the cases correctly. CONCLUSION: The combination of adiponectin, asporin and HIF 1α as serum biomarkers revealed a classification accuracy of 74.5 %. The information provided in this study may help to enhance the understanding of pathologic processes in ONFH and to elaborate further aspects of prediction and treatment.

Constrained tripolar liner in patients with high risk of dislocation - Analysis of incidence and risk of failure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine number and type of failures and revisions after usage of a constrained tripolar acetabular liner in patients with high risk of dislocation. Potential correlations between these failures and the factors included were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study 55 participants in 68 cases were included after treatment with constrained tripolar acetabular liner. Patient specific data as well as surgery and implant specific data were collected. Radiological images were assessed. Furthermore, the gluteal function was analyzed. The parameters were statistically verified with regard to their influence on the failure of the constrained tripolar liner. RESULTS: This study included 16 cases (in nine participants) of postoperative failure. This results in a survival rate of 76.5% regarding the number of cases after 17 months. The statistical analysis of the different parameters considered that the number of previous surgeries has a significant (p = 0.027) influence on the failure. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study shows that treatment with constrained tripolar acetabular liners is a satisfactory method of treatment in cases with a high risk of dislocation. However, in cases with an increasing number of previous surgeries, an increased risk of failure was found. Therefore, in such cases, this type of supply treatment should be treated critically.

Femoral Cementation in Knee Arthroplasty-A Comparison of Three Cementing Techniques in a Sawbone Model Using the ATTUNE Knee.

Femoral component loosening is a rare but severe complication in total knee arthroplasty. Former studies have repeatedly demonstrated radiolucent lines behind the ventral and dorsal anchoring shields of the femoral components, which has led us to investigate this matter further. Therefore, three different cementing techniques were tested in a group of nine Sawbone samples each. These differed in the amount of cement applied on the femoral component as well as in the pressure application. Computed tomography was performed to evaluate and classify the cement penetration into the bone adjacent to the prosthesis according to the zones defined by the Knee Society scoring system. The results show significantly deeper cement penetration in all zones when a pressurizer is used. In the other two groups, no significant difference in the dorsal bevel cement penetration was noted. Additionally, no difference in ventral and dorsal cement penetrations (Zones 1 and 4) was delineated. In contrast, there was a significant difference in both the ventral bevel (Zone 2) as well as the distal anchoring surface (Zones 5-7). The use of a pressurizer results in greater cement penetration into all anchoring areas. Completely covering the component back surface results in a significantly higher penetration, which is mainly due to differences in volume. These data show significantly improved cementation results when using a pressurizer. Whether this improves the biomechanical properties and ultimately the revision rate requires further investigation.

[Periprosthetic joint infections : Latest developments, strategies and treatment algorithms]. / Periprothetische Früh- und Spätinfektionen : Neuste Entwicklungen, Strategien und Behandlungsalgorithmen.

BACKGROUND: Due to their multidimensional consequences, periprosthetic joint infections are a serious complication in arthroplasty. There are disagreements in the literature regarding their classification. At the same time, a consequence for the practical procedure cannot always be derived. THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES: In addition to debridement with antibiotics and implant retention, there are options for a one or two-stage change in the therapeutic procedure. Although the preservation of implants is only possible in the case of acute infections with a short duration of symptoms, prosthesis changes are indicated with a longer symptom duration. For both procedures, there are interinstitutional deviating indication criteria, weighing pros and cons. Both have specific problems, such as, in particular, the duration of the antibiotics course, the question of anchoring the prosthesis and, in the case of a two-stage procedure, the shape of the spacer.

The added value of orthotic management in the context of multi-level surgery in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cerebral palsy includes an interdisciplinary concept and in more severe cases the well-established multi-level surgery (MLS). Different kinds of orthoses are typically part of postoperative treatment but there is a lack of knowledge about their additional benefit. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do ankle foot orthoses lead to an additional, measurable improvement of gait after MLS? METHODS: 20 children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (9 retrospective, 11 in a postoperative clinical routine) were included. All had a preoperative gait analysis before MLS. Postoperatively, they were fitted with different ankle foot orthoses (AFO), depending on their individual needs. Dynamic ankle foot orthoses (DAFO), combined DAFO with additional dynamic, elastic shank adaptation (DESA) and ground reaction force AFOs (GRAFO) were used. Patients underwent a second gait analysis 1.5 (± 0.6) years postoperatively barefoot and with orthoses. Data analysis included testing for normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk-Test) and further nonparametric statistical testing on basis of a Wilcoxon Single-Rank Test. RESULTS: The operation produced changes in the hip, knee and ankle joint, and the pelvis. Spatiotemporal parameters showed significant changes due to additional use of the orthoses. Further, additional kinematic changes occurred at the hip, knee and ankle joint as well as the foot. The Gillette Gait Index (GGI) improved significantly by supplementary orthoses, but not by surgery alone. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Gait Deviation Index (GDI) rather showed changes due to the surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: MLS significantly improves GPS and GDI more than a year after surgery, which can be interpreted as an improvement in gait pattern. In contrast, the GGI is improved by additional postoperative orthotic treatment, which implies that walking ability itself has improved, rather than the gait pattern. Orthoses show a positive additional effect on surgical results at different anatomical levels. Spatiotemporal parameters are positively influenced solely by additional orthotic support.

Surface and aggregation properties of a plant-oil derived biosurfactant.

The plant-oil derived biosurfactant HeBra® shows a high surface activity combined with a versatile aggregation behavior. The hydrophilic protein head groups provide an excellent water solubility that still enables micelle formation due to the hydrophobic interactions of the fatty acid chains. The observed low CMC of 1 g L-1 allows an efficient utilization in different application fields already at very low concentrations. The mixture of low and high molecular weight components provides highly dynamic behavior during foam formation or dispersion processes combined with the formation of large and stable structures in solutions and at surfaces.

¿Mejora el estudio genético pre-implantacional la probabilidad de embarazo clínico en parejas sometidas a IVF/ICSI?: Revisión sistemática y meta análisis / Does the pre-implantation genetic study improve the probability of clinical pregnancy in couples undergoing IVF / ICSI?

Una de las principales causas de la falla de los ciclos de fecundación in vitro es la aneuploídia embrionaria. OBJETVO: determinar si las pruebas de tamizaje genético pre-implantacional favorece la posibilidad de embarazos MÉTODOS: Se realizó un revisión sistemática y meta-análisis. Buscamos en las bases PUBMED y EMBAS, estudios publicados entre 2006-2016, que compararan el número de embarazos en fecundación in vitro con y sin tamizeje genético preimplantaicon RESULTADOS: De los 115 artículos analizados, 4 cumplieron los criterios de selección. Evaluamos un total de 221 ciclos con tamizje y 592 sin. No encontramos diferencias en la posibilidad de embarazo (RR 0.88; IC95% 0.71-1.10; p=0.28). Al hacer análisis por subgrupo de técnica de tamizaje, encontramos que el uso de hibridación fluosrescente in situ se asoció a una disminución en la posibilidad de embarazo (3 estudios, RR 0.53; IC95% 0.36-0.77; p=0.0009); mientras que el uso de hibidración genómica comparativa se asoció a un aumeto (1 estudio, RR 1.58; IC 95% 1.24-2.00; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: La eficacia de las pruebas de tamizaje genñeticos son dependientes de la técnica, por lo que se deberia favorecer el uso de hibidración genómica comparativa.

Probably, the main cause in IVF failure is the transfer of aneuploid embryos. OBJECT: To determine if the use of preimplantational genetic screening improves the pregnancy rate in IVF cycles, compared to regular IVF. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching in PUBMED and EMBASE databases studies published between 2006-2016, comparing the pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF with PGS with that of women undergoing IVF only. RESULTS: Of the 115 articles found, 4 met the selection criteria, with a total of 734 women between 33 and 41 years: 221 with PGS and 592 controls. We found no association between the use of PGS and pregnancy (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.71-1.10, p = 0.28). However, we performed a subgroup analysis by technique of PGS, and found that fluorescent in situ hybridization was associated with a diminished risk of pregnancy (3 studies;(RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36-0.77; p = 0.0009), whereas comparative genomic hybridization was associated with an increase (1 study, RR 1.58, CI95% 1,24-2.00, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The effectivity of PGS is determined by the technique for PGS; therefore, only comparative genomic hybridization should be offered.

[Mazabraud and McCune-Albright syndromes in association : A case of two very rare orthopaedic tumour entities]. / Mazabraud- und McCune-Albright-Syndrom in Assoziation : Ein Fall zweier sehr seltener tumororthopädischer Entitäten.

We report on a 47-year-old woman with unilateral fibrous dysplasia and three intramuscular masses. Medical imaging revealed possible intramuscular myxomas, so that the suspected diagnosis was Mazabraud syndrome. After biopsy, the suspected diagnosis was verified by histology and molecular pathology. Due to endocrine abnormalities in the patient's medical history, McCune-Albright syndrome has was also verified.

Experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de fecundación in vitro / Experience of the Monteblanco Clinical Reproductive Medicine Unit with the use of corifollitropin alfa in in vitro fertilization cycles

ANTECEDENTES: La hiperestimulación ovárica controlada (HEOC) es uno de los componentes fundamentales de los ciclos de fecundación in-vitro (FIV). HEOC se ha realizado con gonadotrofinas exógenas de uso diario, agregando un componente de estrés adicional al tratamiento. La aparición de una FSH recombinante de depósito (corifollitropin alfa) permite disminuir el estrés asociado. Los estudios publicados no han mostrados diferencias en el número de ovocitos recuperados ni en las tasas de embarazo clínico. Los estudios existentes han sido financiados en su mayoría por la industria farmacéutica. OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos en pacientes no seleccionadas. MÉTODO: Se analizaron el número de ovocitos recuperados y la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2 en pacientes sometidas a HEOC con corifollitropin alfa, FSH recombinante diaria (rFSH), y la combinación de FSH recombinante y urinaria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 727 ciclos de FIV: 270 con corifollitropin alfa, 33 con rFSH y 333 con combinación de FSH. No hubo diferencias significativas en la recuperación de ovocitos ni en la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2. Al corregir por edad de la mujer y tipo de esquema de HEOC, encontramos que la edad de la mujer se asoció negativamente con el número de ovocitos recuperados, no así el tipo de esquema de HEOC. CONCLUSION: El uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos, no se diferencia significativamente de los otros esquemas de HEOC en la media de ovocitos recuperados ni en la media de ovocitos en metafase 2 obtenidos.

BACKGROUND: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a main component of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. COH have been performed with daily exogenous gonadotropins administered, adding to treatment an additional component of stress. The appearance of a depot recombinant FSH (corifollitropin alfa) helps to reduce stress in patients undergoing IVF. No studies have shown differences in the number of retrieved oocytes or clinical pregnancy rates; however these studies have been funded by the pharmaceutical industry. AIMS: To show the experience of Reproductive Medicine Unit Monteblanco with the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles, in unselected patients. METHODS: Our main outcome was the mean number of oocytes retrieved, and the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2 in patients undergoing COH with corifollitropin alpha, daily recombinant FSH (rFSH), and a combination of rFSH and urinary gonadotropin. RESULTS: We analyzed 727 IVF cycles: 270 cycles with corifollitropin alpha, 33 exclusive rFSH and 333 cycles with rFSH combination and urinary gonadotropins. We did not found any statistically significant difference in the mean number of oocytes recovered nor the proportion of metaphase two oocytes obtained. After adjusting for age, we did not find that the COH protocol influenced the mean number of oocytes recovered. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles does not alter the mean number of oocytes recovered, nor the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2.

Utilidad de la determinación de la reserva ovárica como predictor de la posibilidad de embarazo espontáneo: revisión sistemática / Usefulness of determining ovarian reserve as a predictor of the possibility of spontaneous pregnancy: a systematic review

ANTECEDENTES: En la actualidad, muchos especialistas determinan la reserva ovárica para aconsejar a sus pacientes acerca de su futuro reproductivo. OBJETIVO: Definir, a través de una revisión sistemática, si existe evidencia que justifique la determinación de la reserva ovárica como predictor de la posibilidad de embarazo espontáneo. MÉTODO: Realizamos una revisión sistemática usando las palabras claves "ovarian reserve" y "spontaneous pregnancy" en las bases MEDLINE y EMBASE, entre los años 2000 y 2015. RESULTADOS: Sólo tres artículos cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Si bien difieren en la forma de determinar la reserva ovárica y la población analizada, ninguno de los estudios encontró que la determinación de la reserva ovárica tuviera utilidad clínica en predecir la posibilidad de un embarazo espontáneo. CONCLUSIÓN: No existe evidencia que justifique la determinación de reserva ovárica, en forma rutinaria, para aconsejar a las parejas acerca de sus posibilidades de embarazo espontáneo.

BACKGROUND: Many specialists use ovarian reserve tests to determine their patient's reproductive potential. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the ovarian reserve determine the possibility of spontaneous pregnancy. METHOD: We searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE, articles published between 2000 and 2015, with the keywords "spontaneous pregnancy" and "ovarian reserve". RESULTS: Only three articles complied with the selection criteria. Although the studies have different approaches to evaluate ovarian reserve and study subjects, none of them found that that ovarian-reserve testing have clinical utility in predicting the chance of a spontaneous pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There is no utility to assess ovarian reserve routinely in order to predict chances of spontaneous pregnancy.

Is there any advantage in placing an additional calcar screw in locked nailing of proximal humeral fractures?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effect of an additional unlocked calcar screw compared to a standard setting with three proximal humeral head screws alone for fixation of an unstable 2-part fracture of the surgical neck. HYPOTHESIS: The additional calcar screw improves stiffness and failure load. METHODS: Fourteen fresh frozen humeri were randomized into two equal sized groups. An unstable 2-part fracture of the surgical neck was simulated and all specimens were fixed with the MultiLoc(®)-nail. Group I represented a basic screw setup, with three locked head screws and two unlocked shaft screws. Group II was identical with a supplemental unlocked calcar screw (CS). Stiffness tests were performed in torsional loading, as well as in axial and in 20° abduction/20° adduction modes. Subsequently cyclic loading and load-to-failure tests were performed. Resulting stiffness, displacement under cyclic load and ultimate load were compared between groups using the t-test for independent variables (α=0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the groups in any of the biomechanical parameters. Backing out of the CS was observed in three cases. DISCUSSION: The use of an additional unlocked calcar screw does not provide mechanical benefit in locked nailing of an unstable 2-part fracture of the surgical neck.

Relación de la menarquia precoz con disminución de la reserva ovárica en la vida adulta: Revisión sistemática y meta-análisis / Relationship of early menarche with decreased ovarian reserve in adult life: systematic review and meta-analysis

ANTECEDENTES: La identificación de factores que pudieran afectar la reserva ovárica permitiría predecir el resultado a la hiperestimulación ovárica en las técnicas de reproducción asistida, y en forma independiente a la edad, el éxito de estos procedimientos. Se ha propuesto que la presencia de menarquia precoz, definido como su aparición antes de los 12 años, sería uno de los factores predictivos de baja reserva ovárica. OBJETIVO: Determinar si existe asociación entre menarquia precoz y disminución de la reserva ovárica futura. MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos MEDLINE y EMBASE entre los años 2000 y 2013 con los conceptos "premature menarchae" y "ovarian reserve". Sólo 3 artículos cumplieron los criterios de selección, con un total de 2.470 pacientes. RESULTADO: El meta-análisis mostró una asociación significativa entre menarquia temprana y disminución de la reserva ovárica en la vida adulta (OR 1,89; IC95% 1,52-2,35; p=0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: De confirmarse la relación entre disminución de reserva ovárica en pacientes que presentaron menarquia precoz, será fundamental que ésta información sea debidamente registrada y evaluada dentro de la consejería preconcepcional.

BACKGROUND: The identification of predictors of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation could predict the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies procedures, and independently of age, predict the success of said procedures. It has been suggested that premature menarchae, i.e. below 12 years of age, predicts diminished ovarian reserve. OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is an association between premature menarche and diminished ovarian reserve. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in MEDLINE and EMBASE, for articles published between 2000 and 2013, with key words "premature menarchae" and "ovarian reserve". Three articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including a total of 2,470 patients. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of the results demonstrated an association between premature menarchae and diminished ovarian reserve (OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.52-2.35; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: If our findings are confirmed, it would be fundamental to include this information in any routine gynecological visit.

[Experience in establishing a certified endoprosthesis center]. / Erfahrungen mit der Einrichtung eines zertifizierten Endoprothesenzentrums.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that morbidity rates of arthroplasties are inversely related to procedure volume. In the department of orthopaedics at a German medical school, a performance of certification of high-volume center for total hip and knee arthroplasties, called the EndoCert(®) Initiative, was started. This project was initiated by the German society of orthopaedic surgery (DGOOC) to secure the quality of total knee and hip arthroplasties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of certification, pathwaycontrolled therapy and quality indicators on outcome in arthroplasty three years after implentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthroplasties performed in this certified center for total hip and knee arthroplasties were evaluated. Outcome was evaluated after the implementation of quality indicators and clinical pathways. RESULTS: After establishment of certification in the center for total hip and knee arthroplasties morbidity rates decreased as quality increased. CONCLUSION: The implementation of pathway-controlled therapy and quality indicators in a high-volume center for total joint arthroplasties shows better clinical results. Capital investment and efforts are legitimated.

The stability of the femoral component in the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement: a comparison of single and twin peg designs.

Aseptic loosening of the femoral component is an important indication for revision surgery in unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). A new design of femoral component with an additional peg was introduced for the cemented Oxford UKR to increase its stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the primary stability of the two designs of component. Medial Oxford UKR was performed in 12 pairs of human cadaver knees. In each pair, one knee received the single peg and one received the twin peg design. Three dimensional micromotion and subsidence of the component in relation to the bone was measured under cyclical loading at flexion of 40° and 70° using an optical measuring system. Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test was performed to detect differences between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the relative micromotion (p = 0.791 and 0.380, respectively) and subsidence (p = 0.301 and 0.176, respectively) of the component between the two groups at both angles of flexion. Both designs of component offered good strength of fixation in this cadaver study.

Uso de agonista de GnRH para inducir ovulación en ciclos de hiperestimulación ovárica controlada: experiencia de Clínica Monteblanco, Santiago, Chile / Use of GnRH agonist to induce ovulation cycles controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: experience of Monteblanco Clinic, Santiago, Chile

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva de Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de análogos GnRh para la inducción final de la maduración ovocitaria. Método: Se registraron los casos de IVF/ICSI durante el año 2012 en los que se indujo la maduración final ovocitaria con análogos GnRh (Lupron®). Todos los ciclos fueron estimulados con FSHr (Puregon®) y gonadotrofina urinaria altamente purificada (Menopur®), para la prevención del alza prematura de LH, el día 5° de estimulación se agregó diariamente antagonista de GnRh. La maduración ovocitaria final se realizó con 1,25 mg de acetato de leuprolide (Lupron®), posteriormente se realizó aspiración folicular bajo guía ecográfica. Todos los embriones obtenidos fueron vitrificados y transferidos en ciclos posteriores. Resultados: Entre enero y diciembre del año 2012 se registraron 110 pacientes cuya inducción de maduración final ovocitaria se realizó con acetato de leuprolide. El promedio de ovocitos recuperados fue de 21, la proporción de ovocitos maduros fue de 72 por ciento y la frecuencia de fecundación fue de 64 por ciento. No hubo ningún caso de síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo. Conclusiones: En los casos presentados de inducción de la maduración ovocitaria final con acetato de leuprolida, los resultados obtenidos son óptimos en términos de número de ovocitos en metafase II recuperados y en frecuencia de fecundación, mostrando ser una alternativa eficiente en la prevención del síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo, sin alterar el pronóstico de las pacientes.

Objective: To present the experience of the Reproductive Medicine Unit of Clinica Monteblanco inducing oocyte final maturation by GnRh analogue administration. Methods: We analysed all IVF/ICSI cases performed in 2012, in which final oocyte maturation was induced by administration of GnRH analogue (Lupron®). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was achieved bydaily rFSH (Puregon®) and highly purified urinary gonadotropin (Menopur®) administration. In order to prevent premature LH rise, on the 5th day of stimulation daily GnRH antagonist (Orgalutran®) was added. Final oocyte maturation was induced by the administration of 1.25 mg leuprolide acetate (Lupron®). Follicular aspiration was subsequently performed under ultrasound guidance. All embryos were vitrified and transferred in a subsequent cycle. Results: We registered 110 patients. The mean number of recovered oocytes was 21; the proportion of mature oocytes was 72 percent, and the fecundation rate reached was 64 percent. No case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was recorded. Conclusions: In this cohort, the use of leuprolide acetate for induce final oocyte maturation demonstrated to be an efficient alternative to induce oocyte final maturation, while preventing OHSS.

Registro chileno de técnicas de reproducción asistida, 2011 / Chilean record of assisted reproduction techniques, 2011

Presentamos el Registro Chileno de Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida realizadas en el año 2011. Siete centros reportaron un total de 1.918 ciclos de reproducción asistida: 161 ciclos de fecundación in vitro (FIV), 1.266 ciclos de inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI), 325 ciclos de transferencia de embriones criopreservados, y 166 ciclos de transferencia de embriones producto de ovodonación. La tasa de parto por aspiración en ciclos de FIV fue 18,6 por ciento y en ciclos de ICSI fue 22,0 por ciento. La tasa de parto por transferencia embrionaria en ciclos de transferencia de embriones criopreservados fue 21,5 por ciento; en ciclos de transferencia de embriones producto de ovodonación fue 41,9 por ciento. La edad promedio de las mujeres sometidas a ciclos de IVF/ICSI fue 35,7 años (rango: 22-48 años). El 38 por ciento de los ciclos iniciados fue en mujeres <34 años. A diferencia de años anteriores, la media de embriones transferidos no presentó una disminución, estabilizándose en 2,1. La frecuencia global de parto múltiple en IVF/ICSI fue 24 por ciento; 23 por ciento gemelar y 1 por ciento parto triple y mayor. Concluimos que la tasa de parto de los ciclos de IVF/ICSI se mantiene relativamente estable en relación a años anteriores. Gracias a la criopreservación y la transferencia secuencial de toda la cohorte de embriones producidos, la frecuencia de partos triple descendió considerablemente. Sin embargo, la alta frecuencia de parto doble no ha experimentado ninguna disminución y debe ser el próximo desafío.

We present the Chilean Registry of Assisted Reproductive Technologies performed in 2011. For the first time this registry is performed on a case-by-case basis. Seven centres reported 1,918 cycles: 161 in vitro fertilisation cases (IVF), 1,366 intracytoplasmatic sperm injection cases (ICSI), 325 cryiopreserved embryo transfers, and 158 oocyte donation cycles. The delivery rate per oocyte pick up for IVF and ICSI cycles was 18.6 percent and 22.0 percent, respectively. The delivery rate per embryo transfers for cryopreserved embryo transfer and oocyte donation were 21.5 percent and 41.9 percent, respectively. The mean age of woman undergoing IVF/ICSI was 35.7 years (min 22 max 48 years); 38 percent of initiated cycles were performed in women aged <34 years. As in previous years, the mean number of embryos transferred declined slightly, reaching 2.1. The multiple delivery rate was 24 percent: 23 percent twin and 1 percent triplet and higher. In conclusion the delivery rate in IVF/ICSI cycles remains stable. Thanks to cryopreservation and posterior embryo transfer, the rate of triplet-delivery continues to diminish. However, the rate of twin delivery has not diminished, and remains a challenge.

Edad máxima en la que una mujer puede ser madre con sus propios óvulos: revisión sistemática / Maximum age at which a woman can be a mother: systematic review

Antecedentes: La amplia realización de ciclos de ovodonación, en todo el mundo, se ha traducido en elevadas tasas de embarazos y partos en mujeres de diversas edades, incluyendo a postmenopáusicas tardías. Esto ha generado controversias y desafíos éticos, motivando a que muchos centros en los cuales se practican estas técnicas limiten la edad máxima de las mujeres receptoras. Objetivo: Buscar un criterio biológico y objetivo para definir esta edad, para conocer las edades máximas reportadas, en las cuales la mujer es capaz con sus propios gametos lograr un embarazo espontáneo y parto. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda amplia en las bases de datos de PUBMED y MEDLINE de artículos que reportaran mujeres que concibieron sobre 40 años y que especificaran la edad al momento del último parto, excluyéndose aquellos en los cuales se usaron técnicas de reproducción asistida. Resultados: Sólo dos trabajos completaron los criterios de inclusión y no presentaron los de exclusión. Las máximas edades reportadas fueron 49 y 52 años respectivamente. Conclusión: La edad máxima reportada en la literatura en la cual una mujer ha logrado un embarazo espontáneo y parto es a los 52 años.

Background: The broad use of oocyte donation cycles has resulted in high rates of pregnancy and child birth in women of different ages, including postmenopausal women. This has generated controversy and ethical challenges, motivating many centers to limit the maximum age of oocytes recipients. Aims: To seek a biological and objective criteria to define such maximal age, in which a woman is able to achieve a spontaneous pregnancy and give a birth. Methods: We performed a broad search PUBMED and MEDLINE including articles that reported women who conceived after age40 years and specify the age at last birth, excluding those who received donated eggs. Results: Only two articles presented the inclusion criteria and no exclusion. The maximum reported ages were 49 and 52 years respectively. Conclusion: The maximum age reported in the literature in which a woman has achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and birth with her own gametes is at 52 years.

Influencia de la abstinencia eyaculatoria en las características del espermiograma: revisión sistemática / Relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics: systematic review of the literature

Antecedentes: La Organización Mundial de la Salud propone que el tiempo de abstinencia eyaculatorio óptimo para evaluar los parámetros seminales del espermiograma sea entre 2 y 7 días. Objetivo: Evaluar la evidencia científica para esta recomendación. Método: Se realizó esta revisión sistemática con el fin de evaluar la relación entre la duración de la abstinencia sexual y las características del espermiograma. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases MEDLINE y PUBMED incluyendo artículos prospectivos y retrospectivos donde se informara la abstinencia eyaculatoria y que el informe del espermiograma cumpliera con los criterios de la OMS. Se descartaron aquellos que incluyera hombres con tratamientos hormonales o con diabetes mellitus. Resultados: Encontramos cuatro trabajos que cumplieron los criterios de selección. De su análisis se desprende que tanto el volumen seminal como la concentración espermática varió con el tiempo de abstinencia, pero no se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros de motilidad ni en la frecuencia de morfologías normales. Conclusión: No encontramos evidencia que apoye la política actual de abstinencia eyaculatoria previo a la evaluación del espermiograma...

Background: The World Health Organization proposed an ejaculatory abstinence to evaluate seminal parameters of 2 to 7 days. Objective: Evaluate the scientific evidence for this recommendation. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature, in order to assess whether there is a relationship between the duration of ejaculatory abstinence and sperm characteristics. We performed a search in databases MEDLINE and PUBMED including articles reporting ejaculatory abstinence and that met the WHO criteria for seminal analysis. Exclusion criteria included hormonal treatment or diabetes mellitus. Results: Four articles met the inclusion criteria. They reported that both semen volume and sperm concentration differed significantly according to ejaculatory abstinence, however we found no evidence that neither motility parameters nor normal morphology depended on ejaculatory abstinence. Conclusion: We found no evidence to support 2-7 days ejaculatory abstinence prior to perform a semen analysis...