Non-inferiority of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation versus GnRH antagonist protocol: A propensity score-weighted analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol versus the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol in ovarian stimulation. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 804 patients who were treated between January 1st, 2022, and July 1st, 2023. Outcomes of ovarian stimulation were compared between the PPOS (n = 206) and GnRH-ant (n = 598). The primary outcome was the number of good cleavage embryos. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, the mean number of good cleavage embryos in PPOS (6.33) was non-inferior to GnRH-ant (6.44; unadjusted ratio of two means 1.02, 95%CI 0.92, 1.13). The trigger-day estradiol level in patients with PPOS was higher than in patients with GnRH-ant (4,420 vs 3,830 pg/ml, respectively) despite similar total follicle stimulating hormone dose and fewer days of ovarian stimulation. The number of oocytes, MII oocytes, cleavage and blastocyst embryos were comparable between the two protocols. After the first transfer of embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were higher in the PPOS group, while the pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy were not significantly different. None of the PPOS patients had an unexpected LH surge, and serum LH levels decreased slightly during ovarian stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: The PPOS protocol with dydrogesterone provided similar embryo outcomes to the GnRH-ant protocol, with notable distinctions in clinical pregnancy and implantation rate. The serum LH concentration during ovarian stimulation using PPOS was well-controlled.

Case Report: Pre- and postnatal management of an allantoic cyst with patent urachus and single umbilical artery.

Patent urachus is a rare congenital abnormality. Since its first description by Cabriolus in 1550, few cases have been reported. A 26-year-old Vietnamese primigravida presented at 20 weeks of gestation for evaluation of a cystic mass in the umbilical cord, which was first discovered at week 13 of pregnancy by ultrasound scan. The cystic mass originated from the root of the umbilical cord, connected to the urinary bladder, and no intestinal contents were enclosed within. Doppler ultrasound assessment showed that the single umbilical artery existed within the normal range. The progression of the umbilical cyst continued to be screened, but the mass disappeared on ultrasound images at 27 weeks of gestation. This led to the consideration of the cyst's rupture. After 38 gestational weeks, the pregnant woman delivered a 3350g male infant via cesarean section because of an obstructed vaginal labor. The following days, a stream of urine was recorded leaking out from the umbilical mass whenever he cried. Seven weeks after delivery, an open surgical approach was successfully performed. The baby is now 43 months of age, growing and developing normally. Since an allantoic cyst with patent urachus is a rare clinical entity, early discovery, close monitoring and accurate diagnosis through ultrasound in the prenatal period may consequently allow clinicians to have suitable attitudes towards management when the infant is born.