Levothyroxine for a high-normal TSH in unexplained infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Unexplained infertility affects nearly one-third of infertile couples. Women with unexplained infertility are more likely to have a high-normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level (TSH: 2.5-5 mIU/L) compared to women with severe male factor infertility. Practice guidelines vary on whether treatment should be initiated for TSH levels >2.5 mIU/L in women attempting conception because the effects of treating a high-normal TSH level with levothyroxine are not known. We evaluated conception and live birth rates in women with unexplained infertility and high-normal TSH levels. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Retrospective study including 96 women evaluated for unexplained infertility at a large academic medical centre between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2017 with high-normal TSH (TSH: 2.5-5 mIU/L and within the normal range of the assay) who were prescribed (n = 31) or not prescribed (n = 65) levothyroxine. Conception and live birth rates were assessed. RESULTS: The conception rate in the levothyroxine group was 100% compared to 90% in the untreated group (p = .086 unadjusted; p < .05 adjusted for age; p = .370 adjusted for TSH; p = .287 adjusted for age and TSH). The live birth rate was lower in the levothyroxine group (63%) compared to the untreated group (84%) (p = .05 unadjusted; p = .094 adjusted for age; p = .035 adjusted for TSH; p = .057 adjusted for age and TSH). CONCLUSIONS: Women with unexplained infertility and high-normal TSH levels treated with levothyroxine had a higher rate of conception but lower live birth rate compared to untreated women, with the limitation of a small sample size. These findings assert the need for prospective, randomized studies to determine whether treatment with levothyroxine in women with unexplained infertility and high-normal TSH is beneficial.

Cumulative pregnancy rates of two strategies: Day 3 fresh embryo transfer followed by Day 3 or Day 5/6 vitrification and embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Are cumulative pregnancy rates better if supernumerary embryos are vitrified on Day 5/6 instead of Day 3? SUMMARY ANSWER: The results do not show a significant difference in cumulative pregnancy rates between the Day 3 and Day 5/6 vitrification groups. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Pregnancy and live birth rates following IVF or ICSI treatment are higher after extended embryo culture and blastocyst transfer (Day 5/6) compared to cleavage-stage (Day 3) transfer. Cumulative pregnancy rates from one oocyte retrieval (OR) cycle show no significant difference after fresh and frozen embryo transfers, but only one study has used vitrification for the cryopreservation of supernumerary embryos while four studies have used a slow freezing protocol. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Our prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in an academic centre between January 2018 and August 2020. Patients were randomized into vitrification Day 3 (n = 80) or Day 5/6 (n = 81) groups. The primary outcome was the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate (cOPR), considering only the first pregnancy for each couple. The power calculation revealed that 75 patients were required in each group, when assuming a 50% cOPR with four embryo transfers in the vitrification Day 3 group vs two transfers in the vitrification Day 5/6 group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Patients <38 years undergoing their first or second OR cycles were randomized at the start of the first cycle. Up to two cycles were included in the analysis. A fresh embryo transfer was performed on Day 3. Supernumerary embryos (with ≥6 cells, <25% fragmentation, and equal blastomeres) or blastocysts (with expansion grade ≥2 with inner cell mass and trophectoderm score A/B) were vitrified on Day 3 or Day 5/6, respectively, and then transferred at a later date. A time-to-event analysis was performed with the patient's first ongoing pregnancy as the event of interest and the number of embryo transfers as the time component. The statistical comparison was performed by a Cox proportional hazards model. Cumulative costs of vitrification on Day 3 vs Day 5/6 were explored and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: By December 2021, 233 transfers (96 fresh and 137 frozen) in 77 patients were performed in the vitrification Day 3 group and 201 transfers (88 fresh and 113 frozen) in 77 patients were performed in the vitrification Day 5/6 group. The time-to-event analysis did not show a difference between the two arms with regard to the patient's first ongoing pregnancy as the primary study outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, 95% CI 0.82; 1.92, P = 0.30). The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate after eight transfers (from one or two ORs) was 57% in the vitrification Day 3 group vs 58% in the vitrification Day 5/6 group. The median number of embryo transfers until a pregnancy was achieved was five vs four, respectively, in the vitrification Day 3 group vs the Day 5/6 group. Similar results were found for the secondary study outcome, i.e. clinical pregnancy with foetal heart rate (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.78; 1.80, P = 0.41). The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (cCPR) after eight embryo transfers was 62% in the vitrification Day 3 group vs 59% in the vitrification Day 5/6 group. The median number of transfers until a pregnancy was achieved was four in both groups. The healthcare consumption pattern differed between the two groups and we observed higher costs for the vitrification Day 3 group compared to the vitrification Day 5/6 group, although these differences were not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although our power calculation revealed that only 75 patients were needed in each study group (ß = 0.87, α < 0.05), the numbers were low. Also, different numbers of single and double embryo transfers were performed between the two groups, which may have affected the results. The cost analysis was performed on a subset of the patients and is therefore exploratory. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our study shows no difference in the cumulative pregnancy rate nor costs after fresh and frozen embryo transfers of at most two sequential OR cycles between the Day 3 and Day 5/6 vitrification groups; however, obstetric and perinatal outcomes should be taken into account to determine the best strategy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded as an investigator-sponsored study of S.D. by Merck nv/sa Belgium, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and by Gedeon Richter Benelux (PA18-0162). The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04196036. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 15 January 2018. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 15 January 2018.

The web-based Pleasure&Pregnancy programme in the treatment of unexplained infertility: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Does offering the Pleasure&Pregnancy (P&P) programme rather than expectant management improve naturally conceived ongoing pregnancy rates in couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: The P&P programme had no effect on the ongoing pregnancy rates of couples with unexplained infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Underpowered studies suggested that face-to-face interventions targeting sexual health may increase pregnancy rates. The impact of an eHealth sexual health programme had yet to be evaluated by a large randomized controlled trial. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a nationwide multi-centre, unblinded, randomized controlled superiority trial (web-based randomization programme, 1:1 allocation ratio). This RCT intended to recruit 1164 couples within 3 years but was put on hold after having included 700 couples over 5 years (2016-2021). The web-based P&P programme contains psychosexual information and couple communication, mindfulness and sensate focus exercises aiming to help maintain or improve sexual health, mainly pleasure, and hence increase pregnancy rates. The P&P programme additionally offers information on the biology of conception and enables couples to interact online with peers and via email with coaches. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Heterosexual couples with unexplained infertility and a Hunault-prognosis of at least 30% chance of naturally conceiving a live-born child within 12 months were included, after their diagnostic work-up in 41 Dutch secondary and tertiary fertility centres. The primary outcome was an ongoing pregnancy, defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy of at least 12 weeks duration confirmed by an ultrasound scan, conceived naturally within 6 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were time to pregnancy, live birth, sexual health, and personal and relational well-being at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. The primary analyses were according to intention-to-treat principles. We calculated relative risks (RRs, pregnancy rates) and a risk difference (RD, pregnancy rates), Kaplan-Meier survival curves (live birth over time), and time, group, and interactive effects with mixed models analyses (sexual health and well-being). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Totals of 352 (one withdrawal) and 348 (three withdrawals) couples were allocated to, respectively the P&P group and the expectant management group. Web-based tracking of the intervention group showed a high attrition rate (57% of couples) and limited engagement (i.e. median of 16 visits and 33 min total visitation time per couple). Intention-to-treat analyses showed that 19.4% (n = 68/351) of the P&P group and 22.6% (n = 78/345) of the expectant management group achieved a naturally conceived ongoing pregnancy (RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.64-1.15, RD = -3.24%; 95% CI -9.28 to 2.81). The time to pregnancy did not differ between the groups (Log rank = 0.23). Live birth occurred in 18.8% (n = 66/351) of the couples of the P&P group and 22.3% (n = 77/345) of the couples of the expectant management group (RR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.63-1.1). Intercourse frequency decreased equally over time in both groups. Sexual pleasure, orgasm, and satisfaction of women of the P&P group improved while these outcomes remained stable in the expectant management group. Male orgasm, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction decreased over time with no differences between groups. The intervention did not affect personal and relational well-being. Non-compliance by prematurely starting medically assisted reproduction, and clinical loss to follow-up were, respectively, 15.1% and 1.4% for the complete study population. Per protocol analysis for the primary outcome did not indicate a difference between the groups. Comparing the most engaged users with the expectant management group added that coital frequency decreased less, and that male sexual desire improved in the intervention group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The intended sample size of 1164 was not reached because of a slow recruitment rate. The achieved sample size was, however, large enough to exclude an improvement of more than 8% of the P&P programme on our primary outcome. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The P&P programme should not be offered to increase natural pregnancy rates but may be considered to improve sexual health. The attrition from and limited engagement with the P&P programme is in line with research on other eHealth programmes and underlines the importance of a user experience study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw, reference: 843001605) and Flanders Research Foundation. C.B.L. is editor-in-chief of Human Reproduction. H.W.L. received royalties or licences from Prometheus Publishers Springer Media Thieme Verlag. J.B. received support from MercK for attending the ESHRE course 'The ESHRE guideline on ovarian stimulation, do we have agreement?' J.v.D. reports consulting fees and lecture payments from Ferring, not related to the presented work, and support for attending ESHRE from Goodlife and for attending NFI Riga from Merck. A.H. reports consulting fees by Ferring Pharmaceutical company, The Netherlands, paid to institution UMCG, not related to the presented work. H.V. reports consulting fees from Ferring Pharmaceutical company, The Netherlands, and he is a member of the ESHRE guideline development group unexplained infertility and Chair of the Dutch guideline on unexplained infertility (unpaid). M.G. declares unrestricted research and educational grants from Ferring not related to the presented work, paid to their institution VU Medical Centre. The other authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR5709. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 4 February 2016. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 27 June 2016.

Clinical outcomes from ART in predicted hyperresponders: in vitro maturation of oocytes versus conventional ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI.

STUDY QUESTION: Do ongoing pregnancy rates (OPRs) differ in predicted hyperresponders undergoing ART after IVM of oocytes compared with conventional ovarian stimulation (OS) for IVF/ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER: One cycle of IVM is non-inferior to one cycle of OS in women with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels ≥10 ng/ml. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Women with high antral follicle count and elevated serum AMH levels, indicating an increased functional ovarian reserve, are prone to hyperresponse during ART treatment. To avoid iatrogenic complications of OS, IVM has been proposed as a mild-approach alternative treatment in predicted hyperresponders, including women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are eligible for ART. To date, inferior pregnancy rates from IVM compared to OS have hampered the uptake of IVM by ART clinics. However, it is unclear whether the efficiency gap between IVM and OS may differ depending on the extent of AMH elevation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of clinical and laboratory data from the first completed highly purified hMG (HP-hMG) primed, non-hCG-triggered IVM or OS (FSH or HP-hMG stimulation in a GnRH antagonist protocol) cycle with ICSI in predicted hyperresponders ≤36 years of age at a tertiary referral university hospital. A total of 1707 cycles were included between January 2016 and June 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Predicted hyperresponse was defined as a serum AMH level ≥3.25 ng/ml (Elecsys® AMH, Roche Diagnostics). The primary outcome was cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate assessed 10-11 weeks after embryo transfer (ET). The predefined non-inferiority limit was -10.0%. The analysis was adjusted for AMH strata. Time-to-pregnancy, defined as the number of ET cycles until ongoing pregnancy was achieved, was a secondary outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a multivariable regression model controlling for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Data from 463 IVM cycles were compared with those from 1244 OS cycles. Women in the IVM group more often had a diagnosis of Rotterdam PCOS (434/463, 93.7%) compared to those undergoing OS (522/1193, 43.8%), were significantly younger (29.5 years versus 30.5 years, P ≤ 0.001), had a higher BMI (25.7 kg/m2 versus 25.1 kg/m2, P ≤ 0.01) and higher AMH (11.6 ng/ml versus 5.3 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001). Although IVM cycles yielded more cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) (24.5 versus 15.0 COC, P ≤ 0.001), both groups had similar numbers of mature oocytes (metaphase II (MII)) (11.9 MII versus 10.6 MII, P = 0.9). In the entire cohort, non-adjusted cumulative OPR from IVM was significantly lower (198/463, 42.8%) compared to OS (794/1244, 63.8%), P ≤ 0.001. When analysing OPR across different serum AMH strata, cumulative OPR in both groups converged with increasing serum AMH, and OPR from IVM was non-inferior compared to OS from serum AMH levels >10 ng/ml onwards (113/221, 51.1% (IVM); 29/48, 60.4% (OS)). The number of ETs needed to reach an ongoing pregnancy was comparable in both the IVM and the OS group (1.6 versus 1.5 ET's, P = 0.44). Multivariable regression analysis adjusting for ART type, age, BMI, oocyte number, and PCOS phenotype showed that the number of COCs was the only parameter associated with OPR in predicted hyperresponders with a serum AMH >10 ng/ml. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: These data should be interpreted with caution as the retrospective nature of the study holds the possibility of unmeasured confounding factors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Among subfertile women who are eligible for ART, IVM, and OS resulted in comparable reproductive outcomes in a subset of women with a serum AMH ≥10 ng/ml. These findings should be corroborated by a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing both treatments in selected patients with elevated AMH. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): There was no external funding for this study. P.D. has been consultant to Merck Healthcare KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) from April 2021 till June 2023 and is a Merck employee (Medical Director, Global Medical Affairs Fertility) with Merck Healthcare KGAaA (Darmstadt, Germany) since July 2023. He declares honoraria for lecturing from Merck KGaA, MSD, Organon, and Ferring. The remaining authors declared no conflict of interest pertaining to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

The clinical effectiveness of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility on wellbeing and assisted reproduction outcomes: a randomized controlled trial in search for active ingredients.

STUDY QUESTION: Does the Mind/Body Program for Infertility (MBPI) perform better, due to certain distinctive elements, than a partly matched support group in improving the wellbeing and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outcomes of women with elevated distress levels in a clinical setting? SUMMARY ANSWER: While robust enhancements occurred in the wellbeing overall, the cognitive behavioural and formalized stress management elements of the MBPI allowed a significantly stronger improvement in trait anxiety, but not in other mental health and MAR outcomes, compared with a support group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Mind-body psychological programmes adjacent to MAR have been found to improve women's mental states and possibly increase chances of pregnancy. However, not enough is known about the programme's effectiveness among patients with elevated distress levels in routine clinical settings, nor is it clear which of its particular ingredients are specifically effective. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A pre-post design, single-centre, randomized controlled trial was performed between December 2019 and October 2022 (start and end of recruitment, respectively). The sample size (n = 168) was calculated to detect superiority of the MBPI in improving fertility-related quality of life. Randomization was computer-based, with random numbers concealing identities of patients until after allocation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The trial was conducted at a large university teaching hospital. A total of 168 patients were randomly assigned to the mind-body (MBPI) group (n = 84) and the fertility support (FS) control group (n = 84). Patients received a 10-week, 135-min/week group intervention, with the FS group following the same format as the MBPI group, but with a less restricted and systematic content, and without the presumed effective factors. The number of patients analysed was n = 74 (MBPI) and n = 68 (FS) for post-intervention psychological outcomes, and n = 54 (MBPI) and n = 56 (FS) for pregnancy outcomes at a 30-month follow-up. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Significant improvements occurred in both groups in all psychological domains (adjusted P < 0.001), except for treatment-related quality of life. Linear mixed-model regression analysis did not reveal significantly greater pre-post improvements in the MBPI group than in the FS group in fertility-related quality of life (difference in differences (DD) = 4.11 [0.42, 7.80], d = 0.32, adjusted P = 0.124), treatment-related quality of life (DD = -3.08 [-7.72, 1.55], d = -0.20, adjusted P = 0.582), infertility-specific stress (DD = -2.54 [-4.68, 0.41], d = -0.36, adjusted P = 0.105), depression (DD = -1.16 [3.61, 1.29], d = -0.13, adjusted P = 0.708), and general stress (DD = -0.62 [-1.91, 0.68], d = -0.13, adjusted P = 0.708), but it did show a significantly larger improvement in trait anxiety (DD = -3.60 [-6.16, -1.04], d = -0.32, adjusted P = 0.042). Logistic regression showed no group effect on MAR pregnancies, spontaneous pregnancies, or live births. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The follow-up only covered MAR-related medical outcomes and no psychological variables, and their rates were not equal in the two groups. Biological factors other than age, aetiology, and duration of infertility may have confounded the study results. Loss to follow-up was between 5% and 10%, which may have led to some bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The psychologically and medically heterogeneous sample, the normal clinical setting and the low attrition rate all raise the external validity and generalizability of our study. The MBPI works not only in controlled conditions, but also in routine MAR practice, where it can be introduced as a cost-effective, low-intensity psychological intervention, within the framework of stepped care. More studies are needed to further identify its active ingredients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04151485. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 5 November 2019. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 15 December 2019.

Effect of estradiol supplementation on luteal support following a significant reduction in serum estradiol levels after hCG triggering: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding 4 mg estradiol valerate to progesterone for luteal support on pregnancy rates in IVF cycles following a long protocol with reduced luteal serum estradiol levels post-hCG triggering. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a public tertiary hospital reproductive center with 241 patients who experienced a significant decrease in serum estrogen levels post-oocyte retrieval. INTERVENTIONS: Participants received either a daily 4 mg dose of estradiol valerate in addition to standard progesterone or standard progesterone alone for luteal support. RESULTS: The ongoing pregnancy rate did not show a significant difference between the E2 group and the control group (56.6% vs. 52.2%, with an absolute rate difference (RD) of 4.4%, 95% CI -0.087 to 0.179, P = 0.262). Similarly, the live birth rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, and severe OHSS rate were comparable between the two groups. Notably, the E2 group had no biochemical miscarriages, contrasting significantly with the control group (0.0% vs. 10.7%, RD -10.7%, 95% CI -0.178 to -0.041, P = 0.000). In the blastocyst stage category, the clinical pregnancy rate was notably higher in the E2 group compared to the control group (75.6% vs. 60.8%, RD 14.9%, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.294, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Adding 4 mg estradiol valerate to progesterone for luteal support does not affect the ongoing pregnancy rate in embryo transfer cycles using a long protocol with a significant decrease in serum estradiol levels after hCG triggering. However, it may reduce biochemical miscarriages and positively impact clinical pregnancy rates in blastocyst embryo transfer cycles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1800020342.

Impact of elevated serum estradiol levels before progesterone administration on pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer for hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective cohort study is to investigate the impact of monitoring serum estradiol (E2) levels before progesterone administration within hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). METHODS: Analyzed HRT-FET cycles conducted at a reproductive center from 2017 to 2022. Serum E2 levels were measured prior to progesterone administration. Multivariate stratified and logistic regression analyses were performed on 26,194 patients grouped according to terciles of serum E2 levels before progesterone administration. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) exhibited a gradual decline with increasing serum E2 levels across the three E2 groups. Even after controlling for potential confounders, including female age, body mass index, infertility diagnosis, cycle category, number of embryos transferred, fertilization method, indication for infertility, and endometrial thickness, both CPR and LBR persistently showed a gradual decrease as serum E2 levels increased within the three E2 groups. The same results were obtained by multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This large retrospective study indicates that elevated serum E2 levels before progesterone administration during HRT-FET cycles are associated with reduced CPR and LBR post-embryo transfer. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor serum E2 levels and adjust treatment strategies accordingly to maximize patient outcomes.

How successful is intrauterine insemination after failed IVF? A study of 551 women.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) after failing IVF? DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the pregnancy outcomes of 551 patients who underwent a total of 992 IUI cycles at an academic fertility centre between October 2008 and April 2018. RESULTS: The study participants (n = 551) had previously failed one to three fresh IVF cycles and any resultant embryo transfers, and subsequently underwent a total of 992 IUI cycles. When comparing demographics, women with ongoing pregnancies, clinical pregnancies and positive pregnancies were significantly younger (P = 0.037, P = 0.025 and P = 0.049, respectively) compared with women who did not conceive. The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate for all IUI cycles was 7.44% per patient (41 pregnancies in 551 patients), and the ongoing pregnancy rate after the first IUI cycle was 4.72%. In single women who had previously failed six IUI cycles before undergoing IVF cycles with donor sperm, the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was 15.8% in donor sperm IUI cycles compared with 5.1% in women who used their partner's sperm for both IVF and IUI cycles, with an adjusted odds ratio of 6.1. Patient age, number of previous pregnancies, daily gonadotrophin dose for IVF, number of mature follicles at trigger, and number of failed IVF cycles failed to predict pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Ongoing pregnancy following IUI after failed IVF occurs at a rate of approximately 5% per cycle, and this rate is higher if donor sperm is used for both IVF and IUI cycles. This can be considered with proper counselling in women aged <40 years, and may be discouraged in women aged ≥43 years.

Fast and furious: pregnancy outcome with one-step rehydration in the warming protocol for human blastocysts.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do embryos warmed using a one-step rehydration protocol with a more efficient workflow result in comparable pregnancy rates to the standard multi-step rehydration protocol? DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of 3439 frozen embryo transfers (FET). Clinical outcomes of 833 FETs using a one-step rehydration protocol were reviewed and compared with results from the control group (2606 FETs using standard multi-step rehydration protocol). Primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes were survival, positive pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, implantation and miscarriage rates. RESULTS: Survival rates were identical between the two groups (99.5%). Clinical pregnancy rate was 63.0% in the one-step warming protocol, comparable to 59.9% in the multi-step rehydration protocol. A significant increase was observed in the ongoing pregnancy rate with 60.4% in the one-step rehydration versus 55.4% in the multi-step rehydration group (P = 0.011); implantation rate was 63.6% versus 57.0% (P = 0.0005). The miscarriage rate of 4.0% in the one-step rehydration protocol was significantly lower compared with 7.6% in the multi-step rehydration protocol (P = 0.0001). Comparable outcomes persisted even when the analysis was extended to embryos that had and had not undergone preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), as well as day of development of the blastocysts. When controlling for variables of age, PGT, blastocyst development day and embryo expansion, rapid warming significantly increased chances of an ongoing pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.264, 95% CI 1.076 to 1.484). CONCLUSION: A one-step rehydration protocol resulted in identical survival rates and improved ongoing pregnancy rates compared with the multi-step rehydration technique.

Effect of vitamin D on pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: retrospective and prospective studies.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does vitamin D affect the pregnancy rate of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) receiving ovulation-induction therapy? DESIGN: The retrospective study included 200 patients with PCOS and 200 healthy women. The prospective study included 160 patients with PCOS receiving vitamin D or placebo supplementation. Pregnancy rates were assessed after a maximum of three cycles of ovulation induction. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycalciferol [25-(OH)D3], LH, FSH, progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone and fasting insulin; LH/FSH ratio; and body mass index were evaluated. RESULTS: In the retrospective study, patients with PCOS had lower 25-(OH)D3 concentrations than healthy women, pregnant patients with PCOS had higher 25-(OH)D3 concentrations than non-pregnant patients with PCOS (both P = 0.000), and the pregnancy rate was lower in the vitamin-D-deficient group compared with the non-vitamin-D-deficient group (P = 0.022). In the prospective study, compared with placebo supplementation, vitamin D supplementation increased the serum concentration of 25-(OH)D3 (P = 0.000), and reduced the LH/FSH ratio, and concentrations of LH and testosterone significantly (all P ≤ 0.049). After the intervention, it was found that the LH/FSH ratio, and concentrations of LH and testosterone were significantly lower in both groups compared with pre-intervention (P = 0.000). After ovulation induction, the pregnancy rate was higher in patients in the vitamin D supplementation group compared with the placebo supplementation group (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with PCOS, and vitamin-D-deficient patients with PCOS have lower pregnancy rates after ovulation induction compared with non-vitamin-D-deficient patients with PCOS. Vitamin D supplementation can improve the pregnancy rate and mitigate basic hormone disorders. Therefore, monitoring vitamin D supplementation and checking vitamin D concentrations before and during interventions are essential for patients with PCOS.

Modified natural cycle allows a window of 7 days for frozen embryo transfer planning.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Should ovulation be triggered in a modified natural cycle (mNC) with recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG) as soon as a mean follicle diameter of 17 mm is visible, or is more flexible planning possible? DESIGN: This multicentre, retrospective, observational study of 3087 single frozen blastocyst transfers in mNC was carried out between January 2020 and September 2022. The inclusion criteria included endometrial thickness ≥7 mm and serum progesterone <1.5 ng/ml. The main outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary end-points were pregnancy rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. The mean follicle size at triggering was stratified into three groups (13.0-15.9, 16.0-18.9 and 19.0-22 mm). RESULTS: The baseline characteristics between the groups did not vary significantly for age, body mass index and the donor's age for egg donation. No differences were found in pregnancy rate (64.5%, 60.2% and 57.4%; P = 0.19), clinical pregnancy rate (60.5%, 52.8% and 50.6%; P = 0.10), implantation rate (62.10%, 52.9% and 51.0%; P = 0.05) or miscarriage rate (15.0%, 22.2%; and 25.0%; P = 0.11). Although ongoing pregnancy rate (54.9%, 46.8% and 43.1%; P = 0.02) varied significantly in the univariable analysis, it was no longer significant after adjustment for the use of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and egg donation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed rHCG could be flexibly administered with a mean follicle size between 13 and 22 mm as long as adequate endometrial characteristics are met, and serum progesterone is <1.5 ng/ml. Considering the follicular growth rate of 1-1.5 mm/day, this approach could allow a flexibility for FET scheduling of 6-7 days, simplifying mNC FET planning in clinical practice.

Progesterone concentrations on blastocyst transfer day in modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfer cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Are serum progesterone concentrations on the day of modified natural cycle (mNC) frozen blastocyst transfer (FET) without luteal phase support (LPS) associated with clinical pregnancy rate (CPR)? DESIGN: Data were collected between January 2019 and October 2022 as a sub-study of an ongoing randomized controlled trial assessing pregnancy outcomes in mNC-FET. The sub-study included all women (n = 209) randomized to mNC-FET without LPS at the time of data extraction. Participants were aged 18-41 years, had regular menstrual cycles and underwent mNC-FET treatment with single-blastocyst transfer. Associations between the serum progesterone concentration on the day of blastocyst transfer and CPR, pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss rate (PLR) were examined between groups with low and higher progesterone concentrations using the 25th and 10th percentiles as cut-offs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Progesterone concentrations on the day of blastocyst transfer in mNC-FET without LPS ranged from 4.9 to 91.8 nmol/l, with the 25th and 10th percentiles at 29.0 nmol/l and 22.5 nmol/l, respectively. Serum progesterone concentrations did not differ between women with or without a clinical pregnancy (mean [SD] 38.5 [14.0] versus 36.8 [12.4] nmol/l; P = 0.350). Furthermore, the CPR, pregancy rate and PLR were similar in women with low or high progesterone concentrations when using the 25th or the 10th progesterone percentile as cut-off. Multivariate regression analyses showed no association between progesterone concentrations and CPR. CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between progesterone concentration on the day of blastocyst transfer and pregnancy outcome in women undergoing mNC-FET without progesterone LPS.

Reproductive and obstetrical outcomes after treatment of retained products of conception: hysteroscopic removal vs ultrasound-guided electric vacuum aspiration, a prospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, curettage has been the most widely performed surgical intervention for removing retained products of conception. However, hysteroscopic removal is increasingly performed as an alternative because of the potentially lower risk of intrauterine adhesions and higher rates of complete removal. Until recently, studies comparing curettage with hysteroscopic removal regarding reproductive and obstetrical outcomes were limited, and data conflicting. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess reproductive and obstetrical outcomes in women wishing to conceive after removal of retained products of conception by hysteroscopy or ultrasound-guided electric vacuum aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective long-term follow-up study, conducted in 3 teaching hospitals and 1 university hospital. Patients were included from April 2015 until June 2022 for follow-up, either in a randomized controlled, nonblinded trial on the risk of intrauterine adhesions after removal of retained products of conception, or in a cohort alongside the randomized trial. Women with an ultrasonographic image suggestive of retained products of conception ranging from 1 to 4 cm were eligible. Surgical procedures in the randomized controlled trial were hysteroscopic morcellation or ultrasound-guided electric vacuum aspiration. In the cohort study, hysteroscopic treatment included hysteroscopic morcellation or cold loop resection compared with ultrasound-guided electric vacuum aspiration. RESULTS: A total of 261 out of 305 patients (85.6%) were available for follow-up after removal of retained products of conception, resulting in a cohort of 171 women after hysteroscopic removal and 90 women after removal by ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration. Respectively, 92 of 171 women (53.8%) in the hysteroscopic removal group and 56 of 90 (62.2%) in the electric vacuum aspiration group wished to conceive (P=.192). Subsequent pregnancy rates were 88 of 91 (96.7%) after hysteroscopic removal and 52 of 56 (92.9%) after electric vacuum aspiration (P=.428). The live birth rates were 61 of 80 (76.3%) and 37 of 48 (77.1%) after hysteroscopic removal and electric vacuum aspiration, respectively (P=.914), with 8 of 88 pregnancies (9.1%) in the hysteroscopic removal group and 4 of 52 (7.7%) in the electric vacuum aspiration group still ongoing at follow-up (P=1.00). The median time to conception was 8.2 weeks (interquartile range, 5.0-17.2) in the hysteroscopic removal group and 6.9 weeks (interquartile range, 5.0-12.1) in the electric vacuum aspiration group (P=.262). The overall placental complication rate was 13 of 80 (16.3%) in the hysteroscopic removal group and 11 of 48 (22.9%) in the electric vacuum aspiration group (P=.350). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic removal and ultrasound-guided electric vacuum aspiration of retained products of conception seem to have no significantly different effects on subsequent live birth rate, pregnancy rate, time to conception, or pregnancy complications. Reproductive and obstetrical outcomes after removal of retained products of conception are reassuring, albeit with a high risk of placental complications.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis following conservative surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis frequently results in pain and infertility. While conservative surgery offers some relief, it often falls short of ensuring satisfactory pregnancy outcomes. Adjuvant GnRH-a is administered post-surgery to mitigate recurrence; however, its impact on pregnancy outcomes remains debated. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy of adjuvant GnRH-a in enhancing pregnancy outcomes post-conservative surgery in endometriosis patients. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, and Scopus were rigorously searched up to 02 August 2023, without linguistic constraints. Identified articles were screened using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evaluated outcomes encompassed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, mean postoperative pregnancy interval, recurrence rate, and adverse reaction rate. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad score evaluated the included studies' quality. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were implemented to analyze the pooled results. A meta-analysis model expressed results as standardized mean difference (SMD) and Risk ratio (RR). RESULTS: A total of 17 studies about 2485 patients were assimilated. Meta-analysis revealed that post-surgery, the GnRH-a cohort experienced a marginally elevated pregnancy rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.02-1.41; P = 0.03) and a reduced mean time to conceive (RR = -1.17, 95% CI = -1.70- -0.64; P < 0.0001). Contrarily, other evaluated outcomes did not exhibit notable statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating adjuvant GnRH-a following conservative surgery may be deemed beneficial for women with endometriosis, especially before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Nonetheless, owing to pronounced heterogeneity, subsequent research is warranted to substantiate these potential advantages conclusively. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023448280.

Meta-analysis of intrauterine hCG perfusion efficacy in recurrent implantation failure as defined by ESHRE guidelines.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the efficacy of intrauterine hCG perfusion for RIF, as defined by ESHRE 2023 guidelines, highlighting hCG as a cost-effective alternative to other immunotherapies, especially suitable for less developed regions. It aims to clarify treatment guidance amidst previous inconsistencies. METHODS: This meta-analysis, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024443241) and adhering to PRISMA guidelines, assessed the efficacy and safety of intrauterine hCG perfusion in enhancing implantation and pregnancy outcomes in RIF. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted through December 2023 in major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and key Chinese databases, without language restrictions. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly aligned with the 2023 ESHRE recommendations, with exclusions for studies lacking robust control, clear outcomes, or adequate data integrity. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, ROBINS-I, and RoB2 tools. Data analysis was performed in R using the 'meta' package, employing both fixed and random effect models to account for study variability. Subgroup analyses by dosage, volume, hCG concentration, timing of administration, and type of embryo transfer were conducted to deepen insights, enhancing the reliability and depth of the meta-analysis in elucidating the role of hCG perfusion in RIF treatments. RESULTS: Data from 13 studies, comprising six retrospective and six prospective studies from single centers, along with one multi-center RCT, totaling 2,157 participants, were synthesized to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine hCG perfusion in enhancing implantation and pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF. Significant improvements were observed in clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation rates across various dosages, timing of administration, and embryo developmental stages, without impacting miscarriage rates. Notably, the most significant efficacy within subgroups occurred with a 500 IU dosage and perfusion parameters of ≤ 500µL volume and ≥ 2 IU/µL concentration. Additionally, a limited number of studies showed no significant increases in ectopic pregnancy or multiple pregnancy rates, and a modest improvement in live birth rates, although the small number of these studies precludes definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis suggests that intrauterine hCG perfusion probably enhances embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates slightly in RIF patients. Benefits are indicated with a dosage of 500 IU and a maximum volume of 500µL at concentrations of at least 2 IU/µL. However, substantial heterogeneity from varying study types and the limited number of studies necessitate cautious interpretation. These findings underscore the need for more rigorously designed RCTs to definitively assess the efficacy and safety.

The relationship between duration of infertility and clinical outcomes of intrauterine insemination for younger women: a retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research was to elucidate the association between the length of infertility and the outcomes of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in women of varying ages - a topic that has been the subject of investigation for numerous years, yet lacks a definitive consensus. METHODS: A retrospective cohort investigation involving 5268 IUI cycles was undertaken at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2016 to 2022. Utilizing the smooth fitting curve along with threshold and saturation effect analysis, the correlation between infertility duration and IUI clinical pregnancy rates was discerned. Moreover, patients were bifurcated into two cohorts based on their respective infertility durations. A secondary examination was also performed employing propensity-score matching to mitigate the impact of confounding variables. Subsequent threshold and saturation effect analysis was carried out across various subgroups, segmented on the basis of age differentiation. RESULTS: When the duration of infertility was more than 5 years, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased with the increase of infertility duration (aOR: 0.894, 95%CI: 0.817-0.991, p = 0.043). The multivariate regression analysis suggested that longer duration of infertility (≥ 5 years) was significantly correlated with the lower clinical pregnancy rate (aOR: 0.782, 95% CI: 0.643-0.950, p = 0.01). After the propensity-score matching, the clinical pregnancy rate of women with longer infertility duration were also higher. When the duration of infertility was more than 5 years, the clinical pregnancy rate of women younger than 35 years old decreased with the increase of infertility duration (aOR: 0.906, 95%CI: 0.800-0.998, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of IUI in young women (< 35 years old) who have been infertile for more than 5 years significantly decrease with the prolongation of infertility time. Therefore, for young women who have been infertile for more than 5 years, IUI may not be the best choice.

Effect of diminished ovarian reserve on the outcome of fresh embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles among young women: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on the clinical outcomes and maternal and infant safety of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in young women aged ≤ 35 years. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 4,203 infertile women aged ≤ 35 years who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. The data were collected from their initial visits to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and January 2022. Based on their ovarian reserve, the participants were categorized into two groups: DOR group (n = 1,027) and non-DOR group (n = 3,176). A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to ensure a relatively balanced distribution of covariates. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the live birth rate, while the secondary observation indicators included rates of high-quality embryo development, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage, along with perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). RESULTS: The DOR group showed notably lowered rates of blastocyst formation (59.8% vs. 64.1%), embryo implantation (29.8% vs.33.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.9% vs. 53.6%), and live birth (40.6% vs. 45.7%) compared to the non-DOR group (all P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the high-quality embryo rate, miscarriage rate, perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, or LBW incidence in infants between both groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DOR has been found to reduce both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young females undergoing fresh ET in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, this reduction does not increase the risk of perinatal complications or LBW of infants through live birth cycles.

The fertility of dairy heifers and cows is not influenced by the follicular wave of the ovulatory follicle.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of the follicular wave on ovarian function and fertility in dairy heifers and lactating cows. In study 1, the estrous cycle of the selected Holstein heifers was initially synchronized using two intra-muscular prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) administrations 11 days apart. Heifers in group FFW (n = 14) received an intra-muscular 500 µg PGF2α administration on day 7 after detecting standing estrus, while Heifers in group SFW (n = 14) were administered PGF2α 13 days after detecting standing estrus. The pregnancy rates of FFW (n = 98) and SFW (n = 100) heifers were also determined 35-37 days after artificial insemination (AI). In Study 2, healthy Holstein lactating cows (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either the FFW (n = 14) or SFW (n = 14) groups. The estrous cycles of the cows were presynchronized using two intra-muscular administrations of PGF2α given 14 days apart. Then, the emergences of the follicular waves were induced using an Ovsynch protocol. The pregnancy rate of FFW (n = 99) versus SFW (n = 98) cows was also determined 35-37 days after AI. The ovulatory follicle and corpus luteum (CL) resulting from the ovulatory follicle of FFW were larger than those of the dominant follicle and the CL of SFW in dairy heifers and lactating cows. However, the pregnancy rate did not differ between the FFW and SFW groups in heifers and lactating cows 35-37 days after AI. In conclusion, although the characteristics of the ovulatory follicles in FFW versus SFW animals differed, the follicular wave in dairy heifers or lactating cows did not affect fertility.

Evaluation of Ovarian Reserve and Recurrence Rate After DWLS Diode Laser Ovarian Endometrioma Vaporization (OMAlaser): A Prospective, Single-arm, Multicenter, Clinical Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Dual Wavelength Laser System (DWLS) diode laser on the treatment of ovarian endometrioma (OMA), with ablation and vaporization of the cystic capsule without performing the stripping technique, in terms of ovarian reserve and recurrence rate. DESIGN: Prospective, Single-arm, Multicenter, Clinical Trial SETTING: Multicenter University Hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy patients with symptomatic OMA. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent surgery for primary unilateral or bilateral symptomatic OMA treated with DWLS diode laser vaporization. Following surgical intervention, patients were enrolled in a 12 months surveillance protocol featuring regular clinical assessments aimed at detecting ovarian reserve, pregnancy rate and any recurrence of the cyst and/or symptomatic relapse. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels at the 3-month follow-up exhibited a significant difference from the baseline (p=0.034), demonstrating a return to nearly presurgical values in the subsequent months. Antral follicle count (AFC) of the operated ovary showed a significant increase after treatment at the 6-month and 12-month follow-up (p=0.005 and p=0.002, respectively). Pregnancies were documented in 48.3% (14/29) of infertile patients who underwent treatment. OMA recurrence was observed in 4 patients (5.7%) at 12 months. No patient exhibited a significant relapse of the analyzed symptoms compared to baseline values. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study propose that DWLS diode laser presents a good option for treating OMA, demonstrating minimal impact on the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue, favorable pregnancy rate, coupled with low recurrence rates.

What is the impact of endometriosis and the AFS stage on cumulative pregnancy rates in IVF programs?

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is commonly observed in infertile women and can be staged with regard to severity [e.g. according to the American Fertility Society (AFS) classification]. This condition can cause infertility through impaired oocyte quality, fertilization disorders, tubal lesions, adhesions, deep infiltration, and adenomyosis. Although women with endometriosis often turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, the literature data on IVF outcomes are sometimes contradictory (i.e. the same as in other etiologies of infertility, or worse). The objective of the present study was to assess and compare pregnancy rates in women with and without endometriosis and according to the endometriosis stage. METHODS: We retrospectively studied clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates in IVF and the cumulative pregnancy rates after frozen/thawed embryo transfers, in women without endometriosis (group A) or with endometriosis (group B). We further compared groups in which endometriosis was staged according to the revised AFS classification: stage 1/2 (group C), stage 3/4 (group D, without endometrioma), and endometrioma alone (group E). RESULTS: We documented 430 cycles in group A and 460 in group B (including 56 in group C, 88 in group D and 316 in group E). After fresh or frozen/thawed embryo transfers, the differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between groups A and B were not significant. However the cumulative rates per couple were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group D. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend IVF for women with endometriosis because the pregnancy rates are similar to those observed for women with other types of infertility. This approach is in line with the international guidelines issued by assisted reproductive technology societies. These results again raise the question of whether surgical resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (stage 3/4) should be recommended before admission to an IVF program. Trial registration This study was approved by an institutional review board (CPP Ouest VI, Brest, France): reference: B2020CE.43.