Corifollitropin Alfa for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Assisted Reproductive Technologies: State of the Art / Alfacorifolitropina para estimulação ovariana controlada em tecnologias de reprodução assistida: Estado da arte

Abstract Physical and emotional burdens during the journey of infertile people through assisted reproductive technologies are sufficient to justify the efforts in developing patient-friendly treatment strategies. Thus, shorter duration of ovarian stimulation protocols and the need for less injections may improve adherence, prevent mistakes, and reduce financial costs. Therefore, the sustained follicle-stimulating action of corifollitropin alfa may be the most differentiating pharmacokinetic characteristic among available gonadotropins. In this paper, we gather the evidence on its use, aiming to provide the information needed for considering it as a first choice when a patient-friendly strategy is desired.

Resumo O desgaste físico e emocional durante a jornada de pessoas inférteis pelas tecnologias de reprodução assistida é suficiente para justificar esforços no desenvolvimento de estratégias de tratamento compassivas. Desta forma, a menor duração dos protocolos de estimulação ovariana e a necessidade de menos injeções podem melhorar a adesão, prevenir erros e reduzir custos financeiros. Portanto, a estimulação folicular sustentada da alfacorifolitropina parece ser a característica farmacocinética que melhor a diferencia das gonadotrofinas atualmente disponíveis no mercado. No presente artigo, reunimos evidências sobre seu uso, com o objetivo de fornecer as informações necessárias para considerá-la como primeira escolha quando se deseja uma estratégia amigável ao paciente.

Effect of follicular size on clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer induced by hCG on ovulation in natural cycles / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of follicular size on the clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of natural cycles on ovulation.Methods:Clinical data of 427 cycles of frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 15-16 mm group (15≤diameter≤16 mm, n=66), 16-17 mm group (16<diameter≤17 mm, n=101), 17-18 mm group (17<diameter≤18 mm, n=125), 18-20 mm group (18<diameter≤20 mm, n=109),>20 mm group (diameter>20 mm, n=26), according to the maximum follicle diameter on the induction day of hCG ovulation induction. The estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate were compared in five groups. Results:There were statistically significant differences in estradiol and LH levels among the five groups on the day of hCG induction (all P<0.05). Estradiol levels in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group gradually increased on the day of hCG induction, and estradiol level in 15-16 mm group was significantly lower than those in 17-18 mm group, 18-20 mm group and >20 mm group (median: 1 002.3 vs 1 103.3 vs 1 171.2 vs 1 539.0 pmol/L), with statistical significances ( P=0.034, P<0.001, P=0.002). On the day of hCG induction, LH levels in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group showed a decreasing trend, and LH level in 15-16 mm group was significantly higher than those in 17-18 mm group and >20 mm group (median: 37.73 vs 28.24 vs 24.11 U/L), with statistically significant differences ( P=0.007, P=0.006). There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate in 15-16 mm group to >20 mm group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In the natural cycle protocol of hCG induced ovulation, the small follicle group could achieve similar clinical outcomes compared with normal sized follicles in the single blastocyst transfer of frozen-thawed embryos.

AN OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL PROFILE ASSOCIATED WITH OVULATION INDUCTION USING LETROZOLE AMONG INFERTILE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Background- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is major endocrine and metabolic disease in reproductive women. As per latest procedures, letrozole should be taken as the first-line pharmacological treatment for infertile women with PCOS. This study was planned to study the role of clinical profile in ovulation induction after letrozole therapy among infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This was a prospective analytical observational st Methods- udy carried out at the IVF centre, SMS Medical College, Jaipur. The present study enrolled 100 patients attending the IVF centre for fertility treatment who were diagnosed with PCOS as per Rotterdam criteria. Anthropometric measurements like Body mass index (BMI calculated as weight in kilograms divided by square of height in meters) and waist circumference (the smallest circumference at the level of umbilicus) was taken. A comprehensive physical examination of all patients was done to note signs of clinical hyperandrogenism like acne, alopecia, and hirsutism. Treatment response was defined as ovulation in response to letrozole in doses from 2.5 mg to 7.5 mg. In this study, women from 20 to 25 years of age w Results- ith shorter duration of infertility, lower BMI, lower waist circumference, absence of hirsutism, or mild hirsutism on clinical examination showed better response to Letrozole. ConclusionLetrozole can be considered a suitable ovulation induction agent in infertile PCOS patients with lower BMI, lower waist circumference, and absence of hirsutism. A predictive ovulation score can be developed from basic clinical parameters. Identification of various factors affecting response to letrozole may help the clinician to individualize ovulation induction protocols in PCOS women.

Evaluación de la terapia de reproducción médicamente asistida en 9 años: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Medically assisted reproductive therapy assessment in 9 years: retrospective cohort study

OBJETIVO: Describir las tasas de recién nacidos vivos (RNV) y embarazo de la terapia de reproducción médicamente asistida de baja complejidad del Centro de Reproducción Humana de la Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los ciclos de estimulación ovárica controlada con inseminación intrauterina (IIU) completados, entre los años 2011 y 2019. Se evaluaron las características clínicas basales y los resultados en IIU homólogas y heterólogas según el ciclo inseminado, la causa de infertilidad, el rango etario y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). El desenlace principal fue la tasa de RNV por ciclo inseminado. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 1415 ciclos en 700 parejas. La tasa acumulativa de RNV fue del 19,6%, un 18,3% en IIU homóloga y un 39,0% en IIU heteróloga. La tasa de RNV fue del 10,0% al primer ciclo, del 5,8% al segundo ciclo y del 3,7% al tercer o más ciclos. Al separar por IIU heteróloga, esta aumenta al 24,4% al primer ciclo y al 14,6% al segundo ciclo. La tasa de RNV es significativamente mejor en pacientes menores de 35 años (23,7%) y con IMC < 29 (20,8%). CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento de baja complejidad en pacientes infértiles es una opción terapéutica vigente con una aceptable tasa de RNV por ciclo inseminado. Los resultados están influenciados por la edad y por el IMC.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rates of live newborns (LNB) and pregnancy of the low complexity therapy of the Centre for Human Reproduction of Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. METHOD: Retrospective study of all cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) completed between 2011-2019. The baseline clinical characteristics and results in homologous and heterologous IUI were evaluated according to inseminated cycle, cause of infertility, age range and body mass index (BMI). The main outcome was rate of LNB per inseminated cycle. RESULTS: 1415 cycles were studied in 700 couples. The cumulative rate of LNB was 19.6%, 18.3% in homologous IUI and 39.0% in heterologous IUI. The LNB rate was 10.0% at the first cycle, 5.8% at the second cycle, 3.7% at the third or more cycles. When separating by heterologous IUI, it increases to 24.4% in the first cycle and 14.6% in the second cycle. The LNB rate is significantly better in patients under 35 years of age (23.7%) and with a BMI less than 29 (20.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of low complexity in selected infertile patients is a current therapeutic option with an acceptable rate of LNB per inseminated cycle. The results are influenced by age and BMI.

Application of transabdominal wall press and vaginal B-ultrasound probe to adjust ovarian position in oocyte retrieval / 中国医师杂志

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of rtansabdominal wall press to adjust ovarian position in patients with difficulty in oocyte retrieval.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted to collect 177 patients with difficulty in oocyte retrieval from January 2020 to December 2021 in the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. Among the 177 patients with difficulty in oocyte retrieval, 76 patients used transabdominal wall press to adjust the position of the ovary (pushing group), and the other 101 patients were treated with routine oocyte retrieval (control group). The oocyte retrieval rate, the number of oocyte and mature oocyte, the number of transferable embryos and high-quality embryos were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of complications was recorded.Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in the ovarian stimulation program, the dosage of ovulation promoting drugs and the number of follicles ≥14 mm on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day (all P>0.05). The days of promoting ovulation in the pushing group were longer than those in the control group, and the level of estradiol on HCG day was significantly higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The rate of oocyte retrieval, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of transferable embryos and high-quality embryos in the pushing group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The incidence of complications during oocyte retrieval in the pushing group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P=0.003). Conclusions:Transabdominal wall press to adjust ovarian position can improve oocyte retrieval rate and reduce the incidence of complications in patients with difficulty in oocyte retrieval.

Relationship between the level of anti Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count and oocytes number in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the level of anti Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) and oocytes number in patients with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods:372 patients with primary infertility who received IVF and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2020 to December 2020 were prospectively selected as the study subjects. According to the oocytes obtained, the patients were divided into low ovarian response group (LOR group, the number of oocytes obtained ≤5, n=37), normal group (NOR group, the number of oocytes obtained was 6-15, n=292) and high ovarian response group (HOR group, the number of oocytes obtained >15, n=43). The levels of AMH and AFC in the three groups were observed. The relationship between AMH, AFC with LOR and HOR was observed by multivariate logistic analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, optimal cut-off value and area under the curve (AUC) of AMH and AFC for predicting LOR and HOR were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:There were significant difference in AMH, AFC and oocyte number among the three groups (all P<0.05). The AMH, AFC and oocyte number in NOR group were higher than those in LOR group, and AMH, AFC and oocyte number in HOR group were higher than those in LOR and NOR group (all P<0.05). The results of binary multivariate analysis showed that AFC and AMH were protective factors of LOR (all P<0.05), while AFC and AMH were risk factors of HOR ( P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of AMH and AFC in predicting LOR were 83.8% and 75.7%, 65.7% and 84.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of AMH or AFC positive as the standard for predicting LOR was 94.6%, and the specificity of AMH and AFC was 91.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of positive AMH and AFC in predicting HOR were 69.8% and 74.4%, 69.6% and 83.6%, respectively. The sensitivity of AMH or AFC positive as the standard for predicting HOR was 93.0%, and the specificity of AMH and AFC positive as the standard for predicting HOR was 93.0%. Conclusions:AMH and AFC are significantly correlated with oocyte number in patients with primary infertility. Flexible application of AMH and AFC is beneficial to better predict the number of oocytes obtained, which provides a reference for clinical development of individualized ovarian stimulation program.

Analysis of related factors and prediction of poor ovarian response in patients with controlled ovarian stimulation / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To explore the related factors of poor ovarian response (POR) in patients receiving controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and to establish the nomogram for predicting POR in patients who received in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).Methods:In this retrospective research, clinical data of 17 164 cycles of patients who received IVF/ICSI treatment at Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from September 1st, 2016 to September 1st, 2020 were analyzed. Independent correlative factors affecting the occurrence of POR were screened by logistic regression, which were the model enrollment variables in the prediction model. Totally 13 266 cycles with well-record of enrollment variables were screened, and these data were randomly divided into model group (9 896 patients) and validation group (3 370 patients) according to 3∶1. The nomogram was established according to the regression coefficient of the relevant variables. The prediction accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated by calculating area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age, infertility type, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone, basal follicle stimulating hormone, basal estrogen, antral follicle number, previous times of POR, history of ovarian surgery, ovulation stimulation protocol and average amount of gonadotropin were independent correlative factors affecting the occurrence of POR (all P<0.05). In the model group, according to the above factors, the prediction model and nomogram of POR risk were constructed and the validation group verified the model. The AUC of the model group was 0.893 (95% CI: 0.885-0.900), and the AUC of the validation group was 0.890 (95% CI: 0.878-0.903). Conclusion:The influencing factors of POR after COS in patients treated by IVF/ICSI are screened, and the nomogram for predicting POR established in this study is proved to be effective, simple, intuitive and clear in predicting the occurrence of POR.

Atualizações na terapêutica farmacológica para infertilidade na mulher diagnosticada com síndrome de ovários policísticos: revisão de literatura / Updates on pharmacological treatments for infertility in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: a literature review

Objetivo: Abordar atualizações referentes à terapia medicamentosa para indução da ovulação nas mulheres diagnosticadas com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP). Métodos: Revisão de literatura por meio de levantamento bibliográfico do período de 1975 a 2021, nas bases eletrônicas PubMed, SciELO e MedLine, complementado pela Diretriz Internacional Baseada em Evidências para a Avaliação e Manejo da SOP de 2018 e pelo manual da Febrasgo para SOP. Sete descritores que atendessem à finalidade da pesquisa foram utilizados. Resultados: A literatura aponta atualmente algumas drogas como opção na terapêutica para a indução de ovulação, como metformina, letrozol e citrato de clomifeno, evidenciando que o uso de letrozol isolado e em associação com a metformina apresentaram melhores taxas de ovulação, 71,5% e 75,4%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O uso do letrozol isolado ou combinado com a metformina apresentou os melhores resultados nas taxas de gravidez e ovulação, todavia o tratamento para indução ovulatória deve ser individualizado.(AU)

Objective: To address updates of medicinal therapy for ovulation induction in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Reviewing Literature through a bibliographic survey from 1975 to 2021, on the electronic databases PubMed, SciELO and MedLine, complemented by the International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of PCOS 2018 and the Febrasgo guide for PCOS. Seven descriptors that matched to the purpose of the research were applied. Results: Some drugs are currently indicated in the literature as an option for ovulation induction therapy, such as: metformin, letrozole and clomiphene citrate, showing that the use of letrozole alone and in association with metformin had better ovulation rates, 71.5% and 75.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of letrozole alone or combined with metformin showed the best results in pregnancy and ovulation rates, however, treatment for ovulatory induction must be individualized.(AU)

Freeze-all policy for in vitro fertilization in women with normal response to ovarian stimulation / Congelamento de todos os embriões em ciclos de fertilização in vitro em mulheres com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana

ABSTRACT Objective To answer the question if the freeze-all strategy and subsequent frozen embryo transfer is preferable to fresh embryo transfer for patients with normal response to ovarian stimulation (4 to 15 oocytes recovered) during in vitro fertilization treatments. Methods A retrospective cohort from two human reproduction centers between 2013 and 2017. A total of 471 frozen embryo transfers from freeze-all cycles, and 3,208 fresh transfers were included. Results After propensity score matching adjustment for age and number of eggs, 467 freeze-all cycles and 934 fresh cycles were analyzed, revealing no statistically significant difference between groups in relation to clinical pregnancy rate (32.5% in the Freeze-all Group and 32.3% in the Fresh Group, p=0.936). For women aged 40 years and older, we observed a statistically significant higher clinical pregnancy rate when freeze-all strategy was used (29.3% in the Freeze-all Group and 19.8% in the Fresh Group, p=0.04). Conclusion Freeze-all strategy was not superior to fresh transfer for all patients with normal response to ovarian stimulation. However, women aged 40 years and older could benefit from this strategy. This deserves further investigation in future research, preferable in a prospective randomized study.

RESUMO Objetivo Responder à pergunta se a estratégia freeze-all (congelamento de todos os embriões) e subsequente transferência de embriões congelados é preferível à transferência de embriões a fresco em pacientes com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana (4 a 15 ovócitos coletados) durante tratamentos de fertilização in vitro . Métodos Coorte retrospectiva de dois centros de reprodução humana entre 2013 e 2017. No total, foram incluídas 471 transferências de ciclos com congelamento de todos os embriões, e 3.208 transferências a fresco. Resultados Após o ajuste do escore de propensão para idade e número de óvulos, foram analisados 467 ciclos com congelamento de todos os embriões e 934 ciclos a fresco, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação à taxa de gravidez clínica (32,5% no Grupo Freeze-all e 32,3% no Grupo a Fresco, p=0,936). Para mulheres com 40 anos ou mais, observamos uma taxa de gravidez clínica estatisticamente maior quando foi utilizada a estratégia freeze-all (29,3% no Grupo Freeze-all e 19,8% no Grupo a Fresco, p=0,04). Conclusão A estratégia freeze-all não foi superior à transferência a fresco para todas as pacientes com resposta normal à estimulação ovariana. No entanto, mulheres com 40 anos ou mais podem ter algum benefício com essa estratégia. Isso justifica uma investigação mais aprofundada em pesquisas futuras e, de preferência, em estudos prospectivos randomizados.

Fertility preservation in breast cancer with oral progestin: is it an option? A pilot study / Preservação da fertilidade com progestágeno oral em pacientes com câncer de mama: é uma opção? Estudo-piloto

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effectiveness of oral progestins and injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medication in cancer fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer. Methods A cross-sectional study with 40 breast cancer patients submitted to cancer fertility preservation, who were divided into two groups according to histochemical analysis of progesterone receptors to define luteinizing hormone block: if positive, use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, if negative, use of oral progestins. The mean age, medication days, antral follicle count, number of oocytes in metaphase II and the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were compared. Results A total of 20 patients both in the group using gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, and in the group with oral progestins, respectively, had a mean age of 33.9 (32-35.8) and 33.8 (32-35.6) years; days of medications of 11 (9.7-12.3) and 12.8 (11.6-13.9), p=0.037; antral follicle count of 9 (7.11-12) and 8.5 (6-11.9), p=0.370; metaphase II oocyte number of 4 (2.1-9.8) and 7.5 (3.1-10), p=0.348; and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of 2 (10%) and 5 (25%) cases, p=0.212. Conclusion The use of oral progestins, in spite of requiring longer treatment time, is effective in relation to the protocol with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, and offers greater comfort at a lower cost in breast cancer patients with negative progesterone receptors, submitted to cancer fertility preservation.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a efetividade dos progestágenos orais em relação à medicação injetável antagonista de hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina na preservação da fertilidade oncológica de pacientes com câncer de mama. Métodos Estudo transversal com 40 pacientes com câncer de mama submetidas à preservação da fertilidade oncológica, que foram divididas em dois grupos, conforme análise histoquímica dos receptores de progesterona, para definir o bloqueio de hormônio luteinizante: se positivos, uso de antagonista de hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina; se negativos, uso de progestágenos orais. Comparou-se média de idade, dias de medicações, contagem de folículos antrais, número de oócitos em metáfase II e ocorrência de síndrome do hiperestímulo ovariano. Resultados Vinte pacientes, tanto no grupo com uso de antagonista de hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina, quanto no grupo com progestágenos orais, respectivamente, apresentaram média de idade de 33,9 (32-35,8) e 33,8 (32-35,6) anos; 11 (9,7-12,3) e 12,8 (11,6-13,9) de dias de medicações com p=0,037; contagem de folículos antrais de 9 (7,11-12) e 8,5 (6-11,9), com p=0,370; número de oócitos metáfase II de 4 (2,1-9,8) e 7,5 (3,1-10), com p=0,348, e síndrome do hiperestímulo ovariano de 2 casos (10%) e 5 casos (25%), com p=0,212. Conclusão O uso de progestágenos orais, apesar de necessitar de maior tempo de tratamento, é efetivo em relação ao protocolo com antagonista de hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina e oferece maior conforto com menor custo em pacientes com câncer de mama com receptores de progesterona negativos, submetidas à preservação da fertilidade oncológica.

Clomiphene versus letrozole: a better agent for ovulation induction

Background: Anovulatory dysfunction is a commonly encountered problem which is responsible for about 40% of female infertility. One of the leading causes of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Clomiphene citrate has been the drug of choice in treating women with anovulatory infertility. However, in recent years, letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has emerged as alternative ovulation induction agent. Aim of this study was to compare efficacy of clomiphene citrate and letrozole as first line therapy for ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome.Methods: This study was a hospital based prospective comparative study done in MVJ MC and RH involving 100 females suffering from infertility due to anovulation. They were divided into 2 groups of 50 each. One group was given clomiphene citrate 50 mg while another group was given letrozole 2.5 mg from day 3 to day 7 of menstrual cycle. Ultrasonographic follicular monitoring was done and injection beta HCG 5000 IU was given once follicle reached optimum size (≥18 mm) and endometrial thickness was adequate (≥7 mm). Patients were advised for timed intercourse after 24-36 hours of HCG administration. Ovulation was detected by sonographic findings of follicular rupture done after 48 hours. Primary outcomes measured were number of growing follicles (≥18 mm), endometrial thickness, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate.Results: In our study there was significant difference in the outcomes of ovulation induction between letrozole group and clomiphene group.  Women who received letrozole showed improved endometrial growth (8.44 mm versus 7.86 mm), ovulation rate (72% versus 56%) and pregnancy rate (22.2% versus 14.3%) than those who received clomiphene. However, variation in follicular growth was negligible between the two groups (1.28 versus 1.36).Conclusions: Letrozole is a superior alternative to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in cases of PCOS with anovulatory menstrual cycle, and can be considered as first-line therapy for ovulation induction in such women.

Hysteroscopic polypectomy versus expectant management in endometrial polyps in asymptomatic infertile women: a meta-analysis

Background: Endometrial polyp is a hyperplastic structural abnormality of the uterine cavity and is one of the most commonly found intrauterine abnormalities. The endometrial polyp is mostly asymptomatic and sometimes diagnosed only during infertility investigation. The influence of endometrial polyps on female infertility is not completely understood, however, due to the possibility of endometrial polyps influencing fertility, their removal is usually performed in women undergoing infertility treatment.Methods: This meta-analysis was performed through an electronic search using MEDLINE, PubMed in October 2017, bringing together the terms of interest in order to select studies that would compare polypectomy and expectant management for endometrial polyps in sub fertile women. Four articles were selected according to the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria.Results: Five variables were collected from the selected articles to be compiled and analyzed (rate of live births per transferred embryo, chemical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate, implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate), none of which showed any difference statistically significant in conduct.Conclusions: The data concluded that there is no statistical significance between expectant management and polypectomy.

Comparative study of clomiphene citrate versus letrozole as first-line ovulation induction drug in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome women

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the commonest endocrinopathy resulting in anovulatory infertile young women. Clomifene citrate (clomiphene) is a long-standing standard drug for ovulation induction, and is still considered as first line option in PCOS women. However, clomiphene has certain disadvantage letrozole an aromatase inhibitor acts by reducing estrogen production and has no adverse effects on endometrium and cervical mucous. Indian PCOS women have high prevalence of insulin resistance and thus are likely to have high clomiphene resistance. So letrozole could prove to be a good alternative for ovulation induction in such women.Methods: This was a prospective randomized, parallel, comparative clinical trial of two ovulation induction drugs letrozole 5 mg versus clomiphene citrate 100 mg as first-line ovulation induction drug in infertile polycystic ovarian syndrome women. The target population of the study was one hundred infertile women with PCO (taking at least 2 Rotterdam’s parameters). 50 women were allocated to clomifene citrate and 50 were allocated to Letrozole for ovulation induction. Parameters like age, duration of infertility, B MI, ovulation rate, number of follicles, pregnancy rate, endometrial thickness were noted and analyzed.Results: In letrozole group, the ovulation rate, mono-follicular development, mean endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate was better in comparison to clomifene citrate group.Conclusions: The result of this study suggests that letrozole may replace clomiphene as the first line drug for ovulation induction in infertile PCOS women.

Evaluación de la tasa de blastocistos euploides en fase folicular y lútea (DuoStim) en mujeres con pobre respuesta ovárica: estudio preliminar en México / Euploid blastocyst rate in follicular vs luteal phase (DuoStim) in women with poor ovarian response: Preliminary study in Mexico

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Comparar la tasa de blastocistos euploides obtenida después de la estimulación ovárica en fase folicular con la fase lútea en un mismo ciclo menstrual en pacientes con deficiente respuesta ovárica. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio clínico, prospectivo y comparativo llevado a cabo en el Centro de Reproducción Arcos, Nascere, entre los meses de enero a julio de 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes con pobre respuesta ovárica según los criterios de Bologna y con indicación de PGT-A. Las estimulaciones en fase folicular y lútea se efectuaron con antagonista de la GnRH y FSHr/LHr (2:1) a partir del día 3 del ciclo y 5 días después de la primera recuperación de los ovocitos. Para completar el proceso de maduración ovocitaria se utilizaron análogos de GnRH, se tomó una biopsia de trofoectodermo en día 5-7. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 20 pacientes. Al comparar la fase folicular con la lútea la tasa de fertilización fue de 79% (IC95%: 29-46) vs 55% (IC95%: 34-53), la tasa de blastocistos 42% (IC95%: 19-44) vs 45% (IC95%: 24-55) y la tasa de blastocistos euploides 100% (IC95%: 44-53) vs 70% (IC95%: 38-46), respectivamente. Solo la tasa de recuperación de ovocitos en metafase II mostró diferencias significativas entre ambas fases 40% (IC95%: 18-37) vs 59% (IC95%: 31-59), p = 0.0333 en la fase folicular y lútea, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La estimulación ovárica bifásica (folicular-lútea), en el mismo ciclo menstrual (DuoStim), resultó en mayor tasa de recuperación de ovocitos en metafase II durante la fase lútea. Sin embargo, las tasas de desarrollo embrionario a día 5-6 (blastocistos) y de embriones euploides fueron similares entre ambas fases.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Euploid blastocyst rate comparison between ovarian stimulation in follicular vs luteal phase performed in the same menstrual cycle in patients with poor ovarian response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, prospective and comparative study conducted at Centro de Reproducción Arcos S.C., "Nascere", during january-july, 2019. Patients with PGT-A indication and poor ovarian response according to Bologna criteria were included. Under a short GnRH-antagonist protocol, stimulations, both in follicular and luteal phase were performed using rFSH/rLH (2:1) from day 3 of the cycle and 5 days after the first oocyte retrieval. In addition, ovulation trigger with an GnRH agonist was used, finally, on day 5-6 of embryo development, trophoctoctoderm biopsy was performed. RESULTS: In this study, 20 patients were included; when comparing follicular phase vs luteal phase, we found that fertilization rate was 79% (95%CI 29-46) vs 55% (95%CI 34-53), blastocysts rate was 42% (95%CI 19-44) vs 45% (95%CI 24-55) and euploid embryo rate was 100% (95%CI 44-53) vs 70% (95%CI 38-46). Only the oocyte recovery rate in metaphase II showed significant differences between both phases 40% (IC 95% 18-37) vs 59% (IC 95% 31-59), p=0.0333. CONCLUSION: Biphasic ovarian stimulation (follicular/ luteal) in the same menstrual cycle (DuoStim) resulted in a higher metaphase II ooctye recovery rate during the luteal phase in comparison with the follicular phase. However, the rates of blastocysts and euploid blastocysts were similar between both phases.

Comparative evaluation of different cost effective ovulation induction drugs and their effect on follicular growth, endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcome

Background: Ovulatory dysfunction is a common cause of female infertility, occurring in up to 20 - 30% of infertile women. The most commonly prescribed ovulation drugs are clomiphene citrate (CC), tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (such as letrozole) and gonadotropins. Objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of clomiphene citrate, letrozole and tamoxifen for ovulation induction in anovulatory infertility.Methods: Randomized open label interventional clinical trial. Patients were randomized to 3 drug groups. After baseline investigations, they were subjected to ovulation induction and then USG monitoring of follicular growth and ovulation. The primary outcome measured was occurrence of conception. Secondary outcome was effect on endometrial thickness and ovulation rate.Results: In the study, letrozole group showed 100% mono-follicular response. Mid cycle endometrial thickness in about 17% of cases in CC group is ≤8 mm. But all the cases in tamoxifen and letrozole group have ET >8 mm. This difference is statistically significant. The ovulation and conception rates are highest in letrozole group but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Letrozole produces higher mid cycle endometrial thickness, 100% mono follicular development than clomiphene and tamoxifen. This difference is found to be statistically significant. Ovulation rate and conception rate is highest in letrozole group. But there is no statistically significant difference among the three drugs.

Relationship between seasons and pregnancy rates during intrauterine insemination. A historical cohort

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The underlying cause of seasonal infertility in humans is unclear, but is likely to be ­multifactorial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the pregnancy rates among infertile women who underwent induced ovulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) with the season in which the fertility treatment was performed. DESIGN AND SETTING: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 466 patients who were treated in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility outpatient clinic of a tertiary-level women's healthcare and maternity hospital. METHODS: Retrospective demographic, hormonal and ultrasonographic data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin medications were used for induced ovulation. The patients were divided into four groups according to the season (spring, winter, autumn and summer) in which fertility treatment was received. Clinical pregnancy rates were calculated and compared between these four groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the seasonal groups in terms of age, infertility type, ovarian reserve tests, duration of infertility, medications used or length of stimulation. A total of 337 patients (72.3%) were treated with clomiphene citrate and 129 (27.7%) with gonadotropin; no significant difference between these two groups was observed. The clinical pregnancy rates for the spring, winter, autumn and summer groups were 15.6% (n = 24), 8.6% (n = 9), 11.5% (n = 13) and 7.4% (n = 7), respectively (P = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: Although the spring group had the highest pregnancy rate, the rates of successful IUI did not differ significantly between the seasonal groups.

¿Cuál es el punto de corte más significativo de hormona antimülleriana como predictor de la respuesta ovárica, tasa de embarazo y nacido vivo? / What is the most significant cutting point of antimüllerian hormone as a predictor of the ovarian response, pregnancy rate and living born?

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de la hormona antimülleriana en la predicción de la respuesta ovárica, tasa de embarazo y nacido vivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, analítico y observacional efectuado para evaluar los ciclos de estimulación ovárica de pacientes atendidas entre el 1 de enero de 2010 y el 30 de junio de 2017 en el Centro de Reproducción Hisparep. Criterios de inclusión: límites de edad 20 y 44 años y tener ciclos menstruales regulares. Criterios de exclusión: factor masculino alterado, cavidad uterina alterada, trastornos endocrinos, antecedente de daño ovárico. Variables de estudio: concentraciones de hormona antimülleriana, ovocitos recuperados, maduros, fecundados, embriones, tasa de embarazo y nacido vivo. Las variables cuantitativas se analizaron mediante una comparación de medias con t de Student, las variables porcentuales mediante comparación de percentiles. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 223 ciclos, divididos en grupos según diferentes puntos de corte. En cualquier punto de corte la hormona antimülleriana predice mayor recuperación de ovocitos maduros y fecundados: 1.25 ng/mL fue el punto de corte más significativo porque predijo mayor obtención de embriones. Se observó relación entre las tasas de embarazo clínico y nacido vivo, aunque su poder predictivo fue débil. Tomar como referencia un punto de corte de 0.5 ng/mL parece predecir bajas probabilidades de nacido vivo. CONCLUSIONES: La hormona antimülleriana fue el mejor marcador de respuesta ovárica; el punto de corte más significativo fue el de 1.25 ng/mL. Hacen falta más estudios para evaluar su eficacia como predictor de bajas tasas de nacido vivo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of antimülleriana hormone in prediction of the ovarian response, pregnancy rate and live birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, analytical and observational study, ovarian stimulation cycles were evaluated at the Hisparep Reproduction Center, in a period from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2017, the inclusion criteria were; Age from 20 to 44 years and regular menstrual cycles. The exclusion criteria; altered male factor, altered uterine cavity, endocrine disorders, antecedent of ovarian damage. The study variables; antimüllerian hormone, oocytes recovered, mature, fertilized, embryos, pregnancy rate and live birth. The quantitative variables were analyzed by means of a comparison of means, using the Student's T test, the percentage variables by means of comparison of percentiles. RESULTS: 223 cycles were evaluated, divided into groups using different cut points. It was determined that Antimullerian Hormone predicts a greater recovery of mature and fertilized oocytes using any cut point, we consider that 1.25 ng / mL was the most significant cutoff point, since it predicts higher embryo obtaining, relationship was observed in pregnancy rates clinical and live birth, although its predictive power is weak, however, using a cutoff of 0.5 ng / mL seems to predict low odds of live birth CONCLUSIONS: Antimullerian hormone is the best marker of ovarian response, we consider that 1.25 ng /mL is the most significant cut-off point, more studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy as a predictor of low rates of live birth.

Risk of low birth weight infants in women conceived through in vitro fertilization and fresh embryo transfer / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To analyze the risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) in infants who were conceived through flesh embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 4 930 live babies born after in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between January 2011 to December 2016.They were 3 474 singletons and 1 456 pairs of dizygotic twins.According to their birth weight,all singletons were divided into two groups:the LBW singleton group (＜2 500 g,n=252) and the control singleton group (≥ 2 500 g,n=3 222).Two dizygotic twin groups,the LBW dizygotic twin group (＜2 500 g,n=1 014) and the control dizygntic twin group (≥ 2 500 g,n=442),were set up as well.Clinical characteristics of the infants in different groups and risk factors of LBW were analyzed.Independent samples t-test,Mann-Whitney U test,Chi-square test,and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results (1) The rates of LBW were 7.25％ (252/3 474) in singletons and 69.64％ (1 014/1 456) in dizygotic twins.(2) In singleton pregnancies,the maternal body mass index (BMI) of the LBW group was lower than that of the control group [(20.9± 2.8) vs (21.3 ± 2.7) kg/m2,t=-2.162,P=0.031],while the rates of preterm delivery and blastocyst transfer were higher [61.7％ (153/252) vs 5.7％ (182/3 222),8.7％ (22/252) vs 5.1％ (163/3 222),x2=814.232 and 6.234,respectively,all P＜0.05].(3) In dizygotic twin pregnancies,maternal age,paternal age,the rate of preterm delivery and estradiol (E2) level [M(P25-P75)] at trigger were higher than those of the control group [(31.0±3.7)vs (30.5±3.9) years,(33.7±5.0) vs (32.7±4.5) years,63.0％ (631/1 014) vs 28.0％ (123/442),11 362.3 (7 549.2-16 716.1) vs 10 444.8(7 079.4-14 569.9) pmol/L;the values of t or x2 or Z were-2.498,-3.680,150.295 and-2.570,all P＜0.05].(4) Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preterm delivery,maternal BMI＜18.5 kg/m2 and girl baby were independent risk factors for LBW in singleton pregnancies (adjusted OR=28.45,1.59 and 1.45,95％CI:20.87-38.80,1.06-2.41 and 1.06-1.97,all P＜0.05).Preterm delivery,high E2 level at trigger (＞10 970 pmol/L) and different gender of twins were independent risk factors for LBW in dizygotic twin pregnancies (adjusted OR=4.51,1.35 and 1.45,95％CI:3.50-5.82,1.06-1.74 and 1.09-1.93,all P＜0.05).Conclusions High maternal serum E2 level after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in fresh embryo transfer cycle may be one of the risk factors for LBW in twin pregnancies.

Influence of different kinds of ovulation promotion scheme on clinical outcome of patients with IVF-ET/ICSI and POR / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective@#To investigate the influence of routine antagonist and optimization super-long termovulation promotion scheme on clinical outcome of patients with IVF-ET/ICSI and POR.@*Methods@#One hundred and thirty patients with IVF-ET/ICSI and POR were chosen in the period from October 2014 to May 2016 and randomly divided into two groups including control group (65 patients) with routine antagonist scheme and observation group (65 patients) with optimization super-long term scheme for ovulation promotion; and the number and total dose of Gn application, endometrium thickness and P levels in HCG day, the number of ovum retrieved, the incidence of premature LH peak, fertilization rate, quality embryo rate, cycle cancellation rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and ectopic pregnancy rate of two groups were compared.@*Results@#The number and total doses of Gn application of observation group were significant higher than those of control group:(12.50 ± 1.78) d vs.(8.16 ± 1.25) d, (4 272.81 ± 547.95) U vs. (1 909.13 ± 341.48) U (P<0.05). The endometrium thickness and P levels in HCG day of observation group were significant lower than those of control group: (12.86 ± 1.39) mm vs. (10.08 ± 1.02) mm, (0.43 ± 0.17) nmol/L vs. (0.60 ± 0.22) nmol/L (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of ovum retrieved, the incidence of premature LH peak and fertilization rate between two groups (P > 0.05). The quality embryo rate and cycle cancellation rate of observation group was significant lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate of observation group were significant higher than that of control group (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the abortion rate and ectopic pregnancy rate between two groups (P > 0.05).@*Conclusions@#Compared with routine antagonist scheme, optimization super-long termscheme for ovulation promotion in the treatment of patients with IVF-ET/ICSI and POR can efficiently improve the ovulation effects and increase the long-term pregnancy rate, but has the higher overall treatment cost.

Cumulative live birth rates per oocytes retrieved cycle: evaluation of clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective Using of cumulative live birth rate(CLBR)per oocytes retrieved cycle,to assess the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI),and to explore impact factors on CLBR following utilization of all fresh and frozen embryos in one complete IVF/ICSI cycle using gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)agonist, GnRH-antagonist and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols. Methods Of the patients who underwent IVF/ICSI from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, a total of 6 142 oocytes retrieved cycles were included. The clinical and laboratory parameters of different ovarian stimulation protocols, and the effects of the age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos available on the CLBR of each oocytes retrieved cycle were analyzed.Results The CLBR was 69.0%(2 004/2 906)in the GnRH-agonist protocol versus 67.4%(644/955)in the GnRH-antagonist protocol (P>0.05); the CLBR of clomiphene mild stimulation protocol was 53.2%(1 215/2 281),significantly lower than those of the other two protocols (all P<0.05). The CLBR significantly decreased with age increased. When divided into four groups according to the patients′ age, we found that CLBR were not statistically significant using three different protocols in the 20-25 years old group(all P>0.05).There was a strong association between the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available on CLBR. CLBR rose significantly with an increasing number of oocytes up to 6, then the rising trend slowed down. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved,CLBR was significantly higher using GnRH-antagonist protocol (50.0%)than mild stimulation protocol(37.0%)in low ovarian responder(0-4 oocytes)group(P<0.05). The CLBR were no significant difference among three protocols in normal(10-15 oocytes)and high responders(≥15 oocytes)group(all P>0.05).The incidence rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in GnRH-agonist protocols(5.2%,152/2 906)were significantly higher than those of GnRH-antagonist(4.4%, 42/955)and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols(1.5%,34/2 281;all P<0.05).Conclusions CLBR is an important index to assess the clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI. Age, number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available could affect CLBR obviously. According to the different age and ovarian response of patients, we should design ovarian stimulation protocols based on target oocytes number in order to get higher CLBR and reduce complications.