A decade of analysis describe of maternal and neonatal characteristics of live births in southern Brazil / Una década de descripción de las características maternas y neonatales de los nacidos vivos en el sur de Brasil

Introduction: Child health is conditioned by the circumstances of pregnancy, childbirth, and early life. Objective: To describe the maternal and neonatal characteristics of live births (LBs) in the Information System on Live Births of Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study describedthe maternal and neonatal characteristics of 940,059 LBs, from 2010 to 2019. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were conducted, with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean values of maternal age, number of live children, and number of fetal deaths as well as abortions were 27.1 years, 0.9, and 0.2, respectively. The averages of the number of gestation weeks, number of prenatal consultations, the start date of the prenatal care, and birth weight were 38.5 weeks, 8.1 months, 2.5 monthsand 3,217.1 grams, respectively. Low birth weight (LBW) was prevalent among mothers without education (p < 0.001), including those without prenatal visits (p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of being underweight was observed among female neonates (p < 0.001) and with a maternal age of ≥ 40 years (10.8%; p < 0.001) compared to newborns with good vitality. Newborns with good vitality had a low prevalence of underweight (p < 0.001). The frequency of the variables studied increased, comparing the beginning and end of the period and whether the differences are statistically significant. Conclusions: The study draws attention to the need for interventions to improve the indicators that determine LBW(AU)

Introducción: La salud infantil está condicionada por las circunstancias del embarazo, parto y primeras etapas de la vida. Objetivo: Describir las características maternas y neonatales de los nacidos vivos en el Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivos de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal describiendo las características maternas y neonatales de 940.059 nacidos vivos entre 2010 y 2019. Se realizó la prueba de chi cuadrado de Pearson y exacta de Fisher y se estableció p < 0,05. Resultados: Los valores medios para la edad materna, el número de nacidos vivos y el número de mortinatos y abortos espontáneos fueron 27,1, 0,9 y 0,2, respectivamente. Las medias del número de semanas de gestación, el número de visitas prenatales, la fecha de inicio de la atención prenatal y el peso al nacer fueron 38,5 semanas (DE 2,2), 8,1 meses, 2,5 meses y 3 217,1 gramos, respectivamente. El bajo peso al nacer (BPN) fue prevalente entre las madres sin estudios (p < 0,001), incluidas las que no acudieron a una cita prenatal (p < 0,001). Hubo una mayor prevalencia de BPN en neonatos de sexo femenino (p < 0,001) con madres de edad ≥ 40 años (10,8%; p < 0,001). Los neonatos con buena vitalidad tuvieron una baja prevalencia de BPN (p < 0,001). La frecuencia de las variables estudiadas aumentó al comparar el inicio y el final del período y si las diferencias son estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: El estudio llama la atención sobre la necesidad de intervenciones para mejorar los indicadores que determinan el BPN(AU)

Anomalía de Ebstein: a propósito de un caso / Ebstein anomaly: about a case

La anomalía de Ebstein es una cardiopatía congénita rara y poco frecuente caracterizada por el adosamiento de los velos valvulares tricuspídeos; en la etapa prenatal se estima que su incidencia corresponde a un 3% de todas las cardiopatías diagnosticadas. Se presenta el caso de un feto con diagnóstico de anomalía de Ebstein a quien se le realizó un diagnóstico prenatal adecuado, lo que permitió planificar el nacimiento neonatal con un equipo multidisciplinario integral. Debido a la rareza del diagnóstico prenatal de esta entidad, se describe el caso clínico y los hallazgos imagenológicos representativos.

Ebsteins anomaly is a rare and infrequent congenital heart disease characterized by the attachment of the tricuspid valve leaflets; in the prenatal stage it is estimated that its incidence corresponds to 3% of all diagnosed heart diseases. We present the case of a fetus diagnosed with Ebsteins anomaly who underwent an adequate prenatal diagnosis, which made it possible to plan the neonatal birth with a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Due to the rarity of the prenatal diagnosis of this entity, the clinical case and the representative imaging findings are described.

Analysis of Cumulative Live Birth Rate of Selective Single Embryo Transfer by Time-lapse Monitoring System and Conventional Morphological Assessment in IVF/ICSI-ET / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:To analyse the clinical significance of selective single embryo transfer by time-lapse mo-nitoring(TLM)or conventional morphology assessment(CMA)in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm in-jection and embryo transfer(IVF/ICSI-ET),and to initially explore the predictive value of Raman spectral analy-sis of embryo culture medium for clinical pregnancy rate.Methods:The study is a prospective randomized con-trolled clinical trial.We assigned 139 patients treated with IVF/ICSI-ET in Reproductive and Genetics Center of Suzhou Municipal Hospital from April 2019 to July 2020,which were randomly assigned to either the CMA or the TLM group.We performed selective single-embryo transfer(fresh cycle and FET)after selecting the optimal em-bryos with TLM or CMA respectively.If the patient's first embryo transfer was unsuccessful,a second one would be performed to compare the differences in the cumulative live birth rate of embryo transfer and other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.Meanwhile,we collected 15 μl of embryo culture medium at day 3 after IVF/ISCI fertilization for Raman spectroscopy analysis.Results:There were no differences in cumulative live birth,cu-mulative clinical pregnancy,cumulative premature birth,cumulative early spontaneous abortion,cumulative ectopic pregnancy and LGA or SGA between TLM and CMA groups(P＞0.05).The Neonatal sex ratio in the TLM group was lower than that in the CMA group,but the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).Raman spectros-copy analysis of embryo culture medium predicted the clinical pregnancy rate with 67.21％accuracy.Conclu-sions:In young women with a good ovarian reserve,the advantage of using TLM to evaluate embryos is not obvi-ous,so we should remain vigilant that embryo selection based on morphokinetic parameters may affect the sex ratio.Raman spectroscopic analysis of embryo culture medium is not yet able to effectively predict the planting ability of embryos.

Construction of nomogram and validation of clinical prediction model for high-quality blastocyst formation in patients with unexplained infertility / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Unexplained infertility is associated with a higher abortion rate and lower fertilization rate,implantation rate,clinical pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate.It is urgent to establish a clinical prediction model related to infertility of unknown cause to solve the problems of clinical prognosis and individualized medical services,and finally achieve the purpose of increasing the cumulative live birth rate of patients with infertility of unknown cause. OBJECTIVE:To construct and verify the prediction model of high-quality blastocyst formation in patients with unexplained infertility during in vitro fertilization. METHODS:A total of 419 patients with unknown infertility who underwent in vitro fertilization in the Assisted Reproduction Department of Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from March 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including 317 patients with high-quality blastocysts and 102 patients without high-quality blastocysts.A prediction model was established and used as the model group.The model group was sampled 1 000 times by the Bootstrap method as the validation group.Firstly,the univariate analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of high-quality blastocyst formation of unknown infertility,and the best matching factors were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.Multiple factors were included in the progressive Logistic regression to find out the independent influencing factors and draw a column graph.Finally,the subject working curve,calibration curve,clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve were used to verify the differentiation and accuracy of the prediction model as well as the clinical application efficiency. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Univariate analysis of the factors influencing the formation of high-quality blastocyst of unknown infertility were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,basal follicle-stimulating hormone level,basal luteinizing hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin injection day follicle-stimulating hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin day estradiol level,progesterone level on human chorionic gonadotropin day,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3)and the number of blastocyst formation(P<0.05).(2)The best matching factors further screened by LASSO regression were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,basal luteinizing hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin injection day follicle-stimulating hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin day estradiol level,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3)and the number of blastocyst formation(P<0.05).Multifactor stepwise Logistic regression results showed that independent influencing factors on the formation of high-quality blastocysts for unexplained infertility were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3),and the number of blastocyst formation.(3)Receiver operating characteristic curve exhibited that the area under the curve was 0.880(0.834,0.926)in the model group and 0.889(0.859,0.918)in the validation group.It showed that the prediction model had good differentiation.The average absolute error of the calibration curve was 0.036,indicating that the model had good accuracy.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that there was no statistical difference between the prediction probability of blastocyst formation and the actual probability of blastocyst formation(P>0.05).The clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve showed that the model group and the validation group had the maximum clinical net benefit when the threshold probability value was(0.16-0.96)and(0.08-0.93),respectively,and had better clinical application efficacy within the threshold probability range.These findings concluded that age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone,the number of high-quality cleavage embryos(day 3),and the number of blastocyst formation were independent factors influencing the formation of the fine blastocyst in patients with unexplained infertility.The clinical prediction model constructed by these factors has good clinical prediction value and clinical application efficiency and can provide a basis for clinical prognosis and intervention as well as the formulation of individual medical programs.

Correlation between tongue and pulse indicators and the outcome of live birth in frozen-thawed embryo transfer / 数字中医药（英文）

Objective @#To investigate the correlation between tongue and pulse indicators and the outcome of live birth in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), as well as the association between these indicators and patients’ endocrine parameters.@*Methods@#This study was conducted at Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, from March 8, 2021 to January 5, 2022. Patients undergoing FET were divided into live birth and non-live birth groups according to their live birth outcome. The differences between the endocrine parameters [basic follicle stimulating hormone (b FSH), basic luteinizing hormone (b LH), basic estradiol (b E2), basic progesterone (b P), basal endometrial thickness, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on endometrial transition day, luteinizing hormone (LH) on endometrial transition day, estradiol (E2) on endometrial transition day, progesterone (P) on endometrial transition day, and endometrial thickness on endometrial transition day] and the tongue and pulse indicators [tongue body (TB)-L, TB-a, TB-b, tongue coating (TC)-L, TC-a, TC-b, perAll, perPart, h1, h4, h5, t1, h1/t1, and h4/h1] of patients in the two groups were analyzed, with the correlation between these variables analyzed as well using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the influential factors in the live birth prediction models across various datasets, including Model 1 consisting of endocrine indicators only, Model 2 solely consisting of tongue and pulse indicators, and Model 3 consisting of both tongue, pulse, and endocrine indicators, as well as to evaluate efficacy of the models derived from different datasets.@*Result@#This study included 78 patients in live birth group and 144 patients in non-live birth group. Compared with non-live birth group, live birth group exhibited higher levels of TB-L (P = 0.01) and TB-a (P = 0.04), while demonstrated lower levels of b FSH (P = 0.01), perAll (P = 0.04), and h4/h1 (P = 0.03). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis revealed statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) between TB-L, TB-b, TC-L, TC-b, perAll, perPart, h4, h5, t1, h1/t1 and b FSH, b LH, basal endometrial thickness, LH on endometrial transition day, E2 on endometrial transition day, P on endometrial transition day, and endometrial thickness on endometrial transition day in live birth group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prediction Model 3 for live birth outcome [area under the curve (AUC): 0.917,95% confidence interval (CI): 0.863 − 0.971, P < 0.001] surpassed the Model 1 (AUC: 0.698,95% CI: 0.593 − 0.803, P = 0.001), or the Model 2 (AUC: 0.790, 95% CI: 0.699 − 0.880, P < 0.001). The regression equations for the live birth outcomes, integrating tongue and pulse indicators with endocrine parameters, included the following measures: FSH on endometrial transition day [odds ratio (OR): 0.523, P = 0.025], LH on endometrial transition day (OR: 1.277, P = 0.029), TB-L (OR: 2.401, P = 0.001), perPart (OR: 1.018, P = 0.013), h1(OR: 0.065, P = 0.021), t1 (OR: 4.354, P = 0.024), and h4/h1 (OR: 0.018, P = 0.016).@*Conclusion@#In infertility patients undergoing FET, there exists a correlation between tongue and pulse indicators and endocrine parameters. The corporation of tongue and pulse indicators significantly improved the predictive capability of the model for live birth outcomes. Specifically, tongue and pulse indicators such as TB-L, perPart, h1, t1, and h4/h1 exhibited a discernible correlation with the ultimate live birth outcomes.

Low BMI is Associated with Poor OI-IUI Outcomes in Patients with Unexplained Primary Infertility / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of women's body mass index （BMI） on pregnancy outcomes of ovulation induction intrauterine insemination （OI-IUI） in patients with unexplained primary infertility. MethodsThe study included 764 OI-IUI cycles from January 2016 to December 2022 in reproductive center of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. According to BMI，patients were divided into three groups：low BMI （BMI<18.5 kg/m2）， normal BMI （18.5 kg/m2 ≤BMI＜23.0 kg/m2）， and high BMI （BMI≥23.0 kg/m2）. Comparison of clinical data and pregnancy outcomes was performed between the groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between BMI and live birth rate. ResultsFrom the low BMI group to the high BMI group， the HCG positive rate （7.08%，9.74%， 13.19%）， clinical pregnancy rate（5.51%， 7.91%， 13.19%）， and live birth rate （4.72%， 6.90%， 12.50%） increased. Among them， the live birth rate of the high BMI group was significantly higher than that of the low BMI group and the normal BMI group， with a statistically significant difference （P=0.034）. While the early miscarriage rate （14.28%， 10.26%， 5.26%） decreased from the low BMI group to the high BMI group. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI was an independent factor in live birth， and high BMI resulted in a better live birth rate than low BMI （OR=3.15，95%CI=1.191-8.329，P=0.021）. ConclusionLow BMI is associated with poor OI-IUI outcomes in patients with unexplained primary infertility. These patients are encouraged to gain weight in a healthy manner.

Influencing Factors of Live Birth of Embryo Transfer After Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical factors affecting live birth rate in patients who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and subsequent embryo transfer.Methods A total of 643 patients who had undergone hysteroscopic surgery to remove various degrees of intrauterine adhesion(IUA)and subsequently received embryo transfer between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Postoperative treatment regimens and pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer were collected.The primary endpoint was live birth rate.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to further investigate the factors affecting pregnancy outcomes.Results Among the 643 IUA patients,20.5%(132/643)patients were diagnosed as having mild IUA,63.6%(409/643)patients moderate IUA,and15.9%(102/643)patients severe IUA.The median time from hysteroscopy to the first cycle of embryo transfer was 126(73,225)d.The clinical pregnancy rate was 32.7%(210/643)and the live birth rate was 24.7%(159/643).Logistic regression analysis found that age(OR =0.926,95%CI:0.880-0.974,P =0.003)and endometrial thickness on the day of transplantation(OR =1.188,95%CI:1.030-1.370,P =0.018)were prognostic factors of live birth.The live birth rate significantly decreased with age in the mild and moderate adhesion groups(P =0.004 and 0.018),while in the severe adhesion group,the live birth rate decreased with age,but the difference was not significant(P =0.526).Postoperative estrogen dosage,number of artificial cycles,interval between hysteroscopy and transplantation,fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer,and type of embryo transferred had no significant impact on live birth.Conclusions Maternal age and endometrial thickness on the day of transplantation are the most important predictors of live birth in patients undergoing embryo transfer after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.Fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer after surgery and the interval between hysteroscopy and transplantation do not affect the live birth rate.

Evaluación de la calidad de las estadísticas vitales de niños menores de cinco años. Colombia, 2000-2018

Introducción: Las estadísticas vitales son fundamentales para conocer las condiciones de salud de la población y diseñar intervenciones. De su calidad depende la precisión y validez de las métricas derivadas y la relevancia de las decisiones de política pública. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de las estadísticas vitales de niños menores de cinco años en Colombia, entre 2000 y 2018. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y exploratorio. Se analizó la calidad de los registros de nacidos vivos y defunciones publicados por el DANE, utilizando los criterios recomendados por las Naciones Unidas: exactitud (precisión), cobertura (compleción) y oportunidad. Resultados: Se encontraron registros de nacimientos y defunciones con datos perdidos en categorías que indican gradiente social. El 8,2 % de los registros de defunción tenían como causa básica de muerte códigos poco útiles para la toma de decisiones en salud pública. El 97,8 % de los nacidos vivos fueron registrados durante el mismo año de ocurrencia. El subregistro de la mortalidad infantil se estimó en un 28,9 %, con diferencias entre territorios. Conclusiones: La calidad de las estadísticas vitales en niños menores de cinco años de Colombia mejoró en los 19 años evaluados, en particular en exactitud y oportunidad. Sin embargo, persisten problemas en la asignación de la causa básica de muerte y en el subregistro, con diferencias importantes entre territorios. Mejorar la calidad del sistema de estadísticas vitales debe ser un imperativo ético, en especial para comprender las poblaciones de áreas geográficas históricamente invisibilizadas en el país.

Introduction: Vital statistics are essential to identify the health conditions of a population and design interventions. Vital statistics are essential to understand population health and design public health interventions. The accuracy and validity of the derived metrics and the relevance of public policy decisions depend on its quality. Objetive: To evaluate the quality of the vital statistics of children under five years of age in Colombia, between 2000 and 2018. Methods: A descriptive and exploratory study was carried out and the quality of records of live births and deaths published by DANE was analyzed using the criteria suggested by the United Nations: accuracy (precision), opportunity, and coverage (completeness). Results: Of the death records, 8.2% show codes useless for public health purposes as underlying cause of death. Of the live births, 97.8% were registered during the same year of occurrence. We estimated the underregistration of infant mortality at 28.9%, with differences between territories. Conclusions: The quality of vital statistics of children under five years of age has improved in Colombia in the 19 years analyzed, particularly in accuracy and opportunity. However, problems persist in assigning the underlying cause of death and in underregistration, with significant differences between territories. Improving the quality of the vital statistics system must be an ethical imperative, especially to understand the populations of geographic areas historically invisible in the country.

Tendência temporal de nascidos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina entre 2011 e 2021 / Temporal trend of premature birth in the state of Santa Catarina between 2011 and 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal de nascimentos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina entre 2011 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo observacional ecológico de tendência temporal realizado com informações do banco de dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos do estado de Santa Catarina (2011-2021), disponibilizado pela Diretoria de Vigilância Epidemiológica. Foram analisados todos os nascidos vivos prematuros segundo o ano de processamento e o local de residência em Santa Catarina (110.422). Foram incluídos os nascidos vivos de gestação com menos de 37 semanas completas. As taxas de nascimentos prematuros foram calculadas proporcionalmente à totalidade de nascimentos e calculadas segundo macrorregião, idade materna, número de consultas do pré-natal, instrução materna e cor de pele. Para o cálculo da tendência temporal, foi utilizada a regressão linear simples, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: A taxa média de nascimentos prematuros no estado de Santa Catarina foi de 10,57%, com tendência estável (p < 0,001). Maiores taxas específicas foram encontradas nas macrorregiões Meio Oeste e Serra e Planalto Norte e Nordeste (11,46%), extremos de idade (10-14 anos e 45-64 anos) e menor escolaridade. Maior número de consultas de pré-natal apresentou taxa de prematuridade menor (7,69%). Tendências crescentes das taxas foram apenas encontradas na macrorregião Grande Oeste, faixa etária materna entre 40-44 anos e entre 4-6 consultas de pré-natal. Conclusão: A tendência da taxa de prematuridade manteve-se estável em Santa Catarina. Baixo número de consultas de pré-natal, extremos de idades e baixa escolaridade mostraram taxas maiores de prematuridade. (AU)

Objective: Analyzing the temporal trend of premature births in the state of Santa Catarina between 2011 and 2021. Methods: Observational ecological temporal trend study carried out with information from the database of the Information System on Live Births in the state of Santa Catarina (2011-2021), made available by the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate. All premature live births were analyzed according to the year of processing and place of residence in Santa Catarina (110,422). Live births of less than 37 completed weeks were included. The rates of premature births were calculated in proportion to the total number of births and calculated according to macro-region, maternal age, number of prenatal consultations, maternal education and skin color. Simple linear regression was used to calculate the temporal trend, with a confidence interval of 95% (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The average rate of premature births in the state of Santa Catarina was 10.57%, with a stable trend (p < 0.001). Higher specific rates were found in the Midwest and Serra, North Plateau and Northeast macro-regions (11.46%), age extremes (10-14 years and 45-64 years) and lower schooling. A greater number of prenatal consultations had a lower prematurity rate (7.69%). Increasing trends in rates were only found in the Grande Oeste macro-region, maternal age group between 40-44 years and between 4-6 prenatal consultations. Conclusion: The prematurity rate trend remained stable in Santa Catarina. Low number of prenatal consultations, extremes of age and low education showed higher rates of prematurity. (AU)

Efficacy Analysis of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Protocol and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol in POSEIDON Group 1 / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a)protocol and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist(GnRH-ant)protocol in POSEIDON group 1.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020,399 patients in POSEIDON group 1 who underwent assisted reproductive technology in the Center of Reproductive Medicine,Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were retrospectively analyzed.Cohorts with similar baseline characteristics were screened by 1 ∶1 propensity score matching(PSM),and base-line data,clinical and laboratory parameters,and clinical outcomes were compared between GnRH-a and Gn-RH-ant groups.Results:①100 patients from GnRH-a group and 100 patients from GnRH-ant group were matched.②The total dose and total use time of gonadotropin(Gn)in GnRH-a group were higher than those in GnRH-ant group(P<0.001,P =0.048),and the hormone levels of luteinizing hormone,estradiol and progester-one on the day of HCG injection were lower than those in GnRH-ant group(P<0.001,P =0.011,P<0.001).There was no statistical difference in the number of follicles between the two groups(P>0.05),the number of oocytes retrieved,mature oocytes,normal fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos and available embryos were lower in GnRH-a group than those in GnRH-ant group(P<0.01).③In GnRH-a group,the time to live birth(TTLB)was higher than GnRH-ant group(P =0.005),and the cumulative live birth rate(CLBR)was lower than GnRH-ant group(P =0.048),and there was no statistical difference in the number of transplants(P =0.536)and cumulative pregnancy rates(P =0.084)between the two groups.④The economic cost to live birth of GnRH-a group was higher than that of GnRH-ant group(P =0.02).Conclusions:Compared with GnRH-a group,Gn-RH-ant group could improve the cumulative live birth rate of a single ovulation induction cycle in patients in PO-SEIDON group 1,shorten the time to live birth and reduce the treatment cost of patients,and was the preferred protocol for patients in POSEIDON group 1.

Effect of endometrial thickness on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer pregnancy outcome:a review of research progress / 实用医学杂志

Endometrial receptivity is key to clinical pregnancy by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)technique.Endometrial thickness(EMT)is a major index for pregnancy monitoring,but the optimal time indicating endometrial receptivity is controversially uncertain.Multiple studies have demonstrated the correlation between EMT and IVF pregnancy outcomes and EMT of a moderate range is essential for good pregnancy outcomes and a thin endometrium produces negative pregnancy outcomes.In this paper,we reviewed the research on the im-pact of EMT on IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes in terms of timing of EMT measurement,clinical pregnancy rate,live birth rate,ectopic pregnancy rate,placenta praevia,and low birth weight,investigating the mechanism of occur-rence and treatment of thin endometrium so as to provide clinical references for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes.

Analysis of the Birthing Behaviour of Cynomolgus Macaques / 实验动物与比较医学

ObjectiveObserving and analyzing the delivery behaviour of cynomolgus macaques, to establish the criteria for determining the occurrence of delivery in cynomolgus macaques, and then combining with veterinary assistance in order to improve the live birth rate of cynomolgus macaques. MethodsBy backtracking and analyzing the surveillance videos of 112 perinatal cynomolgus macaques with a gestation period of 140 d or more from 2017 to 2021, we observed and recorded the main behavioural manifestations of the cynomolgus macaques during labour, including Valsalva's maneuver, touching and licking the birth canal, lying on their backs or stomachs, and rolling and tumbling of the body. On this basis, we established the weights of delivery-related behavioural indicators and exhaustively analysed the perinatal behavioural performances of 30 cynomolgus macaques for delivery determination. ResultsThe perinatal behavioural validation results of the 30 cynomolgus macaques showed that the behavioural indicators of Valsalva's maneuver, touching and licking the birth canal, lying on the stomach or on the floor, body rolling and tumbling occurred with different frequencies, among which Valsalva's maneuver and lying on the stomach or on the back were the most important, with weight values of 35.5% and 27.2%, respectively. These two behaviours can be used to accurately determine the onset of parturition in cynomolgus macaques. The average live birth rate of the monkeys that were accurately determined to have given birth and were assisted by veterinarians reached 87.1%, which was significantly higher than that of the monkeys that had unassisted spontaneous deliveries, which was 63.5%, and there was a significant difference between these two rates (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of accurate birth determination and veterinary assisted delivery can significantly increase the live birth rate of experimental cynomolgus macaques.

Effect of Insemination Methods on Pregnancy Outcomes of Day 6 Blastocyst Transfer in Frozen Cycles / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two different insemination methods， conventional in vitro fertilization （IVF） and intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）， on pregnancy outcomes in patients with frozen-thawed D6（day 6） blastocyst transfer. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with thawed D6 blastocyst transfer between January 2018 and April 2020 at the Fertility Center of the Third Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University， divided into conventional IVF group （446 cycles ） and ICSI fertilization group （200 cycles） according to the fertilization method. Patients were divided into those with a history of D5（day 5） blastocyst transfer and those without. The patients’ general characteristics， blastocyst quality， and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared. ResultsBMI， years of infertility， and basal FSH were not statistically significant in the IVF and ICSI groups （P > 0.05）. Regardless of the history of D5 transfer， patients in the ICSI group were younger than those in the IVF group （P < 0.001）， the proportion of primary infertility was significantly higher in the ICSI group （P < 0.001）， and the number of oocytes obtained and the number of normally fertilized oocytes in the ICSI group were higher than those in the conventional IVF fertilization group （P < 0.001）. The proportion of stage V and Ⅵ blastocysts was significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group （21.6 % vs. 3.14 %， P < 0.001）. High-quality blastocysts with an ICM score of A were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （23.8 % vs. 14.3 %， P = 0.01）. The HCG-positive and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （65.5 % vs. 48.4 %， P < 0.001； 56 % vs. 41.3 %， P = 0.001）， and embryo implantation and live birth rates were also higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （43.8 % vs. 30.9 %， P < 0.001； 43.0 % vs. 31.8 %， P = 0.006）. After correcting for age and number of oocytes obtained between the two groups， the clinical pregnancy rate was still significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （OR： 1.590， 95 % CI： 1.030， 2.455， P = 0.036）. Infant birth weight was lower in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （P = 0.016）， and the differences in preterm birth rate， sex ratio， and mode of delivery were not statistically significant between the two groups. ConclusionsClinical pregnancy and live birth rates after thawing and transfer of D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI are higher than those of D6 blastocysts fertilized by conventional IVF， which may be related to the different factors contributing to the slow development of blastocysts in patients who received different fertilization methods. The relatively good pregnancy outcome after the transfer of thawed D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI may compensate to some extent for the difference in pregnancy outcome due to the relatively slow blastocyst development and a relatively higher proportion of D6 blastocysts after ICSI fertilization in male infertility patients.

The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on in vitro fertilization outcomes of unexplained infertility

Abstract Background Infertility is caused by heterogeneous risks, but most of them are unexplained. The sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) was increasingly acknowledged as a parameter for the evaluation of male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the association between sperm DFI and laboratory and clinical outcomes in a population with unexplained infertility. Methods The clinical data of an infertile population was collected for the selection of reproductive patients with unexplained infertility. The authors classified the patients with normal sperm parameters in a control group (DFI < 25%) and an observation group (DFI ≥ 25%) and compared the difference in basal characteristics, laboratory, and clinical outcomes between the two groups. The authors conducted a correlation analysis to examine the relationship between DFI and the number of D3 good-quality embryos, as well as the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. A total of 176 cases were enrolled in the retrospective study. Results The observation group (n = 88) showed advanced male age, lower sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology assessment than the control group. In addition, lower No. of D3 good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, and the live birth rate were shown in the observation group. A negative correlation between the DFI and No. of D3 good-quality embryos (rs = -0.347, p < 0.001) or live birth rate (rs = -0.185, p = 0.028) was shown. Conclusions Sperm DFI was a good indicator for the prediction of D3 good-quality embryos in unexplained infertility couples, but it did not provide sufficient information regarding clinical pregnancy outcome but live pregnancy outcome.

Procedimiento clínico-quirúrgico en una paciente embarazada con una derivación urológica compleja. Reporte de un caso / Clinical-surgical approach in a pregnant patient with complex urological diversion. A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El mielomeningocele es el defecto del tubo neural más frecuente; se registra un caso por cada 1000 nacidos vivos. Es más frecuente en mujeres, que resultan con secuelas discapacitantes, entre ellas las urológicas. Pueden subsanarse con diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas y derivaciones urológicas complejas que las predispone a infecciones de vías urinarias de repetición y, cuando hay embarazo, complicaciones materno-fetales y dificultad para el acceso quirúrgico, en caso de cesárea. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente con 14 semanas de embarazo, 27 años de edad, con diagnóstico de mielomeningocele y vesicoplastia, con múltiples infecciones urinarias y ruptura de membranas pretérmino. Finalización del embarazo por cesárea a las 33 semanas, por indicación de las condiciones fetales. La técnica de la cesárea se modificó para no dañar la cistoplastia y evitar complicaciones con las adherencias en la pelvis. CONCLUSIONES: El mejor pronóstico materno-fetal en pacientes con derivación urológica compleja se consigue con la búsqueda intencionada de infecciones urinarias y tratamiento oportuno y adecuado, además de una planificación multidisciplinaria al momento de la finalización del embarazo.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Myelomeningocele is the most common neural tube defect; one case per 1000 live births is reported. It is more frequent in females, resulting in disabling sequelae, including urological sequelae. They can be corrected with different surgical techniques and complex urological derivations that predispose them to repeated urinary tract infections and, when there is pregnancy, maternal-fetal complications and difficulty for surgical access, in case of cesarean section. CLINICAL CASE: Patient 14 weeks pregnant, 27 years old, diagnosed with myelomeningocele and vesicoplasty, with multiple urinary tract infections and preterm rupture of membranes. Termination of pregnancy by cesarean section at 33 weeks, due to fetal conditions. The cesarean section technique was modified so as not to damage the cystoplasty and to avoid complications with adhesions in the pelvis. CONCLUSIONS: The best maternal-fetal prognosis in patients with complex urologic diversion is achieved with the intentional search for urinary tract infections and timely and adequate treatment, in addition to multidisciplinary planning at the time of termination of pregnancy.

Highlights of human uterus transplantation / 器官移植

As a novel solid organ transplantation, uterus transplantation has become an important approach for women with uterine infertility to obtain biological offspring. Multiple technological challenges exist in uterus transplantation, such as acquisition of vascular pedicle, organ perfusion and vascular suture, etc. However, with the development and application of uterus transplantation in animal model and transplantation in human cadavers, a lot of problems have become new hot topics of discussion, such as the selection of uterus transplantation donors and recipients, selection of uterine vessels, prevention and treatment of complications after uterus transplantation, evaluation of graft vitality, timing of pregnancy and delivery, timing of hysterectomy, mental health of donors and recipients and offspring health, etc. According to current data and outcomes of human uterus transplantation worldwide, these hot topics were reviewed in this article, aiming to provide reference for promoting the development and progress of human uterus transplantation research in China.

Correlation Between Blastocyst Morphology Score， Early Serum β-hCG Concentrations and Live Birth After Thawed Single Blastocyst Transfer / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectivesTo assess the correlation between blastocyst morphology score， serum human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit （β-hCG） levels on day 12 after transfer and live birth outcomes among cycles tested HCG-positive after thawed single blastocyst transfer； to analyze the predictive value of serum β-hCG levels on live birth. MethodsWe reviewed the data of 519 frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles （FET） that had been tested HCG-positive from January 2016 to May 2020 at our IVF center. These FET cycles were firstly divided into 4 groups （AA， AB， BA， and BB） according to Gardner's grading system of inner cell mass （ICM） and trophectoderm cell （TE）， and then 4 groups （stages 3， 4， 5 and 6） according to the degree of blastocyst expansion. Serum β-hCG concentrations on day 12 after transfer and live birth rates were compared among groups transferred with different blastocysts grading and expansion stage. The relationship between Gardner’s grading or expansion stage of blastocysts and serum β-hCG levels was determined by correlation test， and ROC curves were plotted to determine the threshold values of serum β-hCG for predicting live birth. Results（1） The serum β-hCG concentration in the AA group and AB group on the 12th day after the transfer was significantly higher than that in the BB group （P <0.001， P <0.001）. However， there was no significant difference in the live birth rate when different ICM/TE-graded blastocysts were transferred （P = 0.120）. There were no significant differences in serum β-hCG concentration on day 12 after transfer and live birth rate among blastocysts with different expansion stages （P = 0.091， P = 0.557）. （2） There was a significant weak correlation between blastocyst ICM/TE grading and serum β-hCG concentration on day 12 （rs = -0.221， P <0.001）， and even after controlling for confounding factors （ rs = -0.228， P <0.001）；There was no significant correlation between blastocyst’s expansion stage and serum β-hCG concentration on day 12 after the transfer （rs = -0.052， P = 0.240）， and the association remained insignificant after controlling for confounding factors （rs = -0.029， P = 0.508）. （3） ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value for predicting live birth by serum β-hCG on day 12 was 657.5 mU/mL （P < 0.001）. ConclusionsNeither the ICM/TE grade nor the expansion stage of blastocysts affect the live birth rate，there is significant difference in the level of β-hCG produced by blastocyst with different ICM/TE grade；Our results suggest that early serum β-hCG level can predict live birth.

Effects of paternal age on pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycles / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To observe the effects of paternal age on the pregnancy outcomes in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. 【Methods】 The clinical data of two groups after propensity score matching (PSM) were retrospectively analyzed, including 738 cycles in the 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate (52.2%vs. 67.2%) and live birth rate (41.1% vs. 57.2%) decreased in the 40-60 year group compared with those in the 0.05). 【Conclusion】 Advanced paternal age decreases clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate.

Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate.@*OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests.@*RESULTS@#A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence.@*CONCLUSION@#Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).

Casamiento infantil y salud perinatal en Ecuador, 2015-2020 / Child marriage and perinatal health in Ecuador, 2015-2020

RESUMEN Este estudio buscó estimar la prevalencia y distribución de nacidos vivos de madres menores de 18 años en Ecuador y la asociación entre indicadores perinatales y estado marital materno. A partir de los registros de nacidos vivos obtenidos del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos de Ecuador para el período 2015-2020, se estimó la asociación conjunta entre grupos de edad (10-15, 16-17, 18-19 y 20-24 años) y la situación conyugal materna (casada, unión estable y soltera), con bajo peso al nacer, parto pretérmino e inadecuada atención prenatal. La prevalencia de partos de madres menores de 18 años fue del 9,3% y declinó en el periodo de estudio, drásticamente entre las mujeres casadas. La asociación entre estado marital y las variables explicativas dependió de la edad materna. Los resultados más favorables de salud observados entre las madres casadas de 20-24 años, en comparación con las madres solteras, se debilitan o desaparecen entre las menores de edad. Las madres en uniones de hecho experimentaron resultados intermedios entre las mujeres casadas y las solteras.

ABSTRACT This study sought to estimate the prevalence and distribution of newborns to mothers under age 18 in Ecuador and the association between perinatal indicators and maternal marital status. Newborn records obtained from Ecuador's Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) between 2015 and 2020 were used to assess the joint association between maternal age groups (10-15, 16-17, 18-19, and 20-24 years) and marital status (married, common-law, and single) with low birthweight, preterm birth, and inadequate prenatal care. The prevalence of newborns to mothers under age 18 was 9.3% overall, but declined over the study period, drastically among married mothers. The association between marital status and perinatal indicators depended on maternal age. The more favorable outcomes observed among married mothers aged 20-24 years (compared to their single counterparts) weaken or disappear among mothers under age 18. Mothers in stable unions exhibited outcomes in between those of married and single mothers.