Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en pacientes sometidas a fertilización in vitro en el Hospital Gustavo Fricke / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients undergoing in vitro fertilization at the Gustavo Fricke Hospital

Introducción: La infertilidad es una enfermedad presente en el 17.5% de la población adulta. La COVID-19 provocó sobrecargas en atención de salud, generando un impacto incierto en unidades de salud reproductiva que realizan terapias de reproducción asistida. Objetivos: Comparar características clínicas y tiempos de atención de pacientes sometidas a fertilización in vitro de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva del Hospital Gustavo Fricke entre los periodos 2017-2019 y 2020-2022. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo, utilizando base de datos anonimizada de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva del Hospital Gustavo Fricke con 82 pacientes sometidas a fertilización in vitro. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 34.2 ± 4.2 años. El tiempo de infertilidad fue de 5.1 ± 4.3 años. Los factores de infertilidad más frecuentes son el tuboperitoneal (59,8%) y masculino (46,3%). Durante los primeros 20 meses en prepandemia hubo mayor tendencia a derivación precoz al Centro de Reproducción Humana de la Universidad de Valparaíso (odds ratio: 3.84). Conclusiones: En pandemia se evidenció un aumento en el tiempo de infertilidad, mediana de gestaciones, abortos previos y frecuencia de factor masculino. No hubo cambios significativos en tiempos de derivación a fertilización in vitro, no obstante, durante la pandemia disminuyeron las derivaciones precoces.

Introduction: Infertility is a disease present in the 17.5% of the adult population. COVID-19 caused overload in health centers, producing an unclear impact in the reproductive health units that perform assisted reproduction therapies. Objectives: To compare clinical characteristics and the attention times of patients subjected to in vitro fertilization in the Reproductive Medicine Unit of the Gustavo Fricke Hospital between the 2017-2019 and 2020-2022 periods. Method: Descriptive observational study in which an anonymized database of 82 patients subjected to in vitro fertilization in the Reproductive Medicine Unit of the Gustavo Fricke Hospital was used. Results: The average age was 34.2 ± 4.2 years old. The infertility time was 5.1 ± 4.3 years. The most frequent infertility factors were tuboperitoneal (59.8%) and male factors (46.3%). During the first pre-pandemic 20 months, there was a higher tendency towards early referral to the Center for Human Reproduction of the Valparaiso University (odds ratio: 3.84). Conclusions: In the course of the pandemic, there was an increase of the infertility time, the pregnancies median, prior abortions, and male factor frequency. On the other hand, there were not considerable changes when it comes to referral times to in vitro fertilization, however, early referrals decreased during the pandemic.

Orrelations of sperm parameters with fertilization rate of in vitro fertilization / 临床检验杂志

Objective To investigate the correction between the fertilization rate of in vitro fertilization(IVF)and sperm parameters.Methods This retrospective study included 327 cases undergoing IVF procedures in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Chenz-hou First People's Hospital,who were divided into a low fertilization group(fertilization rate＜30％,n=19)and normal fertilization group(fertilization rate≥30％,n=308)based on the assessment standards of quality control data in the embryology laboratory of our center.The basic information of males,embryo information and related sperm parameters were collected,and the correction between sperm parameters and the fertilization rate was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The influencing factors of the fertilization rate were ana-lyzed by binary logistic regression,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)was performed to ana-lyze the predictive value of low fertilization rate.Results The sperm acrosin activity,percentage of spermatozoa with normal morpholo-gy and sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)were the relevant factors affecting the fertilization rate,and the correlation coefficients were 0.168,0.306,and-0.243,respectively(all the P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that all the three indicators were independent factors affecting the fertilization rate of IVF,and the multivariate logistic equation was as follows:estimated fertilization rate=-2.561+0.035 ×acrosin activity+2.066×percentage of sperm with normal morphology-1.51×sperm DFI.The areas under the ROC curve(AUC)of acrosin activity,percentage of sperm with normal morphology,sperm DFI and the combination of them were 0.806,0.889,0.827 and 0.899,respectively.The corresponding cut-off values for the Yuden index were 61.20 μIU/106 sperm,2.98％,27.50％and-21.32,respectively.The sensitivity of acrosin activity,percentage of sperm with normal morphology,sperm DFI and the combination of three indicators for the prediction of low fertilization rate were 95.70％,76.90％,68.40％,64.30％,and their specificity were 43.50％,94.70％,87.70％,100.00％,respectively.The combination of three indicators showed the best prediction ef-ficiency.Conclusion Acrosin activity,percentage of sperm with normal morphology and sperm DFI should be the independent factors to predict the fertilization rate of IVF,and the multivariate logistic equation can be used as a reference to predict the fertilization rate of IVF.

Predictive value of combination of normal morphology sperm percentage and sperm DNA fragmentation index for in vitro fer-tilization embryo transfer outcomes / 临床检验杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of combined assessment of normal morphology sperm rate(MNS)with sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 641 patients who underwent IVF-ET in our center from June 2020 to February 2023.According to MNS and DFI levels,the patients were divided into group A(MNS＜4％,DFI＜25％,403 cases),group B(MNS ≥4％,DFI ≥25％,9 ca-ses),group C(MNS≥4％,DFI＜25％,125 cases),group D(MNS＜4％,DFI≥25％,104 cases),group A1(MNS＜1％,DFI＜25％,106 cases)and group D1(MNS＜1％,DFI≥25％,60 cases).The general information,semen parameters,embryo develop-ment and pregnancy outcomes were compared among all the 6 groups.Results No statistically significant differences were found be-tween female and male age among these groups(P＞0.05).Significant differences were observed in sperm motility,progressive motili-ty,sperm concentration and fertilization rates(P＜0.05),but no differences of usable embryo rates,good-quality embryo rates,clinical pregnancy rates,early miscarriage rates,or live birth rates(P＞0.05)among the groups A,B,C,D,A1 and D1.Conclusion The decreased MNS and increased DFI in males were associated with reduced sperm motility and concentration,affecting fertilization rates in IVF-ET,but had no significant impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes.The combined assessment of MNS with DFI had limited pre-dictive value for IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes.

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.

Trajectories and influencing factors of post-traumatic stress disorder in women with multiple in vitro fertilization embryo transfer failures / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the potential categories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trajectories in women with multiple in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failures, and to analyze the effects of different demographic characteristics and psychological factors on the potential categories of PTSD trajectories.Methods:This was a prospective empirical research, from May 2021 to October 2022, women with IVF-ET failure ≥ 2 times in the reproductive department of Shanghai First People′s Hospital from May 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the research objects. Post-traumatic stress disorder civilian version scale was used for 4 follow-ups at 3 d (T1), 10 d (T2), 20 d (T3) after the last transplantation failure and 3 d before the next transplantation cycle (T4). Telephone follow-up and online follow-up were combined to obtain the PTSD level at 4 time points. Potential categories of PTSD score trajectories at four time points were identified using a latent category growth model, and analyze influencing factors using unordered multi classification logistic analysis.Results:Totally 196 IVF-ET women were admitted, aged (29.42 ± 4.13) years. Three PTSD trajectories were fitted in this study, including 82 cases (42%) in non-PTSD group, 61 cases (31%) in mild PTSD group and 53 cases (27%) in elevated PTSD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, fertility pressure and marital adjustment level were the predictors of PTSD trajectory in women with multiple IVF-ET failures. Compared with the non-PTSD group, women aged ≥35 years, with lower education level and marital adjustment level were more likely to enter the elevated PTSD group ( OR=4.570, 8.540, 0.949, all P<0.05). Women aged 35 years and with greater reproductive pressure were more likely to enter the mild PTSD group ( OR=3.871, 1.063, both P<0.05). Conclusions:There is group heterogeneity in the trajectories of PTSD in women with multiple IVF-ET failures in the next transplantation cycle. Old age, low education level, high fertility pressure and poor marital adjustment can predict the trajectories of PTSD. Fertility stress and marriage adjustment are changeable variables. Medical staff can relieve women′s fertility pressure through health education and mindfulness intervention, promote a good state of marriage adjustment, and minimize the adverse effects of PTSD on the next cycle of conception.

A study on the relationship between irrational fertility cognition and reproductive life quality of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer female patients: the mediating effect of psychological resilience / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between psychologicalresilience and irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality in female patients with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, and to analyze the mediating effect of psychological resilience on irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality, so as to provide guidance for infertility patients to improve their psychological resilience and fertility life quality.Methods:A cross-sectional study method was used to conveniently sample 460 female patients with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer who were admitted to the Women′s Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University from October 2022 to April 2023.General data questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Irrational Parenthood Cognitions Questionnaire and the Fertility Quality of Life were used for investigation.Results:A total of 449 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Patients aged (33.31 ± 4.99) years old. The total scores of irrational parenthood cognition, psychological resilience and the fertility quality of life were (38.73 ± 9.31), (63.19 ± 15.40) and (68.18 ± 11.89) points respectively for female patients with IVF-ET. The total score of irrational parenthood cognition was negatively correlated with the total score of fertility quality of life ( r = - 0.513, P<0.01), and the total score of psychological resilience was positively correlated with the total score of fertility quality of life ( r = 0.424, P<0.01). Pychological resilience played a partial mediating role between irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality, with the mediating effect accounting for 28.01% of the total effect. Conclusions:The irrational parenthood cognition of female patients with IVF-ET is at a medium level, and the psychological resilience and the fertility quality of life are at a low level. The irrational parenthood cognition has a direct negative predictive effect on the fertility life quality of patients, while the psychological resilience is a positive predictor of fertility life quality. Irrational parenthood cognition can directly or indirectly affect patients′ fertility life quality through psychological resilience. Clinical medical staff should take effective measures to reduce patients′ irrational parenthood cognition level and improve their psychological resilience, so as to improve patients′ fertility life quality.

Recent advances on the application of deep learning in assisted reproductive technology / 实用医学杂志

Deep learning is a machine learning method in the field of artificial intelligence,which simu-lates the workings of the neural network of the human brain to solve complex problems,and has been used in many important researches and applications in the field of medicine,such as diagnostic imaging,biomedical data pro-cessing,drug research and development,personalized medicine,etc.,which improves the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.In the field of assisted reproduction,deep learning could efficiently identify well-grown embryos,suitable oocytes,or sperms during the intervention process,assisting medical staff to make more accu-rate choices to improve pregnancy rates and reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.This paper summarizes the latest advances in the application of deep learning in the field of assisted reproduction technology in the past 5 years,and provides an outlook for future research.

Construction and validation of a nomogram model to predict abnormal female factors in in vitro fertilization / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Reducing the rate of abnormal fertilization is an effective approach to improving the efficacy of in vitro fertilization and reducing patients'financial strain.However,the current research on abnormal fertilization has focused on exploring the types of prokaryotic nuclei and their generation mechanisms,as well as analyzing embryos formed by abnormal fertilization,chromosomal ploidy and utilization value.There is a lack of clinical prediction models for abnormal fertilization based on retrospective studies. OBJECTIVE:To construct a nomogram model to predict abnormal female factors in in vitro fertilization. METHODS:A total of 5 075 patients undergoing treatment for conventional in vitro fertilization at Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from March 2017 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The male confounders were calibrated on a 1:1 propensity score with a match tolerance of 0.02,and 1 672 cases were successfully matched.According to the Vienna Consensus,patients with≥60%normal fertilization capacity were included in the normal fertilization group(n=836)and those with<60%normal fertilization capacity were included in the abnormal fertilization group(n=836).The model and validation groups were obtained by random sampling at a ratio of 7:3.Factors related to the occurrence of abnormal fertilization following conventional in vitro fertilization in the model group were screened using univariate analysis and the best matching factors were selected using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)and included in a multifactorial forward stepwise Logistic regression to identify their independent influencing factors and plot a nomogram.Finally,the prediction model was validated for discrimination,accuracy and clinical application efficacy using receiver operating characteristic curves,calibration curves,clinical decision curves and clinical impact curves. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The univariate analysis indicated the factors influencing the occurrence of abnormal fertilization were age,controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol,number of assisted pregnancies,years of infertility,infertility factors,anti-mullerian hormone,sinus follicle count,basal luteinizing hormone,luteinizing hormone concentration on the human chorionic gonadotropin day,and estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin injection day(P<0.05).LASSO regression further identified the best matching factors,including age,microstimulation protocol,number of assisted pregnancies,years of infertility,anti-mullerian hormone,luteinizing hormone level on human chorionic gonadotropin injection day,and estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin injection day(P<0.05).Multifactorial forward stepwise Logistic regression results showed that age,microstimulation protocol,number of assisted conceptions,years of infertility,anti-mullerian hormone,and estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin injection day were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of abnormal fertilization following conventional in vitro fertilization.The receiver operating characteristic curves showed an area under the curve of 0.761(0.746,0.777)for the model group and 0.767(0.733,0.801)for the validation group,indicating that the model has good discrimination.The mean absolute error of the calibration curve was 0.044,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated that there was no significant difference between the predicted probability of abnormal fertilization and the actual probability of abnormal fertilization(P>0.05),indicating the prediction model has good consistency and accuracy.The clinical decision curves and clinical impact curves showed that the model and validation groups had the maximum net clinical benefit at valve probability values of 0.00-0.52 and 0.00-0.48,respectively,and there was a good clinical application efficacy in this valve probability range.To conclude,the nomogram model has good discrimination and accuracy as well as clinical application efficacy for predicting the occurrence of abnormal fertilization in women undergoing conventional in vitro fertilization based on age,microstimulation protocol,number of assisted conceptions,years of infertility,anti-mullerian hormone,and estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin injection day.

Effects of different culture media on quality and developmental potential of mouse oocytes after in vitro maturation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,the demand for in vitro maturation of immature oocytes has increased.Oocyte maturation is affected by many factors,among which the selection of medium is particularly important,and there is currently no unified plan. OBJECTIVE:To compare the in vitro maturation of germinal vesicle stage oocytes with different maturation media and to investigate its effects on oocyte quality and developmental potential. METHODS:Germinal vesicle oocytes were matured in G-1TM PLUS medium,CZB medium and M16 medium,and mature oocytes in vivo were used as control group to compare in vitro fertilization and early embryo development among various groups.The immunofluorescence method was used to evaluate mitochondrial function in mature oocytes of each group.Calcium oscillation was detected by confocal microscopy real-time imaging system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant difference in the first polar body ejection rate among the three groups(P>0.05).(2)The rate of in vitro fertilization was higher in the G-1TM PLUS group(52.86±11.24)%than that in the M16 group(37.76±6.70)%and the CZB group(30.62±5.51)%.The blastocyst rate was lower in the CZB group(36.23±6.63)%than that in the control group(78.16±4.17)%,G-1TM PLUS group(55.75±7.63)%and M16 group(53.36±6.33)%.(3)Compared with the control group,the length-to-width ratio of the spindle in the CZB group increased(P<0.005).(4)The mitochondrial function of the CZB group was worse than that of the control group,G-1TM PLUS group and M16 group,and abnormal mitochondrial agglutination occurred in the CZB group.(5)The frequency of calcium oscillations in the CZB and M16 groups was significantly higher than that in the G1 and control groups.In conclusion,during in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes,in vitro maturation rate was not significantly different among G-1TM PLUS,CZB and M16 media,but the G-1TM PLUS medium had a higher rate of fertilization and blastocyst formation.

Effects of repeated superovulation on developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Superovulation is a common therapy in assisted reproductive technology.In clinical practice,some patients experience repeated superovulation to get pregnant. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of repeated superovulation on the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans. METHODS:Both animal experiments and retrospective clinical research were conducted.The animal study involved 90 SPF grade ICR 8-week-old female mice,who were randomly divided into three groups for 1,3,and 5 superovulations,respectively.The clinical study involved 306 patients who had undergone three consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles.The number of ovules obtained and embryonic development in different cycles were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The animal study indicated that repeated superovulation did not affect the embryonic development or developmental speed of mouse embryos.Similarly,there was no significant difference in the mouse blastocyst apoptosis,DNA damage,or the formation of inner cell mass and trophectoderm(P>0.05).(2)The clinical study also revealed no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes(8.60±5.04,8.58±4.87,and 8.38±4.63,P=0.81)and transferable embryos(2.42±1.99,2.40±1.92,and 2.64±2.00,P=0.26)over the three cycles.(3)In both the young group(<35 years)and the old group(≥35 years),the embryo quality was not affected by repeated superovulation(P>0.05).(4)These findings show that repeated superovulation does not affect the developmental potential of oocytes in mice and humans.

Strength of association between follicular fluid melatonin levels and pregnancy rates in single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is commonly used to solve infertility,but its success rate is not high,the more common reasons are poor endometrial receptivity,poor egg quality,etc.The follicular fluid melatonin can inhibit the aging of the ovary,to a certain extent,can promote the development of embryos,improve the probability of conception,but whether there is a correlation between the two is not known. OBJECTIVE:To explore the correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women. METHODS:A total of 112 female patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from December 2020 to April 2021 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into quartile array(Q1-Q5)according to the follicular fluid melatonin level from low to high.Among them,the melatonin level of group Q1 was<6.99 ng/L(n=18),that of group Q2 was 7.00-9.99 ng/L(n=26),that of group Q3 was 10.00-11.99 ng/L(n=27),and that of group Q4 was 12.00-13.99 ng/L(n=18);and melatonin levels in group Q5 were 14.00-19.99 ng/L(n=23).Clinical data characteristics of the five groups were compared.Multi-factor Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of women with single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer and embryo transfer.A restricted cubic spline Logistic regression model was established to analyze the dose-response relationship,and the model was evaluated by clinical decision curve. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the study population with the lowest melatonin quintile(Q1),with the increase of melatonin level(Q2-Q5),the levels of egg harvest and pregnancy success were gradually increased,and the body mass index was gradually decreased,and the differences were significant(P<0.05).(2)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as global mass index,number of eggs retrieved,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,progesterone and other confounding factors,follicular fluid melatonin level was still independently correlated with pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(OR=1.538,95%CI:1.032-1.837,P<0.05),and there was significant difference in trend test of follicular fluid melatonin level from low to high quintile array(Ptrend<0.05).(3)The sensitivity test analysis showed that E value was 2.117.Subgroup analysis showed that the study population with higher levels of luteinizing hormone in follicular fluid had a more significant association between follicular fluid melatonin and pregnancy rate in single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(P interaction=0.008).(4)The results of restricted cubic spline model analysis showed that there was a nonlinear dose-response relationship between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(P<0.05),and there was an overall positive correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women.(5)The results of clinical decision curve analysis showed that the follicular fluid melatonin level had important clinical value in predicting the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women.(6)Follicular fluid melatonin level is closely related to the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women,and with the decrease of follicular fluid melatonin level,the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women also decreases.

Effect of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Level on the Developmental Potential of Oocytes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Morphology com-bined with Infertility / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels on the development potential of oocytes in patients with polycystic ovarian morphology(PCOM)complicated with infertility during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.Methods A total of 480 infertile patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected(160 cases in control group,104 cases in PCOM group and 216 cases in PCOS group),AMH levels were compared among different groups.According to the serum AMH level(4.7ng/ml as normal value,＞4.7ng/ml as high value),both PCOM and PCOS patients were divided into normal AMH group and high AMH group.The differences of oocyte indexes and their correlation between different AMH levels in PCOM and PCOS patients were ana-lyzed.Results The basal androgen level in PCOS group was significantly higher than that in PCOM group(P＜0.01).The comparison of serum AMH value showed that the control group＜PCOM group＜PCOS group(P＜0.001).Laboratory indexes showed that the num-ber of mature oocytes,2PN,fertilization,D3 cleavage and total embryos in the high AMH group were significantly higher than those in the normal AMH group in PCOM and PCOS patients(P＜0.05).The AMH levels was positively correlated with the number of mature oo-cytes,2PN,fertilization,D3 cleavage and total embryos(P＜0.05).In the PCOS group,the number of dominant follicles,oocytes,high-quality embryos and available embryos in the high AMH group were significantly higher than those in the normal AMH group(P＜0.05),and the AMH levels was positively correlated with the number of dominant follicles,oocytes,high-quality embryos and available embryos(P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the above indicators among different AMH levels in PCOM group(P＞0.05).Conclusion The serum AMH level of PCOM patients with infertility is higher than that of the control group,but lower than that of PCOS patients.PCOM patients with high AMH level can obtain better quality oocytes and more embryos,and increase the number of transplantation in patients with repeated transplantation failure,thereby improving the clinical pregnancy rate.

Staged Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine in a Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Programme / 中医杂志

It is believed that kidney deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis while liver constraint and spleen deficiency， and disharmony of chong （thorough vessel， 冲脉）and ren （conception vessel， 任脉） is the key pathogenesis of infertility patients who adopted controlled ovarian hyperstimulation of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） programme. Therefore， the method of tonifying the kidneys dominantly and treating the liver and spleen simultaneously is proposed， and Chinese herbal medicine is suggested to be used in adjuvant treatment of staged IVF-ET controlled ovrian hyperstimulation. In the regulation stage， modified Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸） can be used to tonify kidney and supplement essence， fortify spleen and nourish liver； in the ovulation promotion stage， modified Wenjing Decoction （温经汤） should be used to warm kidney and assist yang， dispel stasis and nourish blood； in the pre-transplantation endothelial preparation stage， modified Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散） is suggested to fortify spleen and replenish qi， invigorate blood and resolve stasis； after the transplantation stage， modified Shoutai Pill （寿胎丸） or Taiyuan Decoction （胎元饮） can be taken to fortify spleen and tonify kidney， benefit qi and nourish blood.

Clinical Efficacy of TCM Multi-channel Intervention Plus Antagonist Regimen on Ovarian Function，TCM Syndromes and Natural Conception in Poor Ovarian Responders Undergoing IVF-ET / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo objectively analyze the effects of traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） multi-channel intervention on the ovarian function，TCM syndromes and natural conception of poor ovarian responders（kidney-Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who planned to receive another in vitro fertilization embryo transfer（IVF-ET）antagonist regimen. MethodThe 128 low-prognosis patients （kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who attended the West China Second University Hospital， Sichuan University and the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2020 to February 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected，and then divided into the treatment group and the control group according to the random number table，with 64 patients in each group. The control group was treated with oral dehydroepiandrosterone（DHEA），while the treatment group was treated with multi-channel TCM（oral TCM decoction + auricular point sticking + Bushen Huoxue prescription through retention enema）. After 3 menstrual cycles，the relevant indicators for ovarian function evaluation，TCM syndrome scores and natural conception were collected from both groups. ResultCompared with the situation before treatment，the basal follicle stimulating hormone（bFSH），bFSH/basal luteinizing hormone（bLH），basal estradiol（bE2），antral follicle count（AFC），the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were improved after treatment（P<0.05，P<0.01）. For the control group， the bFSH/bLH and TCM syndrome scores were increased after treatment（P<0.05）， while the bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，and the number of superior embryos showed no significant difference after treatment. Compared with the control group after treatment，bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were better （P<0.05，P<0.01），while there was no significant difference in the number of oocytes obtained. After treatment，there were 3 cases of natural conception in the treatment group，while there were no natural conception in the control group. ConclusionFor patients with poor ovarian response and kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern，multi-channel intervention of TCM plus the antagonist regimen can reduce bFSH，bFSH/bLH values，improve the levels of bE2，increase AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization and the number of superior embryos，improve ovarian function，menstruation and TCM syndromes，improve their quality of life，and even enable some patients to get pregnant naturally before re-progression and improve their pregnancy outcome.

Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births.@*RESULTS@#Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Study on the Distribution and Clinical Characteristics of TCM Syndromes in Infertility Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the distribution and clinical characteristics of TCM syndromes in infertility patients with autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT).Methods By referring to the relevant literature on the distribution of TCM syndromes of AIT and infertility in women of childbearing age,the TCM Syndromes Survey of Infertility Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis was formulated.256 cases of infertility patients with AIT who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)at the Reproductive Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from June 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The data of basic information,TCM syndromes,basic thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab)and thyroglobulin antibody(TG-Ab)were collected.By means of frequency analysis and systematic cluster analysis,the distribution regularity of TCM syndromes in infertility patients with AIT were concluded.Results After analysis,the following 5 common syndrome elements were obtained,namely,qi deficiency,liver depression,spleen deficiency,kidney deficiency and blood stasis.In addition,it was concluded that this disease was more common in complex syndromes.Through systematic clustering analysis,main TCM syndromes of this disease were obtained,which were qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome(69 cases,26.9%),spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome(45 cases,17.6%),spleen qi deficiency syndrome(38 cases,14.8%),qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(36 cases,14.1%),kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome(32 cases,12.5%)and other syndrome types(36 cases,14.1%).The basic TSH level was higher in patients with qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome,spleen qi deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome than other syndrome types,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in TPO-Ab and TG-Ab titers among different syndromes(P>0.05).Conclusion TCM syndromes of infertility patients with AIT can be clustered into qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome,spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome,spleen qi deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome and other syndrome.The main element of syndrome is qi deficiency,and the pathological sites involved spleen,kidney and liver.Stasis blood is a main pathological product.It is required to pay close attention to the thyroid function in AIT patients with qi deficiency.

Effects of growth hormone co-treatment with progesterone-primed ovarian stimulation protocol on IVF outcomes in women with low prognosis / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To study the effect of growth hormone(GH)with progesterone-primed ovarian stimulation(PPOS)protocol on in vitro fertilization(IVF)outcomes among women with low prognosis.Methods This is a retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching(PSM)analysis.Women commencing their IVF between January2017 to December2021,with and without GH co-treatment,were reviewed.Results After PSM,76 pairs of women with low prognosis were included into analysis.Paired testing showed there is a statistical increase in transferable embryo(P<0.001)in the GH co-treatment group comparing with control group.No significant difference showed in retrieved oocyte number and metaphaseⅡ(MⅡ)oocyte rate,two-pronuclear(2PN)zygote rate on day1,high-quality embryo rate,or clinical pregnancy rate,neither in gonadotropin(Gn)requirement,duration or peak estradiol.Subgroup analysis results showed transferrable embryo rate on day3 rising among decreased ovarian reserve women(P=0.010).For women aged below 40,MⅡoocyte rate(P=0.010)and transferrable embryo rate on day3(P<0.001)increased in GH co-treatment group.Conclusions GH is suggested a beneficial impact on oocyte quality and transferrable embryos with PPOS protocol in IVF.Its adjuvant administration can be proposed as an optional therapeutic strategy in women with low prognosis.

Effect of anxiety and depression levels on pregnancy outcome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in couples receiving in vitro fertilization treatment. METHODS: A total of 102 couples (102 females and 102 males) with unexplained infertility were included in the study. Personal Information Form was used to collect data, Case Follow-up Form to record the treatment process, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory to measure the anxiety and depression levels of couples. Couples were measured twice: before treatment and on oocyte pickup day. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and oocyte count of women (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between State-Trait Anxiety Inventory level and sperm count and between BID level and sperm motility (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and pregnancy outcomes of women (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression had no effect on pregnancy outcome. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in unexplained infertility.

Melatonin improves fertilization rate in assisted reproduction: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and it has antioxidant properties. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on assisted reproductive technologies through a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Materials and methods: Search strategies were used in PubMed and in other databases covering the last 15 years. After screening for eligibility, 17 articles were selected for the systematic review. For the meta-analysis statistics, two groups were formed, the treatment group (with melatonin) and the control group (without melatonin) for various assisted reproduction outcomes. Results: The main results were that no statistical differences were found concerning the clinical pregnancy outcome (p = 0.64), but there was a statistical difference with respect to Mature Oocytes (MII) (p = 0.001), antral follicle count (p = 0.0002), and the fertilization rate (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Melatonin had beneficial effects such as the improvement in the fertilization rate, although the authors did not obtain significance in the clinical pregnancy rate.

Controversias éticas en la atención del aborto, fertilización in vitro y anticoncepción en la mujer

En relación con los procesos de reproducción, las evidencias científicas de los últimos años y la vasta y mejor información con la que se cuenta para medir y estimar los indicadores de morbilidad y mortalidad en salud reproductiva han llevado a definir nuevas estrategias en el marco del derecho a la salud que tienen las mujeres. Para algunas personas son planteamientos claros, pero para otros no tanto, generando a la luz de los principios de ética controversias que es necesario plantear y, si es posible, resolver. En ese sentido, se ha seleccionado para esta presentación el aborto, la reproducción asistida y la anticoncepción, temas actuales que suscitan opiniones diferentes o contrapuestas de personas o instituciones, no siempre producto de una reflexión, justa, honrada, no ideologizada, buscando el bienestar de las personas. A veces, es el resultado de la satisfacción de un interés personal o institucional.

In relation to reproductive processes, the scientific evidence of recent years and the vast and better information available for measuring and estimating morbidity and mortality indicators in reproductive health have led to the definition of new strategies within the framework of women's right to health. For some people these approaches are clear, but for others they are not so clear, generating controversies in the light of ethical principles that need to be raised and, if possible, resolved. In this sense, we have selected for this presentation abortion, assisted reproduction and contraception, current issues that raise different or opposing opinions of individuals or institutions, not always the product of a reflection, fair, honest, non-ideologized, looking for the welfare of people. Sometimes, it is the result of the satisfaction of a personal or institutional interest.