COVID-19 incidence in women of reproductive age: a population-based study in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Despite being at higher risk of severe disease and pregnancy complications, evidence on susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is still limited. The aim of the study is to compare the likelihood of undergoing a SARS-CoV-2 test and testing positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy and puerperium with that of the general female population of reproductive age. METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study including 117,606 women of reproductive age (March 2020-September 2021) with 6608 (5.6%) women having ≥ 1 pregnancy. Women were linked to the pregnancy registry to be classified as "non-pregnant", "pregnant", and "puerperium"; then, according to the national case-based integrated COVID-19 surveillance system, all women undergoing a SARS-CoV-2 test during the study period were identified. The Incidence Rate Ratio was calculated to compare the likelihood of being tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant, puerperium and non-pregnant women among all women included. The likelihood of having a COVID-19 diagnosis was calculated using two comparators (not-pregnant women and the person-time before/after pregnancy) by means of Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and with the cluster option to control standard error calculation in repeated pregnancies. Only first infection and swabs before the first one positive were included. RESULTS: The probability of being tested for SARS-CoV-2 was 4.9 (95% CI: 4.8-5.1) and 3.6 times higher (95%CI: 3.4-3.9) in pregnancy (including spontaneous miscarriages) and in the puerperium, respectively. The Hazard Ratio (HR) of covid-19 diagnosis during pregnancy vs. non-pregnancy was 1.17 (95% CI 1.03-1.33) with similar results when comparing the risk during pregnancy with that of the same women outside pregnancy (puerperium excluded), with an HR of 1.13 (95% CI 0.96-1.33); the excess decreased when excluding the test performed at admission for delivery (HR 1.08 (95%CI 0.90-1.30). In the puerperium, the HR was 0.62 (95% CI 0.41-0.92) comparing women with ≥ 1childbirth with all other women and excluding the first two weeks of puerperium. CONCLUSIONS: Women during pregnancy showed a small increase in the risk of infection, compatible with a higher likelihood of being tested. A lower probability of infection during the puerperium was observed during the entire pandemic period, suggesting likely protective behaviors which were effective in reducing their probability of infection.

Prenatal Detection of Vesico-Allantoic Cyst: Ultrasound and Autopsy Findings.

Introduction: The vesico-allantoic cyst is a communication between the fetal bladder and the allantois through a patent urachus.Case Report: We describe a 17-week of gestational age (WGA) fetus with a 40 x 30 mm vesico-allantoic cyst. At 19 WGA, ultrasound (US) detected bilateral dilatation of renal pelvis (5-6 mm), hydroureters, and hypospadias. Amniotic fluid, umbilical cord flow, and fetal biometry were regular. Due to uncertain prognosis, the parents opted for legal termination of pregnancy. Autopsy confirmed the prenatal findings, also revealing intestinal malrotation and Meckel's diverticulum.Discussion/Conclusion: Probably an initial urinary tract obstruction occurred, not yet affecting the amniotic fluid volume, but evident as pyelectasis. This case highlights the possibility that genito-urinary and intestinal anomalies may be found in association with the vesico-allantoic cyst.

The (decision) tree of fertility: an innovative decision-making algorithm in assisted reproduction technique.

PURPOSE: Several mathematical models have been developed to estimate individualized chances of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) success, although with limited clinical application. Our study aimed to develop a decisional algorithm able to predict pregnancy and live birth rates after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) phase, helping the physician to decide whether to perform oocytes pick-up continuing the ongoing ART path. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of real-world data was carried out including all fresh ART cycles performed in 1998-2020. Baseline characteristics, ART parameters and biochemical/clinical pregnancies and live birth rates were collected. A seven-steps systematic approach for model development, combining linear regression analyses and decision trees (DT), was applied for biochemical, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULTS: Of fresh ART cycles, 12,275 were included. Linear regression analyses highlighted a relationship between number of ovarian follicles > 17 mm detected at ultrasound before pick-up (OF17), embryos number and fertilization rate, and biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates (p < 0.001), but not live birth rate. DT were created for biochemical pregnancy (statistical power-SP:80.8%), clinical pregnancy (SP:85.4%), and live birth (SP:87.2%). Thresholds for OF17 entered in all DT, while sperm motility entered the biochemical pregnancy's model, and female age entered the clinical pregnancy and live birth DT. In case of OF17 < 3, the chance of conceiving was < 6% for all DT. CONCLUSION: A systematic approach allows to identify OF17, female age, and sperm motility as pre-retrieval predictors of ART outcome, possibly reducing the socio-economic burden of ART failure, allowing the clinician to perform or not the oocytes pick-up.

Large Subchorionic Cyst Located at Umbilical Cord Insertion with Vascular Displacing and Intracystic Hemorrhage/Hematoma: A Case Report.

Background: Large subchorionic cysts usually arise close to the placental cord insertion site (PCIS) inducing traction on the umbilical cord, impairing blood flow and favoring fetal growth restriction (FGR). Intracystic hemorrhage/hematoma is likely due to the prothrombotic properties of X cells secretion (extravillous trophoblast), which line the cyst wall. Case report: We describe a large subchorionic cyst located exactly at the PCIS, displacing the umbilical cord vessel branches running along the cyst surface. The fetus presented with FGR. At 36 weeks of gestational age, the cyst measured 7.7 cm in maximum dimension showing a partially organized hemorrhage and a peripheral laminated thrombohematoma. The patient underwent elective cesarean section as the cyst and its vessels were at high risk of rupture during labor. Conclusion: Recognition of large subchorionic cysts close to or at the PCIS in a growth restricted fetus with subsequent expedited delivery may avoid a fatal event.

High-risk HPV-positive and -negative high-grade cervical dysplasia: Analysis of 5-year outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of high-risk (HR) HPV-positive and -negative women affected by high-grade cervical dysplasia. METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-institutional study. Medical records of consecutive patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia undergoing conization between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved. All patients included had at least 5 years of follow-up. A propensity-score matching was adopted in order to reduce the presence of confounding factors between groups. Kaplan-Meir and Cox hazard models were used to estimate 5-year outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, data of 2966 women, affected by high-grade cervical dysplasia were reviewed. The study population included 1478 (85%) and 260 (15%) women affected by HR-HPV-positive and HR-HPV-negative high-grade cervical dysplasia. The prevalence of CIN2 and CIN3 among the HR-HPV-positive and -negative cohort was similar (p = 0.315). Patients with HR-HPV-positive high-grade cervical dysplasia were at higher risk of 5-year recurrence (after primary conization) that HR-HPV-negative patients (p < 0.001, log-rank test). Via multivariate analysis, HR-HPV-negative women were at low risk of recurrence (HR: 1.69 (95%CI: 1.05, 4.80); p = 0.018, Cox Hazard model). A propensity-score matched comparison was carried out in order to reduce biases that are related to the retrospective study design. In comparison to HR-HPV-negative patients, thosewith HR-HPV-positive CIN3 was associate with a 8-fold increase in the risk of recurrence (p < 0.001, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV-negative high-grade cervical dysplasia is not uncommon, accounting for 15% of our study population. Those patients experience more favorable outcomes than patients with documented HR-HPV infection(s). Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate our data.

Pregnancy-related reference intervals for serum thyrotropin based on real-life clinical data.

AIM: During pregnancy, thyroid homeostasis is physiologically modified, leading to altered levels of thyrotropin (TSH): hence, the adoption of pregnancy-related, population- and method-specific reference ranges is recommended. This monocentric and retrospective study was conducted to establish local pregnancy-related reference intervals for serum TSH in singleton pregnant women using real-life clinical data. METHODS: We included women who measured serum TSH during pregnancy at our Laboratory over six years, excluding pregnant women with current or past history of thyroid disease, pituitary or autoimmune diseases, use of medications known to influence thyroid function, multiple and/or pathological pregnancies, BMI >30 Kg/m2. RESULTS: We retrieved a total of 3744 TSH results. Reference limits (90% confidence intervals) for TSH (in mIU/L) are: first trimester 0.09 (0.06-0.12) - 3.16 (3.05-3.29); second trimester 0.25 (0.11-0.30) - 3.55 (3.34-3.73); third trimester 0.42 (0.15-0.48) - 3.93 (3.80-4.08). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, real-life clinical data could be used to establish or verify local reference intervals for TSH in pregnant women: this may reduce the risk of misclassification of pregnant women undergoing thyroid function testing.

Recurrence rate after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and laser Conization: A 5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Conization aims to remove pre-neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix. Several techniques for conization have been compared, but evidence regarding the most effective therapeutic option is scant. Here, we aimed to compare the recurrence rate following laser conization and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia (HSIL/CIN2+). METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-institutional study. Medical records of consecutive patients with HSIL/CIN2+ undergoing conization between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved. A propensity-score matching (PSM) was applied in order to reduce allocation bias. The risk of developing recurrence was estimated using Kaplan-Meir and Cox hazard models. RESULTS: Overall, 2966 patients had conization over the study period, including 567 (20%) and 2399 (80%) patients having laser conization and LEEP, respectively. Looking at predictors of recurrence, diagnosis of CIN3 (HR:3.80 (95%CI:2.01,7.21); p < 0.001) and HPV persistence (HR:1.81 (95%CI:1.11,2.96); p < 0.001) correlated with an increased risk of recurrence. After applying a PSM we selected 500 patients undergoing laser conization and 1000 undergoing LEEP. Patients undergoing LEEP were at higher risk of having positive surgical margins in comparison to patients undergoing laser conization (11.2% vs. 4.2%). The risk of having persistence of HPV was similar between the two groups (15.0% vs. 11.6%;p = 0.256). Five-year recurrence rate was 8.1% and 4% after LEEP and laser conization, respectively (p = 0.023). HPV persistence was the only factor associated with [5-]year recurrence after both laser conization (p = 0.003) and LEEP (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HPV persistence is the only factor associated with an increased risk of recurrence after either laser conization or LEEP. Owing to the lack of data regarding obstetrical outcomes, we are not able to assess the best therapeutic option for women with cervical dysplasia.

A monocentric analysis of the efficacy of extracellular cryoprotectants in unfrozen solutions for cleavage stage embryos.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of international guidelines indicating the usage of vitrification rather than slow-freezing, the study aim was to analyze a large cohort of slow-frozen/thawed embryos to produce a rationale supporting the standardization of IVF cryopreservation policy. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 4779 cleavage stage embryos cryopreserved by slow-freezing/thawing from September 2009 to April 2017 at a single Center. Biological and clinical outcomes of three different commercial kits adopted sequentially, i.e. Vitrolife Cleave Kit® from Vitrolife (kit 1) vs. K-SICS-5000 Kit® and K-SITS-5000 Kit® from Cook Medical (kit 2) and Freeze/Thaw 1™ Kit® from Vitrolife (kit 3) were collected and compared in the light of cryoprotectants composition. RESULTS: Kit 3 compared to kit 1 and kit 2 showed significantly (P < 0.001) higher embryo survival (79.9% vs. 75.6 and 68.1%, respectively) and frozen embryo replacement (91.5% vs. 86.5 and 83.3%, respectively) rates, and significantly (P < 0.001) lower blastomere degeneration rate (41.5% vs. 43.6 and 52.4%, respectively). No significant difference for clinical outcomes was observed among kits. Only a slight positive trend was observed for kit 3 vs. kit 1 and kit 2 on delivery rate per thawing cycle (7.12% vs. 4.19 and 4.51%, respectively; P < 0.058) and live birth rate (3.07% vs. 2.59 and 1.93%, respectively, P < 0.069). Thawing solutions of kit 3 were similar to those of any warming protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A defined concentration of extracellular cryoprotectants in thawing/warming solutions had a beneficial effect on the embryo cryosurvival rate. Results could provide the rationale for the adoption of a single standardized warming protocol.

Primary extra-uterine and extra-ovarian mullerian adenosarcoma: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Extra-uterine mullerian adenosarcomas have varying biological behaviours depending on the presence of endometriosis or sarcomatous overgrowth. These behaviours manifest according to the tumours' histological characteristics and sites of origin. The best treatment and oncologic outcome have not been clarified because only a few cases of extra-uterine and extra-ovarian adenosarcoma have been described in the literature. Here, we report a case of primary peritoneal adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth and review all reported cases of adenosarcomas arising outside of the uterus and outside the ovaries to identify the best treatment options and clarify outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old woman was referred to our Department with an abdominal mass resembling a fibroid with a haemorrhage. Her gynaecological history was negative. A transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed a multicystic mass resembling an ovarian tumour arising from the pelvis and extending up to the abdomen. At laparotomy a peritoneal mass arising from Douglas peritoneum was resected. The uterus and adnexa appeared normal, and a supra-cervical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. No macroscopic residual disease was present. Final pathology diagnosed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with divergent differentiation. Four weeks later a new, multicystic mass was found. Due to the progressive poor condition, the patient died four months after diagnosis. Histological slides were reviewed by external expert pathologists and the final diagnosis was of extra-genital adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth. Furthermore, we also collected and analysed articles written in English regarding extra-uterine and extra-ovarian adenosarcomas published between January 1974 and October 2016. PubMed was used as a database for this search. Clinical and pathological characteristics, treatments and outcomes were assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Only 41 cases has been reported in literature. Previous endometriosis and sarcomatous overgrowth showed an inverse effect on prognosis. Endometriosis was confirmed to have a positive effect on disease free survival Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. A worldwide registry is urgently required to collect data to standardize treatment and to obtain reliable data on prognosis.

Impact of the Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication on the Use of Power Morcellator in Daily Clinical Practice: An Italian Survey.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning about power morcellation use on the daily clinical practice of Italian gynecologists. DESIGN: Electronic survey mailed to the main gynecologic centers (Canadian Task Force Classification type III). SETTING: Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS - Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia (Italy). PATIENTS: The study did not include patient data. INTERVENTION: There was no intervention. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 490 surveys sent out, 426 replies were included in the final analysis (return rate = 86.9%). Four hundred of the 426 (93.9%) gynecologists were aware of the FDA warning. One hundred fifty of 302 (49.7%) of experienced gynecologists and 176 of 349 (50.4%) of oncology gynecologists considered laparoscopy the best approach for myomectomy. The FDA communication was considered overly restrictive by experienced and oncology gynecologists who declared that they had no intention of changing their surgical approach. Two hundred fifty of the 426 (58.7%) gynecologists declared that they would change their surgical approach only to prevent legal litigation. CONCLUSION: The FDA warning also affected Italian gynecologists. Particularly, less experienced gynecologists and those without oncologic practice seem to be more interested in avoiding legal litigation rather than a real clinical risk of upstaging an unexpected leiomyosarcoma. Fear of undiagnosed sarcoma could increase the number of laparotomies.

Coxalgia? Call the gynecologist.

Cellular angiofibroma is a rare mesenchymal tumor that usually affects the vulvar region. It is commonly asymptomatic and treated with radical excision. We describe the first case of cellular angiofibroma located in the retroperitoneum presenting with coxalgia and laparoscopically treated. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was coxalgia and disease free. Coxalgia is an unusual symptom for gynecologists; nevertheless, it is possible that several neoplasms may originate in the female pelvis, so any symptom requires careful evaluation. The laparoscopic approach may be effective in removing cellular angiofibroma, avoiding injuries to surrounding structures and unesthetic scarring and leading to a faster recovery.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) Mimicking Primary Ovarian Tumors or Metastasizing to the Ovaries: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare neoplasm, sometimes mimicking primary ovarian tumors (OTs) and/or metastasizing to the ovaries (M-OT). We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) of OTs and M-OTs, investigating differences in recurrence-free and overall survival. Methods: Our SLR was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until 21 April 2024. Results: Overall, 59 OTs (Group 1) and 21 M-OTs (Group 2) were retrieved. The absence of residual disease after surgery was achieved significantly in a higher percentage of patients with Group 1 GISTs (91.5%) compared with Group 2 GISTs (57.1%). Chemotherapy was more frequently administered to Group 2 patients (33% vs. 0%). Recurrence and deaths for disease were significantly more frequent in Group 2 than Group 1 cases (54.5% vs. 6.8%, and 37.5% vs. 9.8%, respectively). Conclusions: GISTs can rarely mimic primary ovarian cancers or even more rarely metastasize to the ovaries. Group 1 GISTs occurred in younger women, were not associated with elevated tumor markers, and had a better prognosis. In contrast, Group 2 GISTs occurred in older women, may exhibit elevated tumor markers, and presented a worse prognosis. However, no significant statistical difference for survival between the two studied groups was detected. Computed tomography scans can define the size of GISTs, which correlate to stage and prognostic risk classes. The gold standard treatment is complete surgical resection, which was achieved in almost all cases of Group 1 GISTs and in half of Group 2. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are essential for the final diagnosis and guide chemotherapy treatment.

ABO/Rh Blood Group and Cervical Cancer Survival: Results from Our Own and Other Studies.

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common genital cancer worldwide and is mainly caused by a persistent human papillomavirus infection. Well-known prognostic factors are age, histology, stage, stromal invasion, tumor size, and tumor grade. The relationship between the ABO and Rh system with cervical cancer has been studied since the 1950s, though without obtaining clear results. Here we investigated the association between the ABO blood group and Rh system and consecutively treated cervical cancer patients in our department. Methods: Clinical charts of cervical cancer patients treated and followed from 2010 to 2021 were checked for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and pathological data were recorded in a separate, anonymous, password-protected electronic database. All relevant data were extrapolated and used for final analysis. Results: A population of 143 cervical cancer patients was analyzed in this study. 47.6% (68/143) were blood group O, 36.4% (52/143) were blood group A, 8.4% (12/143) were blood group AB, and 7.7% (11/143) were blood group B. 14.9% (21/141) were RhD negative, while 85.1% (120/141) were RhD positive. No significant association was found between the ABO group and survival. However, patients with blood types B and AB had a higher BMI than the other blood types. RhD-negative patients exhibited a lower age at diagnosis (P=0.035) and had a higher overall survival compared to RhD-positive patients. Conclusions: The RhD factor appears to influence cervical cancer OS, but the data are too weakly significant to draw a definitive conclusion. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm this finding and to investigate the true impact of blood groups in female cancers.

Spontaneous and iatrogenic ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the absence of FSHR mutations: a case report of two unexpected cases.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). It is a potentially life-threatening condition that usually occurs either after human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) administration in susceptible patients or as a result of an implanting pregnancy, regardless of whether it was achieved by natural conception or infertility treatments. Despite many years of clinical experience regarding the adoption of preventive measures and the identification of patients at high risk, the pathophysiology of OHSS is poorly understood and no reliable predictive risk factors have been identified. CASES PRESENTATION: We report about two unexpected cases of OHSS following infertility treatments, occurring after freeze-all strategy with embryo cryopreservation approaches. The first case developed spontaneous OHSS (sOHSS), despite efforts to prevent its manifestation by a segmentation approach, including frozen embryo replacement cycle. The second case developed a late form of iatrogenic OHSS (iOHSS), even though the absence of any risk factors. No mutations in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR)-encoding gene were detected, suggesting that the high levels of hCG due to the twin implanting pregnancies could be the only triggering factor of OHSS outbreak. CONCLUSION: Freeze-all strategy with embryo cryopreservation cannot entirely prevent the development of OHSS, which may occur in its spontaneous form independently from the FSHR genotype. Although OHSS remains a rare event, all infertile patients requiring ovulation induction or controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) may be at potential risk of OHSS, either in the presence or in the absence of risk factors. We suggest closely monitoring cases of pregnancy following infertility treatments in order to provide early diagnosis and adopt the conservative management.

The role of minimally invasive surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer treatment: a narrative review.

Objectives: The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the available evidence on the use of minimal invasive surgery (MIS) in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Background: MIS is currently performed to stage and treat EOC at different stage of presentation. We will evaluate risks and benefits of minimally invasive surgery for early stage EOC treatment, then potential advantages provided by staging laparoscopy in identifying patients suitable for primary cytoreductive surgery (PDS) will be discussed. Finally we will investigate the growing role of MIS in the treatment of advanced EOC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and in the treatment of EOC recurrence. Methods: An electronic database search was performed on PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for relevant studies up to December 2022. Conclusion: LPS represents a feasible surgical procedure for the staging and treatment in early, advanced and EOC relapse in selected patients treated in high-volume oncological centers by surgeons with adequate experience in advanced surgical procedures. Despite the increasing use of MIS over the last few years, randomized clinical trials are still needed to prove its effectiveness.

Primary Ovarian Leiomyosarcoma Is a Very Rare Entity: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma is a very rare malignancy characterized by unclear management and poor survival. We reviewed all the cases of primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma to identify prognostic factors and the best treatment. METHODS: We collected and analyzed the articles published in the English literature regarding primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma from January 1951 to September 2022, using PubMed research. Clinical and pathological characteristics, different treatments and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: 113 cases of primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma were included. Most patients received surgical resection, associated with lymphadenectomy in 12.5% of cases. About 40% of patients received chemotherapy. Follow-up information was available for 100/113 (88.5%) patients. Stage and mitotic count were confirmed to affect survival, and lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy were associated with a better survival rate. A total of 43.4% of patients relapsed, and their mean disease-free survival was 12.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Primary ovarian leiomyosarcomas are more common in women in their 50s (mean age 53 years). Most of them are at an early stage at presentation. Advanced stage and mitotic count showed a detrimental effect on survival. Surgical excision associated with lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy are associated with increased survival. An international registry could help collect clear and reliable data to standardize the diagnosis and treatment.

Which sperm parameter limits could really guide the clinical decision in assisted reproduction?

BACKGROUND: The predictive role of sperm motility and morphology was recently detected in a large sample of more than 20000 assisted reproductive technology (ART) fresh cycles. However, the complete ART procedure consisted of both fresh and frozen-embryos transfers and only a comprehensive evaluation of the entire process could really confirm if these parameters really predict the ART success. The aim of the study was to evaluate which sperm parameter could predict the success of ART. METHODS: A retrospective, real-world data analysis was performed, enrolling all couples attending ART from 2008 to 2021, including both fresh and frozen cycles and both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. RESULTS: Fresh cycles success (considering live birth rate) was predicted by female age (1.04 [1.02-1.06]), injected oocytes (0.96 [0.93-0.99]), embryo number (0.79 [0.75-0.83]) and progressive sperm motility (0.98 [0.97-0.99]). On the contrary, frozen cycle outcomes were predicted only by sperm motility (0.97 [0.95-0.99]). This prediction was confirmed in IVF but not in ICSI cycles. CONCLUSION: Both female and male parameters predicted the ART success considering the entire path. However, frozen cycle success was predicted only by progressive sperm motility in IVF cycles, suggesting that the potential amelioration of this male parameter is relevant to improve ART success. Those couples expected to obtain the highest embryos after fertilization (low female age and better semen parameters) will have more attempts with frozen cycles and thus would benefit from a potential treatment focused to improve sperm parameters.

Correlations between parameters of glycaemic variability and foetal growth, neonatal hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinemia in women with gestational diabetes.

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to prevent maternal and neonatal complications. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of parameters of glycaemic variability to predict neonatal complications in women with GDM. A retrospective study was conducted on pregnant women tested positive at the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during 16-18 or 24-28 weeks of gestation. Glycaemic measures were extracted from patients' glucometers and expanded to obtain parameters of glycaemic variability. Data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained from clinical folders. Descriptive group-level analysis was used to assess trends in glycaemic measures and foetal outcomes. Twelve patients were included and analysed, accounting for 111 weeks of observations. The analysis of trends in parameters of glycaemic variability showed spikes of glycaemic mean, high blood glucose index and J-index at 30-31 weeks of gestation for cases with foetal macrosomia, defined as foetal growth >90° percentile, neonatal hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Specific trends in parameters of glycaemic variability observed at third trimester correlate with foetal outcomes. Further research is awaited to provide evidence that monitoring of glycaemic variability trends could be more clinically informative and useful than standard glycaemic checks to manage women with GDM at delivery.

Semen cryopreservation in men undergoing cancer treatment: a ten-year study.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the improvement in sperm freezing made male fertility preservation widely available. This study aims to evaluate the impact of cancer diseases on semen parameters before cryopreservation and the reproductive outcomes of patients who have thawed their semen samples. METHODS: An observational, cohort study was conducted on cancer patients submitted to fertility preservation in AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia between 2007 and 2018. Semen samples were collected before cancer treatments, analyzed and frozen by rapid freezing. On request, these samples were thawed for Assisted Reproductive Technologies procedures. Semen parameters were compared between testicular versus other cancers. RESULTS: We included 329 patients with a successful cryopreservation in 94.5% of cases. Testicular cancer was associated with lower sperm volumes (P=0.041) and lower total sperm concentration (P=0.009) compared to other cancers. No difference was observed about sperm motility and morphology, while oligozoospermia was significantly more frequent in men with testicular cancer (P<0.001). In our cohort, the 8.4% of patients thawed their samples; the usage rate and the embryo transfer rate were significantly higher (P<0.05) among those with a testicular cancer, while pregnancy and livebirth rates did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Male fertility preservation is feasible, easy to be performed, non-invasive and does not delay cancer treatments. Men affected by testicular cancer had worse semen parameters at cryopreservation but pregnancy and livebirth rates were similar to those achieved by men with other cancers and similar to those achieved with fresh sperm.