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

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

Psychosocial wellbeing shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy compared with a fresh transfer strategy in women and men: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the psychosocial wellbeing affected in women and men shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy with postponement of embryo transfer compared to a fresh transfer strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER: In general, psychosocial wellbeing (i.e. emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit) was similar in women and men allocated to a freeze-all versus those allocated to a fresh-transfer strategy 6 days after disclosure of treatment strategy (i.e. 4 days after oocyte retrieval), although women in the freeze-all group reported a slightly higher degree of depressive symptoms and mood swings compared to women in the fresh transfer group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The use of a freeze-all strategy, i.e. freezing of the entire embryo cohort followed by elective frozen embryo transfer in subsequent cycles has increased steadily over the past decade in assisted reproductive technology (ART). This strategy essentially eliminates the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and has proven beneficial regarding some reproductive outcomes in subgroups of women. However, patients experience a longer time interval between oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer, hence a longer time to pregnancy, possibly adding additional stress to the ART treatment. So far, little focus has been on the possible psychosocial strains caused by postponement of embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a self-reported questionnaire based sub-study of a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 460 women and 396 male partners initiating their first, second, or third treatment cycle of invitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from May 2016 to September 2018. This sub-study was included in the primary project protocol and project plan for the RCT, as psychosocial wellbeing was considered a secondary outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women from eight public fertility clinics in Denmark and Sweden and one private clinic in Spain were randomized in a 1:1 ratio on the day of inclusion (menstrual cycle day 2 or 3) to either a freeze-all strategy with postponement of embryo transfer to a subsequent modified natural menstrual cycle or a fresh transfer strategy with embryo transfer in the hormone stimulated cycle. Treatment allocation was blinded until the day of the ovulation trigger. Women and their male partners were asked to complete a validated self-reported questionnaire 6 days after unblinding of treatment group allocation, corresponding to 4 days after oocyte retrieval, investigating their psychosocial wellbeing related to the treatment defined as emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit. The questionnaire included items from the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) Fertility Problem Stress Scales and the COMPI Marital Benefit Measure. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups for both women and men. In total, response rates were 90.7% for women and 90.2% for men. In the freeze-all group, 207 women and 179 men completed the questionnaire compared with 204 women and 178 men in the fresh transfer group. Men in the two treatment groups did not differ in any of the explored aspects of psychosocial wellbeing (i.e. emotional reactions to the treatment, quality-of-life, infertility-related stress, and marital benefit) 6 days after disclosure of treatment strategy. Women in the freeze-all group reported a slightly higher degree of depressive symptoms (P = 0.045) and mood swings (P = 0.001) (i.e. variables included in 'emotional reactions to treatment') compared to women in the fresh transfer group. When adjusted for multiple testing, depressive symptoms were no longer significantly different between the two groups. No additional differences in psychosocial wellbeing were found. Self-reported quality-of-life during treatment was also rated as similar between the two groups in both women and men, but was slightly lower than they would rate their quality-of-life when not in fertility treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although response rates were high, selection bias cannot be excluded. As this study was an RCT, we assume that psychosocial characteristics of the participants were equally distributed in the two groups, thus it is unlikely that the identified psychosocial differences between the freeze-all and fresh transfer group were present already at baseline. Furthermore, the questionnaire was completed as a one-time assessment 4 days after oocyte retrieval, thus not reflecting the whole treatment process, whereas an assessment after the full completed treatment cycle is needed to draw firm conclusions about the psychosocial consequences of the whole waiting period. However, a question posted that late would be highly biased on whether or not a pregnancy had been achieved. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results indicate that individuals in the freeze-all group exhibited slightly higher levels of depressive symptoms and mood swings compared to those in the fresh transfer group. Nevertheless, it is important to note that any worries related to potential emotional strains stemming from delaying embryo transfer should not overshadow the adoption of a freeze-all approach in cases where it is clinically recommended. As long as patients are provided with comprehensive information about the treatment strategy before initiating the process, it is worth emphasising that other aspects of psychosocial wellbeing were comparable between the two groups. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study is part of the Reprounion collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak. L.P. reports financial support from Merck A/S. H.S.N. reports grants from Freya Biosciences ApS, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, BioInnovation Institute, Ministry of Education, Novo Nordic Foundation, Augustinus Fonden, Oda og Hans Svenningsens Fond, Demant Fonden, Ole Kirks Fond and Independent Research Fund Denmark and personal fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Astra Zeneca, Cook Medical, IBSA Nordic and Gedeon Richter. H.S.N is founder and chairman of the Maternity Foundation and co-developed the Safe Delivery App (non-profit). N.C.F. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Merck A/S, Cryos International and financial support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S and Gedeon Richter. N.C.F. is chairman in the steering committee for the guideline groups for The Danish Fertility Society (non-profit). P.H. reports honoraria from Merch A/S, IBSA Nordic and Gedeon Richter. A.L.M.E. reports grants and financial support from Merck A/S and Gedeon Richter. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S and personal fees from Preglem S.A., Novo Nordic Foundation, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos International, Merch A/S, Theramex and Organon and the lend of embryoscope to the institution from Gedeon Richter. All other authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02746562.

Does luteal phase progesterone supplementation affect physical and psychosocial well-being among women undergoing modified natural cycle-FET? A sub-study of a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Are there any differences in physical and psychosocial well-being among women undergoing modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (mNC-FET) with or without vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support (LPS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women undergoing mNC-FET with vaginal progesterone supplementation were more likely to experience physical discomfort but there was no difference in psychosocial well-being between the two groups. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: mNC-FET can be carried out with or without vaginal progesterone as LPS, which has several side-effects. It is commonly known that fertility treatment can cause stress and psychosocial strain, however, most studies on this subject are conducted in fresh cycle regimes, which differ from NC-FET and results may not be comparable. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a sub-study of an ongoing RCT investigating whether progesterone supplementation has a positive effect on live birth rate in mNC-FET. The RCT is conducted at eight fertility clinics in Denmark from 2019 and is planned to end primo 2024. The sub-study is based on two questionnaires on physical and psychosocial well-being added to the RCT in August 2019. On the time of data extraction 286 women had answered both questionnaires. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women who had answered both questionnaires were included in the sub-study. Participants were equally distributed, with 143 in each of the two groups. Participants in both groups received the same questionnaires at two time-points: on cycle day 2-5 (baseline) and after blastocyst transfer. Participants in the progesterone group had administered progesterone for 7 days upon answering the second questionnaire. All items in the questionnaires were validated. Items on psychosocial well-being originate from the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility-Fertility Problem Stress Scale (COMPI-FPSS) and from the Mental Health Inventory-5. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Women receiving progesterone experienced more vaginal itching and/or burning than women in the non-progesterone group (P < 0.001). Women in the progesterone group also experienced more self-reported vaginal yeast infection, this was, however, not significant after adjustment for multiple testing (P/adjusted P = 0.049/0.881). No differences regarding psychosocial well-being were found between the two groups. Within the progesterone group, a shift toward feeling less 'downhearted and blue' was found when comparing response distribution at baseline and after blastocyst transfer (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: All items on physical symptoms were self-reported. The item on vaginal yeast infection was therefore not diagnosed by a doctor. Inclusion in the study required a few extra visits to the clinic, participants who felt more burdened by fertility treatment might have been more likely to decline participation. Women who experienced a lot of side-effects to progesterone prior to this FET cycle, might be less likely to participate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results are in line with previous known side-effects to progesterone. Physical side-effects of progesterone should be considered before administration. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The RCT is fully supported by Rigshospitalet's Research Foundation and a grant from Gedeon Richter. Gedeon Richter were not involved in the design of protocol nor in the conduction of the study or analysis of results. A.P., L.P., and N.I.-C.F. report grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring and Merck with no relations to this study. N.I.-C.F. has received travel support from Ferring, Merck A/S, & Gideon Richter, and is the head of the steering committee for the Danish Fertility Guidelines made by the members of from the Danish Fertility Society. A.P. reports consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Cryos, & Merck A/S, honoraria from Gedeon Richter, Ferring, Merck A/S, Theramex, and Organon, has received travel support from Gedeon Richter (payment to institution), participated on an advisory board for Preglem and was loaned an embryoscope from Gedeon Richter to their institution. A.L.S. has stock options for Novo Nordisk B A/S. B.A. have received unrestricted grant from Gedeon Richter Nordic and Merck and honoraria for lectures from Gedeon Richter, Merck, IBSA, and Marckyrl Pharma. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The RCT is registered on ClinicalTrials. gov (NCT03795220) and in EudraCT (2018-002207-34).

Low-grade inflammation is negatively associated with live birth in women undergoing IVF.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is low-grade inflammation, detected by C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of IVF outcome addressing both blastocyst quality and pregnancy outcome? DESIGN: This sub-study of a multicentre randomized controlled trial included 440 women undergoing IVF treatment with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. Serum CRP was measured on cycle day 2-3 (baseline) and on the day of ovulation triggering. The association between CRP concentrations and reproductive outcomes (number of retrieved oocytes, number of good-quality blastocysts, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and live birth), were analysed, adjusting for relevant confounders. RESULTS: A negative association was found between higher baseline CRP concentrations and live birth rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.96, P = 0.02) and higher CRP concentrations at baseline were associated with pregnancy loss among women who conceived (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.76, P = 0.01). When testing for a specific cut-off, CRP concentrations above 2.34 (the highest quartile) were more likely to be associated with pregnancy loss (P = 0.02) and a lower chance of live birth (P = 0.04) compared with the lowest quartile. No associations were found between CRP concentrations and pregnancy outcomes on the day of ovulation triggering, and there were no associations between CRP concentrations and the number of good-quality blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS: Higher CRP concentrations at cycle day 2-3, before starting ovarian stimulation, are negatively associated with chance of live birth, possibly because of an increased risk of pregnancy loss. No association was found between the number of good-quality blastocysts and CRP concentration. More studies are needed to investigate the impact of low-grade inflammation.

Preimplantation genetic testing in two Danish couples affected by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines from the European Hereditary Tumor Group as well as The Danish National Guidelines for Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) state that both prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) should be offered to patients with PJS. However, only a few cases resulting in viable pregnancies have been published. OBJECTIVE: We present two cases of PJS patients going through PGT-M for PJS. We highlight the awareness of this possibility and discuss the technical and ethical challenges of performing PGT-M for PJS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Case 1: A 36-year-old male with PJS and his partner were referred for genetic counseling. The patient carried a pathogenic de novo variant in STK11. After a terminated pregnancy of a fetus carrying the same pathogenic variant, microsatellite polymorphic marker analysis was established, and the patient was offered PGT-M. The female partner of the patient gave birth to a healthy boy after five years of fertility treatment. Case 2: A 35-year-old female with PJS and her partner were referred for genetic counseling. She carried an inherited pathogenic STK11 variant. The couple was offered PGT-M. Genetic testing of the embryos was performed using microsatellite polymorphic markers. After two rounds of oocyte extraction a blastocyst predicted not to be affected by PJS was identified. The blastocyst was transferred; however, this did not result in a viable pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: PGT-M can be offered to patients with PJS. The process may be long and filled with ethical dilemmas requiring patients to be motivated and persistent.

The future of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in hormone replacement therapy cycles.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on the efficacy of letrozole stimulated frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) compared to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) FET in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and/or oligo-anovulation. Further, obstetric and perinatal risks in HRT FET are summarized. RECENT FINDINGS: The presence of a corpus luteum seems to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension and preeclampsia after FET. As a natural cycle (NC) FET is not an option for women with oligo-/amenorrhea these women may benefit from FET with mild stimulation compared to HRT FET. The intention of mild stimulation in anovulatory women is to induce (mono) ovulation to mimic the endocrine profiles of the natural cycle and the early pregnancy after natural conception. Mild stimulation by letrozole is patient friendly and cheap compared to gonadotropin stimulated FET and has been increasingly used in recent years. Although the quality of evidence is low, the pregnancy outcomes after letrozole FET seems similar or even better compared to HRT FET in women with PCOS and/or oligo-anovulation. SUMMARY: Natural and modified NC FET should be used whenever possible to mitigate adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes after HRT FET. For anovulatory women, whenever ovulation can be induced, we advocate the use of mild stimulation FET to create a corpus luteum awaiting results from RCTs limited to oligo-anovulatory women.

Preimplantation genetic testing practices in the Nordic countries.

INTRODUCTION: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is growing in importance and volume internationally. International societies such as the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology compile international results and these data are published in scientific journals. We present the first compilation of practices, quality measuress and outcome data from Nordic clinics performing PGT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a structured online survey of PGT practices in the Nordic countries to compare clinical and laboratory techniques, outcomes and quality measures applied in Nordic clinics. The survey was designed by the authors and answered by the authors and members of the study group. The outcome data represents results from 2018. Results and details were clarified through iteration with responding clinics while maintaining anonymity. Response rate in the study was 80%, with 8 of 10 clinics performing PGT responding. RESULTS: Most of the PGT cycles in the Nordic countries are funded through the public healthcare system with University Hospitals performing the majority of treatments, 716/848, or 84.4%, of oocyte retrievals in this dataset. The genetic analyses are in five cases performed by the affiliated local genetic laboratory, and the remaining three consult with large international private enterprise laboratories. Genetic counseling is widely used. Results in the Nordic clinics compare well with international data. Systematic quality control procedures are in place and the larger clinics and laboratories utilize ISO certification or accreditation in the quality management. Automatic witnessing with detailed electronic documentation of laboratory processes is not utilized in the responding clinics, although a majority uses manual witnessing procedures in the laboratory. The outcome after PGT in terms of clinical pregnancy per transfer is around 40% per embryo transfer and compares well with international data. CONCLUSIONS: Preimplantation genetic testing is organized in rather few clinics in the Nordic countries and most of them use local laboratories for genetic analyses of the biopsies. Laboratory procedures are largely in accordance with international guidelines and the outcome after PGT in terms of clinical pregnancy per transfer is comparable to results in international reports.

Ovarian reserve markers and endocrine profile during oral contraception: Is there a link between the degree of ovarian suppression and AMH?

The ovarian reserve markers anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are suppressed in varying degree during the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC). Further, long-term use of COC can mask a condition of premature ovarian insufficiency. A desirable clinical tool that could distinguish true low ovarian reserve markers from COC-induced low levels during use of COC is warranted. The aim of this multicenter study including 235 COC users was to assess whether low age-adjusted AMH levels during COC use were linked to concomitant low levels of LH, FSH, estradiol and androgens - as a potential future tool to differentiate between 'false', COC-induced low AMH levels vs. true low AMH. Study population and methods: In total, 235 COC users from the general population aged 19-40 years were included. AMH, AFC and a reproductive hormonal profile were measured during COC intake. Age-adjusted AMH levels (Z-scores) were calculated from a comparison group of 983 non-users of COC. Differences in hormonal profile were tested between women with low versus high age-adjusted AMH-quartiles based on non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests. The outcomes of interest were levels of gonadotropins, estradiol and androgens according to the four the age-adjusted AMH quartiles to find out if women with low age-adjusted AMH levels had a stronger gonadotropin suppression compared with women with higher age-adjusted AMH levels. Mean age of COC users was 30.2 years (SD 3.8), median AMH 14 pmol/l (inter-quartile range (IQR) 8.7-23)), median AFC 16 (IQR 11-25). We found no significant differences across the age-adjusted AMH quartiles in either the levels of gonadotropins, estrogens or androgens, respectively. Thus, the degree of suppression of FSH, LH, androgens and estradiol are unlikely to be a useful tool to differentiate between false low and true low ovarian reserve markers during COC use. Presently, there seems to be no alternative to withdrawal of the COC and to re-test the ovarian reserve after 2-3 months. Trial registration Trial no. NCT02785809 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Contribution of recruitable follicles to circulating anti-Müllerian hormone levels following maximal gonadotrophin stimulation in patients with limited ovarian reserve.

In women, the majority of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measured in serum originate from small antral follicles measuring 2-10 mm. In gonadotrophin-stimulated cycles prior to assisted reproductive technology (ART), most of the recruitable follicles develop beyond 10 mm in size and thus lose their AMH secretion capacity causing declining serum AMH levels. The aim of this study was to define the residual serum AMH level after elimination of the AMH producing recruitable follicles following maximal gonadotrophin stimulation. We measured serum AMH and number of follicles according to size at several time points during a cycle of maximal gonadotrophin stimulation (fixed dose of 300 IE HP-hMG) in 107 women with low AMH (median AMH 5 pmol/L, interquartile range (IQR) 3.3-8.3). We found that AMH decreased gradually and reached a minimum level of -55.4% (95% CI -59.6; -50.7) of the baseline value four days after ovulation trigger. Our findings suggest that the residual AMH production origins from pre-antral and small antral follicles not visible by sonography and that they account for up to 40% of the circulating AMH.

Perinatal outcomes in 521 gestations after fresh and frozen cycles: a secondary outcome of a randomized controlled trial comparing GnRH antagonist versus GnRH agonist protocols.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Are perinatal outcomes different after treatment with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist versus the long GnRH agonist protocol for IVF? DESIGN: Perinatal outcomes were secondary outcomes in a large Phase IV, dual-centre, open-label, randomized controlled trial to compare GnRH antagonist and long GnRH agonist protocols in women <40 years undergoing their first assisted reproductive technology treatment. Women (n = 1050) were randomized in a ratio 1:1 from January 2009 to December 2013 and followed until December 2016. All fresh and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles from a single oocyte aspiration, resulting in a gestation (human chorionic gonadotrophin >10 IU/l) were included (n = 521). Data were analysed to compare preterm birth [PTB] (<37 weeks), very PTB (<32 weeks), low birthweight [LBW] (<2500 g) and very LBW (<1500 g) rates among singleton live births in GnRH antagonist versus agonist protocol. RESULTS: Similar perinatal outcomes were found after both protocols. In singletons after fresh embryo transfer, mean gestational age at delivery was 39.1 ± 2.49 versus 39.3 ± 1.90 (P = 0.67) and very PTB rates 1.9% versus 0% (P = 0.17). Mean birthweight was 3264 ± 662 g in the antagonist and 3341 ± 562 g in the agonist group (P = 0.37). LBW was found in 12.4% versus 7% (P = 0.19) and very LBW in 2.9% versus 1% (P = 0.34). In FET cycles, the perinatal outcomes were similar. Small for gestational age and large for gestational age rates were similar in both protocols for singleton live births after fresh and FET. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal outcomes are similar after the GnRH antagonist versus GnRH agonist protocols for IVF. The choice of the GnRH analogue in ovarian stimulation should be based solely on optimizing the chance of pregnancy and not on risks in perinatal outcomes.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentration before and after salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy affect the ovarian reserve measured by changes in pre- and post-operative levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)? DESIGN: This is a prospective observational multicentre study of 64 women treated with salpingectomy for an ectopic pregnancy. AMH was measured in serum samples collected at admission before salpingectomy and at follow-up (median time to follow-up [interquartile range] was 3 [3-4] months). Changes in serum AMH levels were investigated using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the relationship between changes in AMH and age, time to follow-up, and pre-operative serum AMH level was investigated using linear regression analysis. The biological variation of AMH was also calculated. RESULTS: Serum AMH levels did not differ significantly before and after salpingectomy (median ∆AMH [follow-up value minus admission value] 0.40 pmol/l, interquartile range -2.0 to 4.0 pmol/l). ΔAMH was independent of age, time to follow-up and pre-operative serum AMH level. The intra-individual biological variation for AMH ranged from 12.1% to 26.3%, depending on time between the two samples. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first paired study to investigate serum AMH values before and after salpingectomy in an unselected population of women presenting with an ectopic pregnancy, including both patients who conceived naturally and following fertility treatment. It was found that salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy had no short-term effect on serum AMH levels, and changes in AMH levels were independent of age, time to follow-up, and pre-operative serum AMH level. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a 6-month biological variation of AMH of less than 30%.

The use of anti-Müllerian hormone for controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology, fertility assessment and -counseling.

Ovarian reserve can be determined by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and/or antral follicle count before controlled ovarian stimulation. The aim of controlled ovarian stimulation is to achieve an appropriate number of mature follicles and avoid complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Measurement of the ovarian reserve is useful for clinicians as it predicts the ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Further, it assists in giving the patient realistic expectations regarding the treatment. By determining the ovarian reserve, the most appropriate stimulation protocol and gonadotropin dose can be chosen specifically for each woman enabling so-called "individualized treatment" in line with the personalized treatment concept. Many benefits come with using AMH as a biomarker for ovarian reserve; the hormone is considered fairly cycle independent apart from a small decrease in the late follicular phase and there is no inter-observer variance. However, the use of AMH also has limitations; since the implementation of AMH in fertility treatment several AMH assays have been developed. This has made direct comparisons of AMH serum levels complicated. Currently, no international standardized assays exist. AMH is a valid predictor of the ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation and to some extent the chance of pregnancy in relation to assisted reproductive technology, but AMH is less optimal in prediction of spontaneous pregnancy and live birth after assisted reproductive technology. Accordingly, AMH can be used to optimize gonadotropin stimulation in fertility treatment, but is not recommended as a screening tool in the general population.

Predictive value of plasma human chorionic gonadotropin measured 14 days after Day-2 single embryo transfer.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization is important for patients and clinicians. Early plasma human chorionic gonadotropin (p-hCG) levels are the best known predictor of pregnancy outcome, but no studies have been restricted to single embryo transfer (SET) of Day-2 embryos. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of p-hCG measured exactly 14 days after the most commonly used Day-2 SET on pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 466 women who had p-hCG measured exactly 14 days after Day-2 SET during a randomized trial including 1050 unselected women (aged 18-40 years) undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. RESULTS: The p-hCG predicted clinical pregnancy [area under the curve (AUC) 0.953; 95% CI 0.915-0.992] significantly better than ongoing pregnancy (AUC 0.803, 95% CI 0.717-0.890) and delivery (AUC 0.772, 95% CI 0.691-0.854). Women with p-hCG levels in the lowest quartile had significantly lower clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and delivery rates (p < 0.001), whereas the pregnancy outcome and post-clinical pregnancy loss remained similar throughout the three highest p-hCG quartiles. The p-hCG level was related to neither birthweight nor gestational age at delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pregnancy is significantly better predicted by p-hCG compared with ongoing pregnancy and delivery. Clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, and delivery rates remained similar throughout the three highest p-hCG quartiles with no trend towards "the higher the better".

The prevalence of late-follicular phase progesterone elevation and impact on the ongoing pregnancy rate after fresh and frozen blastocyst transfer. Sub-study of an RCT.

The effect of late-follicular phase progesterone elevation (LFPE) during ovarian stimulation on reproductive outcomes in ART treatment remains controversial, but recent studies indicate lower pregnancy rates with rising progesterone levels. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of late-follicular phase progesterone elevation (LFPE) and possible impact on ongoing pregnancy rate after fresh or frozen blastocyst transfer in a sub-study setting of a randomised controlled trial. A total of 288 women were included (n=137 and n=151 in the fresh transfer and freeze-all group, respectively). Among these 11(3.8%) had a progesterone level ≥1.5 ng/ml, and 20(6.9%) had a progesterone level ≥1.2 ng/ml on trigger day. Spline regression analysis showed no significant effect of late follicular phase progesterone levels on ongoing pregnancy. In the multivariate regression analysis (n = 312) only age, but not progesterone level on trigger day was significantly associated with ongoing pregnancy. In conclusion, in a clinical setting with moderate gonadotrophin stimulation and well-defined trigger and fresh transfer cancellation criteria, the prevalence of women with LFPE ≥1.5 ng/ml was low and did not indicate the clinical value of routine measurement of progesterone in the late follicular phase.

Letrozole in fertility treatment.

This review describes the current evidence regarding the putative indications of letrozole (LTZ) in fertility treatment. Prior to intrauterine insemination, LTZ is recommended in women with normogonadotrophic oligo-anovulation. In ovulatory women, LTZ is equal to clomiphene and may be used instead of exogenous gonadotrophin. LTZ may be used as co-treatment in poor responders prior to in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In addition, LTZ prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer is increasingly used in women with normogonadotrophic oligo-anovulation.

A qualitative study on couples' attitudes and concerns regarding a freeze all strategy in ART treatment.

The freeze all strategy has become a promising alternative to fresh embryo transfer in fertility treatment almost eliminating late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the segmented cycle. There is a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding patients' attitudes towards the freeze all strategy. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes towards a freeze all strategy compared with fresh embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment among couples in a public health care setting. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with ten couples already participants in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and undergoing ART treatment. The couple's responses showed five themes: (i) Starting treatment provides needed relief; (ii) Treatment must be provided with humanity; (iii) Provision of information instigates positive attitudes towards treatment; (iv) Fresh treatment - 'The normal way'; and (v) Freeze all treatment - 'The new black'. When thorough information about treatment procedures and safety aspects regarding both the freeze all and fresh embryo transfer strategy is given prior to initiation of treatment, couples feel secure and content, regardless of which treatment strategy is finally applied. This qualitative study found that starting treatment could prompt longed-for relief, as professionals would now 'take over' and assist in meeting the couple's family building goals.

HCG Trigger After Failed GnRH Agonist Trigger Resulted in Two Consecutive Live Births: A Case Report.

Background: Failed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger with no oocyte retrieved during aspiration of several follicles is a rare but recurrent situation that can be rescued by the termination of the aspiration procedure, retriggering by human chorion gonadotropin (hCG), and repeated oocyte pickup 36 h later. Failed GnRH agonist trigger is frustrating and unsatisfactory, and fertility doctors must be aware of possible hCG retriggering and retained opportunity for successful cycle outcome. Objective: In this case report, we present a woman who experienced failed GnRH agonist trigger and rescue hCG retrigger followed by two consecutive live births after frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers. Methods: A case report. Results: Two healthy children were born in 2018 and 2020, respectively as a result of controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF, failed GnRH agonist trigger followed by hCG re-trigger, and successful retrieval of 25 oocytes. Conclusion: Retriggering with hCG after failed GnRH agonist trigger can result in consecutive live births, and such knowledge can prevent cycle cancellation and patient discouragement. Knowledge on retriggering with hCG and consecutive live births after failed GnRH agonist trigger can prevent cycle cancellation and patient discouragement.

Immediate versus postponed frozen embryo transfer after IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, the number of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles is steadily increasing, now accounting for more than 190 000 cycles per year. It is standard clinical practice to postpone FET for at least one menstrual cycle following a failed fresh transfer or after a freeze-all cycle. The purpose of this practice is to minimise the possible residual negative effect of ovarian stimulation on the resumption of a normal ovulatory cycle and receptivity of the endometrium. Although elective deferral of FET may unnecessarily delay time to pregnancy, immediate FET may be inefficient in a clinical setting, following an increased risk of irregular ovulatory cycles and the presence of functional cysts, increasing the risk of cycle cancellation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This review explores the impact of timing of FET in the first cycle (immediate FET) versus the second or subsequent cycle (postponed FET) following a failed fresh transfer or a freeze-all cycle on live birth rate (LBR). Secondary endpoints were implantation, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) as well as miscarriage rate (MR). SEARCH METHODS: We searched PubMed (MEDLINE) and EMBASE databases for MeSH and Emtree terms, as well as text words related to timing of FET, up to March 2020, in English language. There were no limitations regarding year of publication or duration of follow-up. Inclusion criteria were subfertile women aged 18-46 years with any indication for treatment with IVF/ICSI. Studies on oocyte donation were excluded. All original studies were included, except for case reports, study protocols and abstracts only. Covidence, a Cochrane-tool, was used for sorting and screening of literature. Risk of bias was assessed using the Robins-I tool and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. OUTCOMES: Out of 4124 search results, 15 studies were included in the review. Studies reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for LBR, CPR and MR were included in meta-analyses. All studies (n = 15) were retrospective cohort studies involving a total of 6,304 immediate FET cycles and 13,851 postponed FET cycles including 8,019 matched controls. Twelve studies of very low to moderate quality reported no difference in LBR with immediate versus postponed FET. Two studies of moderate quality reported a statistically significant increase in LBR with immediate FET and one small study of very low quality reported better LBR with postponed FET. Trends in rates of secondary outcomes followed trends in LBR regarding timing of FET. The meta-analyses showed a significant advantage of immediate FET (n =2,076) compared to postponed FET (n =3,833), with a pooled aOR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.01-1.44) for LBR and a pooled aOR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.07-1.39) for CPR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: The results of this review indicate a slightly higher LBR and CPR in immediate versus postponed FET. Thus, the standard clinical practice of postponing FET for at least one menstrual cycle following a failed fresh transfer or a freeze-all cycle may not be best clinical practice. However, as only retrospective cohort studies were assessed, the presence of selection bias is apparent, and the quality of evidence thus seems low. Randomised controlled trials including data on cancellation rates and reasons for cancellation are highly needed to provide high-grade evidence regarding clinical practice and patient counselling.

Embryo Morphokinetics and Blastocyst Development After GnRH Agonist versus hCG Triggering in Normo-ovulatory Women: a Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) for final oocyte maturation, along with vitrification of all usable embryos followed by transfer in a subsequent frozen-thawed cycle, is the most effective strategy to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, less is known about the ovulation induction triggers effect on early embryo development and blastocyst formation. This study is a secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, with the aim to compare embryo development in normo-ovulatory women, randomized to GnRHa or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger. In all, 4056 retrieved oocytes were observed, 1998 from the GnRHa group (216 women) and 2058 from the hCG group (218 women). A number of retrieved oocytes, mature and fertilized oocytes, and high-quality embryos and blastocysts were similar between the groups. A sub-analysis in 250 women enrolled at the main trial site including 2073 oocytes was conducted to compare embryo morphokinetics and cleavage patterns with EmbryoScope time-lapse system. In total, 1013 oocytes were retrieved from the GnRHa group (124 women) and 1060 oocytes were retrieved from the hCG group (126 women). Morphokinetic parameters and cleavage patterns were comparable between the groups. However, embryos derived from the GnRHa group were less likely to perform rolling during their development than the embryos from the hCG trigger group (OR = 0.41 (95%CI 0.25; 0.67), p-value 0.0003). The comparable results on embryo development and utilization rates between the GnRHa and hCG triggers is of clinical relevance to professionals and infertile patients, when GnRHa trigger and freeze-all is performed to avoid OHSS development. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02746562.