Anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants among women undergoing in vitro fertilization in Jamaica / Anticuerpos anticardiolipinas y anticoagulantes lúpicos entre mujeres a las que se les realiza FIV en Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) on the outcome of the in vitro ferlitization (IVF) cycles and to determine the prevalence of these antibodies in infertile women seeking IVF in Jamaica. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine if screening patients for aCL and LA had any significant impact on the outcome of the IVF process. Each patient's hospital record, between March 2000 and March 2010, was collected and the relevant data extracted. RESULTS: The prevalence of aCL in this cohort of Jamaican women was moderate/high positive 3.88%, low positive 0.68% and those with negative aCL results 95.4%. The prevalence of women who were LA positive was 4.1% and 0.9% of the women were positive for both LA and aCL. Of the patients who were LA and/or aCL positive, eight out of 30 patients (26.7%) had a positive pregnancy test in comparison to 61 out of 181 patients (33.7%) who were LA and/or aCL negative (p = 0.5787). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of positive aCL and/or lA in infertile women seeking IVF in Jamaica is 7.76%. The presence of these antibodies did not affect the pregnancy rate of these women nor did it demonstrate an increased risk for IVF cycle cancellation or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Screening women undergoing IVF for these antibodies is not justified.

OBJETIVO: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron evaluar el efecto del anticuerpo anticardiolipina (aCL) y el anticoagulante lúpico (LA) sobre el resultado de los ciclos de la fertilización en vitro (FIV), así como determinar la prevalencia de estos anticuerpos en mujeres estériles que buscan tratamiento de FIV en Jamaica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte para determinar si el tamizaje de pacientes para detectar el anticuerpo anticardiolipina y el anticoagulante lúpico tenía un impacto significativo en el resultado del proceso de FIV. Se obtuvieron las historias clínicas hospitalarias de cada una de las pacientes, entre marzo de 2000 y marzo de 2010, y se extrajeron los datos pertinentes. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de aCL en esta cohorte de mujeres jamaicanas fue 3.88% moderada/alta positiva, 0.68% positiva baja, y aquellas con resultados negativos de aCL, 95.4%. La prevalencia de mujeres con resultados de anticoagulante lúpico positivos fue 4.1%, y 0.9% de las mujeres resultaron positivas con respecto tanto al LA como al aCL. De las pacientes que fueron positivas al LA y/o al aCL, ocho de cada 30 pacientes (26.7%) tuvieron una prueba de embarazo positiva, en comparación con 61 de cada 181 pacientes (33.7%) negativas al LA y/o al aCL (p = 0.5787). CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de resultados positivos en relación con anticuerpos anticardiolipinas y/o anticoagulantes lúpicos en mujeres estériles que buscan FIV en Jamaica es 7.76%. La presencia de estos anticuerpos no afectó la tasa de embarazo de estas mujeres, ni mostró un aumento de riesgo de la cancelación del ciclo FIV, o riesgo de síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica. El tamizaje en busca de estos anticuerpos en mujeres que buscan tratamiento de FIV, no está justificado.

Anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants among women undergoing in vitro fertilization in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) on the outcome of the in vitro ferlitization (IVF) cycles and to determine the prevalence of these antibodies in infertile women seeking IVF in Jamaica. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine if screening patients for aCL and LA had any significant impact on the outcome of the IVF process. Each patients hospital record, between March 2000 and March 2010, was collected and the relevant data extracted. RESULTS: The prevalence of aCL in this cohort of Jamaican women was moderate/high positive 3.88%, low positive 0.68% and those with negative aCL results 95.4%. The prevalence of women who were LA positive was 4.1% and 0.9% of the women were positive for both LA and aCL. Of the patients who were LA and/or aCL positive, eight out of 30 patients (26.7%) had a positive pregnancy test in comparison to 61 out of 181 patients (33.7%) who were LA and/or aCL negative (p = 0.5787). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of positive aCL and/or LA in infertile women seeking IVF in Jamaica is 7.76%. The presence of these antibodies did not affect the pregnancy rate of these women nor did it demonstrate an increased risk for IVF cycle cancellation or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Screening women undergoing IVF for these antibodies is not justified.

Successful treatment of severe male factor infertility in Jamaica with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the treatment of subfertile couples in Jamaica. METHOD: A review of the outcome of treatment cycles for infertile couples that underwent in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI from 2003-05 at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit (HWFMU) of the University of the West Indies. Fertilisation and pregnancy rates for the cycles as well as the factors determining the success of the procedure were reviewed. SPSS 11.1 was used to do statistical calculations. RESULTS: Ninety-six ICSI cycles were done from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005. For couples with previous poor or no fertilisation in a standard IVF group (n = 12), the fertilisation rate was 72%; for those with substandard semen (n = 73), the fertilisation rate was 77.5%, for those with semen retrieved by surgical sperm method (n = 11), the fertilisation rate was 59%. The resulting live births were 0%, 12.5% and 27.3% respectively. There was a statistically significant impact of age on pregnancy rates as the mean age of the females in the previously poor or no fertilisation in a standard IVF group (39.08 +/- 5.14) was greater than those of the substandard semen group (35.93 +/- 4.22) [p = 0.023] as well as the group with surgical sperm retrieval (32.82 +/- 6.65) [p = 0.019]. CONCLUSION: With ICSI, the fertilisation and pregnancy rates in Jamaica are comparable to international rates regardless of the cause of infertility. However, the age of the female partner does have a significant impact on the pregnancy rate following ICSI.

Successful treatment of severe male factor infertility in Jamaica with intracytoplasmic sperm injection / Tratamiento exitoso de la infertilidad severa por factor masculino en Jamaica mediante inyección de esperma intracitoplasmático

OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the treatment of subfertile couples in Jamaica. METHOD: A review of the outcome of treatment cycles for infertile couples that underwent in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI from 2003-05 at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit (HWFMU) of the University of the West Indies. Fertilisation and pregnancy rates for the cycles as well as the factors determining the success of the procedure were reviewed. SPSS 11.1 was used to do statistical calculations. RESULTS: Ninety-six ICSI cycles were done from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005. For couples with previous poor or no fertilisation in a standard IVF group (n = 12), the fertilisation rate was 72%; for those with substandard semen (n = 73), the fertilisation rate was 77.5%, for those with semen retrieved by surgical sperm method (n = 11), the fertilisation rate was 59%. The resulting live births were 0%, 12.5% and 27.3% respectively. There was a statistically significant impact ofage on pregnancy rates as the mean age ofthe females in the previously poor or no fertilisation in a standard IVF group (39.08 ± 5.14) was greater than those of the substandard semen group (35.93 ± 4.22) ]p = 0.023[ as well as the group with surgical sperm retrieval (32.82 ± 6.65) ]p = 0.019[. CONCLUSION: With ICSI, the fertilisation and pregnancy rates in Jamaica are comparable to international rates regardless of the cause of infertility. However, the age of the female partner does have a significant impact on the pregnancy rate following ICSI.

OBJETIVO: Examinar el impacto de la inyección de esperma intracitoplasmático (IEIC) en el tratamiento de las parejas subfértiles en Jamaica. MÉTODO: Se realizó un examen del resultado de los ciclos de tratamiento para las parejas infértiles que recurrieron a la fertilización in vitro (FIV) y a la IEIC de 2003 a 2005 en la Unidad de Tratamiento de la Fertilidad Hugh Wynter del Hospital Universitario de West Indies (HWFMU). Se examinaron las tasas de fertilización y embarazos en todos los ciclos así como los factores que determinan el éxito del procedimiento. Se usó el programa SPSS para realizar los cálculos estadísticos. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron noventa y seis ciclos de IEIC del 1ero de enero de 2003, al 31 de diciembre de 2005. Para parejas con ninguna o pobre fertilización en un grupo estándar de FIV (n - 12), la tasa de fertilización fue 72%; para aquellos con semen subestándar (n = 73), la tasa de fertilización fue 77.5%; para aquellos con semen recuperado mediante recuperación quirúrgica de esperma (n = 11), la tasa de fertilización fue 59%. Los nacimientos vivos resultantes fueron 0%, 12.5%, y 27.3% respectivamente. Hubo un impacto estadísticamente significativo de la edad sobre las tasas de comembarazo, ya que la edad promedio de las hembras en la fertilización previamente pobre o sin fertilización en un grupo FIV estándar (39.08 ± 5.14) fue mayor para las del grupo de semen subestándar (35.93 ± 4.22) ]p = 0.023[ así como las del grupo con recuperación quirúrgica del esperma (32.82 ± 6.65) ]p = 0.019[. CONCLUSIÓN: Con el uso de IEIC, las tasas de fertilización y embarazo en Jamaica, son comparables a las tasas internacionales, independientemente de cual sea la causa de la infertilidad. Sin embargo, la edad de la pareja hembra no tiene un impacto significativo sobre la tasa de embarazo una vez aplicada la IEIC.

Gender differences in coping with infertility among couples undergoing counselling for In Vitro Fertilization treatment / Diferencias de género a la hora de enfrentar problemas de esterilidad entre parejas que reciben consejería para el tratamiento de fertilización in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To identify gender differences in coping responses and the association between coping and psychological distress in couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment at the University of the West Indies (UWI). METHODS: All men and women (n = 52) who were offered psychological counselling prior to beginning IVF treatment between October 2003 and May 2004 were invited to complete questionnaires on their coping responses, self-reported distress and socio-demographic data. One female declined. RESULTS: Of the 51 participants, 52had completed secondary education, 44tertiary education, and 37were 38 years or older; 42of the couples were trying for more than seven years to have a child. Gender differences in coping included more women than men keeping others from knowing their pain (p < 0.01) and more women ruminating about what they did wrong to cause the infertility (p < 0.01). These strategies were also associated with reports of heightened distress (p < 0.05). Talking to others to obtain information was associated with less negative feelings. Coping skills that were commonly used by both genders included seeking medical advice and engaging in wishful thinking. CONCLUSION: Women coping with infertility may be at risk for self-depreciation and isolation because of their choice of coping strategies and the meaning they ascribe to the infertility. As a result, they are likely to experience more heightened distress than men who are also infertile. Counselling that is specific to gender-needs is indicated.

OBJETIVO: Identificar las diferencias de género en las respuestas de enfrentamiento, y la asociación entre la angustia (distrés) del enfrentamiento y la angustia psicológica en las parejas que reciben tratamiento de fertilización in vitro (FIV) en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies. MÉTODOS: A todos los hombres y mujeres (n = 52) a quienes se les ofreció consejería psicológica antes de comenzar el tratamiento de FIV entre octubre de 2003 y mayo de 2004, se les invitó a llenar cuestionarios sobre sus respuestas de enfrentamiento, auto-reporte de su angustia, y datos socio-demográficos. Una mujer rechazó la encuesta. RESULTADOS: De los 51 participantes, 52% habían terminado su educación secundaria, 44% la educación terciaria, y 37% tenían 38 años o más, en tanto que el 42% de las parejas había estado tratando de tener un hijo o hija por más de siete años. Las diferencias de género al enfrentar el problema de la infertilidad incluían más mujeres que hombres en cuanto a evitar que otros supieran del dolor (p < 0.01) y más mujeres rumiando que habrían hecho mal que provocó la esterilidad (p < 0.01). Estas estrategias estuvieron también asociadas con reportes de intenso distrés (p < 0.05), mientras que el hablar a otros para obtener información estuvo asociado con sentimientos menos negativos. Las habilidades de enfrentamiento usadas comúnmente por ambos géneros incluían la búsqueda de consejo médico y el juego a hacerse ilusiones. CONCLUSIONES: En su enfrentamiento al problema de la esterilidad, las mujeres pueden correr el riesgo de la auto-depreciación y el aislamiento debido a su elección de estrategias de enfrentamiento, y al significado que adscriben a la esterilidad. A consecuencia de ello, es probable que experimenten angustia con más intensidad que los hombres estériles. Se indica que la consejería debe realizarse en correspondencia con las necesidades específicas de cada género.

Gender differences in coping with infertility among couples undergoing counselling for In Vitro Fertilization treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To identify gender differences in coping responses and the association between coping and psychological distress in couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment at the University of the West Indies (UWI). METHODS: All men and women (n = 52) who were offered psychological counselling prior to beginning IVF treatment between October 2003 and May 2004 were invited to complete questionnaires on their coping responses, self-reported distress and socio-demographic data. One female declined. RESULTS: Of the 51 participants, 52% had completed secondary education, 44% tertiary education, and 37% were 38 years or older; 42% of the couples were trying for more than seven years to have a child. Gender differences in coping included more women than men keeping others from knowing their pain (p < 0.01) and more women ruminating about what they did wrong to cause the infertility (p < 0.01). These strategies were also associated with reports of heightened distress (p < 0.05). Talking to others to obtain information was associated with less negative feelings. Coping skills that were commonly used by both genders included seeking medical advice and engaging in wishful thinking. CONCLUSION: Women coping with infertility may be at risk for self-depreciation and isolation because of their choice of coping strategies and the meaning they ascribe to the infertility. As a result, they are likely to experience more heightened distress than men who are also infertile. Counselling that is specific to gender-needs is indicated.