ABSTRACT
Ovulation induction (OI) is a cornerstone of human assisted reproduction treatments (ART). Current OI protocols are based on the human follicular dynamics model known as propitious moment theory (PMT), by which follicles continuously grow from the primordial pool without any pattern, and follicular fate depend on the occurrence of a gonadotropin surge. Recently, a new paradigm of human follicular dynamics called follicular waves was revealed using sequential ultrasound examination of 1 interovulatory interval. Instead of random growth, follicles develop in coordinated groups or waves, occurring 2 to 3 times during an interovulatory interval. Follicular waves are common in several other mono-ovulatory species, like equines and bovines. In fact, this model was applied to the development of several OI protocols in veterinary medicine, especially in cows. It has been shown that synchronization of OI with the emergence of a follicular wave increases substantially success rates in animals, even with single embryo transfer. Veterinarians have already developed mechanisms to control wave emergence through mechanical or chemical ablation of the dominant follicle or corpus luteum. Considering the follicular dynamics similarities between humans and bovines regarding the follicular wave phenomenon, we hypothesize that synchronization of follicular wave emergence with ovarian stimulation produces more competent oocytes and embryos and will enhance ART efficiency in humans. At the end of this article, we propose 2 theoretical approaches to induce the emergence of a follicular wave in women: (1) a mechanical strategy by aspiration of the dominant follicle and (2) a pharmacological strategy by administering estradiol and progesterone.
Subject(s)
Ovarian Follicle/physiology , Ovulation Induction/methods , Animals , Cattle , Estradiol/administration & dosage , Female , Gonadotropins/administration & dosage , Humans , Menstrual Cycle , Oocytes/physiology , Ovarian Follicle/diagnostic imaging , Ovary/diagnostic imaging , Ovulation Induction/veterinary , Progesterone/administration & dosage , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted/trends , Suction , Time Factors , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Laparoscopic transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage (LTCC) is an alternative, less-morbid option to the traditional transabdominal cerclage, indicated for patients with cervical incompetence. Experience with the technique is based on case reports and a few case series. Considering LTCC for twin gestations, reports are very scarce and are derived from LTCC performed during pregnancy. We report the case of a 36-year-old patient, gravida 1, para 0, aborta 1, who underwent interval LTCC after a previous failed transvaginal emergency cerclage performed in the second trimester. Hysteroscopic metroplasty was concomitantly performed for an incomplete septate uterus. The procedure lasted 100 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL. The patient was discharged home on the second postoperative day. The patient became pregnant with twins 3 months after the procedure after undergoing in vitro fertilization. The gestational course was uneventful, and the patient delivered 2 healthy neonates at 38 weeks gestation by elective cesarean section. The cerclage tape was left in situ. Minor modifications of the previously reported techniques included use of a laparoscopic Deschamps needle for placing the cotton cardiac tape used as suture material. Vessels in the cervical transverse cervical ligament were exposed before cerclage tape application. To our knowledge, this is the first report of interval LTCC preceding a twin gestation.
