Circadian serum progesterone variations on the day of frozen embryo transfer in artificially prepared cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the intra-day variation of serum progesterone related to vaginal progesterone administration on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in an artificial cycle? DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted including 22 patients undergoing a single blastocyst artificial cycle (AC)-FET from August to December 2022. Endometrial preparation was achieved by administering oestradiol valerate (2 mg three times daily) and consecutively micronized vaginal progesterone (MVP; 400 mg twice daily). A blastocyst FET was performed on the 6th day of MVP administration. Serum progesterone concentrations were measured on the day of transfer at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 hours. The first and last blood samples were collected just before MVP was administered. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index of the study population were 33.95 ± 3.98 years and 23.10 ± 1.95 kg/m2. The mean P-values at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 hours were 11.72 ± 4.99, 13.59 ± 6.33, 10.23 ± 3.81 and 9.28 ± 3.09 ng/ml, respectively. A significant decline, of 2.41 ng/ml (95% confidence interval 0.81-4.00), was found between the first and last progesterone measurements. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant intra-day variation of serum progesterone concentrations on the day of FET in artificially prepared cycles was observed. This highlights the importance of a standardized procedure for the timing of progesterone measurement on the day of AC-FET. Of note, the study results are applicable only to women using MVP for luteal phase support; therefore it is necessary to confirm its validity in comparison with the different existing administration routes of progesterone.

IVF with reception of oocytes from partner in lesbian couples: a systematic review and SWOT analysis.

The growing utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by the LGBTQ+ community, especially among lesbian couples, challenges societal norms and promotes inclusivity. The reception of oocytes from partner (ROPA) technique enables both female partners to have a biological connection to their child. A systematic review was conducted of the literature on ROPA IVF to provide the latest data and a SWOT analysis was subsequently performed to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with ROPA IVF. Publications from 2000 to 2023 with relevant keywords were reviewed and 16 records were included. Five studies provided clinical information on couples who used ROPA IVF. ROPA IVF provides a unique opportunity for a biological connection between the child and both female partners and addresses concerns related to oocyte donation and anonymity. Weaknesses include limited cost-effectiveness data and unresolved practical implications. Opportunities lie in involving both partners in parenthood, advancing ART success rates and mitigating risks. Threats encompass increased pregnancy complications, ethical concerns, insufficient safety data, legal or cultural barriers, and emotional stress. In conclusion, ROPA IVF offers a promising solution for lesbian couples seeking to create a family in which both partners want to establish a biological connection with their child.

Obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of binder phenotype with antenatal diagnosis: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Binder phenotype (BP) is a term used to define a form of maxillo-nasal dysplasia defined by the presence of flattened nose, verticalized nasal bones, and retrusion of the maxilla (BP triad). This facial anomaly can be associated with other anomalies in both genetic and acquired conditions as well as in isolation. This systematic review aimed to summarize the antenatal findings, maternal and obstetrics characteristics as well as the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of all cases of BP diagnosed in utero. METHODS: According to the PRISMA statement, we conducted a systematic review of the literatures to identify all the Binder phenotype cases diagnosed antenatally. We extracted and summarized obstetrics and neonatal characteristics of each study, including our case report. MAIN FINDINGS: We identified a total of 47 cases of BP. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks. BP was associated with other skeletal or non-skeletal anomalies in all cases apart from six confirmed to be isolated. Respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 12 neonates and in 18 cases BP was one of the clinical findings of chondrodysplasia punctata X-linked. CONCLUSION: BP is often associated with other fetal defects; however, when isolated, BP seems to have good obstetrics and neonatal outcomes. In fetuses with apparent isolated BP at midtrimester, genetic testing with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for ARSE deletion can be offered for CDPX1 diagnosis while exome sequencing may be more informative in cases where a syndromic condition is suspected. Lastly, BP per se is associated with a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome and feeding difficulties.