Neutrophil:lymphocyte and estradiol:progesterone ratios as predictive markers for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

This study was based on the pathophysiology of the disease and aimed at predicting ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by determining the importance of ratios obtained from the inflammatory process associated with oestradiol and progesterone in recent years. Out of 242 infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive therapy, 59 patients who developed OHSS were taken as the study group, while the remaining 122 normo-responder (NR) and 61 hyper-responder (HR) patients constituted the control group. The neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and oestradiol/progesterone (EPR) ratios were found to be statistically significantly higher in the OHSS group (P <0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the NLR (OR=2.410, P =0.001) and EPR (OR=1.701, P =0.028) were independent predictors for the development of OHSS. In conclusion, in OHSS inadequate progesterone levels may inhibit suppression of the exaggerated inflammatory process caused by high E2 levels, and NLR and EPR can be used to predict the development of OHSS in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during in vitro fertilisation cycles.

The effect of hysteroscopic metroplasty on fertility in T-shaped and Y-shaped dysmorphic uterus.

OBJECTIVE: T/Y-shaped dysmorphic uterus is frequently associated with subfertility, abortion, preterm delivery, and recurrent implantation failure. In this study, the impact of hysteroscopic metroplasty for a T/Y-shaped uterus on obstetric outcomes was investigated in patients with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and compared the uterine anomaly subgroups. METHOD: Cases with infertility and/or RPL diagnosed with T/Y-shaped uterus by hysterosalpingography (HSG) and 3D transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVUSG) with no other male or female pathology have recruited the study. Medical history and the obstetric outcome after two years of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Out of the 92 cases recruited, T-shaped uteri (Group-1) were observed in 30, while 62 (67.3%) patients had Y-shaped uteri. Pregnancy was achieved in 50 (54.3%) of the cases, 28 (56%) of the pregnancies occurred spontaneously, and in 22 (44%) pregnancy was achieved through assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Term delivery occurred in 29 (76.3%) of the pregnancies while 9 (23.6%) had preterm deliveries and a total of 38 (76%) resulted in a live birth. Out of the 31 patients with previous RPL history, 13 (41.9%) achieved pregnancy and 11 out of 13 (84.6%) had a term pregnancy followed by live birth. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pregnancy, and term pregnancy rates after surgery were found to be promising in these uterine anomalies. The pregnancy outcome of the primary infertile patients was found the same in two groups (50%-46.1%), but the results of the RPL patients were found to be better in the T-shaped group than in the Y-shaped group (70%-28.5%).

The effect of plastic bottled water consumption on outcomes of ICSI cycles undertaken for unexplained infertility.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do bisphenol A (BPA) levels in maternal urine, serum and follicular fluid affect embryo quality and intracytoplasmic sperm hinjection (ICSI) cycle outcomes in women with unexplained infertility? DESIGN: Prospective study conducted between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019. The study cohort consisted of 82 women aged between 23 and 33 years who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection owing to unexplained infertility and provided urine, blood and follicular fluid samples on the day of oocyte retrieval. Consumption of drinking water from plastic carboys or bottles at home were considered as chronic BPA exposure. Demographic features and IVF outcomes of the patients were collected. RESULTS: Among the 82 women with unexplained infertility, clinical pregnancy was achieved in 22 (26.8%) patients after the IVF and embryo transfer cycle. The patients who consumed tap water had statistically significantly lower BPA values in three body fluids compared with patients who consumed plastic bottled water (all P < 0.001). Women who had grade 1 embryos transferred had lower serum BPA values than women who had grade 2 embryos transferred (10.8 ± 5.2 versus 26.9 ± 22 ng/ml, P = 0.003). Serum and follicular fluid BPA levels were statistically significantly higher in women who failed to achieve clinical pregnancy (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively) and obtain a live birth (both P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A negative relationship was found between serum and follicular fluid BPA levels and embryo quality, clinical pregnancy and live birth in these women. In addition, the BPA levels of women who consume tap water at home were lower than those who use plastic bottled water.

Relationship between contraceptive methods and human papillomavirus positivity.

PURPOSE: Understanding the effect of contraceptive use on high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity may provide information that is valuable to women in contraceptive decision-making. This study includes women aged 30-65 years who admitted to Family Planing outpatient clinic and have hrHPVDNA positivity. METHODS: We included a total of 801 women. All participants underwent national cervical cancer screening using HPV screening test conducted by the Cancer Control Department of the Ministry of Health. They completed a questionnaire on demographic information and potential risk factors. RESULTS: The HPV DNA positivity rate among all participants was 8.4%. The two most common HPV genotypes were HPV16 and HPV51. Meanwhile, hrHPV infection was associated with age, marital status, smoking status, and contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: HPV is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Understanding about the reproductive and demographic characteristics affecting HPV persistence is crucial. The effect of contraceptive methods on HPV positivity is important information that is necessary to be relayed to women by healthcare professionals.

What is the impact of PPAR-γ agonist-rosiglitazone on ovarian reserve after hysterectomy? An experimental study

Background/aim: To evaluate the effects of hysterectomy on rat ovaries and the possible protective role of peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist-rosiglitazone against ovarian reserve decrement. Materials and methods: Forty-five adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Hysterectomy was performed (n = 15) in group 1 [H]; 1 mg/kg/day PPAR-γ agonist/rosiglitazone was used for 50 days after hysterectomy (n = 15) in group 2 [H + R]; a sham operation was performed (n = 15) in group 3 [control, C]. Blood samples were collected for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) evaluation in all groups and simultaneous ovarian Doppler examination was performed in [H] and [H + R] groups before and after (50 days) hysterectomy. All animals were sacrificed to obtain ovaries for histological examination. Results: AMH levels were found to be significantly decreased at postoperative day 50 in all groups (P < 0.05). Histopathologic analysis showed that primary, preantral, and antral follicle counts were significantly higher in the [H] group as compared to the [C] and [H + R] groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the [C] and [H + R] groups in terms of follicle numbers (P > 0.05). In the ovarian Doppler blood flow analysis, all parameters were significantly decreased in group [H] (P < 0.05), but not in the [H + R] group (P > 0.05) on postoperative day 50. Conclusion: Hysterectomy affects the histopathological structure of rat ovaries and PPAR-γ agonist-rosiglitazone improves the ovarian Doppler blood flow parameters.

The impact of different etiologies of diminished ovarian reserve on pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET cycles

Background/aim: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) represents a major challenge in reproductive medicine, as it is often associated with poor ovarian stimulation response, high cycle cancellation rate, and low pregnancy rate. The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical pregnancy rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) cycles in patients with different DOR etiologies. Materials and methods: Patient data were recorded with a computer-based program called Success Estimation Using a Ranking Algorithm (SERA). Overall, 459 patients were divided into 3 groups according to their DOR etiologies (Group A: idiopathic, n = 81; Group B: age-related, n = 294; Group C: previous ovarian surgery, n = 84). Results: Out of 459 stimulation cycles, 378 (82.4%) reached the oocyte retrieval stage, while 201 (43.8%) had embryo transfers. There was no significant difference between the patients with different DOR etiologies in terms of embryo transfer and cycle cancellation rate. The patients who had embryo transfer were 44 (52.4%) in Group A, 38 (46.9%) in Group B, and 119 (40.5%) in Group C. There were no significant differences between the three groups (P = 0.114). The percentages of women who had oocyte retrieval were 84.5% in Group A, 70% in Group B, and 80.3% in Group C (P = 0.104). While clinical pregnancy per transfer was 35.8% in Group A, 19.8% in Group B, and 29.5% in Group C, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.113) Conclusion: Although ovulation induction and ICSI-ET outcomes, including clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, were not significantly different with regards to the etiology of DOR, young women with DOR may benefit from assisted reproductive techniques.

The incidence of metabolic syndrome in adolescents with different phenotypes of PCOS.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Turkish adolescents with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on the Youth Center clinic of a tertiary referral hospital in Turkey. Adolescents with PCOS (n = 144) were classified into four phenotype groups according to the presence of oligo/anovulation (O), hyperandrogenism (H), and polycystic ovarian morphology (P) as follows: Phenotype A (O + H + P), Phenotype B (H + O), Phenotype C (H + P), Phenotype D (O + P). The adolescents gave early follicular phase blood samples for endocrine and metabolic tests. The incidence and the presence of parameters of metabolic syndrome were assessed among the four groups. RESULTS: In total, 54.9% of the adolescents with PCOS were overweight and 25.7% had metabolic syndrome. The incidence of metabolic syndrome in Phenotypes A-D were as follows: 39.5%, 20.5%, 26.5%, and 15.2%, respectively. Although body mass index was higher in the Phenotype A group, insulin resistance was similar in all of the phenotype groups. The most common dyslipidemia was low HDL-C levels and this was present in more than half of the adolescents with PCOS. Both body mass index and total testosterone levels were significantly higher in adolescents with metabolic syndrome in comparison to those without metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Although low HDL-C levels and insulin resistance are common PCOS findings in adolescents, the metabolic profile seems to be worse in Phenotype A than the other phenotypes. Therefore, screening programs should evaluate patients based on the known risk factors and phenotypes for adolescents with PCOS.

Progesterone change in the late follicular phase affects pregnancy rates both agonist and antagonist protocols in normoresponders: a case-controlled study in ICSI cycles.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study is to investigate the impact of progesterone change in the late follicular phase on the pregnancy rates of both agonist and antagonist protocols in normoresponders. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 201 normoresponder patients, who underwent embryo transfer were consecutively selected. 118 patients were stimulated using a long luteal GnRH agonist protocol and 83 using a flexible antagonist protocol. The level of change in late follicular phase progesterone was calculated according to the progesterone levels on the hCG day and pre-hCG day (1 or 2 days prior to hCG day) measurement. RESULTS: Clinical pregnancy rates were comparable between long luteal and antagonist group (35.6 and 41%, respectively). The incidence of progesterone elevation on the hCG day was 11% in long luteal and 18% in antagonist group (p = 0.16). In pregnant cycles, p levels both on the hCG day and pre-hCG day measurement were significantly higher in antagonist than agonist cycles (p = 0.029, p = 0.038, respectively). The change of p level was statistically significant in non-pregnant cycles both for the agonist (-0.17 ± 0.07; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.37) and antagonist groups (-0.18 ± 0.07; 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Late follicular phase progesterone levels were stable during the cycles of pregnant patients irrespective of the protocols and were shown to be higher in pregnant patients in antagonist cycles when compared to agonist cycles.

Short-Term Impact of Laparoscopic Cystectomy on Ovarian Reserve Tests in Bilateral and Unilateral Endometriotic and Nonendometriotic Cysts.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term changes in ovarian reserve markers after laparoscopic cystectomy performed for endometriotic and nonendometriotic cysts. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: The Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic of a training and research hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-four women with endometrioma ≥ 4 mm (group 1) and 33 women with nonendometriotic cysts of matched size (group 2) who underwent surgery during the same period. INTERVENTIONS: The follicular phase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the antral follicle count (AFC) of both groups were analyzed preoperatively and 2 months after laparoscopic cystectomy. The pre- and postoperative values were compared within the same group and between the 2 groups. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Preoperative FSH and E2 levels were similar in both groups. However, preoperative AMH levels and AFC were significantly lower in group 1 (endometrioma) compared with group 2 (nonendometrioma; p = .004 and p = .025, respectively). In both groups there was a significant decrease in the AMH levels after surgery (3.1 ± 1.9 ng/mL to 2.5 ± 1.6 ng/mL, p < .001, and 5.7 ± 3.7 ng/mL to 4.8 ± 3.3 ng/mL, p = .04). AMH levels exhibited a significant decrease in the unilateral and bilateral endometrioma groups after cystectomy (p < .001 and p = .025, respectively). However, preoperative and postoperative changes in AMH and AFC were similar in groups 1 and 2 for both unilateral and bilateral cysts (p = .586 and p = .267). CONCLUSION: Preoperative AMH and AFC levels are lower in both unilateral and bilateral endometriomas compared with nonendometriotic cysts. The AMH levels decreased after cystectomy in both endometriotic and nonendometriotic cysts. However, in the short-term period the amount of change in ovarian reserve tests in both unilateral and bilateral cysts was similar for both endometrioma and nonendometriotic cysts.

Metabolic syndrome and metabolic risk profile according to polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype.

AIM: It is unknown which phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a greater metabolic risk and how to detect this risk. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic risk profile (MRP) for different phenotypes. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive newly diagnosed PCOS women in a tertiary referral hospital were recruited. Patients were classified into four phenotypes according to the Rotterdam criteria, on the presence of at least two of the three criteria hyperandrogenism (H), oligo/anovulation (O) and PCO appearance (P): phenotype A, H + O + P; phenotype B, H + O; phenotype C, H + P; phenotype D, O + P. Prevalence of MetS and MRP were compared among the four groups. RESULTS: Based on Natural Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III diagnostic criteria, MetS prevalence was higher in phenotypes A and B (29.6% and 34.5%) compared with the other phenotypes (10.0% and 8.3%; P < 0.001). Although the prevalence of obesity was similar, the number of patients with homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) >3.8 was significantly higher in androgenic PCOS phenotypes. After logistic regression analysis, visceral adiposity index (VAI) was the only independent predictor of MetS in PCOS (P = 0.002). VAI was also significantly higher in phenotype B, when compared with the others (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Phenotypes A and B had the highest risk of MetS among the four phenotypes, and VAI may be a predictor of metabolic risk in PCOS women.

Is ultrasonographic evaluation essential for diagnosis of retained products of conception after surgical abortion?

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of symptomatic evaluation with transvaginal ultrasonographic findings for diagnosis of retained products of conception (RPOC) after voluntary pregnancy termination via manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). METHODS: A total of 466 patients with a gestational age < 10 weeks were followed up at the 7th day after MVA of unwanted pregnancies. The patients who had intense or moderate bleeding and other symptoms related to RPOC had a re-evacuation and all the patients were followed up until the next menstruation. Ultrasonographic evaluation was repeated weekly in asymptomatic patients with abnormal ultrasonographic findings (increased endometrial thickness, presence of hyperechogenic, mixed and hypoechogenic material) until a normal endometrial cavity was visualized. RESULTS: Out of the 466 patients, 15 (3.2%) had symptoms of RPOC at day 7 while the remaining 451 (96.8%) were asymptomatic and 20 (57.9%) had normal ultrasonographic findings. The 15 symptomatic patients (3.2%) had a repeated MVA. Nine of these 15 patients (60%) had endometrial echogenicity with mixed patterns, two (13.3%) had endometrial echogenicity with hyperechoic patterns, and the remaining four (26.7%) had normal endometrial echogenicity at day 7. Histopathologic examination of 12 of these 15 patients (80%) showed chorionic villi while no gestational tissue was noted in the remaining three of these patients. Endometrial thickness ≥ 10 mm on day 7 had 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosis of RPOC in symptomatic women. None of the 451 asymptomatic patients developed any symptoms or needed any further intervention. CONCLUSION: As abnormal ultrasonographic findings return to normal over time in asymptomatic patients, the diagnosis of RPOC should not be based on ultrasonographic findings.

The effect of luteal-phase support with vaginal progesterone on pregnancy rates in gonadotropin and clomiphene citrate/intra-uterine insemination cycles in unexplained infertility: A prospective randomised study.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of luteal-phase support on pregnancy rates in gonadotropin + intra-uterine insemination (Gn/IUI) and clomiphene citrate (CC) +IUI (CC/IUI) cycles in patients with unexplained infertility. Equal numbers of patients were recruited in two treatment arms (CC/IUI and Gn/IUI) (n = 100, n = 100, respectively). In each group, 50 patients received vaginal progesterone for 14 days (Crinone 8% vaginal gel, 90 mg per day) for luteal-phase support from the day after IUI and continued until menstruation or the 10th week of gestation if pregnant. There were 29 clinical pregnancies among 200 patients. Pregnancy rates were 12% in CC/IUI cycles, 10% in luteal-phase-supported CC/IUI cycles 16% in Gn/IUI cycles and 20% in luteal-phase-supported Gn/IUI cycles. Although pregnancy rates were higher in Gn/IUI cycles compared to CC/IUI cycles, luteal-phase support did not significantly affect the pregnancy rates in both groups. This study implies that luteal-phase support with progesterone has no pronounced beneficial effect on pregnancy rates in either CC/IUI or Gn/IUI cycles in patients with unexplained infertility.

Sonographic Assessment of the Fetal Penile Development.

The intrauterine diagnosis of micropenis is an important clue in the discernment of some syndromes and hormonal deficiencies. In this study, we tried to establish reference ranges for the fetal penile length and penile width. This prospective cross-sectional study included 179 healthy singleton male fetus pregnancies that were between 17 and 37 weeks of gestation. Of these pregnancies, the fetal penile length and width were measured using trans-abdominal ultrasound. The correlation coefficients of gestational age with penile measurements were calculated. We observed that as the gestational age increased both the penile length and width increased (p < .0001, correlation coefficients R(2) = 0.854 and R(2) = 0.883; respectively). Reference values of the penile length in the Turkish Population were similar to previously evaluated populations including English, American and Israeli populations. The penile width measurement is a convenient way to diagnose micropenis, but penile width measurement alone might miss some penile abnormalities including chordee and hypospadias.

Comparison of copper intrauterine device with levonorgestrel-bearing intrauterine system for post-abortion contraception.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the safety, bleeding pattern, effects, side-effects, complications and 6-month continuity rates of levonorgestrel-bearing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with conventional copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) inserted immediately after voluntary termination of pregnancy up to 10 weeks of gestation. METHODS: One hundred women who underwent voluntary pregnancy termination and preferred IUD insertion as a contraceptive method after counseling were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated to Cu-IUD or LNG-IUS and followed up at 10 days, and at 1, 3 and 6 months. The expulsion rates, continuation rates, side-effects, and bleeding patterns were compared. RESULTS: Fifty women in the Cu-IUD group and 44 women in the LNG-IUS group were followed up. The continuity and expulsion rate for Cu-IUD and LNG-IUS at the end of 6 months was 74%, 12%, and 75%, 11.3%, respectively. In LNG-IUS users, the incidence of amenorrhea and the number of spotting days were higher and hemoglobin increased throughout the follow-up period. The side-effects related to both methods were not different from interval insertions. CONCLUSION: Immediate post-abortion intrauterine contraception with Cu-IUD or LNG-IUS is a safe, reliable method. The incidence of side-effects is similar, and there is only a slightly higher rate of expulsion but an acceptable rate of method continuation.

Clomiphene citrate 'stair-step' protocol vs. traditional protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the stair-step protocol using clomiphene citrate (CC) and to assess the uterine and systemic side effects in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 60 PCOS patients who failed to respond to 50 mg/day for 5 days of CC treatment within the cycle were randomly allocated to the control (traditional protocol) and study (stair-step protocol) groups. In the stair-step protocol,patients were treated with CC 50 mg/day for 5 days and then in nonresponsive patients, the dosage was increased to 100 mg/day for 5 days in the same cycle. Patients who failed the 50 mg/day CC treatment in the previous cycle were stimulated with 100 mg/day CC and were accepted as the control group. Ovulation and pregnancy rates, duration of treatment and uterine and systemic side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Ovulation and pregnancy rates were similar between the stair-step and the control group (43.3 vs. 33.3 %, respectively) (16.7 vs. 10 %, respectively). The duration of treatment was significantly shorter in stair-step compared to traditional protocol (20.5 ± 2.0 vs. 48.6 ± 2.4 days, respectively). There were no significant differences in the systemic side effects between the groups. Uterine side effects were evaluated with endometrial thickness and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound; no significant differences were observed in stair-step compared to traditional protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The stair-step protocol was determined to have a significantly shorter treatment period without any detrimental effect on the ovulation and pregnancy rates.

The impact of adnexal torsion on antral follicle count when compared with contralateral ovary.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In women with adnexal torsion, there is an absence of data whether ovarian reserve is affected when treated by detorsion and conservative surgery. We aimed to evaluate ovarian reserve by counting the antral follicles and estimating the ovarian volume in the operated side compared with the contralateral ovary. DESIGN: A case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: In vitro fertilization center, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine and Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent conservative surgery because of adnexal torsion between January 2008 and August 2012 were retrospectively investigated from patient files and computer-based data. Eighteen patients were eligible for the study protocol and further evaluated for their ovarian reserve with ultrasonography. INTERVENTIONS: Comparing ovarian reserve in the torsioned and contralateral sides with ultrasonography by physicians who were blind to the previously operated side. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean age was 28.3 ± 5.8 years. The mean antral follicle count on the operated and contralateral ovaries were 12.3 ± 8.4 and 11.3 ± 7.4, respectively (p = .23). The respective figure for ovarian volume was 7.6 ± 4.2 and 9.1 ± 5.3 mL (p = .063). Among 3 patients seeking to become pregnant, 1 of them conceived spontaneously and one achieved pregnancy with clomiphene citrate use. CONCLUSION: The finding of the current study suggests that ovarian reserve reflected by the antral follicle count is not compromised in patients treated with detorsion of the twisted adnexa.

Total fertilization failure: is it the end of the story?

PURPOSE: To study parameters that could predict in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success in patients who experienced total fertilization failure (TFF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in their previous cycles. METHODS: Cycle characteristics of patients with TFF (Group I, n = 136 cycles), cycles resulting in embryo transfer (ET) following TFF (Group II, n = 36 cycles) and recurrent TFF (Group III, n = 25 cycles) and were studied retrospectively. Demographic features, cycle characteristics of three groups were compared. RESULTS: Follicle count measuring 15-17 mm was significantly higher in group II when compared to group I (p = 0.02). Total number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes were significantly higher in group II when compared to groups I and III (p = 0.001). Estradiol level at oocyte pick up (OPU) day was significantly higher in group II when compared to group I (p = 0.02). When the characteristics of ET cycles and preceding TFF cycles of the same patient were compared, total number of retrieved oocytes (5.11 ± 0.72 (95% CI 3.69-6.52) vs. 11.44 ± 1.60 (95% CI 5.29-17.59)) and mature oocytes (3.26 ± 3.66 (95% CI 2.04-4.47) vs. 6.92 ± 5.61 (95% CI 5.09-8.75)) were found to be significantly lower in TFF cycles (p = 0.001). Five biochemical and 5 clinical pregnancies occurred while only 2 healthy babies were born, corresponding to a live birth rate 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the number of retrieved and mature oocytes may increase the success of fertilization in patients with a history of previous failed fertilization. However, live birth rate is still low in embryo transfer cycles.

Enhancing endometrioma management: Diagnostic biomarkers and predictive outcomes in Ruptured vs. Non-Ruptured cases.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes between patients undergoing surgery for ruptured endometrioma versus non-ruptured endometrioma. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted at Health Sciences University, Etlik Zübeyde Hanim Training and Research Hospital Infertility Clinic. All patients who had a histopathology report of endometrioma between January 2014 and December 2020 were recruited. Patient files, surgery notes and laboratory values were extracted from the electronic recording system and patients with ruptured endometriomas (RE) or non-ruptured endometriomas (NRE) were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 181 patients were recruited to the study. No rupture was detected in 146 (80.7 %) patients while 35 patients (19.3 %) underwent surgery for RE. Pre-operative CRP, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CEA and mean platelet volume (MPV) values and postoperative MPV and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the RE group compared to the NRE group. Post-operative lymphocyte (p = 0.029) and eosinophyl (p = 0.015) values were significantly lower in the RE group compared to the NRE group. Among the preoperative biomarkers that are evaluated for prediction of rupture; MPV, CA 19-9 and CA-15.3 had a high specifity (>75 %) but a rather low sensitivity (<60 %), meanwhile CRP, CA-125 and CEA had high sensitivity but a low specifity. CONCLUSION: RE patients had significantly higher preoperative CRP, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CEA, and MPV values and postoperative MPV and NLR values while postoperative, lymphocyte and eosinophyl values were significantly lower compared with the NRE patients. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine biomarkers and parameters that can be used for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis and predict the possibility of endometrioma rupture.

The effect of B-Lynch uterine compression suture performed for uterine atony on future menstrual pattern and reproductive outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of B-Lynch (UCS) compression sutures applied in postpartum hemorrhage cases due to uterine atony on menstrual pattern, fertility, obstetric outcomes, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and March 2017, 77 patients (study group 37, control group 40) diagnosed postpartum hemorrhage in our clinic were included in the study. The long-term results of the patients were evaluated comparatively. RESULTS: In the B-Lynch UCS group, an increase in the postoperative menstrual cycle length and the intensity of dyspareunia measured by the VAS score, and a statistically significant decrease in the duration of menstrual bleeding were observed. In the control group, a decrease in the self-estimated time of postpartum menstrual bleeding and a statistically significant increase in dyspareunia VAS values ​​were observed. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of menstrual cycle length only after treatment. CONCLUSION: B-Lynch UCS can be used effectively and safely in PPH due to uterine atony without causing any additional pathology in menstrual pattern, fertility, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia complaints other than the length of the menstrual cycle.

The effect of antiangiogenic agent aflibercept on surgically induced endometriosis in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to show for the first time how aflibercept affects endometriosis lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgically induced endometriosis in Wistar albino female rats. Rats with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups: control (Co), aflibercept (Af), and leuprolide acetate (Le). Then, Af, aflibercept, and Le received leuprolide acetate. The control group was not treated. The weights and changes in intra-abdominal adhesions of the rats before and after treatment were recorded according to the Blauer adhesion score. Blood extracted for sacrifice was analyzed. Endometriotic lesions were evaluated for size, volume, histology, and immunohistochemistry (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and CD31). Significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Aflibercept significantly reduced endometrial implant volume (p = 0.002). The explant epithelial histological score showed a significant difference between aflibercept and leuprolide acetate (p = 0.006) and between aflibercept and control groups (p = 0.002). Aflibercept decreased VEGF-H and CD31 expression (p = 0.001) more than leuprolide acetate. Aflibercept improved adhesions (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Aflibercept is more successful than leuprolide acetate in the treatment of endometriosis.

OBJETIVO: Mostrar por primera vez cómo afecta aflibercept a las lesiones de endometriosis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Endometriosis inducida quirúrgicamente en ratas hembras albinas Wistar. Las ratas con endometriosis se dividieron aleatoriamente en tres grupos: control (Co), aflibercept (Af) y acetato de leuprolida (Le). Luego, Af, aflibercept y Le recibieron acetato de leuprolida. El grupo de control no fue tratado. Los pesos y cambios en las adherencias intraabdominales de las ratas antes y después del tratamiento se registraron de acuerdo con la puntuación de adherencia de Blauer. La sangre extraída para el sacrificio fue analizada. Las lesiones endometriósicas se evaluaron en tamaño, volumen, histología e inmunohistoquímica (factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular [VEGF] y CD31). El nivel de significación se aceptó como p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Aflibercept redujo significativamente el volumen del implante endometrial (p = 0.002). La puntuación histológica epitelial (EHS) del explante mostró una diferencia significativa entre aflibercept y acetato de leuprolida (p = 0.006) y entre los grupos de aflibercept y control (p = 0.002). Aflibercept disminuyó la expresión de VEGF-H y CD31 (p = 0.001) más que el acetato de leuprolida. Aflibercept mejoró las adherencias (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIÓN: Aflibercept tiene más éxito que el acetato de leuprolide en el tratamiento de la endometriosis.