Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

STUDY QUESTION: Do obstetric and perinatal complications vary according to different blastocyst developmental parameters after frozen-thawed single-blastocyst transfer (SBT) cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: Pregnancies following the transfer of a blastocyst with a grade C trophectoderm (TE) were associated with an increased risk of placenta previa compared to those with a blastocyst of grade A TE. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Existing studies investigating the effect of blastocyst morphology grades on birth outcomes have mostly focused on fetal growth and have produced conflicting results, while the risk of obstetric complications has rarely been reported. Additionally, growing evidence has suggested that the appearance of TE cells could serve as the most important parameter for predicting implantation and live birth. Given that the TE ultimately develops into the placenta, it is plausible that this independent predictor may also impact placentation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective cohort study at a tertiary-care academic medical center included 6018 singleton deliveries after frozen-thawed SBT cycles between January 2017 and December 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Singleton pregnancies were grouped into two groups according to blastocyst developmental stage (Days 5 and 6), four groups according to embryo expansion (Stages 3, 4, 5, and 6), three groups according to inner cell mass (ICM) quality (A, B, and C), and three groups according to TE quality (A, B, and C). The main outcomes included pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm premature rupture of membrane, placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accreta, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, and birth defects. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the effect of blastocyst developmental stage, embryo expansion stage, ICM grade, and TE grade on measured outcomes adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: No association was found between blastocyst developmental stage and obstetric or perinatal outcomes both before and after adjusting for potential confounders, and similar results were found with regard to embryo expansion stage and ICM grade. Meanwhile, the incidence of placenta previa derived from a blastocyst with TE of grade C was higher compared with those derived from a blastocyst with TE of grade A (1.7%, 2.4%, and 4.0% for A, B, and C, respectively, P = 0.001 for all comparisons). After adjusting for potential covariates, TE grade C blastocysts had 2.81 times the likelihood of resulting in placenta previa compared to TE grade A blastocysts (adjusted odds ratio 2.81, 95% CI 1.11-7.09). No statistically significant differences were detected between any other measured outcomes and TE grades both before or after adjustment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study is limited by its retrospective, single-center design. Additionally, although the sample size was relatively large for the study group, the sample size for certain subgroups was relatively small and lacked adequate power, particularly the ICM grade C group. Therefore, these results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The study extends our knowledge of the potential downstream effect of TE grade on placental abnormalities. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2705500, 2023YFC2705501, 2023YFC2705505, 2019YFA0802604); National Natural Science Foundation of China (82130046, 82320108009, 82371660, 32300710); Shanghai leading talent program, Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (SHSMU-ZLCX20210201, SHSMU-ZLCX20210200, SHSMU-ZLCX20180401), Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital Clinical Research Innovation Cultivation Fund Program (RJPY-DZX-003), Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23Y11901400), Shanghai's Top Priority Research Center Construction Project (2023ZZ02002), and Three-Year Action Plan for Strengthening the Construction of the Public Health System in Shanghai (GWVI-11.1-36). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To describe the intraoperative and postoperative implications arising from the unexpected diagnosis of a Müllerian anomaly during the surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: Video article. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): A 39-year-old nulligravid woman with anovulation and irregular menstrual cycles presented to the office. Her urine pregnancy test result was incidentally positive; the serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 5,644 mIU/mL. Outpatient transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a 2.1 × 1.7 × 2.2-cm thick-walled structure in the left adnexa without an intrauterine pregnancy. These findings were highly suspicious for a left tubal ectopic pregnancy. The patient was consented for laparoscopy with planned left salpingectomy. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (e.g., PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus), and other applicable sites. INTERVENTION(S): Diagnostic laparoscopy did not show an obvious left tubal ectopic pregnancy. Instead, a right unicornuate uterus with a dilated rudimentary left uterine horn was seen. Both fallopian tubes and ovaries appeared normal. These laparoscopic findings were consistent with an ectopic pregnancy in the rudimentary horn. However, in the absence of informed consent for a hemihysterectomy and no evidence of ectopic rupture or bleeding within the pelvis, we decided to proceed with excision of the ectopic pregnancy from the uterine horn. An incision was made over the anterior surface of the uterine horn, and the pregnancy sac was dissected from the underlying myometrium and excised in its entirety. Left salpingectomy was also performed. The patient was discharged home the same day, and her ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels decreased to <5 mIU/mL within 28 days of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Complete resolution of a left rudimentary uterine horn ectopic pregnancy through surgical excision of the pregnancy sac without hemihysterectomy. RESULT(S): Postoperative hysterosalpingography demonstrated a right unicornuate uterus with normal fill and spill of the right fallopian tube. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis confirmed the findings of a right unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating left rudimentary uterine horn that did not contain any endometrial tissue. Thus, the patient did not require an interval hemihysterectomy. She underwent letrozole and intrauterine insemination treatment 5 months after the initial surgery, which resulted in a clinical intrauterine pregnancy. However, this pregnancy was terminated in the early second trimester because of findings of trisomy 18. She conceived naturally 1 year later, and this pregnancy resulted in a full-term vaginal birth at 39 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION(S): Undiagnosed or unexpected Müllerian anomalies can impact the standard intraoperative and postoperative management of ectopic pregnancies.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

STUDY QUESTION: Does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle affect embryo implantation and pregnancy rates? SUMMARY ANSWER: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection of women during the FET cycle negatively affects embryo implantation and pregnancy rates. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a multi-systemic disease, poses a threat to reproductive health. However, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryo implantation and pregnancy following fertility treatments, particularly FET, remain largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective cohort study, included women who underwent FET cycles between 1 November 2022 and 31 December 2022 at an academic fertility centre. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during their FET cycles were included in the COVID-19 group, while those who tested negative during the same study period were included in the non-COVID-19 group. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of implantation, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, and ongoing pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to adjust for potential confounders including age, body mass index, gravidity, vaccination status, and endometrial preparation regimen. Subgroup analyses were conducted by time of infection with respect to transfer (prior to transfer, 1-7 days after transfer, or 8-14 days after transfer) and by level of fever (no fever, fever <39°C, or fever ≥39°C). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 243 and 305 women were included in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group, respectively. The rates of biochemical pregnancy (58.8% vs 62.0%, P = 0.46), clinical pregnancy (53.1% vs 54.4%, P = 0.76), implantation (46.4% vs 46.2%, P = 0.95), early pregnancy loss (24.5% vs 26.5%, P = 0.68), and ongoing pregnancy (44.4% vs 45.6%, P = 0.79) were all comparable between groups with or without infection. Results of logistic regression models, both before and after adjustment, revealed no associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, or ongoing pregnancy. Moreover, neither the time of infection with respect to transfer (prior to transfer, 1-7 days after transfer, or 8-14 days after transfer) nor the level of fever (no fever, fever <39°C, or fever ≥39°C) was found to be related to pregnancy rates. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The retrospective nature of the study is subject to possible selection bias. Additionally, although the sample size was relatively large for the COVID-19 group, the sample sizes for certain subgroups were relatively small and lacked adequate power, so these results should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The study findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection during the FET cycle in females does not affect embryo implantation and pregnancy rates including biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, and ongoing pregnancy, indicating that cycle cancellation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection may not be necessary. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC2705500, 2019YFA0802604), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82130046, 82101747), Shanghai leading talent program, Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (SHSMU-ZLCX20210201, SHSMU-ZLCX20210200, SSMU-ZLCX20180401), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital Clinical Research Innovation Cultivation Fund Program (RJPY-DZX-003), Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23Y11901400), Shanghai Sailing Program (21YF1425000), Shanghai's Top Priority Research Center Construction Project (2023ZZ02002), Three-Year Action Plan for Strengthening the Construction of the Public Health System in Shanghai (GWVI-11.1-36), and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission-Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support (20161413). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: Mechanical hysteroscopic tissue removal (mHTR) systems are widely used for removing intrauterine pathology. Given the startup and procedural costs for electrically powered mechanical units, disposable manual mHTR systems have been developed. Methods: With little published, we describe its effectiveness for hysteroscopic intrauterine polypectomy. Results: One-hundred fifty-seven infertile women underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy with the manual mHTR device. Complete removal was accomplished in all but three cases, with blood loss being <10 mL and all specimens deemed sufficient for histopathologic diagnosis. Conclusions: These results suggest that the disposable manual mHTR system is effective in removing endometrial polyps. Head-to-head comparisons with other alternative technologies are needed.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

STUDY QUESTION: What are parents' perceptions of their relationships with and the psychosocial adjustments of their children who are born via embryo donation? SUMMARY ANSWER: Families created through embryo donation have well-adjusted parent-child relationships and reassuring child psychosocial outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Embryo donation is an effective and growing form of third-party reproduction, but there is limited research in this field. Prior studies suggest that families created through gamete donation function well regarding parent-child relationship quality and child behavioral and socioemotional adjustment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a cross-sectional survey study with 187 total participants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Parents of children born via embryo donation were recruited nationally by contacting all embryo donation programs registered with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) as well as medically directed embryo donation or 'embryo adoption' centers. Participants completed three online Qualtrics questionnaires. The first was a survey including 33 questions on demographics, the procurement process, and self-reported obstetric outcomes. Participants also completed two standardized measures assessing children's behavior and parents' adjustment to parenthood: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ). Scoring of the SDQ and PARQ was totaled and compared to standardized values (SDQ) or previously published results on other forms of gamete donation (PARQ), such as oocyte donation and sperm donation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: On the SDQ (n = 46), the average total difficulties scores by age were: 8.2 ± 0.98 for ages 2-4, 7.6 ± 0.93 for ages 5-10, and 3.5 ± 0.77 for ages 11-17; this is compared to the normal reported range of 0-13, which indicates that clinically significant psychosocial problems are unlikely. Across all ages and individual categories (emotional symptoms, conduct problem, hyperactivity, peer problem, prosocial), scores on the SDQ were within the normal ranges. The average PARQ score (n = 70) for all respondents was 27.5 ± 1.18 (range: 24-96), suggesting perceived parental acceptance. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Because this study was cross-sectional, it could not capture familial relationships over time. This survey-based study design allows for potential selection bias (parents of well-adjusted children may be more likely to participate). Additionally, the overall sample size is relatively small; however, it remains one of the largest published to date. Another significant limitation to this study is the lack of generalizability: most participants were recruited from private, faith-based, embryo donation programs who are demographically similar. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Though embryo donation is an established form of third-party reproduction, it is significantly less robustly studied compared to other forms of gamete donation (oocyte or sperm donation). This study provides a larger data set with a more expanded age range of children compared to the limited number of previously published studies. Furthermore, these findings indicate a high parental disclosure rate with respect to the use of embryo donation which contrasts previous findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No external funding source was utilized for the completion of this study. No conflicts are disclosed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency has been linked to symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet little is known about Vit D supplementation as a treatment for sexual dysfunction (SDy) in women with PCOS. AIM: To explore the implications of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and bioavailable 25[OH]D (bio-25[OH]D) status and replacement on women with PCOS and SDy. METHODS: Reproductive-age women with PCOS who were not desiring fertility were eligible provided that they also had SDy, as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and were without severe depression, as evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Participants were given the recommended dietary allowance of Vit D (600 IU daily) plus hormonal contraception (HC; cyclic ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone) or no HC for 6 months. Comparisons between groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient analyzed correlations between FSFI with demographics, BDI-II, androgen levels, and total and bio-25[OH]D. OUTCOMES: The outcomes included SDy (FSFI <26.55), total and serum bio-25[OH]D levels, and total and free testosterone. RESULTS: A total of 42 women without severe depression completed the FSFI, with 28 (66.7%) having SDy. All FSFI domains, including arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain, were significantly lower as compared with women without SDy, with no associations with respect to demographics, total and free testosterone, or total and bio-25[OH]D. Vit D replacement was initiated with HC (n = 18) or no HC (n = 10), and for those completing the study, FSFI improved (score >26.55) in 61% (11/18) regardless of the treatment group. A time-treatment effect showed a significant change for the domain of orgasm, suggesting that HC had more of an impact than Vit D replacement. Improvement in sexual function as a dichotomous variable was not associated with age, body mass index, other demographics, total and free testosterone, total and bio-25[OH]D, or HC use. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Due to the prevalence of SDy in women with PCOS, efficacious treatment options are necessary. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is the first to analyze the effect of Vit D supplementation on SDy in women with PCOS. Limitations included the small number of participants who completed the study, thus limiting meaningful conclusions and generalizability. CONCLUSION: Vit D status was not associated with SDy and BDI-II. While HC may have played a role, standard Vit D supplementation could not account for the noted improvement in FSFI in women with PCOS.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Limited studies on the benefits of blastocyst transfer in advanced maternal age (AMA) (≥40 years) have been reported. Our objective was to find whether blastocyst-stage embryo transfer improves pregnancy and live birth rates in women ≥40 years who have 3 or more good-quality cleavage-stage embryos. METHODS: All fresh in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles performed from January 2020 to December 2021 in AMA women that progressed to transfer were considered for analysis. We compared fresh and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates in AMA women of those who had a cleavage-stage transfer, while meeting the criteria for extended culture (≥3 high-quality embryos, group 1), and those who underwent blastocyst transfer (group 2). Demographic parameters, stimulation, embryology, fresh and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates, and clinical miscarriage rates were compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 255 cycles were analyzed including group 1 (n = 99) and group 2 (n = 156). Group 1 participants were older and had a greater number of embryos for transfer. Fresh and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates per transfer were higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (23.4% vs. 13.1%, P = 0.04; 25.5% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.03), while overall miscarriage rates were higher in group 1 than group 2 (51.7% vs. 25%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Blastocyst culture provides a benefit to AMA women who have at least 3 good-quality embryos on day 3 resulting in significantly higher fresh and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage compared to cleavage-stage transfers.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a potential marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is not well established in adolescent females. Most studies use secondary sexual characteristics or chronological age as predictors for AMH. Skeletal maturity, an indicator of bone development, has not been examined to predict AMH. This study sought to examine patterns of change in AMH in relation to skeletal maturity. Demographics, anthropometry, hand-wrist radiographs, and cardiometabolic risk factors from 88 females (212 observations), between the ages of 8 to 18 years from the Fels Longitudinal Study were used in this study. AMH was analyzed using ELISA from stored frozen serum samples. Generalized linear mixed effect modeling was used. In the stepwise regression models, log-transformed AMH (AMHlog) was regressed on relative skeletal age as the skeletal maturity indicator (calculated as chronological age minus skeletal age) and adjusted for chronological age, adiposity, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Skeletal maturity significantly predicted lower AMHlog (ß= -0.073, SE=0.032, p=0.023). Glucose was significantly associated with decreases in AMHlog (ß= -0.008, SE=0.004, p=0.044). Chronological age modeled as a cubic function was not significant. AMH and skeletal maturity may provide correlated information on growth and pubertal status in adolescent females.

RESUMEN

Endometriosis is a prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals globally, leading to various symptoms and significant disruptions to their quality of life. However, the diagnosis of endometriosis often encounters delays, emphasizing the pressing need for non-invasive screening. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Endometriosis Risk Advisor (EndoRA) mobile application in screening for endometriosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain and/or unexplained infertility. The study consisted of 293 patients who met specific criteria: they were English-speaking individuals with chronic pelvic pain and/or unexplained infertility, owned smartphones, and had no prior diagnosis of endometriosis. The results demonstrated that the EndoRA score exhibited a high sensitivity of 93.1% but a low specificity of 5.9% in detecting endometriosis. The positive predictive value was 94.1%, while the negative predictive value was 5.0%. Although the study had limitations and potential selection bias, its findings suggest that EndoRA can serve as a valuable screening tool for high-risk individuals, enabling them to identify themselves as being at an increased risk for endometriosis. EndoRA's non-invasive nature, free access, and easy accessibility have the potential to streamline evaluation and treatment processes, thereby empowering individuals to seek timely care and ultimately improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Cesarean scar defect, also known as niche, isthmocele, uteroperitoneal fistula and uterine diverticulum, is a known complication after cesarean delivery. Due to the rising cesarean delivery rates, niche has become more common and can present as irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, cesarean scar pregnancy and uterine rupture. Treatments for symptomatic cesarean scar defect vary and include hormonal therapy, hysteroscopic resection, vaginal or laparoscopic repair, and hysterectomy. We report on the safety and efficacy of our method of repairing cesarean scar defects in 27 patients without adverse outcomes: two-layer repair where the suture does not enter the uterine cavity. Our method of laparoscopic niche repair improves symptoms in nearly 77% of patients, restores fertility in 73% of patients, and decreases the time to conception.