Perinatal outcome of triplet pregnancies following assisted reproduction

Purpose This collaborative work was undertaken to assess perinatal outcome of in vivo conceived triplets to those following in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technologies (ART).Methods 151 triplets were examined; 56 delivered following ART, 55 following ovulation induction by gonadotropins (GN), 27 following clomiphene citrate (CC), and 13 conceived spontaneously.Results Mean gestational length of triplets following ART (33.2 wks) was not different from those conceived following GN (33.4 wks) or CC (34.2 wks), but was significantly shorter compared to triplets following spontaneous conception (35.3 wks). Mean fetal birthweight following ART (1743 g) did not differ significantly from that following GN (1683 g) or CC (1863 g) but was significantly lower compared to those delivered after spontaneous conception (1963 g). Although no difference was found in the incidence of low birthweight infants between the groups studied, the incidence of very low birthweight newborns (<1500 g) following ART or GN was significantly higher than following spontaneous conceptions (30.6%, 30.3% vs 10.3%). Differences in perinatal mortality were not significantly different between the groups examined (77.9, 60.6, 111.0, 25.6/1000 for ART, GN, CC,and spontaneous conceptions respectively).Conclusion In conclusion, a similar perinatal outcome was shown for triplets conceived following ART and those following ovulation induction by GN, suggesting that the in vitro conditions as such were not the main contributing factor influencing the clinical outcome but rather the GN treatment. Triplets conceived spontaneously have a better outcome compared to those following ovulation induction or ART in terms of gestational length and birthweight.     

Ethical aspects of age limits for assisted reproduction

Advances in assisted reproduction techniques have afforded women at the end of conventional reproductive life, and beyond, the chance to contemplate fertility treatment. This raises difficult ethical issues, relevant to human rights legislation, including rights of access to limited healthcare resources and the rights of gamete donors, and challenges previous assumptions about the assessment of welfare of potential children, exposing conflict between person-centred and community-based ethics.     

Male diabetes mellitus and assisted reproduction treatment outcome

The long-held view that diabetes has little effect on male reproductive function has been challenged by findings that the condition influences fertility in numerous previously undetected ways. This retrospective chart review of 3000 couples determined the incidence of couples with a male diabetic seeking assisted reproduction treatment and assessed any relationship between male diabetes and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. Eight (2.7%) couples were found with a diabetic male partner, of which 18 couples underwent assisted reproduction treatment (five IVF, 12 ICSI, one both), with fertilization rates (IVF 68%, ICSI 62%) similar to non-diabetic patients (IVF 70%, ICSI 71%) and no difference in embryo quality. Two men had retrograde ejaculation and two were azoospermic. Other than reduced sperm motility, the remaining 14 had normal World Health Organization semen parameters. Embryo transfers produced one pregnancy (5% combined IVF/ICSI pregnancy rate/cycle) giving a lower-than-expected rate (28.8%). The pregnancy rate from seven FETs (29%) was comparable to the expected (21.3%). Compared with non-diabetics, approximately three times more couples with diabetic men sought treatment, with a larger percentage having 'unexplained' infertility. Fertilization rates and embryo quality did not differ but pregnancy rates were lower in couples with a diabetic male.     

Antiovarian antibodies and their effect on the outcome of assisted reproduction

Purpose To compare the presence in levels of antiovarian antibodies (AOAb) in the pre- and postovulatory stage from serum of infertile patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitrofertilization (IVF) with outcome of the procedures.Results Serum from 36 women undergoing IUI, 36 women undergoing IVF and 25 fertile, healthy controls were assayed for the presence of AQAb by a commercially available ELIS A kit. AOAb was positive in 59.7% of infertile women, while none of the fertile controls were positive for AOAb. The levels of these antibodies increased as the patient age and the number of treatment attempts increased. Though the presence of AOAb did not affect oocyte recovery rate, it resulted in decreased fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and pregnancy rate in infertile women.Conclusions Our studies suggest that AOAb may be a cause of infertility and presence of these antibodies could have adverse effects on the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques.Presented at the IXth World Congress on In Vitro Fertilization and Alternate Assisted Reproduction, April 3–7, 1995, Vienna, Austria.     

女性生殖衰老及其对人工助孕结局的影响

早在绝经期来临之前,女性生殖力已呈现出明显与年龄相关的下降趋势。随着年龄的增长,尤其是超过35岁,卵母细胞的质量与数量逐渐下降。而获得高质量卵母细胞及胚胎是IVF-ET获得成功的基本保证。因此,生殖衰老问题越来越受到关注。生殖衰老对女性生殖能力的影响主要表现为:卵巢储备功能、对促性腺激素的反应能力、卵母细胞的受精率、胚胎的着床率及临床妊娠率等明显降低;遗传异常胎儿发生率及流产率等升高。     

Pregnancy and outcome of uterine allotransplantation and assisted reproduction in sheep

This pilot study was performed from March 2008 through February 2010 to demonstrate that pregnancy can be achieved in a uterine allograft in the sheep model with the guidance of assisted reproductive technology. Uterine allotransplantation was performed in 12 sexually mature African sheep (Sudanese and Ethiopian). All animals underwent uterine transplantation via a minilaparotomy incision using a Mobius retractor device. A control group of pregnant Romney Marsh sheep with nontransplanted uteri were used to compare fetal development, uterine and placental histologic findings, and blood samples of progeny of the uterine transplant recipient sheep. Fetal size was obtained from ultrasound measurements during the early (crown-rump length) and late (biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference) gestational periods. The primary end point variables included preoperative and postoperative management, embryo transfer protocol, intraoperative assessments, and physiologic cardiopulmonary changes in the lamb during the first 5 hours of life. Four months after the initial uterine transplantation, 5 of 12 uterine allografts were considered candidates for the embryo transfer procedure. Fresh and frozen blastocyst donors were transferred accordingly to the remaining 5 uterine allografts via a minilaparotomy incision. Three of these resulted in pregnancies. One was an ectopic gestation, 1 sheep carried the pregnancy to 105 days, and 1 delivered a fully developed lamb from the transplanted uterus that was delivered via cesarean section. Neonatal lamb blood gas values and chemistry, gross organ examination, and ventilation and respiratory compliance studies yielded results normal for gestational age. This first reported case demonstrates that pregnancy can be carried in an allotransplanted uterus, with the end result a successful delivery.     

The impact of raised BMI on the outcome of assisted reproduction: current concepts

Obesity contributes to worse outcomes following treatment using assisted reproductive technology (ART), including lower pregnancy and live birth rates and a higher miscarriage rate. This could be mediated through a detrimental effect on oocyte and embryo quality. Oocyte donation studies have suggested that endometrial changes also play a significant role. Endocrine changes associated with obesity, including hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, as well as changes in local levels of IGFs, cytokines and leptin are thought to underlie the relationship between raised BMI and adverse ART outcomes. This review aims to highlight these underlying mechanisms.     

Effects of previous ovarian surgery for endometriosis on the outcome of assisted reproduction treatment

Endometriosis affects 2-50% of women at reproductive age. Surgery is an option for treatment, but there is no convincing evidence that it promotes a significant improvement in fertility. Also, the removal of ovarian endometrioma might lead to a reduction in the follicular reserve and response to stimulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of previous ovarian surgery for endometriosis on the ovarian response in assisted reproduction treatment cycles and its pregnancy outcome. A total of 61 women, with primary infertility and previously having undergone ovarian surgery for endometriosis, who had received 74 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, were studied (study group). A further 74 patients with primary infertility who underwent 77 IVF/ICSI cycles within#10; the same period of time, at the same clinic and without previous ovarian surgery or endometriosis were studied as a control group. Patients were matched for age and treatment performed. Patients 35 years with previous ovarian surgery needed more ampoules for ovulation induction (P = 0.017) and had fewer follicles and oocytes than women in the control group (P = 0.001). Duration of folliculogenesis was similar in both groups, as was fertilization rate. A total of 10 patients achieved pregnancy in the study group (34.5%) and 14 (48.3%) in the control group. Although a lower pregnancy rate was observed in patients who had undergone previous ovarian surgery, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.424). In conclusion, ovarian surgery for the treatment of endometriosis reduces the ovarian outcome in IVF/ICSI cycles in women >35 years old, and might also decrease pregnancy rates. Therefore, for infertile patients, non-surgical treatment might be a better option to avoid reduction of the ovarian response.     

Perinatal outcome of pregnancies after assisted reproduction: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a case-control study of all pregnancies obtained with assisted reproduction technology in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium from 1992 until 1997 to investigate differences in peripartum obstetric events and the perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Three thousand fifty-seven singleton and 1241 twin pregnancies were studied. About 90% of pregnancies resulted from in vitro fertilization; the remainder resulted from intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Control subjects were selected from a regional register and were matched for maternal age, parity, fetal sex, plurality, and date of delivery. The main outcome measures were duration of gestation, birth weight, perinatal death, perinatal morbidity, incidence of congenital malformations, and incidence of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2.6 (1.4-4.8) for perinatal mortality, 3.5 (2.2-5.7) for birth before 33 weeks of gestation, and 1.7 (1.5-1.9) for cesarean delivery in singleton pregnancies that resulted after in vitro fertilization. Twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization, on the contrary, were similar for all outcome measures, except for the incidence of cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.7) compared with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies. CONCLUSION: The perinatal outcome of singleton pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization is significantly worse than that of spontaneously conceived pregnancies, mainly because of the increased rate of preterm birth. The outcome of twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization is comparable with that of normally conceived twins. For both singleton and twin pregnancies obtained with in vitro fertilization, the incidence of cesarean delivery is increased.     

Luteal phase hormonal profile in prediction of pregnancy outcome after assisted reproduction

The clinical efficacy of luteal phase hormones including estradiol and progesterone in the prediction of pregnancy and its outcome in ICSI-ET cycles was evaluated. In 121 ICSI-ET cycles, serial estradiol and progesterone levels were measured in the luteal phase. The day of ovum pick-up was designated as day 0. All the patients had luteal support with vaginal progesterone suppositories after embryo transfer (ET). Serial estradiol measurements were performed on days 8, 11 and 13 and progesterone level on day 11. A single dose of hCG was given for corpus luteum rescue 5000 IU, if day 8 estradiol level <200pg/ml; 2000IU, if estradiol between 200 and 800pg/ml; no hCG if estradiol level >800pg/ml). On day 15, beta-hCG level was measured to detect pregnancy and if positive, injected on day 17. Fifty-seven pregnancies were achieved in 121 cases after ET (47%). Clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate per ET were 37.1 and 30%, respectively. While there was no difference between progesterone levels measured on day 11, estradiol levels on days 11 and 13 were significantly higher in women who became pregnant. In 40 patients taking only progesterone and in 81 cases taking hCG plus progesterone, estradiol levels on days 11 and 13 were significantly higher in women who became pregnant. Progesterone levels on day 11, in progesterone treated groups, did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Estradiol and progesterone levels on day 11 and estradiol levels on day 13 showed a big overlap between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The efficacy of serial testing was evaluated. An increase in estradiol level from day 11 to 13 was associated with 71% pregnancy rate (72% ongoing). In the case of a decrease in estradiol level, the pregnancy rate was 18% of which 80% had to implant. Rising estradiol in the late luteal phase is associated with higher pregnancy rate and more successful pregnancy outcome.     

Pregnancy, obstetric and neonatal outcome after assisted reproduction in Nigerians.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pregnancy, obstetric and neonatal outcome after assisted reproduction in Nigerians. METHODS: Case control study of all confirmed pregnancies following assisted reproduction managed at the Havana Specialist Hospital (HSH), Lagos over a 7 year period. RESULTS: Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcome occurred in 30.8% of pregnancy following assisted reproduction compared to 12.6% in spontaneously conceived pregnancy (p = 0.0003). Multiple pregnancy (<0.001), preterm delivery (p < 0.000), placenta praevia (0.00002), antenatal admission (0.02), early pregnancy bleeding (0.04), miscarriage (0.001) and caesarean delivery (<0.001) were significantly commoner in the assisted reproduction group. After adjustment for confounding variables, preterm delivery (OR: 5.95), miscarriage (OR: 5.84), multiple pregnancy (OR: 4.58), placenta praevia (OR: 4.13), caesarean delivery (OR: 3.57), early pregnancy bleeding (OR: 2.18) and antenatal admission (OR: 2.01) retained their significance. CONCLUSION: This study has provided the first evidence from our part of the world showing that assisted pregnancy is associated with poorer obstetric outcome when compared with spontaneously conceived pregnancy.     

Optimizing assisted reproduction: impact of low-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on in vitro fertilization outcome

A novel method of assessing factors that could benefit in vitro fertilization outcome is illustrated by comparison of a low (250 microg) with a standard (500 microg) dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, revealing a small decrease in cancellation rates.     

Appropriate timing of uterine cavity length measurement positively affects assisted reproduction cycle outcome

An appropriate and easy embryo transfer has a direct impact on pregnancy rates. Proper evaluation of the uterocervical axis and uterine depth are necessary for suitable embryo transfer. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriate time for cervical axis evaluation and uterine measurement. A total of 124 patients undergoing IVF treatment were included in the study. They were divided equally into two groups. In group I (62 women), uterine cavity depth was measured and the uterocervical axis was determined on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, and in group II (62 women) at the time of oocyte retrieval. There was a statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups (P = 0.006). Thirty-four women became pregnant in group I (64.2%) versus 19 women in group II (35.8%). In conclusion, uterine cavity measurement is necessary for suitable embryo transfer. It seems that the time of measurement significantly affects clinical pregnancy rate in IVF cycles. The best time for uterine measurement is on day 2 or 3 of menstruation.     

Follicular-fluid anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations are predictive of assisted reproduction outcome in PCOS patients

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations constitute a sensitive marker for ovarian ageing. In addition, concentrations of AMH in the follicular fluid constitute a useful marker of embryo implantation in assisted reproduction cycles. The present study measured serum and follicular-fluid AMH concentrations on the day of oocyte retrieval. These data showed that clinical pregnancy rates (25.0, 34.1 and 42.1%, respectively, P < 0.001), embryo implantation rates (24.3, 35.0 and 44.4%, respectively, P < 0.001) and fertilization rates (59.2, 70.9 and 79.5%, respectively, P < 0.001) were markedly different among the low, moderate and high follicular-fluid AMH groups but not among the different serum AMH concentration groups. Follicular-fluid AMH concentrations were negatively correlated with follicular-fluid oestradiol concentrations. The results of this study suggest that follicular-fluid AMH concentration on the day of oocyte retrieval would appear to better reflect the reproductive outcome in PCOS patients undergoing assisted reproduction.     

Psychological assessment of mothers and their assisted reproduction triplets at age 3 years

The aim of this study was to examine the psychological well-being of mothers and the psychological development of their 3-year-old triplet children conceived by in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Comparisons were carried out between a sample of 10 families with IVF/ICSI triplets and matched groups of 15 families with IVF/ICSI twins and 30 families with IVF/ICSI singletons. The families were recruited from Follow-Up, a national organization in France that was established to study children conceived by assisted reproduction. Standardized measures of the mother's emotional well-being and of the children's psychological development were administered. Mothers with a multiple birth were found to experience greater difficulties in parenting than mothers of singletons, with no differences between mothers of triplets and mothers of twins. Regarding the children, there were no differences in emotional or behavioural problems between triplets, twins and singletons. However, the triplets and twins showed a delay in some aspects of language development in comparison with the singleton children.