Early Hormonal Markers of Pregnancy Outcome After In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

PURPOSE: To investigate the relative power of HCG, estradiol, and progesterone determinations in the prediction of pregnancy outcome after IVF. These prognostic hormonal factors were studied as single and combined predictors. METHODS: Serum concentrations of beta-HCG, progesterone, and estradiol were measured 12-13 days after embryo transfer (study point 1) and 7 days later (study point 2) in a series of 20 consecutive infertile patients having a first-trimester spontaneous clinical abortion after an IVF-embryo transfer cycle. As a control group (n = 60), the next three IVF-embryo transfer cycles resulting in an ongoing pregnancy after each miscarried IVF cycle in our assisted reproduction program was used. The discrimination attained between the two study groups (ongoing pregnancies and miscarriages) was evaluated by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Mean hormone concentrations at study points 1 and 2 were higher in the ongoing pregnancy than in the abortion group. Regarding pregnancy outcome the percentage increment of HCG serum levels (> or = 1321%), with an accuracy (predictive value of pregnancy outcome) of 81.2% (sensitivity 98%, specificity 50%), had the best prognostic reliability but no significant differences were found when this parameter was compared with the predictive value of HCG concentration (> or = 72 IU/l) at study point 1 (diagnostic accuracy 80.5%; sensitivity 70%; specificity 80%). When ROC analysis was used, the best predictor of ongoing pregnancy according to the AUC(ROC) was HCG concentration at study point 2 but again no significant differences were found when this parameter was compared with the predictive value of HCG serum levels at study point 1. A multiple marker strategy did not help distinguish viable from nonviable pregnancies. CONCLUSION: A single, early (days 12-13 after embryo transfer) HCG quantitative serum measurement in IVF cycles not only is diagnostic but also has good predictive value for pregnancy outcome.     

The HCG ratio as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in assisted conception cycles

ObjectiveTo determine whether the HCG ratio can be used to predict pregnancy viability in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.Design and settingsThis was a prospective observational study conducted in a private assisted conception unit.Subjects and methodsThe patients recruited had one either a long luteal agonist protocol, a short agonist protocol, or an antagonist protocol. All patients had a maximum of three embryos transferred per cycle. Pregnancy detection was by routine serum HCG measurement on day 14 after oocyte retrieval (HCG 0) followed by another HCG sample 48h later (HCG 48). Patients with an initial positive HCG had a transvaginal ultrasound 14days later to determine viability.ResultsThree hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to predict the ability of HCG measured at 14days (HCG 0), HCG measured at 16days (HCG 48) after oocyte retrieval as well as the HCG ratio (HCG 48/HCG 0) to predict pregnancy viability as well as to predict multiple pregnancy. The HCG ratio with an optimal cut-off of 1.82 had a sensitivity of 97.6%, a specificity of 98.2% and an area under the ROC curve of 98% in the prediction of pregnancy viability. In the prediction of multiple pregnancy the HCG ratio had an optimal cut-off of 2.06 with a sensitivity of 94.5% and a specificity of only 35.6% and an area under of only the ROC curve of 64%. However, the HCG 0 with a cut-off value of 118.56mIU/ml (sensitivity 97%, specificity 96.5%) and the HCG 48 with a cut-off value of 258.16mIU/ml (sensitivity 97.2%, specificity 99.4%) were shown to be accurate in predicting a viable intrauterine multiple pregnancy with an area under the ROC curve of 97% and 99%, respectively.ConclusionThe HCG ratio with a cut-off value of 1.82 can be used to predict pregnancy viability in assisted conception cycles. Also HCG measured 14 and 16days after oocyte retrieval with a cut-off value of 118.56mIU/ml and 258mIU/ml can be used to predict viable multiple pregnancy.     

Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy in patients with repeated implantation failure

ObjectiveDespite the great advance of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in recent decades, many IVF patients failed to achieve a pregnancy even after multiple IVF-ET attempts. These patients are considered to have repeated implantation failure (RIF). While exhausting efforts have been devoted to the improvement of pregnancy rate in RIF patients, it is not clear whether RIF patients have aberrant obstetric or perinatal outcomes after they eventually achieved a pregnancy.Materials and methodsTaking advantage of a relatively large database of IVF-ET cycles at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, we compared obstetric and perinatal outcomes of RIF patients who have a successful pregnancy after IVF-ET treatment(s) to those of control IVF-ET patients.ResultsBecause multiple pregnancies are associated with a high risk of obstetric complications, we restricted the analysis to patients who had singleton pregnancies. Analysis of a total of 596 control and 46 RIF cases showed the rates of almost all obstetric and perinatal outcomes investigated are not different between the two groups. However, the rate of placental abruption in the RIF group (4.35%) appeared to be significantly higher than that of controls (0.50%; OR = 8.99). This difference is still statistically significant after adjustment with the age (adjusted OR = 8.2).ConclusionWhile the rates of a spectrum of obstetric and perinatal outcomes are normal in RIF patients, these patients could have an enhanced risk of placental abruption. However, investigations with a large sample size are needed to substantiate this inference.     

Management strategies of heterotopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of different treatment modalities for heterotopic pregnancy (HP) in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles to avoid influence on intrauterine pregnancy (IUP).Materials and methodsCases of HP (n = 90) were from the IVF/ICSI registry database at the Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University. An additional 360 women were randomly selected as controls. The primary outcome to examine the risk factors, diagnostic modalities and the impact of different treatment modalities for HP.ResultsOur results showed that surgical treatment had a certain effect on improving the live-birth rate, although the effect was not statistically significant (87.9% vs. 70.8%, P = 0.055). The risk factors for HP included previous tubal surgery and hydrosalpinx. Fourteen days after embryo transfer, the serum levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and estradiol (E2) were lower in the HP group than in the IUP group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, age and endometrial thickness showed a significant difference between the early abortion and the live-birth groups of HP.ConclusionsIn our retrospective study, we supported early surgical laparoscopic intervention to minimize the incidence of abortion of IUP, which resulted in a better live-birth rate. A history of ectopic pregnancy and previous tubal surgery may increase the risk of HP. Low levels of serum β-hCG and E2 on the 14th day after embryo transfer could indicate the incidence of HP.     

An IVF fallacy: Multiple pregnancy risk is lower for older women

Introduction: Multiple pregnancy is one of the most important and preventable complications of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. The general clinical practice in many IVF clinics is to transfer four or five embryos to older women if available, since pregnancy rates are lower in women older than 35 years of age. However, it is not clear whether the risk for multiple pregnancy is also lower. Objective: Our objective was to investigate whether transferring a higher number of embryos actually improves pregnancy outcome in older women, without increasing the risk for multiple pregnancy and to investigate other factors that may affect the occurrence of multiple pregnancy. Setting: The setting was university-based IVF program at The Toronto Hospital. Design: The design was a retrospective case series. Patients and Methods: The outcome of 1116 IVF cycles between January 1992 and December 1993 was investigated according to different age groups. Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was multiple pregnancies. Results: Seventy multiple pregnancies resulted from a total of 242 pregnancies. Overall pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rates were inversely correlated with age. However, when the data were adjusted for the number of embryos transferred, this trend disappeared. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that the multiple pregnancy rate was higher without improving the pregnancy rate when the number of embryos transferred exceeded three, regardless of the age of the patients, especially when more embryos were available than the number of transferred ones. Conclusions: The number of embryos transferred should be limited to a maximum of three regardless of the age of patients, to reduce the high frequency of multiple gestations in an IVF program.     

Influence of spontaneous fetal reduction on dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization: a large-sample retrospective study

Objective: To examine the incidence of spontaneous fetal reduction during dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and its influence on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 4447 DCDA twin pregnancies and 14,551 singleton pregnancies after IVF-ET at a single center between 2009 and 2015. The spontaneous pregnancy reduction (SPR) group included 759 women. The remaining 3688 women with DCDA twins showing no spontaneous reduction were included in the non-SPR group. Outcomes were compared to a singleton group (n?=?14,551) treated over the same period. The overall rate of spontaneous reduction and frequency distribution across gestational epochs were determined and pregnancy outcomes were compared among the three groups. Further regression analysis was conducted to investigate whether spontaneous reduction was an independent risk factor for decreased take-home baby rate.

Results: The overall rate of spontaneous DCDA twin reduction after IVF-ET was 17.1%, with most cases (89.8%) occurring in the first trimester. Pregnancy outcome measures, including miscarriage rate, premature delivery rate, live birth rate, take-home baby rate, gestational age of delivery, and neonatal birth weight, were significantly better in the SPR group than the non-SPR group. Live birth rate, take-home baby rate, neonatal birth weight, and other primary outcome measures in the SPR group were not inferior to the singleton group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the take-home baby rate was significantly lower in the non-SPR group (OR =0.73, 95%CI: 0.44–0.92, p?=?.008) and that SPR did not decrease the take-home baby rate.

Conclusions: Spontaneous pregnancy reduction is common in DCDA twin pregnancy after IVF-ET, but has little adverse influence on pregnancy outcomes and does not reduce the probability of taking home live babies.     

Does progesterone to oocyte index have a predictive value for IVF outcome? A retrospective cohort and review of the literature

The potential adverse effect of Serum progesterone (SP) elevation on the day of hCG administration is a matter of continued debate. Our study aimed to evaluate the relative value of progesterone to a number of aspirated oocytes ratio (POI) to predict clinical pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) in fresh IVF cycles and to review the relevant literature. A retrospective analysis of GnRH Antagonist IVF-ET cycles. POI was calculated by dividing the SP on the day of hCG by the number of aspirated mature oocytes. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of POI for CP and LB. Cycle outcome parameters included clinical pregnancy, live-birth and miscarriage. A total of 2,693 IVF/ICSI cycles were analyzed. POI was inversely associated with CP adjusted OR 0.063 (95% CI 0.016–0.249, p?p?p?相似文献   

Human chorionic gonadotropin levels are equally predictive for pregnancy outcome after fresh and vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the live birth predictive values of β-hCG levels differ in fresh and vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles.

Methods

In the retrospectively designed study, 775 cycles with positive β-hCG values 13 days after fresh blastocyst transfer (fresh ET; n = 568) or vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (FET; n = 207) were selected for analysis. Average β-hCG levels stratified according to pregnancy outcome (biochemical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and singleton or twin birth) were compared between fresh ET and FET cycles. To determine the optimal sensitivity and specificity of β-hCG levels for live birth prediction, a ROC curve was constructed. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the positive predictive values (PPV).

Results

Average β-hCG levels stratified according to pregnancy outcome were not statistically different between fresh ET and FET cycles. In fresh ET and in FET group, the β-hCG levels were significantly higher in pregnancies resulting in live birth compared to non-viable pregnancies (1,035 vs. 462 IU/L, p < 0.001 and 968 vs. 411 IU/L, p < 0.001). Optimal cut-off level for live birth prediction was 495 IU/L (sensitivity 83.0 %, specificity 71.8 %) after ET and 527 IU/L (sensitivity 80.0 % and specificity 76.6 %) after FET. The PPV for live birth rate in the groups after ET and FET were 90.6 % and 84.9 % respectively, without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Beta-hCG levels after fresh and vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer are equally predictive for pregnancy outcome. Clinicians can be encouraged to interpret β-hCG results in the same manner.     

Relationship between the day of embryo transfer and the outcome in human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Purpose To clarify the optimal date of embryo transfer (ET), we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the day of ET and the outcome in human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).Method Of a total of 307 human IVF-ET cycles performed at Kyoto University Hospital between January 1990 and March 1994, we focused on 207 cases of IVF-ET cycles in which two or three good-quality embryos were transferred. These 207 IVF-ET cycles consisted of 54 Day 2 ET cycles, 79 Day 3 ET cycles, 46 Day 4 ET cycles, and 28 Day 5 ET cycles. We compared the pregnancy and live-birth (plus ongoing pregnancy) rates among these four ET groups.Results The pregnancy rates of ET on Days 2 to 4 were not significantly different, whereas Day 5 ET produced a significantly lower pregnancy rate (Day 2, 29.6%; Day 3, 32.9%; Day 4, 30.4%; Day 5, 10.7%). Similar results were obtained for the live-birth (plus ongoing pregnancy) rates (Day 2, 20.3%; Day 3, 18.9%; Day 4, 17.9%; Day 5, 7.1%).Conclusions These results suggest that the day of ET does not fundamentally affect the pregnancy rate in human IVF-ET provided that transfer is made before Day 5.     

Dilemma of increased obstetric risk in pregnancies following IVF-ET

Purpose : To determine the rates of pregnancy complications following in vitro fertilization in comparison with those in a matched control group. Methods : A total of 13,543 deliveries at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged, between January 1, 1995 and February 28, 2002 were subjected to retrospective analysis. The 230 (1.7%) pregnancies following IVF-ET were evaluated and matched with spontaneous pregnancies concerning age, parity, gravidity, and previous obstetric outcome. Demographic and selected maternal characteristics, pregnancy and labor complications, and neonatal outcome were compared in the two groups. Results : The pregnancy complication rate was partly significantly higher among the singleton IVF-ET pregnancies. The obstetric risk was elevated, though not significantly concerning twin pregnancies. Conclusions : IVF-ET presents an additional obstetric risk. The neonatal outcome displays a significant difference only concerning an increased premature birth rate of singleton pregnancies. Triplet IVF-ET pregnancies involve a much higher risk of both pregnancy complications and neonatal outcome.     

Serum oestradiol and beta-HCG measurements after day 3 or 5 embryo transfers in interpreting pregnancy outcome

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of serum oestradiol concentration 8 days after embryo transfer (D8E2) and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG-beta) concentration 12 days after embryo transfer (D12HCG-beta) in the prediction of pregnancy and the outcome of pregnancy following assisted reproduction, taking into account the day of transfer, which was either day 3 (D3) or day 5 (D5). The objective was to improve patient counselling by giving quantitative and reliable predictive information instead of non-specific uncertainties. A total of 2035 embryo transfer cycles performed between January 2003 and June 2005 were analysed retrospectively. Biochemical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and first-trimester abortions were classified as non-viable pregnancies; pregnancies beyond 12 weeks gestation were classified as ongoing pregnancies (OP). Significantly higher D8E2 and D12HCG-beta were obtained in D5 transfers compared with D3 transfers with regard to pregnancy and OP (P相似文献   

体外受精胚胎移植后妊娠结局分析

目的　探讨通过体外受精 -胚胎移植妊娠妇女的妊娠结局。方法　对自 2 0 0 0年 9月～ 2 0 0 2年1 1月在我院实施IVF -ET的 75例患者 ,80个妊娠周期的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果　 80个周期中 ,宫内妊娠率 96 2 5 % (77/ 80 ) ,其中自然流产率 2 3 75 % (1 9/ 80 ) ;妊娠 <1 6周流产率 1 6 2 5 % (1 3/ 80 ) ;妊娠 >1 6周流产率 7 5 0 % (6 / 80 ) ,其中 5周期均发生双胎妊娠 ;分娩率 72 5 0 % (5 8/ 80 ) ,早产率 1 5 0 0 % (1 2 / 80 ) ,宫外孕发生率 3 75 % (3/ 80 )。新生儿死亡率 3 6 1 % (3/ 83) ,均死于三胎妊娠早产。结论　减少IVF -ET后多胎妊娠率 ,加强多胎妊娠的整个孕期监护 ,以利于减少多胎妊娠 >1 6周流产率及早产率 ,是降低IVF -ET后妊娠胎儿丢失的有效方法     

Endometrial laminin subunit beta-3 expression associates with reproductive outcome in patients with repeated implantation failure

Purpose

Endometrial laminin subunit beta-3 (LAMB3) is a candidate gene whose expression distinguishes the endometrial window of receptivity (WOR) in human. This study aims to examine endometrial LAMB3 levels in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF), in order to assess the ability of LAMB3 to predict pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Endometrial biopsies were taken during the WOR from 21 healthy volunteers in natural menstrual cycles and from 50 RIF patients in mock cycles prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of LAMB3 was performed, and the H-score was correlated with the pregnancy outcome in subsequent FETs.

Results

In healthy volunteers, endometrial LAMB3 was demonstrated to be highly expressed during the WOR with the staining exclusively in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. In a discovery set of RIF patients, the LAMB3 expression level was found to be significantly higher in those who conceived compared to those who did not in subsequent FETs. A receiving operator characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7818 (95% confidence interval 59.92–96.44%) with an H-score cutoff of 4.129 to differentiate cases with positive or negative pregnancy outcomes. This cutoff achieved an accuracy of 75% in pregnancy prediction in a following validation set of RIF patients, in which the pregnancy rate in subsequent FETs was three-fold higher when the mock cycle LAMB3 H-score was ≥ 4.129 compared to < 4.129.

Conclusions

IHC measurement of endometrial LAMB3 expression could be a promising prognostic method to predict pregnancy outcome for RIF patients undergoing FETs.

     

Serum human chorionic gonadotropin measured 7 days following day 3 embryo transfer might predict pregnancy outcome in IVF

This prospective study investigated the predictive value of pregnancy outcomes with serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 7 days after day 3 embryo transfer (D3 ET), and whether estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) improved the diagnostic efficiency. The study comprised 280 in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. Serum samples were obtained 7 days after D3 ET to measure hCG, E2, and P concentrations. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value for pregnancy outcomes. We found significant differences in hCG level between pregnancy and non-pregnancy, viable and non-viable pregnancy, biochemical and viable pregnancy, as well as singleton and multiple pregnancy. An hCG cutoff value of 2.5?mIU/mL is predictive of pregnancy with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.9% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.4%. An hCG value of 10.8?mIU/mL is predictive of a multiple pregnancy with an NPV of 98.1%. The area under the hCG curve between pregnancy and non-pregnancy was not improved by adding E2, P, or combined E2/P. Our results suggest a predictive value of pregnancy outcome with serum hCG drawn 7 days after D3 ET in IVF, and the diagnostic accuracy is not improved by adding measurements of E2/P.     

Measurement of serum estradiol/progesterone ratio on the day of embryo transfer to predict clinical pregnancies in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Is this of real clinical value?

Study objectiveTo assess the value of measuring serum estradiol/progesterone (E₂/P) ratio on the day of embryo transfer (ET) in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles to predict clinical pregnancies.DesignA prospective study.SettingThe assisted reproduction unit of a large University Maternity Hospital.Materials and methodsFifty seven women consecutively treated by ICSI for male factor infertility were included in the study. Early luteal serum E₂ and P were measured on the day of ET and serum E₂/P ratios were calculated for clinical pregnancies and non-clinical pregnancy cycles.Main outcome measureClinical pregnancy rate.ResultsThirty four women failed to have clinical pregnancy (Non-clinical pregnancy group) while 23 women had clinical pregnancies (Clinical pregnancy group). There were no statistically significant differences between the two outcome groups regarding the median values for E₂ levels, P levels and E₂/P ratios (655 pmol/l, 172.5 nmol/l and 2.8 for non-clinical pregnancy cycles versus 814 pmol/l, 180 nmol/l and 2.9 for clinical pregnancy cycles, respectively). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for E₂/P ratio was constructed to predict clinical pregnancies, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.513 (95% confidence interval, 0.377–0.648; P, 0.865) and the best cut-off value was an E₂/P ratio of 2.5 (sensitivity of 69.57%, specificity of 44.12%, positive predictive value of 45.7% and negative predictive value of 68.2%).Major conclusionsMeasurement of E₂/P ratio on the day of embryo transfer in ICSI cycles is not of clinical value to predict clinical pregnancies.     

Trends in primeval β-hCG level increment after fresh and frozen-thawed IVF embryo transfer cycles

Mid-trimester beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) levels are considerably higher in pregnancies resulting from frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared with fresh (FRET), leading to a higher false positive rate in aneuploidy screening tests. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of BHCG increment and its predictive value for cycle outcome. A retrospective analysis of FRET and FET cycles. BHCG values on days 14 and 16 post embryo transfer were compared and stratified according to the number of sacs demonstrated on US scan at six weeks gestation, and pregnancy outcome (biochemical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and a singleton or twin birth). A prediction model for live birth was built. A total of 430 treatment cycles were analyzed. The average BHCG levels were significantly higher in FET compared with FRET group in nonviable pregnancies on day 14, 450 vs. 183?IU/L, p?<?.05 and day 16, 348 vs. 735?IU/L, p?<?.05, respectively. The increment of BHCG was significantly steeper in the FET compared with FRET group in biochemical pregnancies (F?=?6.485, p?=?.012*). Optimal cutoff level for live birth prediction in the FRET group was 211?IU/L (sensitivity 84%, specificity 76.2%) for day 14 and 440?IU/L (sensitivity 86.0% and specificity 72.5%) for day 16. The increment in BHCG differed significantly between the FRET and FET cycles in nonviable pregnancies. Nevertheless, the difference in BHCG levels observed in the second trimester in pregnancies conceived after FRET and FET cycle may begin as early as the fourth week of pregnancy.     

Ovarian Response to Gonadotropins in Patients With Tubal Factor Infertility: Salpingectomy Versus Nonsalpingectomy

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of salpingectomy on the ovarian response to gonadotropins and in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle outcomes in women with tubal factor infertility.DesignA retrospective study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3)SettingAn in vitro fertilization laboratory in a university hospital in Taiwan.PatientsWe analyzed the outcomes of 288 consecutive fresh IVF-ET cycles in 251 consecutive women with tubal factor infertility from January 2001 to December 2011. Two hundred eighty-eight cycles were divided into 2 groups comprising 103 cycles with laparoscopic salpingectomy and 185 cycles with prior bilateral tubal sterilization, laparoscopic tuboplasty, or proximal tubal occlusion as the control group.InterventionsControlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF-ET.Measurements and Main ResultsThe main outcome was measured by comparing the duration of stimulation, number of gonadotropin ampoules per cycle, number of follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. We observed no significant difference in any ovarian response parameter between the salpingectomy and nonsalpingectomy groups. Implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates were similar. The mean numbers of follicles and oocytes retrieved ipsilateral to the operated side in the salpingectomy group were similar to the numbers of follicles and oocytes retrieved from the nonoperated ovary.ConclusionsLaparoscopic salpingectomy did not have a negative effect on the ovarian response in women with tubal factor infertility.     

促性腺激素释放激素激动剂降调节后血清抑制素B水平对体外受精-胚胎移植结局的预测价值

目的 探讨促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)降调节后,血清抑制素B(INHB)对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)中卵巢反应性和IVF-ET结局的预测价值.方法 前瞻性观察124例行IVF-ET患者.超促排卵均采用GnRH-a+重组卵泡刺激素(rFSH)+人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)黄体期长方案.观察指标:年龄、基础卵泡刺激素(bFSH)水平、卵泡刺激素(FSH)与黄体生成素(LH)比值、GnRH-a降调节后INHB水平、双侧卵巢内总窦卵泡数(AFC)及双侧卵巢体积.卵巢反应性评价指标为获卵数.通过多元线性回归分析、logistic同归分析评价各激素水平与卵巢反应性及IVF-ET结局的关系,计算受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积(AUC),评价INHB水平预测获卵数的准确率,通过敏感度、特异度计算并确定其诊断临界值.结果 INHB水平与AFC呈显著正相关关系(r=0.435,P<0.01);多元回归分析显示,INHB水平与bFSH水平呈显著负相关关系(r=-0.239,P<0.01),与AFC(r=0.435,P<0.01)、获卵数(r=0.861,P<0.01)呈显著正相关关系,而与年龄、FSH/LH比值、卵巢体积无相关性(P>0.05).ROC曲线分析显示,GnRH-a降调节后,INHB水平的最大AUC为0.933(95%CI为0.878～0.988),将INHB水平为15 ng/L作为临界值时,其预测卵巢反应性的敏感度为95.5%,特异度为50.0%.结论 INHB水平足预测IVF-ET中卵巢反应性的最佳指标之一,INHB水平下降是卵巢储备功能下降的早期指标,但对IVF-ET结局无预测价值.     

Does Surgical Management of Endometriosis Within 6 Months of an In Vitro Fertilization–Embryo Transfer Cycle Improve Outcome?

Purpose : To assess the effect on cycle outcome of surgery for endometriosis performed in the 6 months prior to in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods : Retrospective analysis of all patients with a primary diagnosis of endometriosis undergoing IVF-ET during 12 consecutive months. The setting included tertiary care assisted reproductive technology program. Ninety-five consecutive cycles in candidates for autologous IVF-ET who had undergone surgical resection of endometriosis within 60 months of oocyte retrieval were evaluated. Five patients with persistent or recurrent endometriomas >3 cm at the time of IVF-ET were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the interval between the most recent surgical intervention and oocyte aspiration—Group I: 6 months' interval (19 cycles); Group II: >6 months' interval (76 cycles). Results : Mean intervals between surgery and oocyte aspiration were significantly different between the groups (Gr I: 3.7 ± 0.3 months; Gr II: 21.8 ± 1.6 months; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups with regards to age, extent of endometriosis, or results of ovarian stimulation and oocyte aspiration. Ongoing pregnancy rates (Gr I: 63.2%; Gr. II: 60.5%) were similar. Regression analyses revealed no correlation between implantation rates and either endometriosis score (r = –0.09) or surgery–oocyte aspiration interval (r = –0.13). Conclusions : The interval between surgical management of endometriosis and oocyte aspiration did not have an impact on IVF-ET cycle outcome in the absence of significant persistent or recurrent ovarian disease. Any effect of surgery on enhancing spontaneous conception may be overcome by the inherently greater impact of IVF-ET on implantation and pregnancy.     

Presence of a 31-kD protein band in human cumulus--corona radiata--conditioned media and pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) morphology, protein patterns of cumulus-corona (CC) cell-conditioned media, and pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Private university IVF center. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty infertile women who underwent IVF-ET procedures. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): COC grading, analysis of CC cell morphology and conditioned media, and pregnancy rate (PR). RESULT(S): After IVF and embryo transfer, cultured CC cells were classified as high (HA) or low (LA) on the basis of their adhesive properties. Neither adhesion activity nor fertilization rates and embryo quality were correlated with COC grading. PR in cycles with HA cells was 38%, but 14% of cycles showing LA activity also had positive outcome. To find more meaningful parameters of CC cells useful to predict fertilization and pregnancy, the electrophoretic protein patterns of media conditioned by HA or LA cells were studied. Retrospective analysis showed that all cycles in which replaced embryos were associated with the presence of a 31-kD band in conditioned media failed implantation, whereas 83% of cycles lacking this band resulted in positive, ongoing pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): Pregnancy prediction cannot rely simply on CC cell morphological analysis. Screening of conditioned media may provide more reliable parameters.