Prediction of the rates of fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy success by cumulus-coronal morphology in an in vitro fertilization program.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between the grading of cumulus-coronal morphology at oocyte retrieval and the rates of fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy success in IVF-ET cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University-affiliated medical center. PATIENT(S): Infertile women who underwent IVF-ET treatment. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization and cleavage of the oocytes and the pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): Mature grade 3 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) constituted the highest percentage among all grades and had a higher fertilization rate than COCs of other grades (77% versus 65%, 43%, and 28% for grades 2, 1, and 4, respectively). The cleavage and polyspermy rates did not correlate with cumulus-coronal morphology grading. The pregnancy rate was higher in cycles with >50% grade 3 COCs than in cycles with < or =50% grade 3 COCs (32% versus 16%). In cycles with >80% grade 3 COCs, the pregnancy rate was 57%. The correlation between the percentage of grade 3 COCs and the pregnancy rate was independent of patient age and the number of COCs retrieved. CONCLUSION(S): The cumulus-coronal morphology grade correlates with the fertilization rate but not with the cleavage or polyspermy rate. In vitro fertilization cycles that have a greater percentage of grade 3 COCs have an increased chance of resulting in pregnancy. The cumulus-coronal morphology grade predicts pregnancy success in IVF-ET cycles.     

The outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome failing to conceive after ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with refractory polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Retrospective case series with an age-matched control group. SETTING: Ovulation induction and IVF programs in a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Nine patients with PCOS who failed standard ovulation induction treatment (clomiphene citrate plus greater than or equal to 6 ovulatory human menopausal gonadotropin [hMG] cycles) underwent 19 cycles of IVF-ET. Forty age-matched tubal factor patients who completed 40 cycles of IVF-ET served as a control group. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic features and IVF-ET cycle characteristics were compared using Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Cycles of IVF-ET in patients with PCOS were associated with higher estradiol levels (5,222 versus 4,009 pmol/L), lower hMG requirements (15.8 versus 19.6 vials), greater numbers of oocytes (7.6 versus 5.6), and lower fertilization rates (56% versus 75%) compared with tubal factor cycles (P less than 0.05). However, the number of embryos transferred (3.9 versus 4.0) and the clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (24% versus 25%) did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that conception failure after six or more ovulatory hMG cycles in patients with PCOS does not adversely affect subsequent IVF performance.     

Subtle rise in serum progesterone during the follicular phase as a predictor of the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of subtle rises in serum progesterone (P) during the follicular phase on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). DESIGN, PATIENTS: One hundred one patients underwent IVF-ET for 170 cycles and were stimulated with a combination of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin. Based on their hormonal data, we divided the patients into two groups: those who had a cycle with an increase in serum P concentration (1.0 to 2.0 ng/mL) that was not associated with a pituitary LH release (subtle P rise) and those who had a cycle without any increase in serum P concentration (no P rise). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The daily serum estradiol (E2) concentration and the results of IVF-ET (number of developed and collected oocytes, rates of mature oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Subtle P rises were observed in 31.7% (32/101) of the patients and 20.5% (36/170) of the cycles evaluated during the IVF-ET programs. A significantly higher serum E2 concentration (P less than 0.001) and a greater number of developed and collected oocytes (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively) also were observed in those cycles with a subtle P rise. The rates of mature oocyte formation and fertilization were significantly lower in cycles with a subtle P rise (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively). A lower pregnancy rate was observed in cycles with a subtle P rise, and all 12 ongoing pregnancies occurred only in cycles with a no P rise. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the development of an increased number of follicles may not necessarily improve the outcome of IVF-ET and that the measurement of serum P may be a better predictor for successful pregnancy.     

体外受精-胚胎移植过程中多原核孕卵生成的影响因素

目的 探讨体外受精－胚胎移植（ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ）过程中多原核孕卵生成的影响因素及降低该类异常受精的方法。方法 应用多因素Ｌｏｇｉｓｔｉｃ回归方法,分析１４５个ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ周期、１１６８个卵细胞的资料,研究多原核孕卵生成率与夫妇年龄,促超排卵方案,穿刺卵泡数,获取卵细胞数,授精前孵育时间,精液精子与授精精子质量和数量以及卵细胞受精率的关系。结果 成熟卵多原核孕卵生成率与女方年龄和可穿刺卵泡数呈显著性负相     

体外受精与胚胎移植前输卵管积水处理方式的探讨

目的:探讨体外受精与胚胎移植(IVF-ET)前输卵管积水的不同处理方式对IVF-ET结局的影响。方法:回顾分析2002年1月至2004年12月因输卵管因素不孕接受IVF-ET治疗的346个治疗周期的资料。按输卵管的情况分为4组,A组:输卵管阻塞,未发现输卵管积水者,共151个治疗周期;B组:IVF-ET前输卵管积水未行手术治疗者,共73个治疗周期;C组:IVF-ET前输卵管积水行输卵管伞端造口术者,共43个治疗周期;D组:IVF-ET前输卵管积水行输卵管切除术者,共79个治疗周期。结果:各组的临床妊娠率分别为48.34%、21.92%、34.88%、44.30%,异位妊娠率分别为1.37%、12.50%、6.67%、2.86%,种植率分别为20.36%、5.87%、12.28%、19.38%,B组的临床妊娠率及种植率较A组、D组明显降低,B组、C组的异位妊娠率均较A组、D组升高。结论:输卵管积水对IVF-ET的结局有负面影响,IVF-ET前输卵管积水,先行手术治疗,可改善IVF-ET的结局。较之输卵管造口术,输卵管切除术可减少异位妊娠的发生率及输卵管积水的复发率。     

Influence of female age on pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of female age on the outcomes of ICSI in IVF-ET patients. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five couples underwent 352 cycles of ICSI. The quality of oocytes and embryos, fertilization rate, and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively evaluated according to female age; < 30 years in Group A (49 cycles), 30-34 in Group B (177 cycles), 35-39 in Group C (97 cycles), and > or = 40 in Group D (29 cycles). RESULTS: The fertilization rates were not significantly different among the age groups. Significant negative linear correlations were observed between female age and the numbers of oocytes retrieved and embryos transferred, and cumulative embryo score. Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly decreased and spontaneous abortion rate increased with advancing age. CONCLUSIONS: Female age may be a prognostic indicator in ICSI program.     

A comparison of in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization for women with polycystic ovaries

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relative success of treatment by unstimulated in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes or stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with polycystic ovaries undergoing assisted conception treatment. METHODS: The case-control study included 107 IVM and 107 IVF cycles matched for age and cause of infertility. In vitro maturation patients underwent transvaginal recovery of immature oocytes during an unstimulated cycle, in vitro oocyte maturation, and fertilization. Those in the IVF group underwent ovarian stimulation after pituitary suppression. Embryos were transferred in the same cycle in both groups. Main outcome measures included numbers of mature oocytes and embryos produced, and rates of implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and complications. RESULTS: In the IVM group after in vitro culture, 7.8 mature oocytes and 6.1 embryos were obtained per retrieval. With IVF, 12.0 mature oocytes (P <.01) and 9.3 embryos (P <.01) were obtained. The IVM pregnancy and live birth rates per retrieval were 26.2% and 15.9% compared with 38.3% and 26.2% for IVF (nonsignificant). The implantation rate of IVF-derived embryos was higher (17.1% versus 9.5%) than that for IVM (P <.01). There were 12 cases (11.2%) of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in IVF patients, compared with none in the IVM group (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that for women with polycystic ovaries who require assisted conception, IVM is a promising alternative to conventional IVF treatment.     

In vitro fertilization with concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery

The recent advent of ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration by various approaches now allows access to ovaries previously deemed inaccessible by laparoscopy; however, a small group of candidates for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) require laparotomy for associated gynecologic disorders. Twenty-five IVF-ET cycles at the time of laparotomy were compared with 309 IVF-ET cycles in which oocytes were retrieved laparoscopically. Five pregnancies occurred in the IVF-ET cycle with laparotomy and one pregnancy occurred spontaneously following microsurgical tubal reconstruction. The pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 25% in the laparotomy IVF-ET patients compared with 15.4% for the laparoscopy IVF-ET group. Obvious advantages of combining IVF-ET and pelvic reconstructive surgery include a single anesthesia exposure and economic benefits. Patients with a long history of infertility undergoing tubal reconstructive surgery may be offered combined IVF-ET. Extended anesthesia exposure with pelvic surgery demonstrated no adverse effects on the pregnancy rate.     

常规体外受精-胚胎移植周期中改行未成熟卵母细胞体外培养的临床研究

目的 探讨常规体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)周期中改行未成熟卵母细胞体外培养(IVM)的临床疗效果.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2009年6月在温州医学院附属第一医院生殖医学中心行常规IVF治疗,在促排卵5-7 d后,双侧卵泡数目≥20个,或用药8-13 d后,卵泡发育缓慢且两侧卵泡数日≥15个,平均最大卵泡直径≤12 mm的155个周期,根据患者意愿,即刻停药取卵、改行IVM治疗60个周期(A组),继续按照IVF常规治疗95个周期(B组).比较两组促性腺激素(Gn)的用量、周期取消率、平均获卵数、受精率、优质胚胎率、移植周期数、卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)的发生率及妊娠结局.结果 周期移植率A组为92%(55/60),B组为63%(60/95),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).平均Gn用昔、平均获卵数、卵裂率、OHSS发生率A组分别为(1030±468)U、(10±6)个、82.2%(231/281)、0,B组分别为(1544±338)U、(14±4)个、94.0%(502/534)、35%(21/60),两组比较,筹异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组的受精率和优质胚胎率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).A组29例临床妊娠,每移植周期的临床妊娠率为53%(29/55),多胎妊娠发生率为14%(4/29);B组28例临床妊娠,每移植周期的临床妊娠率为47%(28/60),多胎妊娠发牛率为32%(9/28);两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 常规IVF周期巾改行IVM,不仅可以避免OHSS的发生和减少促排卵药物的使用,还可获得较高的临床妊娠率.     

The effect of cycle length on the outcome of in vitro fertilization

In order to study the effect of cycle length on the pregnancy rate in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program, 173 consecutive patients were divided into short menstrual cycle (mode 26 days or less) and normal cycle (mode 27 days or more) groups. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two treatments, commencing ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) on either day 2 or day 4 of their cycle. The number of oocytes retrieved and embryos transferred did not differ significantly. The amount of hMG used and day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration both differed significantly (P less than 0.01) between regimens but was independent of cycle length. Both the clinical pregnancy rate (30.2% versus 9.4%, P less than 0.05) and the number of cleaved embryos giving rise to gestation sacs (16% versus 3.4%, P less than 0.02) was significantly higher in patients with a normal cycle length. Mode cycle length has a significant bearing on the outcome of IVF-ET cycles.     

Relationships between polypronuclear fertilization and follicular fluid hormones in gonadotropin-treated women

Similar incidences of congenital abnormalities in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancies and births in the general population have not supported earlier concerns that IVF may increase chromosomal aberrations. Nevertheless, polypronuclear fertilization is a common, undesirable, and poorly understood outcome of IVF. We evaluated hormone levels in 20 follicular fluids that were associated with mature oocytes that have fertilized abnormally (greater than or equal to pronuclei) and compared them to follicles with mature oocytes that cleaved normally, fertilized but failed to cleave, or did not fertilize. Progesterone (P), androstenedione, estradiol, percent free estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, and prolactin were measured. P levels were significantly higher in follicular fluids associated with oocytes that fertilized abnormally than in the other groups. Levels of the other hormones were similar in all the study groups. We conclude that IVF of oocytes from highly luteinized follicles as judged by P levels may result in polypronuclear fertilization.     

三种促超排卵方案体外受精-胚胎移植临床妊娠率的分析

目的 :分析 3种促超排卵方案 (tropichyperovulationprogramme ,THOP)体外受精 -胚胎移植 (IVF -ET)的临床妊娠率。方法 :不孕症 136例分为 3组 :1组 5 1例 ,应用高纯促卵泡成熟激素 (HP -FSH ,商品名Metrodine -HP) ,递减给药促超排卵 ,应用促性腺激素释放激素兴奋剂 (GnRH -a ,商品名Buserelin)长方案降调节 ,从月经第 3天开始递减HP-FSH。 2组 5 0例 ,HP -FSH和人绝经期促性腺激素 (hMG)联合递减给药的促超排卵长方案降调节。 3组 35例 ,hMG递增给药促超排卵。分析 3种THOP的平均取卵数、受精后卵裂数、移植数、临床妊娠数及IVF -ET移植周期的临床妊娠率。结果 :(1) 1组 ,平均取卵数 10 .13± 4 .4 9,卵受精数 7.83± 4 .13,受精率 77.2 9% ,卵裂数 7.6 2± 4 .19,移植数3.88± 1.17及临床妊娠数 18,临床妊娠率 35 .2 9% ;(2 ) 2组 ,平均取卵数 9.16± 5 .4 9,卵受精数 6 .84± 4 .2 3,受精率 74 .6 7% ,卵裂数 6 .5± 4 .2 2 ,移植数 3.6 8± 0 .99及临床妊娠数15 ,临床妊娠率 30 .0 % ;(3) 3组 ,平均取卵数 11.31± 7.6 4 ,卵受精数 7.89± 5 .36 ,受精率 6 9.82 % ,卵裂数 7.75± 5 .94 ,移植数 3.6 8± 1.0 8及临床妊娠数 15 ,临床妊娠率4 2 .86 %。 1组与 2组用药安瓿比较 ,差异有高度显著性 (P     

女方染色体多态对体外受精-胚胎移植妊娠结局的影响

目的探讨女方染色体多态性对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)结局的影响。方法回顾性比较IVF-ET助孕治疗的女方染色体多态(65对,女方多胎组)和正常对照夫妇(160对,正常对照组)的妊娠结局。结果女方多态组与正常对照组患者双原核(2PN)受精率、妊娠率、生化妊娠率均无统计学差异(P0.05);然而多态组1PN受精率(8.48%)及多PN受精率(12.50%)均显著高于正常对照组(3.90%,7.96%)(P0.01),卵裂率(89.21%)显著低于正常对照组(98.36%)(P0.01)。虽然妊娠率比较未见明显差异,但多态组种植率(23.89%)低于正常对照组(35.40%)(P0.05)。将不同的多态类型详细分组与正常对照组对比结果显示:1号、9号、16号染色体异染色质增加组1PN受精率(11.36%)及多PN受精率(17.02%)均显著高于正常对照组(3.90%,7.96%)(P0.01),卵裂率(87.90%)显著低于正常对照组(98.36%,P0.01);D/G组随体柄增长组卵裂率(80.00%)及种植率(17.65%)均低于对照组(98.36%,35.40%)(P0.01,P0.05);而9号染色体臂间倒位[inv(9)]患者各项指标与正常对照组相比无统计学差异。结论女方染色体多态,尤其是1号、9号、16号染色体异染色质增加会导致IVF助孕患者异常受精比例增加以及种植率降低;Inv(9)对IVF临床预后无明显影响,临床可根据患者不同的多态类型个体化给与遗传咨询指导。     

Early pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression with leuprolide acetate is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer success

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the timing of the onset of pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression using follicular phase leuprolide acetate (LA) is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) success for pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective series of IVF patients undergoing pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression before beginning controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF-ET. SETTING: Tertiary infertility practice. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight women for 80 cycles began LA on day 1 of their menstrual cycle. After 11 days of LA, 47 (59%) cycles in group I had suppressed serum estradiol (E2) levels less than 40 pg/mL, in contrast to 33 (41%) cycles in group II not adequately suppressed, thereby requiring additional days to achieve suppression. INTERVENTIONS: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was started when patients were satisfactorily suppressed, i.e., E2 less than 40 pg/mL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Mean E2 response, ampules of human menopausal gonadotropin, cancellation rates, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (PRs) per cycle were examined between groups I and II. RESULTS: Group I demonstrated a greater mean E2 response on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin 1,735 pg/mL versus 1,470 pg/mL (P = 0.008), a greater fertilization rate 64% versus 55% (P = 0.02), and a higher PR per cycle 34% versus 12% (P = 0.036) compared with group II. CONCLUSIONS: Women who achieved desensitization-suppression within 11 days of initiating LA demonstrated a more favorable outcome for IVF-ET than those who did not.     

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation does not adversely affect endometrial receptivity in in vitro fertilization cycles

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exposure of developing endometrium to supraphysiologic E2 levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF cycles inhibits endometrial receptivity. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of IVF-ET and ovum donation data. SETTING: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Four hundred ten patients <33 years of age undergoing IVF-ET and 181 anonymous ovum donors (<33 years of age) and their associated ovum recipients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates. RESULT(S): Ovarian response to COH (duration of stimulation, peak E2 level, area under the curve for E2 exposure, and number of oocytes retrieved) was similar for IVF-ET patients and ovum donors. Donors were younger than IVF-ET patients (mean age, 27.5 +/- 0.2 years vs. 30.4 +/- 0.1 years). A similar number of embryos with similar number of blastomeres were transferred in IVF-ET patients and ovum recipients. The fragmentation rate at time of transfer differed slightly between groups (5.2 +/- 0.2% vs. 4.3 +/- 0.3%). Implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates did not differ between IVF-ET patients and recipients of donor oocytes. CONCLUSION(S): Exposure of the developing endometrium to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF cycles does not inhibit embryo implantation or affect pregnancy and delivery rates.     

In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: treatment-dependent versus -independent pregnancies

In order to determine the true incidence of treatment-dependent versus -independent pregnancy in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, 274 women who underwent 492 cycles of superovulation were studied. Overall, the treatment-dependent pregnancy rate was 15%. The treatment-independent pregnancy rate was 6.6%. When a subgroup of individuals with at least one patent fallopian tube was selected for analysis, the treatment-dependent and -independent pregnancy rates were 13.9% and 11.9%, respectively. While the mean observation interval following an attempt at IVF was 2 years, 83.3% of all treatment-independent pregnancies occurred within 6 months after a trial of IVF-ET (embryo transfer). Patient characteristics that predispose to treatment-independent pregnancy are discussed.     

Predictive value of the number of oocytes retrieved at ultrasound-directed follicular aspiration with regard to fertilization rates and pregnancy outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of oocytes sufficient for satisfactory fertilization and pregnancy rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: A private assisted conception unit. PATIENT(S): Women in whom at least one oocyte was retrieved in consecutive ultrasound-directed follicular aspirations between June 1999 and June 2001. INTERVENTION(S): Standard protocol for pituitary down-regulation and ovarian stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of oocytes retrieved, embryos transferred, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): The numbers of oocytes obtained per cycle were classified into groups A, B, C, and D, consisting of 110, 124, 96, and 122 cycles, with 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, >15 oocytes retrieved from each patient in each group, respectively. The chance of not obtaining a viable oocyte for injection was highest in group A (5.5%). Most fertilization failures occurred in group A (11.8%). Total cleavage failure occurred in the greatest percentage of cycles in group A (3.6%) with a significantly lower mean number of embryos (1.9 +/- 1.7) being transferred. The clinical pregnancy rate was also lowest in group A (7.1%) compared with groups B (25.8%), C (20.8%), and D (23.8%). CONCLUSION(S): Retrieval of between 6 and 10 oocytes per patient and transfer of a maximum of three cleavage-stage embryos results in high pregnancy rates.     

体外受精失败后补行卵胞浆内单精子注射的临床价值探讨

目的:探讨卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)在体外受精完全失败或受精率低于25%的常规IVF周期中的临床价值。方法:回顾分析2001.01-2004.12在我院生殖医学中心接受常规IVF治疗的35例非男性因素不育患者,取卵后体外受精培养16-18h,发现卵母细胞完全未受精或受精率低于25%,立即行ICSI再授精。结果:在24个常规IVF低于25%的周期中,共有197个未受精卵,其中159个MⅡ期卵,显微注射159个,受精123个,最终形成胚胎96个,受精率为77.4%,卵裂率为78.1%,在22个新鲜移植周期(每周期的移植胚胎由来源于常规体外受精卵和补救ICSI后受精卵的胚胎组成),共有4例临床妊娠;在8个冷冻移植周期中(每周期的移植胚胎完全来源于补救ICSI后的受精卵),有1例临床妊娠。在11个常规IVF完全失败周期中,共有89个未受精卵,其中78个MⅡ期卵,显微注射78个,受精63个,卵裂51个,受精率为80.7%,卵裂率为80.9%,在10个新鲜移植周期(每周期的移植胚胎完全来源于补救ICSI后的受精卵)中共有2例临床妊娠;在2个冷冻移植周期(每周期的移植胚胎完全来源于补救ICSI后的受精卵)中有1例单胎妊娠,妊娠早期流产。胚胎来源于常规体外受精卵和补救ICSI后受精卵的移植周期临床妊娠率为18%;胚胎完全来源于补行ICSI后受精卵的移植周期临床妊娠率为20%。结论:ICSI可作为常规IVF失败后的有效补救措施。     

Successful glucocorticoid treatment for patients with abnormal autoimmunity on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Purpose: To analyze the effects of glucocorticoid treatment for patients with abnormal autoimmunity on IVF-ET outcomes, low-dose predonisolone or dexamethasone was administered in 51 IVF-ET cycles of 41 patients with positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, and/or lupus anticoagulant (LAC). Rates of clinical pregnancy and implantation in these patients were compared with those in 48 cycles without corticosteroid therapy. Autoantibody-negative patients were also treated with IVF-ET combined with (29 cycles) or without (57 cycles) glucocorticoid administration, and the pregnancy and implantation rates were investigated. Results: Without glucocorticoid treatment, the pregnancy rate per cycle and implantation rate per embryo in antibody-positive patients were 10.4 and 3.8%, respectively. Significant increases in pregnancy (35.3%) and implantation (13.2%) rates were observed with corticosteroid treatment. In antibody-negative patients, the rates of pregnancy and implantation showed no significant differences with versus without the glucocorticoid administration. Conclusions: Our results indicate that because autoimmune abnormalities may be at least one cause of implantation failure following IVF-ET, the combined use of low-dose corticosteroid can be effective for autoantibody-positive women.     

Seasonal variability in fertilization and embryo quality rates in women undergoing IVF

OBJECTIVE: IVF-ET provides unique controlled conditions for the study of seasonal influences on the human reproductive process. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of seasonality on fertilization rate, embryo quality, and conception rates. DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study. A chart review of all individuals undergoing IVF-ET from 1988 to 1991 at our institution was performed. SETTING: An assisted reproduction unit at a university-based tertiary medical center. PATIENT(S): 657 women, for a total of 1074 IVF-ET treatment cycles, were evaluated. From this population, we chose 305 women undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle for reasons of pure mechanical infertility. INTERVENTION(S): IVF-ET cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Seasonal variability in fertilization rates and quality-A embryo rates, and the correlation with the absolute number of light hours, as well as the influence of temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters. RESULT(S): A significant seasonal variability in the fertilization rate and the quality-A embryo rate was demonstrated. The highest fertilization and quality-A embryo rates were observed during the spring and the lowest in the autumn. These changes correlated with the absolute number of light hours and its increment over time, but not with the temperature, humidity, or other environmental parameters. CONCLUSION(S): Seasonality seems to have a significant influence on the fertilization process and on the quality of the human embryos that are obtained in vitro, possibly because of the light/dark variations over time. If this finding is confirmed, these seasonal changes should be taken into account when evaluating infertility data and in everyday clinical practice.