Microdose GnRH agonist flare-up versus ultrashort GnRH agonist combined with fixed GnRH antagonist in poor responders of assisted reproductive techniques cycles

This study compares the microdose flare-up protocol to the ultrashort gonadotropinreleasing hormone [GnRH] agonist flare combined with the fixed multidose GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation. In this randomized clinical trial, 120 women who were candidates for assisted reproductive techniques [ART] and had histories of one or more failed in vitro fertilization [IVF] cycles with three or fewer retrieved oocytes were prospectively randomized into two groups. Group I [60 patients] received the microdose flare-up regimen and group II [60 patients] received the ultrashort GnRH agonist combined with fixed GnRH antagonist. There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of used gonadotropin ampoules [p=0.591], duration of stimulation [p=0.610], number of retrieved oocytes [p=0.802], fertilization rate [p=0.456], and the number of transferred embryos [p=0.954]. The clinical pregnancy rates were statistically similar in group I [10%] compared with group II [13.3%, p=0.389]. According to our results, there is no significant difference between these protocols for improving the ART outcome in poor responders. Additional prospective, randomized studies with more patients is necessary to determine the best protocol [Registration Number: IRCT201105096420N1]

Effect of calcium ionophore on unfertilized oocytes after ICSI cycles

Fertilization failure is one of the most problems in assisted reproduction technology [ART]. The aim of this study was the evaluation of oocytes activation by addition of calcium ionophore in unfertilized oocytes in ICSI cycles. This study was done on 15 ICSI cycles [stimulated with standard long protocol]. Mature retrieved oocytes with normal morphology that had no evidence of fertilization 24 hours after ICSI were included in the study. The oocytes with fertilization and unfertilized oocytes with degeneration were excluded from the study. The unfertilized oocytes were washed with GIVF medium and were transferred to GIVF medium that contained 5 micro mol of calcium ionophore and were incubated for 10 minutes. Then again oocytes were washed with GIVF medium and consequently were transferred to GIVF medium and were incubated at 37°C in 6% CO[2]. After 18 hours, the oocytes were examined and activated oocytes were defined with observation of at least one pronucleus or cleaved oocytes. After ovarian stimulation and oocytes retrieval, 175 mature oocytes were obtained and injection of sperm was done for all of them. 114 of 175 oocytes [66%] showed evidence of fertilization after 24 hours. A total of 61 oocytes [34%] showed no evidence of fertilization and 10 oocytes were degenerated and were excluded from the study. Only 51 unfertilized oocytes with normal morphology were selected and were exposed to calcium ionophore. 37 [72.5%] of treated oocytes were fertilized [2PN] and 32 [62.7%] of them showed evidence of cleavage. 6 [11.8%] embryos had good quality. According to our results, oocytes activation with calcium ionophore had an acceptable fertilization rate, however high quality embryos remained low. We propose future studies to evaluate embryo quality

Comparison of conventional IVF versus ICSI in non-male factor, normoresponder patients

Conventional IVF and ICSI are two common techniques to achieve fertilization. IVF has long been used for treatment of infertility, although it is not an effective treatment in severe male infertility. The use of ICSI has been expanded in severe male factor and fertilization failure after IVF cycle. In spite of the widespread use of ICSI in patients with non-male factor infertility, there is still little evidence to confirm its effectiveness in this population. To evaluate assisted reproductive technology outcomes between IVF and ICSI cycles in non-male factor, normoresponder patients. A total of 220 non-male factors, normoresponder patients who were indicated for ART were enrolled in this study. The patients received standard long GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist protocols for ovarian stimulation and after oocytes retrieval, the patients were divided into two groups [IVF and ICSI groups]. In IVF group [n=112], all of retrieved oocytes were treated by conventional IVF and in ICSI group [n=88], microinjection [ICSI] was done on all of retrieved oocytes. In IVF group, fertilization and implantation rates were significantly higher than ICSI group [66.22% and 16.67% in IVF group versus 57.46% and 11.17% in ICSI group, respectively]. Chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were statistically higher in IVF group as compared with the ICSI group [42.9% vs. 27.3% and 35.7% vs. 21.5%, respectively]. According to our study, the routine use of ICSI is not improved fertilization, implantation and chemical pregnancy rates and is not recommended in non-male factor, normozoospermic patients

Outcome of assisted reproductive technology in women aged 40 years and older

Human fertility has been declined all over the world. Advanced women's age is one of the most important factors in determining the success of reproduction and ageing has negative impact on ART outcome and advanced female age decreases the chance of live birth rates achieved using ART, especially after 40 years of age. To evaluate ART outcomes regarding to pregnancy, abortion, cycle cancellation and live birth rates in women 40 years and older. A retrospective study was performed on three hundred-thirteen women undergoing ART cycles in the Madar Hospital in Yazd. Women with age >/- 40 years who indicated for ART enrolled the study regardless of the infertility type or etiology. In this study, we used data from IVF or ICSI cycles using fresh embryo transfer. Follow up was performed in regard to pregnancy, abortion, cycle cancellation and live birth rates. The mean age of women was 41.87 +/- 1.97 years. Chemical pregnancy rate was 8.6% [27/313] per cycle. Clinical pregnancy rate was 3.8% [12/313] per cycle. Spontaneous abortion was observed in 63% [17/27] of patients with positive pregnancy test. The overall cancellation rate was 23.3% per oocytes retrieval. The overall live birth rate per cycle for all women who initiated an ART cycle at age >/-40 years was 3.2% [10/313] that eight of those women were under 42 years old. Based on our results, we suggest that women with age 42 years and above should be advised to use other options, including oocyte donation or adoption