Serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels as a predictor of the ovarian response and IVF outcomes / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels could be predict ovarian poor/hyper response and IVF cycle outcome. METHODS: Between May 2010 and January 2011, serum AMH levels were evaluated with retrospective analysis. Three hundred seventy infertile women undergoing 461 IVF cycles between the ages of 20 and 42 were studied. We defined the poor response as the number of oocytes retrieved was equal or less than 3, and the hyper response as more than 25 oocytes retrieved. Serum AMH was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS: The number of oocytes retrieved was more correlated with the serum AMH level (r=0.781, p3.55 ng/mL), the groups showed no statistical differences in mature oocyte rates (71.6% vs. 76.5% vs. 74.8%) or fertilization rates (76.9% vs. 76.6% vs. 73.8%), but showed significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates (21.7% vs. 24.1% vs. 40.8%, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The serum AMH level can be used to predict the number of oocytes retrieved in patients, distinguishing poor and high responders.

Comparison of mild ovarian stimulation with conventional ovarian stimulation in poor responders / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To compare the IVF outcomes of mild ovarian stimulation with conventional ovarian stimulation in poor responders. METHODS: From 2004 to 2009, 389 IVF cycles in 285 women showed poor responses (defined as either a basal FSH level > or =12 mIU/mL, or the number of retrieved oocytes < or =3, or serum E2 level on hCG day <500 pg/mL) were analyzed, retrospectively. In total, 119 cycles with mild ovarian stimulation (m-IVF) and 270 cycles with conventional ovarian stimulation (c-IVF) were included. Both groups were divided based on their age, into groups over and under 37 years old. RESULTS: The m-IVF group was lower than the c-IVF group in the duration of stimulation, total doses of gonadotropins used, serum E2 level on hCG day, the number of retrieved oocytes, and the number of mature oocytes. However, there was no significant difference in the number of good embryos, the number of transferred embryos, the cancellation rate, or the clinical pregnancy rate. In the m-IVF group over 37 years old, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were higher when compared with the c-IVF group, but this result was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In poor responder groups, mild ovarian stimulation is more cost effective and patient friendly than conventional IVF. Therefore, we suggest that mild ovarian stimulation could be considered for poor responders over 37 years old.

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone is a better predictor of ovarian response than FSH and age in IVF patients with endometriosis / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), FSH, and age to clinically predict ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF patients with endometriosis. METHODS: We evaluated 91 COH cycles, including 43 cycles with endometriosis (group I) and 48 cycles with male factor infertility (group II) from January to December, 2010. Patients were classified into study groups based on their surgical history of endometriosis-group Ia (without surgical history, n=16), group Ib (with a surgical history, n=27). RESULTS: The mean age was not significantly different between group I and group II. However, AMH and FSH were significantly different between group I and group II (1.9+/-1.9 ng/mL vs. 4.1+/-2.9 ng/mL, p<0.01; 13.1+/-7.2 mIU/mL vs. 8.6+/-3.3 mIU/mL, p<0.01). Furthermore, the number of retrieved oocytes and the number of matured oocytes were significantly lower in group I than in group II. In group II, AMH and FSH as well as age were significant predictors of retrieved oocytes on univariate analysis. Only the serum AMH level was a significant predictor of poor ovarian response in women with endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Serum AMH may be a better predictor of the ovarian response of COH in patients with endometriosis than basal FSH or age. AMH level can be considered a useful clinical predictor of poor ovarian response in endometriosis patients.

Age specific serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels in 1,298 Korean women with regular menstruation / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine the age specific serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) reference values in Korean women with regular menstruation. METHODS: Between May, 2010 and January, 2011, the serum AMH levels were evaluated in a total of 1,298 women who have regular menstrual cycles aged between 20 and 50 years. Women were classified into 6 categories by age: 20-31 years, 32-34 years, 35-37 years, 38-40 years, 41-43 years, above 43 years. Measurement of serum AMH was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS: The serum AMH levels correlated negatively with age. The median AMH level of each age group was 4.20 ng/mL, 3.70 ng/mL, 2.60 ng/mL, 1.50 ng/mL, 1.30 ng/mL, and 0.60 ng/mL, respectively. The AMH values in the lower 5th percentile of each age group were 1.19 ng/mL, 0.60 ng/mL, 0.42 ng/mL, 0.27 ng/mL, 0.14 ng/mL, and 0.10 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study determined reference values of serum AMH in Korean women with regular menstruation. These values can be applied to clinical evaluation and treatment of infertile women.

Efficacy of Transcervical Fallopian Tube Catheterization in Infertility Patients with Fallopian Tube Occlusion / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance and efficacy of trans-cervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) in diagnosis and optimal treatment modality for tubal blockage. METHODS: The retrospective study was performed in those underwent TFTC from January 2005 to December 2009. A total of 342 fallopian tubes in 215 patients which showed tubal blockage in hysterosalpingography (HSG), were subjected to TFTC. Recanalization rate (RR) was compared according to portion of tubal blockage; proximal, isthmic and distal portion and blockage type; tapering, concave, and convex type. RESULTS: In total, RR was 72.5% (248/342 tube). According to the portion of tubal blockage, RR was 83.8% in proximal, 45.6% in isthmic and 100% in distal portion. RR was 92.3% in tapering, 80.2% in concave and 25.5% in convex type, respectively. There were 98 pregnancies in 156 patients after successful recanalization, which shows 62.7% pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION: TFTC were capable of recanalizing tubal blockage in 248 of 342 tubes in 156 of 215 patients (72.5%). The RR was increased with proximal portion and tapering type tubal blockage.

Clinicopathological observation on ovarian masses in childhood and adolescence / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings that help in decisions about management of ovarian mass in childhood and adolescence. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed the data on 307 patients with surgically treated ovarian mass under 20 years of age at the Cheil General Hospital, between January 1995 and December 2005. RESULTS: Of the 307 cases, 40 cases (13%) were ovarian malignancy. The incidence of malignant ovarian tumor increased to 16.9% in 237 neoplastic tumors. Epithelial, germ cell, and sex-cord stromal malignancies accounted for 57.5%, 30% and 12.5%, respectively, of the 40 ovarian malignancies. The stage of the 35 cases (87.5%) with the ovarian malignancy was the FIGO stage I. The incidence of ovarian malignancies increased with larger size, higher CA125 level. Solid ovarian masses on ultrasound were more likely ovarian malignancy. But age and menarchal status was not correlated with ovarian malignancy. Mature cystic teratoma seen in 132 patients (55.7%), was the most common neoplasm of ovary in this age group, and the incidence of bilaterality was 12.1%. On follow up, 4.9% (13/267) of previously diagnosed benign ovarian tumor were reoperated due to recurred or newly developed ovarian tumor. After cystectomy, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral ovarian tumor was 2.8% (4/142). CONCLUSION: If there is no evidence of malignancy, conservative surgical treatment should be employed to preserve future endocrine function and fertility in this age group.

Clinicopathological observation on ovarian masses in childhood and adolescence / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings that help in decisions about management of ovarian mass in childhood and adolescence. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed the data on 307 patients with surgically treated ovarian mass under 20 years of age at the Cheil General Hospital, between January 1995 and December 2005. RESULTS: Of the 307 cases, 40 cases (13%) were ovarian malignancy. The incidence of malignant ovarian tumor increased to 16.9% in 237 neoplastic tumors. Epithelial, germ cell, and sex-cord stromal malignancies accounted for 57.5%, 30% and 12.5%, respectively, of the 40 ovarian malignancies. The stage of the 35 cases (87.5%) with the ovarian malignancy was the FIGO stage I. The incidence of ovarian malignancies increased with larger size, higher CA125 level. Solid ovarian masses on ultrasound were more likely ovarian malignancy. But age and menarchal status was not correlated with ovarian malignancy. Mature cystic teratoma seen in 132 patients (55.7%), was the most common neoplasm of ovary in this age group, and the incidence of bilaterality was 12.1%. On follow up, 4.9% (13/267) of previously diagnosed benign ovarian tumor were reoperated due to recurred or newly developed ovarian tumor. After cystectomy, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral ovarian tumor was 2.8% (4/142). CONCLUSION: If there is no evidence of malignancy, conservative surgical treatment should be employed to preserve future endocrine function and fertility in this age group.

Pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done in 24 patients who were diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy between January 2000 and April 2008. Patients' characteristics, risk factors, treatment methods and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy, all of these had undergone assisted reproductive technique. The mean age was 31.5 years and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was about 8 weeks. The most common etiology of infertility was tubal factor (54.2%). Four (16.7%) of the women had undergone ovulation induction, eighteen (75%) had undergone in vitro fertilization, but 2 patients (8.3%) had undergone assisted reproductive technique at other hospital and we didn't know the exact method. The most common of ectopic site was tube (75%), and 50% of ectopic sites were ruptured status at diagnosis. Three (12.5%) of 24 patients were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy after dilatation and evacuation due to missed abortion, 4 (16.7%) were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and missed abortion, and 17 (70.8%) were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and living intrauterine pregnancy at the time of diagnosis. Laparotomy was done in 3 patients (12.5%) and laparoscopy was done in 21 patients (87.5%). Among 17 patients who had normal intrauterine pregnancy, 12 (70.6%) delivered singletones, 2 (11.8%) delivered twins, but 3 (17.6%) patients were lost follow up. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic pregnancy should be considered in pregnant woman with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, although confirmed normal intrauterine pregnancy using ultrasonography at early gestational age, especially if the woman have treatment history for infertility. And early diagnosis and proper management are important.

Pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of heterotopic pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done in 24 patients who were diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy between January 2000 and April 2008. Patients' characteristics, risk factors, treatment methods and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy, all of these had undergone assisted reproductive technique. The mean age was 31.5 years and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was about 8 weeks. The most common etiology of infertility was tubal factor (54.2%). Four (16.7%) of the women had undergone ovulation induction, eighteen (75%) had undergone in vitro fertilization, but 2 patients (8.3%) had undergone assisted reproductive technique at other hospital and we didn't know the exact method. The most common of ectopic site was tube (75%), and 50% of ectopic sites were ruptured status at diagnosis. Three (12.5%) of 24 patients were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy after dilatation and evacuation due to missed abortion, 4 (16.7%) were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and missed abortion, and 17 (70.8%) were diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and living intrauterine pregnancy at the time of diagnosis. Laparotomy was done in 3 patients (12.5%) and laparoscopy was done in 21 patients (87.5%). Among 17 patients who had normal intrauterine pregnancy, 12 (70.6%) delivered singletones, 2 (11.8%) delivered twins, but 3 (17.6%) patients were lost follow up. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic pregnancy should be considered in pregnant woman with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, although confirmed normal intrauterine pregnancy using ultrasonography at early gestational age, especially if the woman have treatment history for infertility. And early diagnosis and proper management are important.