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ObjectiveTo objectively analyze the effects of traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） multi-channel intervention on the ovarian function，TCM syndromes and natural conception of poor ovarian responders（kidney-Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who planned to receive another in vitro fertilization embryo transfer（IVF-ET）antagonist regimen. MethodThe 128 low-prognosis patients （kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern） who attended the West China Second University Hospital， Sichuan University and the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2020 to February 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected，and then divided into the treatment group and the control group according to the random number table，with 64 patients in each group. The control group was treated with oral dehydroepiandrosterone（DHEA），while the treatment group was treated with multi-channel TCM（oral TCM decoction + auricular point sticking + Bushen Huoxue prescription through retention enema）. After 3 menstrual cycles，the relevant indicators for ovarian function evaluation，TCM syndrome scores and natural conception were collected from both groups. ResultCompared with the situation before treatment，the basal follicle stimulating hormone（bFSH），bFSH/basal luteinizing hormone（bLH），basal estradiol（bE2），antral follicle count（AFC），the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were improved after treatment（P<0.05，P<0.01）. For the control group， the bFSH/bLH and TCM syndrome scores were increased after treatment（P<0.05）， while the bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization，and the number of superior embryos showed no significant difference after treatment. Compared with the control group after treatment，bFSH，bFSH/bLH，bE2，AFC，the number of normal fertilization，the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were better （P<0.05，P<0.01），while there was no significant difference in the number of oocytes obtained. After treatment，there were 3 cases of natural conception in the treatment group，while there were no natural conception in the control group. ConclusionFor patients with poor ovarian response and kidney Yin deficiency，liver depression and blood stasis pattern，multi-channel intervention of TCM plus the antagonist regimen can reduce bFSH，bFSH/bLH values，improve the levels of bE2，increase AFC，the number of oocytes obtained，the number of normal fertilization and the number of superior embryos，improve ovarian function，menstruation and TCM syndromes，improve their quality of life，and even enable some patients to get pregnant naturally before re-progression and improve their pregnancy outcome.
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It is believed that kidney deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis while liver constraint and spleen deficiency， and disharmony of chong （thorough vessel， 冲脉）and ren （conception vessel， 任脉） is the key pathogenesis of infertility patients who adopted controlled ovarian hyperstimulation of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） programme. Therefore， the method of tonifying the kidneys dominantly and treating the liver and spleen simultaneously is proposed， and Chinese herbal medicine is suggested to be used in adjuvant treatment of staged IVF-ET controlled ovrian hyperstimulation. In the regulation stage， modified Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸） can be used to tonify kidney and supplement essence， fortify spleen and nourish liver； in the ovulation promotion stage， modified Wenjing Decoction （温经汤） should be used to warm kidney and assist yang， dispel stasis and nourish blood； in the pre-transplantation endothelial preparation stage， modified Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散） is suggested to fortify spleen and replenish qi， invigorate blood and resolve stasis； after the transplantation stage， modified Shoutai Pill （寿胎丸） or Taiyuan Decoction （胎元饮） can be taken to fortify spleen and tonify kidney， benefit qi and nourish blood.
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ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two different insemination methods， conventional in vitro fertilization （IVF） and intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）， on pregnancy outcomes in patients with frozen-thawed D6（day 6） blastocyst transfer. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with thawed D6 blastocyst transfer between January 2018 and April 2020 at the Fertility Center of the Third Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University， divided into conventional IVF group （446 cycles ） and ICSI fertilization group （200 cycles） according to the fertilization method. Patients were divided into those with a history of D5（day 5） blastocyst transfer and those without. The patients’ general characteristics， blastocyst quality， and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared. ResultsBMI， years of infertility， and basal FSH were not statistically significant in the IVF and ICSI groups （P > 0.05）. Regardless of the history of D5 transfer， patients in the ICSI group were younger than those in the IVF group （P < 0.001）， the proportion of primary infertility was significantly higher in the ICSI group （P < 0.001）， and the number of oocytes obtained and the number of normally fertilized oocytes in the ICSI group were higher than those in the conventional IVF fertilization group （P < 0.001）. The proportion of stage V and Ⅵ blastocysts was significantly higher in the conventional IVF group than in the ICSI group （21.6 % vs. 3.14 %， P < 0.001）. High-quality blastocysts with an ICM score of A were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （23.8 % vs. 14.3 %， P = 0.01）. The HCG-positive and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （65.5 % vs. 48.4 %， P < 0.001； 56 % vs. 41.3 %， P = 0.001）， and embryo implantation and live birth rates were also higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （43.8 % vs. 30.9 %， P < 0.001； 43.0 % vs. 31.8 %， P = 0.006）. After correcting for age and number of oocytes obtained between the two groups， the clinical pregnancy rate was still significantly higher in the ICSI group than in the conventional IVF group （OR： 1.590， 95 % CI： 1.030， 2.455， P = 0.036）. Infant birth weight was lower in the ICSI group than in the IVF group （P = 0.016）， and the differences in preterm birth rate， sex ratio， and mode of delivery were not statistically significant between the two groups. ConclusionsClinical pregnancy and live birth rates after thawing and transfer of D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI are higher than those of D6 blastocysts fertilized by conventional IVF， which may be related to the different factors contributing to the slow development of blastocysts in patients who received different fertilization methods. The relatively good pregnancy outcome after the transfer of thawed D6 blastocysts fertilized by ICSI may compensate to some extent for the difference in pregnancy outcome due to the relatively slow blastocyst development and a relatively higher proportion of D6 blastocysts after ICSI fertilization in male infertility patients.
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OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of Zishen Yutai Pills (ZYPs) on the quality of oocytes and embryos, as well as pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The possible mechanisms, involving the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), were also investigated.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with DOR who underwent their IVF-ET cycle were randomly allocated to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the treatment group (60 cases) received ZYPs from the mid-luteal phase of the former menstrual cycle by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. The patients in the control group (60 cases) received the same protocol but without ZYPs. The primary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos. Secondary outcomes included other oocyte or embryo indices as well as pregnancy outcomes. Adverse events were assessed by comparison of the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy complications, pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Contents of BMP15 and GDF9 in the follicle fluids (FF) were also quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the numbers of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos were significantly increased in the ZYPs group (both P<0.05). After treatment with ZYPs, a significant regulation of serum sex hormones was observed, including progesterone and estradiol. Both hormones were up-regulated compared with the control group (P=0.014 and 0.008), respectively. No significant differences were observed with regard to pregnancy outcomes including implantation rates, biochemical pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and pregnancy loss rates (all P>0.05). The administration of ZYPs did not increase the incidence of adverse events. The expressions of BMP15 and GDF9 in the ZYPs group were significantly up-regulated compared with the control group (both P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#ZYPs exhibited beneficial effects in DOR patients undergoing IVF-ET, resulting in increments of oocytes and embryos, and up-regulation of BMP15 and GDF9 expressions in the FF. However, the effects of ZYPs on pregnancy outcomes should be assessed in clinical trials with larger sample sizes (Trial reqistration No. ChiCTR2100048441).
Subject(s)
Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Fertilization in Vitro/methods , Ovarian Reserve , Prospective Studies , Premature Birth , Embryo Transfer/methods , Ovulation Induction/methods , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/therapeutic useABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To evaluate the report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of acupuncture for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#The SRs/MAs of acupuncture for IVF-ET were searched electronically from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, from inception of each database to September 27th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted the data. Using PRISMA statement, the AMSTAR 2 scale and the GRADE system, the report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs were assessed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 28 SRs/MAs were included, with PRISMA scores ranging from 8.5 points to 27 points. The problems of report quality focused on protocol and registration, retrieval, risk of bias in studies, additional analysis, limitations and funding. The methodological quality of included studies was generally low, reflecting on items 2, 3, 7, 10, 12 and 16. A total of 85 outcome indexes were included in the GRADE system for evidence grade evaluation. Most of the evidences were low or very low in quality. The reasons for the downgrade were related to study limitations, inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture therapy improves the outcomes of IVF-ET, but the methodological quality and evidence quality of related SRs/MAs are low. It is recommended to conduct more high-quality studies in the future to provide more reliable evidences.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Databases, Factual , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Publication Bias , Systematic Reviews as TopicABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Wenshen Yangxue prescription （WSYX） on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） in poor ovarian responders and the safety. MethodA total of 116 eligible patients who were admitted to Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in June 2016-June 2019 were randomized into the experimental group and the control group with random number table method （58 in either group）. Conventional controlled ovarian hyperstimulation （COH） was directly implemented in the control group， while the experimental group was intervened with WSYX for 3 menstrual cycles before the COH. The pregnant patients were observed till childbirth and the non-pregnant patients for 12 months. Gonadotropins （Gn） dosage and the days of use were recorded. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， basal FSH （bFSH）， basal luteinizing hormone （bLH）， and basal estrogen （bE2）， endometrial thickness， and antral follicle count （AFC） before and after treatment were measured. The serum levels of estrogen （E2）， progesterone （P）， and luteinizing hormone （LH） on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin （HCG） injection， and levels of FSH， LH， E2， testosterone （T）， and P in follicular fluid 36 h after HCG injection were determined. Number of fertilization， rate of fertilization， number of high-quality embryos， cycle cancellation rate， clinical pregnancy rate， and live birth rate were evaluated. The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores before and after treatment were recorded. Liver and kidney functions were detected before and after treatment， and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultCompared with the control group， the experimental group showed the decrease in the days of Gn use and dosage of Gn （P<0.05）， endometrium thickening （P<0.05）， and increase in oocytes obtained， levels of E2 and LH on the day of HCG injection， and ovarian reserve function. Moreover， in follicular fluid 36 h after HCG injection， the reduction in level of FSH （P<0.05）， rise of levels of LH and E2 （P<0.05）， and insignificant changes in levels of T and P in the experimental group were observed as compared with those in the control group. In addition， larger number of fertilization， more available embryos， and higher rate of high-quality embryos were observed in the experimental group than in the control group （P<0.05）. The experimental group demonstrated improvement in quality of oocytes， decrease in cycle cancellation rate ， and increase in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate compared with the control group. The TCM syndrome score in experimental group was decreased after treatment compared with that before treatment （P<0.05）. No serious adverse reactions occurred in two groups during treatment and the safety indexes before and after treatment were all within the normal ranges. ConclusionWSYX can reduce the use duration and dosage of Gn in infertile patients receiving IVF-ET， improve the quality of oocytes， increase the rate of high-quality embryos， and improve the pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET patients.
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OBJECTIVE@#To evalvate efficacy of Qizi Yusi Pills (QYP), a Chinese medicine compound preparation, on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women of advanced reproductive age.@*METHODS@#This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted from June 2018 to October 2019. A total of 124 patients were randomly allocated to either the QYP group or the placebo group using a stratified block randomization design, with 62 patients in each group. All patients completed controlled ovarian stimulation using a standard gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol. As the QYP group, QYP was administered while the control group received placebo. QYP and placebo were administered for a total of 24 to 30 days from the day of GnRH-a pituitary downregulation to transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Both medications were taken orally at doses of 10 g three times each day. The primary outcome was cumulative pregnancy rate, and the secondary outcomes were periodic medication, follicular status, serum hormone and endometrial receptivity. Follow-up continued until 4 weeks after delivery. Maternal and neonatal complications, such as gestational diabetes, were also observed.@*RESULTS@#Overall, 119 patients completed the study, 60 in the QYP group and 59 in the placebo group. Per protocol (PP) analysis revealed that 6-month cumulative pregnancy rate in the QYP group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group [43.33% (26/60) vs. 25.42% (15/59), P=0.040). Additionally, more oocytes were retrieved from the QYP group than those from the placebo group (8.95 ± 3.12 vs. 7.85 ± 1.91, P=0.022). Moreover, the endometrial thickness of HCG day in the QYP group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (11.78 ± 2.27 mm vs. 10.68 ± 2.07 mm, P=0.012). Maternal and neonatal complications between the two groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). Intention-to-treat analysis was in line with PP results.@*CONCLUSIONS@#QYP can enhance ovarian reserve capacity and ovarian response, and possibly promote endometrial receptivity. QYP effectively improves cumulative pregnancy rates in older patients (⩾35 years) undergoing IVF-ET. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800014427).
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/agonists , Ovulation Induction , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy RateABSTRACT
Objective:To deeply understand the man′s feelings and psychological experience of temporary ejaculation disorder on the day of retrieving ova during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment, and to provide theoretical basis for targeted intervention measures.Methods:Using the phenomenological method,13 male patients with temporary ejaculation disorder were interviewed individually on the day of retrieving ova from July to October 2021 in the department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women′s Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University and a semi-structured interview was recruited with them. The interview data were analyzed, summarized and refined according to Colaizzi′s 7-step method.Results:Totally 6 classification topics were formed: Somatization discomfort; Negative emotion; Stress and frustration; Change of intimacy between infertile couples; Imperfect social support system; Fertility pressure.Conclusions:Medical staff should pay close attention to the emotional reaction and psychological state of patients, establish emotional support, improve the intimate relationship between infertile couples, provide effective psychological counseling, provide diversified and personalized information support and multi-dimension social support, arrange reasonably the sperm collection room, improve the medical environment and improve the quality of assisted reproductive services.
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Objective:To compare the effects of high progesterone induced ovulation (PPOs) and antagonist on the outcome of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) .Methods:208 POR patients who underwent IVF-ET in our hospital were selected as the research objects, and were randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method, with 104 cases in each. The observation group were treated with PPOs regimen,while the control group were treated with antagonist regimen.The daily hormone levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH) , progesterone (P) , estradiol (E2) ], pregnancy outcome [total amount of gonadotropin (GN) , days of GN administration, number of oocytes retrieved, number of transferred embryos, cycle cancellation rate, oocyte maturation rate] and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups (endometrial thickness on trigger day, number of transferred embryos, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live yield) .Results:The serum LH level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05) , and there was no difference in HCG hormone levels (FSH, P, E2) between the two groups after treatment ( P>0.05) . The total amount of Gn medication, Gn medication days, and oocyte maturation rate of the observation group after treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the cycle cancellation rate was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05) ; The number of transferred embryos, embryo implantation rate, and live birth rate in the observation group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the abortion rate was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05) ; There was no significant difference in the endometrial thickness and clinical pregnancy rate on trigger days between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Compared with the antagonist regimen, the PPOS regimen has a more obvious clinical effect in treatment of POR patients. It simplifies the process of ovulation stimulation and enhances the sensitivity of the ovaries to ovulation stimulation drugs. It is safe, convenient, economical and feasible, and is worthy of clinical promotion.
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Objective@#To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to February 2021 for published randomized controlled trials (RCT) relevant to TEAS for the improvement of the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a meta-analysis with the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 2 206 cases of IVF-ET from 9 RCTs were included, 1 018 in the TEAS group and 1 188 in the control. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the TEAS than in the mock TEAS and non-TEAS control groups (RR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.42－2.42, P < 0.001; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10－1.39, P = 0.0004), and so was it before and after oocyte retrieval (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03－2.17, P = 0.03; RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12－1.92, P = 0.005). The TEAS group also showed dramatically improved embryo implantation rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.24－1.79, P < 0.0001) and live birth rate (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04－1.98, P = 0.03) compared with the control.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a safe and non-invasive treatment, TEAS can significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET, with definite effectiveness. /.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Acupuncture Points , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Pregnancy Outcome , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect of @*METHODS@#A total of 74 patients with RIF of thin endometrium type undergoing freeze-thaw embryo transfer were randomly divided into an observation group (37 cases) and a control group (37 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with freeze-thaw embryo transfer in hormone replacement cycle, and the estradiol valerate tablets were taken orally from the fifth day of menstruation, 2 mg per day. On the basis of the control group, the observation group was additionally treated with @*RESULTS@#The clinical pregnancy rate was 37.8% (14/37) in the observation group, which was higher than 16.2% (6/37) in the control group (@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of conventional medication,
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Acupuncture Therapy , Embryo Transfer , Endometrium , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy RateABSTRACT
AIM: To observe the anesthetic effect of nalbuphine used in ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval and its effect on embryo quality and pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Four-hundred patients who underwent ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval were randomly divided into two groups (n=200): nalbuphine group (N group) and control group (C group). The patients were in the bladder lithotomy position. Patients in N group were given nalbuphine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously 2 minutes before induction of anesthesia, patients in C group were given normal saline intravenously, and patients in both groups were induced with propofol 1.5 mg/kg. The patients were kept breathing spontaneously, and they were given intravenous injections of propofol (2 mg•kg
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OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect between wheat-grain moxibustion at Yinbai (SP 1) and oral administration of dydrogesterone tablet for menstrual period prolongation after down-regulation treatment of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#A total of 54 patients with prolonged menstrual period after down-regulation treatment of IVF-ET were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 27 cases in each one. In the observation group, when the menstrual period delayed more than 7 days, the wheat-grain moxibustion at Yinbai (SP 1) was performed, once a day, with an interval of 1 day between two 3-day treatments; when the menstrual blood was cleaned, the ovulation was continued and the eggs were taken. In the control group, when the menstrual period delayed more than 7 days, the oral administration of dydrogesterone tablet was provided, 10 mg each time, twice a day; when the menstrual blood was cleaned, the ovulation was continued and the eggs were taken. The number of days for menstrual blood to be cleaned, the area change of uterine cavity hemorrhage, the morphology of endometrium, the blood supply of endometrium, the number of oocytes obtained, the grade of frozen embryo and the clinical effect were observed between the two groups after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the number of days for menstrual blood to be cleaned was shorter in the observation group after treatment (0.05). The cured rate in the observation group was 100.0% (27/27), higher than 33.3% (9/27) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The wheat-grain moxibustion at Yinbai (SP 1) could more effectively treat prolonged menstrual period after IVF-ET down-regulation treatment, which is beneficial to the preparation of the endometrium, and has no effect on the oocyte collection and embryo culture.
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OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effects of cetrorelix and ganirelix in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) cycles for preventing premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges and on clinical outcomes of IVF-ET cycles.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed 2572 GnRH-ant cycles of fertilization and embryo transfer from January, 2013 to December, 2016, including 1368 cycles with cetrorelix treatment and 1204 cycles with ganirelix treatment. The baseline characteristics of the patients and the clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those receiving ganirelix treatment, the patients with cetrorelix treatment had a significantly younger age (33.10 33.89 years, 0.05). The two groups also had comparable percentages of patients with LH > 10 U/L on the day of hCG triggering (3.7% 3.2%) and similar spontaneous ovulation rate (0.6% 0.5%), clinical pregnancy rate (47.7% 45.9%) and live birth rate (37.5% 33.6%) following fresh embryo transfer ( > 0.05). The incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, however, was significantly higher in ganirelix group than in cetrorelix group (0.7% 0.1%, =0.006).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Cetrorelix and ganirelix can achieve comparable effects for preventing premature LH surges and can achieve similar clinical outcomes of GnRH-ant cycles, but ganirelix is associated with a significantly higher incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen (Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table, 33 cases in each group. Before undergoing IVF, patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture, respectively, for 3 menstrual cycles. Shen deficiency syndrome scores were assessed. Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization, high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates. Follicular fluid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), serine-threonine kinase (Akt) and forkhead box O3 (Foxo3a) mRNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Syndrome scores for pre- versus post-treatments decreased significantly (16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group (P<0.05), but showed no significant change in the control group (17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58). A significant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups (P<0.05). High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15% (195/282) vs. 60.27% (176/292) and 66.67% (22/33) vs. 42.42% (14/33), respectively, P<0.05]. The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups. No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups. Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3K and Akt mRNA were significantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group, while the expression of Foxo3a was reduced (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF, EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate. The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis, possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate (Registration No. ChiCTR 1800016217).
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The article "Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial", published in in May 2018, has concluded that acupuncture does not improve the rate of live births among women undergoing IVF. Through careful study of the article, the author analyzes its reliability from acupuncture therapeutic plan and specific acupuncture operation. As a result, although the research showed no significant difference between the acupuncture group and the sham acupuncture group, it could not prove no therapeutic effect in the sham acupuncture group, so the conclusion that the acupuncture did not improve the therapeutic effect could not be drawn; the compatibility of acupoints was inconsistent with the previous protocol, and its rationality was controversial; whether the frequency and duration of acupuncture treatment could highlight the live birth rate should be further discussed. In addition, the selection of acupuncturists may be another reason for the failure of the research aim.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Acupuncture Therapy , Fertilization in Vitro , Live Birth , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of warm acupuncture on endometrial cavity fluid (ECF) from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to explore the mechanism of warm acupuncture on ECF.@*METHODS@#Twenty-nine patients who were prepared for IVF-ET from 2016 to 2019 and whose transplantation was cancelled due to ECF found by vaginal B-ultrasound examination were divided into an observation group (14 cases) and a control group (15 cases) according to random number table method. The warm acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Guilai (ST 29), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) after the end of menstruation in the observation group, the treatment lasted for 60 min, once a day, 5 times as a course, with 2 days interval between the courses and 3 consecutive courses of treatment were given, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. After the end of menstruation, fresh leonurus japonicus capsule was given in the control group, 3 times a day, 0.8 g each time, 7 days as a course, and 3 courses of continuous treatment were received, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. The changes of ECF before and after treatment, the time required to prepare for embryo transfer during IVF assisted pregnancy cycle, and the clinical outcome of embryo transfer were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The decrease of ECF in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (<0.05). The time required for the embryo transfer in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 42.9% (6/14), which was significantly higher than 26.7% (4/15) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Warm acupuncture may improve the clinical pregnancy rate by raising the local temperature of the lower abdomen, accelerating the blood circulation around the uterus and appendages, promoting the absorption of ECF, improving the uterine environment and endometrial receptivity.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Acupuncture Therapy , Embryo Transfer , Endometrium , Fertilization in Vitro , Pregnancy RateABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of acupoint catgut embedding on miscarriage prevention and pregnancy outcome in patients with threatened abortion after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#Sixty cases of patients with threatened abortion after IVF-ET were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with intramuscular injection of progesterone (40 mg) once every day, while the patients in the observation group, on the basis of the treatment of control group, were treated with catgut embedding at Geshu (BL 17), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21), Xuehai (SP 10), Diji (SP 8) and Fuliu (KI 7), once every two weeks, six times as a course of treatment. The treatment was given until 12 weeks into pregnancy. The level of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) before and after treatment was recorded; the TCM syndrome score before and after treatment was compared; the successful pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate after treatment were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of TCM syndrome in both groups were reduced after treatment (both <0.01), and score in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the clinical efficacy in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the hormone levels (β-HCG, E, P) in both groups were increased steadily; the hormone levels in 6-week pregnancy, 8-week pregnancy and 10-week pregnancy were significantly higher than those in 4-week pregnancy (all <0.05); except the levels of P and β-HCG in 10-week pregnancy, the hormone levels in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (all <0.05). After treatment, the early abortion rate was 16.7% (5/30) in the observation group, which was lower than 33.3% (10/30) in the control group (<0.01); the pregnancy rate was 96.0% (24/25) in the observation group, which was higher than 80.0% (16/20) in the control group (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint catgut embedding is effective for preventing threatened abortion, which could significantly reduce the spontaneous abortion rate, improve the pregnancy success rate, regulate hormone levels in patients after IVF-ET.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Abortion, Threatened , Acupuncture Points , Catgut , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in VitroABSTRACT
To study the effect of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on the contractile function of mesenteric vessels in offspring mouse model and its regulatory mechanism. Methods Offspring mouse model of IVF-ET (20 weeks after birth) was built to compare with natural born descendant in vascular regulation. The bodyweight and BMI of mice were measured. Serum levels of cardiovascular related cytokines were tested by ELISA and colorimetric method. Samples of mesenteric vascular were from IVF-ET mice and normal controls. Given the vital function in regulating vascular contraction which Ca2+signaling pathway exhibited , four representative genes (Calm2, Itprl, RyR2, RyR3) were selectedfor study. And the mRNA expression levels of Calm2, Itpr2, RyR2, RyR3 were tested by qPCR. The protein expression levels of Calm2 and Itprl were tested by Western blot. Results Mice born under IVF-ET showed increased bodyweight and abnormal BMI after 20th week, and the serum levels of NO and Ang II were significantly higher than those of control (P < 0. 0 5) . The expression levels of Calm2, Itprl were up-regulated both in molecular and protein levels (P <0. 0 1) , RyR3 was up-regulated in molecular level (P < 0. 01) , while RyR2 was down-regulated in molecular level (P < 0. 0 1) . Conclusions The changes of serological markers and regulatory gene expression level related to vasoconstriction function may be closely related to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in IVF-ET offspring.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of tubal stump pregnancy, and to assess the value of interventional embolization in preventing tubal stump pregnancy. Methods Among the patients who were planned to receive preoperative treatment of hydrosalpinx before the performance of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at authors' hospital, 35 patients had stump of fallopian tube. Of the35 patients, previous surgery of unilateral fallopian tube was present in 28 and previous surgery of bilateral fallopian tubes in 7. The length of tubal stump ranged from 10mm to 45mm, with a mean of 25mm. Interventional embolization with micro-coils was carried out in all patients, after which IVF-ET was performed. The pregnancy rate and ectopic pregnancy rate were calculated. Results Embolization of both fallopian tubes was successfully accomplished in all 35 patients. The IVF-ET pregnancy rate was 48.5％ (17/35), and no tubal stump pregnancy occurred. Conclusion The use of interventional embolization to occlude tubal stump can effectively avoid the occurrence of tubal stump pregnancy.