ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medication on pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) infertility of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, and to explore its effects on the protein expression of serum p38MAPK and JAK/STAT.@*METHODS@#Sixty-two patients with RIF infertility of kidney deficiency and blood stasis who were scheduled for artificial cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (31 cases, 3 cases were eliminated). The patients in the control group were treated with conventional artificial cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer. On the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medication. Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Guilai (ST 29), Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), with each session lasting for 30 minutes, once every other day. Chinese herbal medication was administered to Bushen Huoxue (tonifing the kidney and activating blood circulation) decoction, with one dose per day, starting from the 3rd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle and continuing until 1 day before embryo transfer. Clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, live birth rate, and biochemical pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. TCM symptom score, platelet count (PLT), and plasma D-dimer level were assessed before treatment and 1 day before embryo transfer. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of serum P38MAPK, JAK, and STAT proteins before treatment and 1 day before embryo transfer.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, and live birth rate were higher (P<0.05), while the biochemical pregnancy rate was lower (P<0.05) than those in the control group. One day before embryo transfer, both groups showed a decrease in TCM symptom scores, PLT, and plasma D-dimer levels compared to those before treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group had lower TCM symptom scores and plasma D-dimer levels than the control group (P<0.05). One day before embryo transfer, the expression levels of serum p38MAPK, JAK, and STAT proteins in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group had lower serum p38MAPK protein expression than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medication can improve the clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, live birth rate, and reduce the biochemical pregnancy rate in RIF infertility patients of kidney deficiency and blood stasis. Its mechanism of action may be related to down-regulating plasma D-dimer level and protein expression of serum p38MAPK.
Subject(s)
Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Menstrual Cycle , Infertility, Female/drug therapy , Kidney , Treatment Outcome , Acupuncture PointsABSTRACT
Background@#Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) has enabled IVF specialists to screen embryos for abnormalities in chromosome number and structure. Subsequently, healthy embryos are selected for transfer, decreasing the rate of spontaneous miscarriages and improving pregnancy outcomes. In spite of this, almost only half of the PGTdetermined euploid embryos result in a pregnancy. @*Objective@#This study aimed to determine what other factors among euploid embryo transfers will have an association with successful implantation and live birth. @*Methods@#This study retrospectively analyzed 159 IVF-PGS cycles performed in CARMI SLMCGC from January 2017 to December 2019. Of these, a total of 231 euploid embryos (86 single embryo transfers and 73 double embryo transfers) were assessed. The relationship of eight predictive variables (maternal age, maternal BMI, etiology of infertility, history of failed IVF, blastocyst expansion stage, ICM grade, TE grade and endometrial thickness on transfer) with regard to the outcome of successful implantation and live birth among single or double euploid blastocyst transfers were determined via logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#Overall, the implantation rate was significantly lower when using B-grade ICM or C-grade ICM blastocysts as compared to A-grade ICM blastocysts (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.356- 0.815, p = 0.003). With regard to live birth rate, the success of transfer is statistically lower when using a B-grade or C-grade ICM blastocysts as compared to A-grade ICM blastocysts (OR 0.55, CI 0.354-0.863, p = 0.009). Other predictive factors such as maternal age, maternal BMI, etiology of infertility, number of previous IVF, blastocyst expansion stage, trophectoderm grade and endometrial thickness had no apparent effect on the outcome of implantation and live birth. @*Conclusion@#Present study results suggest that only the ICM grade of euploid blastocysts correlates with implantation and live birth in IVF-FET cycles. Therefore, the selection of euploid blastocysts based on the presence of a higher grade ICM is the most predictive factor that determines success among those undergoing IVF with PGT-A.
Subject(s)
Live Birth , Genetic TestingABSTRACT
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
Background: Implantation failure is a major challenge in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The present study was undertaken to determine the immunomodulatory effects of heparin in patients with previous implantation failures undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART).Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial with sample size of 100 patients who had history of at least one previously failed IVF/ICSI. Study group of 50 patients received heparin and 50 patients in control group received routine luteal phase support.Results: Primary outcome of the study was implantation rate (IR) which was 11.03% in the study group was and 5.48% in the control group (p=0.08). Biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the study group was 18% and 12% in the control group (p=0.401). Calculated live birth was 5.15% and 3.42% in the study and control groups respectively (p=0.562). 11 babies were taken home from the study group and 6 from the control group (p=0.18).Conclusions: The result of this pilot study showed relative increase in implantation rates (IR) suggesting beneficial effects of heparin in patients with repeated implantation failures. Although these changes are not statistically significant, the presence of an increasing trend in all the outcome parameters signify the possible benefits of heparin proving for the present study hypothesis.
ABSTRACT
Objective The embryonic development is usually observed for 5-6 days during the process of embryo culture in most embryonic laboratories.The article aimed to explore the application of D 6+D7 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer in patients with di -minished ovarian reserve(DOR). Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on 285 patients with DOR who were treated with in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in our center from 2015 to 2017.Frozen embryos were harvested from the natural cycle , mini-stimulation protocol, ovulation induction during the luteal phase , followed by frozen-thawed embryo transfer with a total of 442 cycles. The frozen embryos were divided into cleavage embryo group and blas -tocyst group according to different life stages , and comparison was made in general data and pregnancy outcome between the two groups .The blastocyst transfer group was subdivided into Day 5 group and Day6+Day7 group followed by the comparison of different pregnancy outcome between the two groups . Results Patients with DOR were treated with frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with 291 cycles in cleavage embryo group and 151 cycles in blastocyst group.The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate of blastocyst group were significantly higher than those of cleavage embryo group ( 44.62％ vs 22.46％, 50.33％ vs 33.33％, 37.75％ vs 21.65％, P<0.05) and the abortion rate of blastocyst group was significantly lower than that of cleavage embryo group (35.05％ vs 25％, P<0.05).As to the frozen blastocyst transplantation cycle , the number of D5 blastocysts was 69, and D6+D7 blastocyst was 76. The embryo planting rate, clinical pregnancy rate, continued pregnancy rate and abortion rate of D 6+D7 group were higher than those of D5 group(39.74％ vs 50％, 44.93％ vs 55.26％, 34.78％ vs 39.47％, 22.58％ vs 28.57％), but the difference was of no statistical significance(P>0.05). Conclusion In patients with DOR, the transplanted blastocyst can significantly improve the pregnancy out -come, increase the clinical pregnancy rate and reduce the abortion rate .The embryo planting rate and clinical pregnancy rate of the transplanted D6+D7 blastocyst were higher than those of D 5 blastocyst, but the difference was not statistically significant .The abortion rate was also increased.Therefore, when the number of embryos is limited, patients with DOR may consider transplanting D 6+D7 high-quality blastocysts in order to get a certain clinical pregnancy rate .
ABSTRACT
[Objective]To observe the dynamic changes of serum LH levels in different GnRH-along protocols ,and investigate the relationship between GnRH-adosage and LH levels ,and compare the clinical outcomes among different GnRH-a long protocols.[Methods]In this retrospective study,1.0 mg,0.8 mg,0.375 mg long-acting and 0.1 mg/d,0.05 mg/d short-acting GnRH-a long protocols were included from January to June in 2015 at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. Serum LH levels were evaluated from a total of 250 women at the four time points,on the day before gonadotropin stimulation(Gn0),the fourth day of Gn stimulation(Gn4),the seventh day of Gn stimulation(Gn7),and the HCG administration day(HCG day),then the relationship between serum LH levels and the dosage of GnRH-a were analyzed. The number of oocytes retrieved,fertilization rate,good quality embryos rate,blastocyst transferred rate,the number of transferred embryos,implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were also compared.[Results]Among the long-acting groups,LH levels in 0.375 mg group were higher than those in 1.0 mg and 0.8 mg groups at the four time points(P0.05). In short-acting groups,the LH levels in 0.05 mg/d protocol were significantly lower than those in the 0.1 mg/d group at Gn0,Gn7 and HCG day(P0.05).[Conclusion]Among the long-acting groups,the smaller amount of GnRH-a was administrated ,the higher LH levels during ovarian stimulation and implantation rate the patients ob?tained. As to the short-acting groups,the LH level and implantation rate in 0.1 mg/d group is higher than those in 0.05 mg/d group.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of slow freezing and Vitrification for the cryopreservation of supernumerary cleavage stage embryos on day 3 after IVF and its impact on clinical outcome. Methods: 485 supernumerary embryos of IVF cycles (from Oct 2011 to Dec 2012) were cryopreserved by slow freezing method while 502 embryos (from Jan 2013 to April 2014) by Vitrification method. 362/485 and 230/502 embryos were thawed for FET cycles (65 patients in each group).After warming the survival rate, post warmed embryo morphology, clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: There were 65 frozen thawed cycles in each group. The percentage of excellent and good morphology embryos before cryopreservation were same in both the groups, but after thawing the results were significantly in favour of Vitrification as compared to Slow freezing. In Vitrification group versus Slow freezing group, the different outcomes were survival rate (96.95% vs. 69.06%, p-0.000), post warmed excellent morphology embryos (94.17% vs. 60.8%, p-0.000) clinical pregnancy rate (41.53% vs. 21.53%, p-0.043) and the implantation rate (14.41% vs. 7.01%, p-0.024). Conclusions: Vitrification is a promising alternate to the conventional slow freezing method in terms of not only excellent survival and post warmed excellent morphology embryo rate but also higher clinical pregnancy and implantation rate.
ABSTRACT
Objective To estimate the clinical value of 4 methods of endometrium preparation for frozen‐thawed embryo transfer(FET ) cycle .Methods Total 320 FET cycles completed in center of reproductive medicine of Qingyuan people′s hospital from March 2013 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed ,and divided into 4 groups :natural cycle group(group A ,n=70) ,o‐vulation‐inducing cycle group(group B ,n=152) ,hormone replacement treatment(HRT) cycle group (group C ,n=74) ,down‐regu‐lated HRT cycle (group D ,n=24) .The pregnancy outcomes were followed and compared among these different 4 groups .Results In FET cycles ,the clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates of group B ,group C and group D were significantly higher than that of group A (P0 .05) .However ,the rank of the FET cycle of group D was significantly higher than those of the other three groups(P<0 .05) .Conclusion In FET cycles ,the methods of ovulation‐inducing ,HRT and down‐reg‐ulated HRT all have favorable clinical outcomes ,and the method of down‐regulated HRT is more suitable for patients with previous implantation failure .
ABSTRACT
The aim of our study was to compare the Implantation rates of embryos transferred after two and five days of culture. A Randomized, prospective study was conducted in Infertility clinic, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur on 300 patients aged 25-40 years undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle from May 2010-April 2011. When three or more Grade-I embryos were observed on day 2 of culture, patients were divided randomly into two study groups, day 3 transfer group and blastocyst transfer group or day 5 transfer group having 150 patients each. IVF outcome in terms of Implantation rate was compared between the groups. The results were analyzed using proportions, standard deviation and chi-square test.Both the groups were similar for age, indication and number of embryos transferred. Embryo transfers on day 5 resulted in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates as compared with day 3 embryo transfers(44% and 35.17% versus 29.33% and 21.35%, respectively)(P< 0.001). No significant difference was found in terms of multiple gestations in both the groups. Embryo transfers on day 5 of culture give significantly higher chance of ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates per cycle and per transfer than day 3 transfers.
ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the mechanical stimulation to the endometrium on the clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate in the frozen thawed embryo transfer of hormone replacement therapy.Methods There were 193 patients undergoing the frozen thawed embryo transfer of hormone replacement therapy.According to the endometrial condition on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle,they were divided into three groups.Group A,54 patients whose endometrial thickness was no less than 0.6 cm or abnormal endometrium were operated the mechanical stimulation.Group B,55 patients whose endometrial thickness was no less than 0.6 cm or abnormal endometrial were not operated the mechanical stimulation.Group C,84 patients whose endometrial thickness was less than 0.6 cm and normal endometrium.Each group was divided into blastomere transplantation and blastula transplantation.Group A was 23,31 patients,group B was 24,31 patients,group C was 39,45 patients.The age,number of embryo,level of estradiol when injecting chorionic gonadotrophin,clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate were compared.Results (1) The clinical feature of blastula transplantation.The age,number of embryo,embryo implantation rate among three groups had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).The clinical pregnancy rate in group A and group C was significantly higher than that in group B [73.91％ (17/23),69.23％ (27/39)vs.37.50％(9/24)] (P ＜ 0.05),and there was no significant difference between group A and group C (P ＞ 0.05).The level of estradiol when injecting chorionic gonadotrophin in group C was significantly higher than that in group B [(841.56 ± 802.73) μ g/L vs.(293.34 ± 69.14) μ g/L] (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference between group A and group B,group A and group C (P ＞0.05).(2)The clinical feature of blastomere transplantation.The age,number of embryo,level of estradiol when injecting chorionic gonadotrophin,embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate among three groups had no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Mechanical stimulation to the endometrium can significantly improve the clinical pregnancy rate of blastula transplantation.It has no improvement for embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate of blastomere transplantation.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical value of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer and the blastocyst derived from frozen-thawed cleavage stage embryo transfer.Methods The data of 5 1 8 cycles in reproductive medicine center of the hospital from Sep-tember 2012 to August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the frozen-embryos type,all patients were divided into three groups,group A:frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer,129 cycles;group B:blastocysts derived from frozen-thawed cleavage stage embryos transfer,123 cycles;group C:frozen-thawed cleavage embryos transfer,266 cycles.The clinical outcomes of all groups were compared with each other,and the rates of blastocyst formation and cancellation were compared between group A and group B.Re-sults The rates of biochemical pregnancy,clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation in group A(70.5%,61.2%,42.3%)and group B(67.5%,58.2%,40.2%)were significantly higher than group C(53.0%,42.5%,23.1%)(P0.05);there were no significant differences in the blastocyst formation rates of the high quality cleavage embryos at D3 in fresh cycles and the frozen-thawed cleavage embryos(62.5%vs.57.7%)(P>0.05)and those two groups were both significantly higher than the poor quality cleavage embryos at D3 in fresh cycles(20.3%)(P<0.05).Conclusion Blastocyst transfer in vitrified-thawed cycles could get rel-atively satisfactory clinical outcomes.There are higher blastocyst formation rate and better clinical outcomes of transfer blastocyst derived from frozen-thawed cleavage embryo.
ABSTRACT
The aim of our study was to compare the Implantation rates of embryos transferred after two and five days of culture. A Randomized, prospective study was conducted in Infertility clinic, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur on 300 patients aged 25-40 years undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle from May 2010-April 2011. When three or more Grade-I embryos were observed on day 2 of culture, patients were divided randomly into two study groups, day 3 transfer group and blastocyst transfer group or day 5 transfer group having 150 patients each. IVF outcome in terms of Implantation rate was compared between the groups. The results were analyzed using proportions, standard deviation and chi-square test.Both the groups were similar for age, indication and number of embryos transferred. Embryo transfers on day 5 resulted in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates as compared with day 3 embryo transfers(44% and 35.17% versus 29.33% and 21.35%, respectively)(P< 0.001). No significant difference was found in terms of multiple gestations in both the groups. Embryo transfers on day 5 of culture give significantly higher chance of ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates per cycle and per transfer than day 3 transfers.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to review the experience and outcomes of assisted reproduction cycles with embryos grown up to day 5 of development, comparing different parameters according to the ages of the patients. We retrospectively studied 1,874 assisted reproduction cycles where embryo culture was extended up to the fifth or sixth day of development. All IVF and ICSI cycles were included, comparing, according to patient age, the following rates: blastocyst formation, pregnancy, implantation and abortion. As control, we analyzed cycles with donated oocytes from young donors (OD). The number of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage is similar in all groups of patients. Only the OD group was different in terms of blastocyst formation, pregnancy and implantation rates. Patients over 39 years of age had an abortion rate of 59.1 percent, which is significantly higher than the other groups. Extended embryo culture up to the blastocyst stage can be implemented in programs of assisted reproduction in order to increase the pregnancy rate. The potential of blastocyst implantation is high, allowing us to transfer fewer embryos and reduce the probability of multiple pregnancies.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Embryo Culture Techniques/methods , Embryo Transfer/methods , Fertilization in Vitro/methods , Pregnancy, Multiple , Cryopreservation , Maternal Age , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Rate , Retrospective Studies , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Objective To analyse the effects of serum estradiol levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods The clinical data of 472 patients undergoing IVF-ET with GnRH analogues recombinant FSH long protocol were retrospectively analysed. The area under the curve (AUC) of estradiol (E2) level was calculated during COH, and patients were categorized into groups according to the percentile of AUC of E2(AUCE2) during COH. The general characteristics and parameters related to the outcomes of IVF-ET were compared among groups. Results The 10th percentile and 90th percentile of AUCE2 were 3 347.0 pmoL/L and 14 414.3 pmol/L, respectively. Four hundred and seventy-two patients were divided into lower reaction group (AUCE2 3 347.0 pmol/L, n=48), normal reaction group (14 414.3 pmol/L>AUCE2 > 3 347.0 pmol/L, n=376) and higher reaction group (AUCE2≥14 413.3 pmol/L, n=48). There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, baseline follicle stimulating hormone level, time of treatment with gonadotropin, endometrium thickness on day of transfer and embryos transferred(P>0.05). Compared with lower reaction group and normal reaction group, the number of oocytes per retrieval and number of embryos frozen were significantly larger(P<0.01) and the mild/severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome rate was significantly higher in higher reaction group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in fertilization rate, cumulative embryo score, high-grade embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate among groups (P> 0.05). Conclusion Sustained snpraphysiological serum E2 levels during the COH process do not adversely affect the quality of oocytes and embryos, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate to some extent in IVF-ET.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of cryopreserved-thawed blastocyst transfer (CT-BT) in natural or programmed cycles using exogenous steroid hormones. METHODS: A total of 221 CT-BT cycles were included and divided into two groups according to endometrial preparation protocols. In natural cycle group (n=116), monitoring was performed by transvaginal ultrasonography to detect ovulation. In programmed cycle group (n=105), oral estradiol valerate, 6 mg/day, was started on the third day of the menstrual cycle and administered continuously, and progesterone in oil 100 mg i.m. daily injection was started on cycle day 15. CT-BTs were performed on five days after ovulation in natural cycles and five days after the initiation of progesterone administration in programmed cycles. Pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and other clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics of study subjects did not differ between the two groups. Post-thaw survival rates, number of transferred blastocysts, and number of good-quality blastocysts were not different. There were no statistically significant differences in implantation rates (21.1% vs. 19.4%), clinical pregnancy rates (36.2% vs. 36.2%), and ongoing pregnancy rates (28.4% vs. 27.6%) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences were found in pregnancy rates and implantation rates between the two protocols. Our results suggest that both protocols are equally effective for endometrial preparation in CT-BT cycles.
Subject(s)
Female , Blastocyst , Embryo Transfer , Estradiol , Menstrual Cycle , Ovulation , Pregnancy Rate , Progesterone , Survival Rate , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Low-dose aspirin have been proposed to improving endometrial receptivity and pregnancy rate in COH-IVF by increasing endometrial perfusion. However, the effect of low-dose aspirin in COH-IVF could be negligible because there have been large quantity of other important factors responsible for changing endometrial perfusion accompanied by COH procedure. In contrast, in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles which were not accompanied by COH procedure, the effects of low-dose aspirin in endometrial blood flow seems to be more certain than in COH-IVF cycles. In this study, we analyzed the effect of low-dose aspirin treatment on implantation and pregnancy rates in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2003, total 264 cycles from 264 patients who attended infertility clinic at Samsung Cheil Hospital were enrolled in this study. All cases included in this study, embryos were frozen and thawed at the pronuclear stage and three days after incubation, at least 2 or more good quality embryos were transferred into uterus. In study group, low dose aspirin (100 mg/day) was administrated from the first or second date of menstrual day to 9 days after embryo transfer. On the other hand, control group did not take any medicine except estradiol valerate for endometrial priming. Several variables including implantation and pregnancy rates were compared in both groups. After then, each groups were stratified by endometrial thickness checked at embryo transfer (ET) day such as (28 mm versus 0.05) After we analyzed same variables stratified by endometrial thickness checked at embryo transfer day, we could not found any significant difference between study and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose aspirin treatment seems to have no advantage of improving implantation and pregnancy rates in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
Subject(s)
Humans , Pregnancy , Aspirin , Embryo Transfer , Embryonic Structures , Estradiol , Hand , Infertility , Perfusion , Pregnancy Rate , UterusABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two different embryo transfer catheters, Norfolk and Wallace, in terms of the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo trabsfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one IVF-ET cycles performed in 132 infertile couples were included in this retrospective study. The couples were subjected to two different embryo transfer catheter types: Norfolk catheter group (92 cycles) and Wallace catheter group (79 cycles). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was performed using step-down protocol with GnRH agonist or antagonist. Four or less embryos were transferred on day 2 or 3 after oocyte retrieval. The luteal phase was supported by intramuscular progesterone (Progest) or intravaginal 8% progesterone gel (Crinone). RESULTS: The pregnancy rate per ET and the implantation rate were significantly higher in Wallace catheter group, respectively (20.7% vs. 34.2%, p=0.047; 9.7% vs. 15.1%, p=0.047). No statistically significant differences were observed in the other parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The Wallace catheter showed better IVF-ET outcomes when compared with the Norfolk catheter in our study. Further prospective randomized controlled studies in a larger scale will be necessary to confirm our findings.
Subject(s)
Female , Catheters , Embryo Transfer , Embryonic Structures , Family Characteristics , Fertilization in Vitro , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone , Luteal Phase , Oocyte Retrieval , Pregnancy Rate , Progesterone , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of assisted hatching (AH) with partial zona dissection (PZD) in intrauterine embryo transfer in the patients who failed more than 2 times with standard IVF-ET protocol (Group R), were more than 37 years old (Group A), or had high basal serum FSH levels more than 15 mIU/ml (Group F). METHODS: From January, 1998 to June, 2002, 156 cycles of AH with partial zona dissection were performed in 117 infertile patients in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital. The outcomes of AH were analyzed according to pregnancy rate. RESULTS: The number of oocytes retrieved after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was 8.3 +/- 5.2 in 104 cycles of 75 patients who failed more than 2 times with standard IVF-ET protocol (Group I: Groups R, R+A, R+F, and R+A+F), 7.7 +/- 5.0 in 82 cycles of 67 patients who were more than 37 years old (Group II: Groups A, R+A, A+F, and R+A+F), and 7.2 +/- 4.9 in 38 cycles of 30 patients who had high basal serum FSH levels more than 15 mIU/ml (Group III: Groups F, R+F, A+F, and R+A+F). The number of embryos transferred after AH was 4.1 +/- 1.5 in Group I, 3.7 +/- 1.3 in Group II, and 4.0 +/- 1.7 in Group III. The mean cumulative embryo score (CES) was 81.9 +/- 46.5 in Group I, 75.9 +/- 43.0 in Group II, and 75.7 +/- 40.2 in Group III. There were no significant differences in the numbers of oocytes retrieved, embryos transferred and CES among 3 groups. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 22.4% (35/156) per cycle and 29.9% (35/117) per patient. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle and per patient was 18.3% (19/104) and 25.3% (19/75) in Group I, 15.9% (13/82) and 19.4% (13/67) in Group II, and 31.6% (12/38) and 40.0% (12/30) in Group III, and there was a significant difference between Group II and Group III. CONCLUSION: AH of human embryos with PZD might be promising for the improvement of pregnancy rates, especially in the patients with the past history of repeated failure, old age, or high basal serum FSH level.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Embryo Transfer , Embryonic Structures , Gynecology , Herpes Zoster , Obstetrics , Oocytes , Pregnancy Rate , SeoulABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference of implantation rate (IR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) between two protocols of endometrial preperation in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHODS: This study was performed during the different time periods: A retrospective study from January 2000 to June 2001 (phase I) and a prospective study from July 2001 to March 2002 (phase II). All the patients received estradiol valerate (6 mg p.o. daily) starting from day 1 or 2 of the menstrual cycle without pituitary down regulation. Progesterone was administered around day 14 after sonographic confirmation of endometrial thickness > or = 7 mm and no growing follicle. In Group A (n=88, 99 cycles) of phase I, progesterone was administered i.m. at a dose of 50 mg daily from one day prior to thawing of pronuclear (PN) stage frozen embryo or three days prior to thawing of 6-8 cell stage frozen embryo and then each stage embryos were trasnsferred 2 days or 1 day later after thawing. In Group B (n=246, 299 cycles) of phase I, patients recieved progesterone 100 mg i.m. from one day earlier than group A; two days prior to PN embryo thawing, four days prior to of 6-8 cell embryo thawing. During the phase II, to exclude any differences in embryo transfer procedures, in Group 1 (n=23, 28 cycles) of phase II embryo was transfered by one who have used the progesterone protocol since the phase I. In Group 2 (n=122, 139 cycles) of phase II embryo was transfered by one who use the progesterone protocol from the phase II. RESULTS: When compared across the phase and group, there were no significant differences in the characteristics. During the phase I, there were significant increase in IR (14.4% vs 5.9%, p=0.001) and CPR (28.3% vs 14.5%, p=0.000) in group A. During the phases II, IR (11.8% vs 10.6%) and CPR (27.6% vs 27.3%) show no differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In FET cycles, IR and CPR are increased significantly by the change of dosage and timing of progesterone administraton. And the timing is considered to be more important factor because the dosage of progesterone did not affect implantation window in previous studies. Therefore, we suggest that progesterone administration in FET cycle should begin from one day prior to PN stage embryo thawing and three days prior to 6-8 cell stage embryo thawing.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Down-Regulation , Embryo Transfer , Embryonic Structures , Estradiol , Menstrual Cycle , Pregnancy Rate , Progesterone , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Although the fertilization rate exceeds to 80~90% with much progress in vitro fertilizaton and embyo transfer(IVF-ET) program, the prgnancy rate rmains at 20~30%, and the endometrial implantaion rate per embryo transferred at 10~15%. Recently, many attempts have been made to improve embrynic implantion after IVF-ET including serveral procedures of assisted hatching(AH) using micromanipulation, and pregnacies and births have been obtained after AH. This clinical study was performed to develop and estabilish AH as an effective procedure to improve embryonic implantioan in IVF-ET patients who had previous repeated failure of standard IVF-ET more than 2 times(Group R), were more than 37 years old(Group A), or had high basal serun FSH levels more than 15 mIU/ml(Group F). From January, 1995 to Februry, 1996, 132 cycles of AH using partial zona dissection(PZD) were performed in 104 infertile patients, and the outcomes of AH were analyzed according to pregnancy rate. The number of oocytes retrieved after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) was 9.9+/-7.1 in 71 cycles of 54 patients who had previous repeated failure more than two times(Group I: Group R,R+A,R+F, and R+A+F), 8.4+/-5.9 in 62 cycles of 46 patients whose age was more than 37 years old(Group II : Groups A, R+A, A+F, and R+A+F), and 8.7+/-6.5 in 49 cycles of 47 patients who had high basal serum FSH levels more than 15 mIU/ml(Group III:Groups F,R+F, A+F, and R+A+F). The number of embroys transferred after AH was 4.7 +/-1.8 in Group I, 4.2 +/-1.9 in Group II, and 4.2+/-2.0 in Froup III. The mean cumulative embryo score(CES) was 56.8+/-30.0 in Group I, 52.6+/-30.6 in Group II, and 52.6+/-29.9 in Group III. There were no significant differences in the numbers of oocytes rerieved and embryos transferred, and CES among 3 groups. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 14.4%(19/132) per cycle and 18.3%(19/104) per patient. THe clinical pregnancy rate per cycle and per patient was 12.7%(9/71) and 16.7%(9/54) in Group I, 4.8% (3/62) and 6.5%(3/46) in Group II, and 26.5%(13/49) and 27.7%(13/47) in Group III, and there was a significant difference between Group II and Group III. In conclusion, AH of human embryos using micromanipulation might be promising for IVF-ET patients, especially with the past history of repeated failure, old age, and high basal serum FSH level and AH will provide a range of novel techiques which may dramatically improve the implanatation and pregnancy rates in IVF-ET program and contribute much to effective management of infertile couples.