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Objective To investigate the effects of combined assessment of normal morphology sperm rate(MNS)with sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 641 patients who underwent IVF-ET in our center from June 2020 to February 2023.According to MNS and DFI levels,the patients were divided into group A(MNS＜4％,DFI＜25％,403 cases),group B(MNS ≥4％,DFI ≥25％,9 ca-ses),group C(MNS≥4％,DFI＜25％,125 cases),group D(MNS＜4％,DFI≥25％,104 cases),group A1(MNS＜1％,DFI＜25％,106 cases)and group D1(MNS＜1％,DFI≥25％,60 cases).The general information,semen parameters,embryo develop-ment and pregnancy outcomes were compared among all the 6 groups.Results No statistically significant differences were found be-tween female and male age among these groups(P＞0.05).Significant differences were observed in sperm motility,progressive motili-ty,sperm concentration and fertilization rates(P＜0.05),but no differences of usable embryo rates,good-quality embryo rates,clinical pregnancy rates,early miscarriage rates,or live birth rates(P＞0.05)among the groups A,B,C,D,A1 and D1.Conclusion The decreased MNS and increased DFI in males were associated with reduced sperm motility and concentration,affecting fertilization rates in IVF-ET,but had no significant impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes.The combined assessment of MNS with DFI had limited pre-dictive value for IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes.
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Objective:To analyse the clinical significance of selective single embryo transfer by time-lapse mo-nitoring(TLM)or conventional morphology assessment(CMA)in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm in-jection and embryo transfer(IVF/ICSI-ET),and to initially explore the predictive value of Raman spectral analy-sis of embryo culture medium for clinical pregnancy rate.Methods:The study is a prospective randomized con-trolled clinical trial.We assigned 139 patients treated with IVF/ICSI-ET in Reproductive and Genetics Center of Suzhou Municipal Hospital from April 2019 to July 2020,which were randomly assigned to either the CMA or the TLM group.We performed selective single-embryo transfer(fresh cycle and FET)after selecting the optimal em-bryos with TLM or CMA respectively.If the patient's first embryo transfer was unsuccessful,a second one would be performed to compare the differences in the cumulative live birth rate of embryo transfer and other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.Meanwhile,we collected 15 μl of embryo culture medium at day 3 after IVF/ISCI fertilization for Raman spectroscopy analysis.Results:There were no differences in cumulative live birth,cu-mulative clinical pregnancy,cumulative premature birth,cumulative early spontaneous abortion,cumulative ectopic pregnancy and LGA or SGA between TLM and CMA groups(P＞0.05).The Neonatal sex ratio in the TLM group was lower than that in the CMA group,but the difference was not significant(P＞0.05).Raman spectros-copy analysis of embryo culture medium predicted the clinical pregnancy rate with 67.21％accuracy.Conclu-sions:In young women with a good ovarian reserve,the advantage of using TLM to evaluate embryos is not obvi-ous,so we should remain vigilant that embryo selection based on morphokinetic parameters may affect the sex ratio.Raman spectroscopic analysis of embryo culture medium is not yet able to effectively predict the planting ability of embryos.
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Objective @#To investigate the correlation between tongue and pulse indicators and the outcome of live birth in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), as well as the association between these indicators and patients’ endocrine parameters.@*Methods@#This study was conducted at Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, from March 8, 2021 to January 5, 2022. Patients undergoing FET were divided into live birth and non-live birth groups according to their live birth outcome. The differences between the endocrine parameters [basic follicle stimulating hormone (b FSH), basic luteinizing hormone (b LH), basic estradiol (b E2), basic progesterone (b P), basal endometrial thickness, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on endometrial transition day, luteinizing hormone (LH) on endometrial transition day, estradiol (E2) on endometrial transition day, progesterone (P) on endometrial transition day, and endometrial thickness on endometrial transition day] and the tongue and pulse indicators [tongue body (TB)-L, TB-a, TB-b, tongue coating (TC)-L, TC-a, TC-b, perAll, perPart, h1, h4, h5, t1, h1/t1, and h4/h1] of patients in the two groups were analyzed, with the correlation between these variables analyzed as well using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the influential factors in the live birth prediction models across various datasets, including Model 1 consisting of endocrine indicators only, Model 2 solely consisting of tongue and pulse indicators, and Model 3 consisting of both tongue, pulse, and endocrine indicators, as well as to evaluate efficacy of the models derived from different datasets.@*Result@#This study included 78 patients in live birth group and 144 patients in non-live birth group. Compared with non-live birth group, live birth group exhibited higher levels of TB-L (P = 0.01) and TB-a (P = 0.04), while demonstrated lower levels of b FSH (P = 0.01), perAll (P = 0.04), and h4/h1 (P = 0.03). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis revealed statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) between TB-L, TB-b, TC-L, TC-b, perAll, perPart, h4, h5, t1, h1/t1 and b FSH, b LH, basal endometrial thickness, LH on endometrial transition day, E2 on endometrial transition day, P on endometrial transition day, and endometrial thickness on endometrial transition day in live birth group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prediction Model 3 for live birth outcome [area under the curve (AUC): 0.917,95% confidence interval (CI): 0.863 − 0.971, P < 0.001] surpassed the Model 1 (AUC: 0.698,95% CI: 0.593 − 0.803, P = 0.001), or the Model 2 (AUC: 0.790, 95% CI: 0.699 − 0.880, P < 0.001). The regression equations for the live birth outcomes, integrating tongue and pulse indicators with endocrine parameters, included the following measures: FSH on endometrial transition day [odds ratio (OR): 0.523, P = 0.025], LH on endometrial transition day (OR: 1.277, P = 0.029), TB-L (OR: 2.401, P = 0.001), perPart (OR: 1.018, P = 0.013), h1(OR: 0.065, P = 0.021), t1 (OR: 4.354, P = 0.024), and h4/h1 (OR: 0.018, P = 0.016).@*Conclusion@#In infertility patients undergoing FET, there exists a correlation between tongue and pulse indicators and endocrine parameters. The corporation of tongue and pulse indicators significantly improved the predictive capability of the model for live birth outcomes. Specifically, tongue and pulse indicators such as TB-L, perPart, h1, t1, and h4/h1 exhibited a discernible correlation with the ultimate live birth outcomes.
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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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Objective:To explore the potential categories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trajectories in women with multiple in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failures, and to analyze the effects of different demographic characteristics and psychological factors on the potential categories of PTSD trajectories.Methods:This was a prospective empirical research, from May 2021 to October 2022, women with IVF-ET failure ≥ 2 times in the reproductive department of Shanghai First People′s Hospital from May 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the research objects. Post-traumatic stress disorder civilian version scale was used for 4 follow-ups at 3 d (T1), 10 d (T2), 20 d (T3) after the last transplantation failure and 3 d before the next transplantation cycle (T4). Telephone follow-up and online follow-up were combined to obtain the PTSD level at 4 time points. Potential categories of PTSD score trajectories at four time points were identified using a latent category growth model, and analyze influencing factors using unordered multi classification logistic analysis.Results:Totally 196 IVF-ET women were admitted, aged (29.42 ± 4.13) years. Three PTSD trajectories were fitted in this study, including 82 cases (42%) in non-PTSD group, 61 cases (31%) in mild PTSD group and 53 cases (27%) in elevated PTSD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, fertility pressure and marital adjustment level were the predictors of PTSD trajectory in women with multiple IVF-ET failures. Compared with the non-PTSD group, women aged ≥35 years, with lower education level and marital adjustment level were more likely to enter the elevated PTSD group ( OR=4.570, 8.540, 0.949, all P<0.05). Women aged 35 years and with greater reproductive pressure were more likely to enter the mild PTSD group ( OR=3.871, 1.063, both P<0.05). Conclusions:There is group heterogeneity in the trajectories of PTSD in women with multiple IVF-ET failures in the next transplantation cycle. Old age, low education level, high fertility pressure and poor marital adjustment can predict the trajectories of PTSD. Fertility stress and marriage adjustment are changeable variables. Medical staff can relieve women′s fertility pressure through health education and mindfulness intervention, promote a good state of marriage adjustment, and minimize the adverse effects of PTSD on the next cycle of conception.
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Objective:To investigate the relationship between psychologicalresilience and irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality in female patients with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, and to analyze the mediating effect of psychological resilience on irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality, so as to provide guidance for infertility patients to improve their psychological resilience and fertility life quality.Methods:A cross-sectional study method was used to conveniently sample 460 female patients with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer who were admitted to the Women′s Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University from October 2022 to April 2023.General data questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Irrational Parenthood Cognitions Questionnaire and the Fertility Quality of Life were used for investigation.Results:A total of 449 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Patients aged (33.31 ± 4.99) years old. The total scores of irrational parenthood cognition, psychological resilience and the fertility quality of life were (38.73 ± 9.31), (63.19 ± 15.40) and (68.18 ± 11.89) points respectively for female patients with IVF-ET. The total score of irrational parenthood cognition was negatively correlated with the total score of fertility quality of life ( r = - 0.513, P<0.01), and the total score of psychological resilience was positively correlated with the total score of fertility quality of life ( r = 0.424, P<0.01). Pychological resilience played a partial mediating role between irrational parenthood cognition and fertility life quality, with the mediating effect accounting for 28.01% of the total effect. Conclusions:The irrational parenthood cognition of female patients with IVF-ET is at a medium level, and the psychological resilience and the fertility quality of life are at a low level. The irrational parenthood cognition has a direct negative predictive effect on the fertility life quality of patients, while the psychological resilience is a positive predictor of fertility life quality. Irrational parenthood cognition can directly or indirectly affect patients′ fertility life quality through psychological resilience. Clinical medical staff should take effective measures to reduce patients′ irrational parenthood cognition level and improve their psychological resilience, so as to improve patients′ fertility life quality.
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Objective To investigate the role of complement C3 in early predicting pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer(F-ET).Methods A total of 378 F-ET cycles were prospectively collected and divided into group A(complement C3≤1.05,120 cycles)and group B(complement C3>1.05,258 cycles)based on the best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting F-ET pregnancy outcomes.The outcomes of the two groups were compared,and the best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting F-ET spontaneous abortion was analyzed in group B.Results Age was a risk factor for successful F-ET pregnancy(P<0.05),and complement C3 and embryo type were protective factors for successful F-ET pregnancy(P<0.05).The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve(ROC)of complement C3 for predicting F-ET pregnancy outcome was 0.702,and the best cutoff value was 1.05 g/L,with a clinical pregnancy sensitivity of 87.60%and a specificity of 52.00%.The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate in group B were both significantly higher than those in group A(67.05%vs.52.75%,P<0.05).The best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting spontaneous abortion after F-ET was 1.32 g/L,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.760,a sensitivity of 69.00%,and a specificity of 81.20%.Conclusions Complement C3 is of significance in the early prediction of F-ET pregnancy outcome.When complement C3 exceeds the level of 1.32 g/L,it may lead to an increase in the rate of spontaneous abortion.
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BACKGROUND:Currently,hormone replacement therapy is the main treatment in Western medicine for patients with decreased ovarian function,but these patients are not sensitive to exogenous hormones,leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic effect.Zishen-Yutai pills can nourish the blood and calm the fetus,tonify the kidney and spleen,invigorate qi and strengthen the body.Studies have confirmed that Zishen-Yutai pill is effective in reducing follicle-stimulating hormone index and improving traditional Chinese medicine symptoms in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.However,few studies have been conducted to improve the implantation rate of patients by improving endometrial receptivity. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of Zishen-Yutai pills on the clinical outcome of patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer again. METHODS:A total of 300 patients with diminished ovarian reserve who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer to assist pregnancy after the first failure in the Center of Reproductive Medicine,Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects.Subjects were randomly treated with a placebo or Zishen-Yutai pills in a ratio of 1:2,with 100 cases in the treatment group and 200 cases in the control group.However,13 patients fell off due to lack of contact,refusal to take medicine or other reasons.Finally,90 cases in the treatment group and 197 cases in the control group were included in the study.Oral medication was administered 7 days before frozen-thawed embryo transfer transplantation at a dose of 5 g/time,3 times/day.To investigate whether taking Zishen-Yutai pills could improve the clinical outcome of patients with diminished ovarian reserve after frozen-thawed embryo transfer again,the primary outcome measures included clinical pregnancy rate,implantation rate,abortion rate,live birth rate,offspring birth weight and birth defects. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the clinical pregnancy rate(P<0.05)and implantation rate(P=0.009)were significantly increased after the oral administration of Zishen-Yutai pills.Correlation analysis showed that taking the Zishen-Yutai pill was positively correlated with the number of implanted embryos(r=0.200,P=0.001)and clinical pregnancy(r=0.235,P=0.000).There was no correlation between taking Zishen-Yutai pills and indexes of endometrial thickness and blood flow.It is indicated that Zishen-Yutai pills can improve the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate of frozen-thawed embryo transfer recurrence in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
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BACKGROUND:In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is commonly used to solve infertility,but its success rate is not high,the more common reasons are poor endometrial receptivity,poor egg quality,etc.The follicular fluid melatonin can inhibit the aging of the ovary,to a certain extent,can promote the development of embryos,improve the probability of conception,but whether there is a correlation between the two is not known. OBJECTIVE:To explore the correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women. METHODS:A total of 112 female patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from December 2020 to April 2021 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into quartile array(Q1-Q5)according to the follicular fluid melatonin level from low to high.Among them,the melatonin level of group Q1 was<6.99 ng/L(n=18),that of group Q2 was 7.00-9.99 ng/L(n=26),that of group Q3 was 10.00-11.99 ng/L(n=27),and that of group Q4 was 12.00-13.99 ng/L(n=18);and melatonin levels in group Q5 were 14.00-19.99 ng/L(n=23).Clinical data characteristics of the five groups were compared.Multi-factor Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of women with single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer and embryo transfer.A restricted cubic spline Logistic regression model was established to analyze the dose-response relationship,and the model was evaluated by clinical decision curve. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the study population with the lowest melatonin quintile(Q1),with the increase of melatonin level(Q2-Q5),the levels of egg harvest and pregnancy success were gradually increased,and the body mass index was gradually decreased,and the differences were significant(P<0.05).(2)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as global mass index,number of eggs retrieved,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,progesterone and other confounding factors,follicular fluid melatonin level was still independently correlated with pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(OR=1.538,95%CI:1.032-1.837,P<0.05),and there was significant difference in trend test of follicular fluid melatonin level from low to high quintile array(Ptrend<0.05).(3)The sensitivity test analysis showed that E value was 2.117.Subgroup analysis showed that the study population with higher levels of luteinizing hormone in follicular fluid had a more significant association between follicular fluid melatonin and pregnancy rate in single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(P interaction=0.008).(4)The results of restricted cubic spline model analysis showed that there was a nonlinear dose-response relationship between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women(P<0.05),and there was an overall positive correlation between follicular fluid melatonin level and pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women.(5)The results of clinical decision curve analysis showed that the follicular fluid melatonin level had important clinical value in predicting the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women.(6)Follicular fluid melatonin level is closely related to the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women,and with the decrease of follicular fluid melatonin level,the pregnancy rate of single-cycle in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer women also decreases.
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Objective To investigate the effect of anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)levels on the development potential of oocytes in patients with polycystic ovarian morphology(PCOM)complicated with infertility during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.Methods A total of 480 infertile patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected(160 cases in control group,104 cases in PCOM group and 216 cases in PCOS group),AMH levels were compared among different groups.According to the serum AMH level(4.7ng/ml as normal value,＞4.7ng/ml as high value),both PCOM and PCOS patients were divided into normal AMH group and high AMH group.The differences of oocyte indexes and their correlation between different AMH levels in PCOM and PCOS patients were ana-lyzed.Results The basal androgen level in PCOS group was significantly higher than that in PCOM group(P＜0.01).The comparison of serum AMH value showed that the control group＜PCOM group＜PCOS group(P＜0.001).Laboratory indexes showed that the num-ber of mature oocytes,2PN,fertilization,D3 cleavage and total embryos in the high AMH group were significantly higher than those in the normal AMH group in PCOM and PCOS patients(P＜0.05).The AMH levels was positively correlated with the number of mature oo-cytes,2PN,fertilization,D3 cleavage and total embryos(P＜0.05).In the PCOS group,the number of dominant follicles,oocytes,high-quality embryos and available embryos in the high AMH group were significantly higher than those in the normal AMH group(P＜0.05),and the AMH levels was positively correlated with the number of dominant follicles,oocytes,high-quality embryos and available embryos(P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the above indicators among different AMH levels in PCOM group(P＞0.05).Conclusion The serum AMH level of PCOM patients with infertility is higher than that of the control group,but lower than that of PCOS patients.PCOM patients with high AMH level can obtain better quality oocytes and more embryos,and increase the number of transplantation in patients with repeated transplantation failure,thereby improving the clinical pregnancy rate.
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Objective To investigate the distribution and clinical characteristics of TCM syndromes in infertility patients with autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT).Methods By referring to the relevant literature on the distribution of TCM syndromes of AIT and infertility in women of childbearing age,the TCM Syndromes Survey of Infertility Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis was formulated.256 cases of infertility patients with AIT who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)at the Reproductive Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from June 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The data of basic information,TCM syndromes,basic thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab)and thyroglobulin antibody(TG-Ab)were collected.By means of frequency analysis and systematic cluster analysis,the distribution regularity of TCM syndromes in infertility patients with AIT were concluded.Results After analysis,the following 5 common syndrome elements were obtained,namely,qi deficiency,liver depression,spleen deficiency,kidney deficiency and blood stasis.In addition,it was concluded that this disease was more common in complex syndromes.Through systematic clustering analysis,main TCM syndromes of this disease were obtained,which were qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome(69 cases,26.9%),spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome(45 cases,17.6%),spleen qi deficiency syndrome(38 cases,14.8%),qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(36 cases,14.1%),kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome(32 cases,12.5%)and other syndrome types(36 cases,14.1%).The basic TSH level was higher in patients with qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome,spleen qi deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome than other syndrome types,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in TPO-Ab and TG-Ab titers among different syndromes(P>0.05).Conclusion TCM syndromes of infertility patients with AIT can be clustered into qi deficiency and liver depression syndrome,spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome,spleen qi deficiency syndrome,qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome and other syndrome.The main element of syndrome is qi deficiency,and the pathological sites involved spleen,kidney and liver.Stasis blood is a main pathological product.It is required to pay close attention to the thyroid function in AIT patients with qi deficiency.
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Objective To investigate the clinical factors affecting live birth rate in patients who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and subsequent embryo transfer.Methods A total of 643 patients who had undergone hysteroscopic surgery to remove various degrees of intrauterine adhesion(IUA)and subsequently received embryo transfer between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Postoperative treatment regimens and pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer were collected.The primary endpoint was live birth rate.A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to further investigate the factors affecting pregnancy outcomes.Results Among the 643 IUA patients,20.5%(132/643)patients were diagnosed as having mild IUA,63.6%(409/643)patients moderate IUA,and15.9%(102/643)patients severe IUA.The median time from hysteroscopy to the first cycle of embryo transfer was 126(73,225)d.The clinical pregnancy rate was 32.7%(210/643)and the live birth rate was 24.7%(159/643).Logistic regression analysis found that age(OR =0.926,95%CI:0.880-0.974,P =0.003)and endometrial thickness on the day of transplantation(OR =1.188,95%CI:1.030-1.370,P =0.018)were prognostic factors of live birth.The live birth rate significantly decreased with age in the mild and moderate adhesion groups(P =0.004 and 0.018),while in the severe adhesion group,the live birth rate decreased with age,but the difference was not significant(P =0.526).Postoperative estrogen dosage,number of artificial cycles,interval between hysteroscopy and transplantation,fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer,and type of embryo transferred had no significant impact on live birth.Conclusions Maternal age and endometrial thickness on the day of transplantation are the most important predictors of live birth in patients undergoing embryo transfer after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.Fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer after surgery and the interval between hysteroscopy and transplantation do not affect the live birth rate.
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Objective @#To investigate the factors influencing the pregnancy outcomes during frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . @*Methods @#A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients ’data from 882 FET cycles . According to the pregnancy outcome , the patients were divided into non-implantation group (Group A) , abortion group ( Group B1) and live birth group ( Group B2) . Clinical data and laboratory parameters were compared among the three groups , and ordered Logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors influencing pregnancy outcomes after FET. Patients were also divided into four groups (C1-C4) based on the number of high-quality embryos obtained (0 - 3 , 4 - 6 , 7 - 10 , ≥11) , and their clinical data and laboratory parameters were compared .@*Results @#The clinical pregnancy rate , live birth rate , and miscarriage rate in the 882 treatment cycles were 71 . 09% (627/882) , 61 . 68% (544/882) , and 13 . 24% (83/627) ,respectively. Single-factor analysis showed significant differences in body mass index (BMI) , infertility type , human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day estradiol ( E2 ) level , number of retrieved oocytes , and number of high-quality embryos among Groups A , B1 , and B2 (P < 0. 05) . Further multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI(OR = 1 . 046 , 95% CI:1 . 001 - 1 . 093 , P = 0. 044) and a history of previous pregnancy(OR = 1 . 417 , 95% CI:1 . 030 - 1 . 950 , P = 0. 032) were independent risk factors for successful FET in PCOS patients , while an increased number of high-quality embryos was an independent protective factor for successful pregnancy. Based on the results of Group B2 , compared to Group A , OR = 0. 920 , 95% CI:0. 880 - 0. 962 , P = 0. 000;compared to Group B1 , OR = 0. 923 , 95% CI:0. 862 - 0. 988 , P = 0. 022 . Compared with the other three groups( C1-C3) , the total amount of gonadotropin (Gn) in the C4 group was the lowest and the number of oocytes obtained was the highest (P < 0. 05) . Multiple comparisons showed that Group C4 had lower BMI , follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) , very low-density lipoprotein ( vLDL) levels , a higher luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone ( LH/FSH) ratio compared to Group C1 (P < 0. 05) . Group C4 had lower fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR) levels compared to Group C3 , and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) levels compared to Groups C2 and C3 (P < 0. 05) . @*Conclusion@#BMI , the history of previous pregnancy and the number of high-quality embryos were both independent factors for predicting pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing FET cycles . Patients with a higher number of high-quality embryos have a higher clinical pregnancy rate during FET cycles .
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Objective To analyze the effects of down-regulation+hormone replacement therapy(HRT)endometrial preparation regimen on the pregnancy outcomes of advanced age women(≥35 years old)undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods The clinical data of 329 patients with frozen-thawed em-bryo transfer in this hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,149 pa-tients receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa)down-regulation+HRT endometrial preparation were included in the group A,and the other 180 patients with HRT endometrial preparation were included in the group B.The basic situation,endometrial transformation day situation and clinical outcome were compared between the two groups.The group A and group B were further divided into the two sub-groups according to age:group A1(35-＜40 years old,n=101),group A2(≥40 years old,n=48),group B1(35-＜40 years old,n=99)and group B2(≥40 years old,n=81).The effects of two endometrial prepara-tion regimens were compared among the different age groups.Results There were no significant differences in the age,infertility years,BMI,anti-Mullerian hormone level,as well as basal hormones levels such as estra-diol,progesterone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH),prolactin and testosterone between the two groups(P＞0.05).The levels of estradiol and LH on the endometrial transformation day in the group A were significantly lower than those in the group B(P＜0.05),the endometrial thickness,proportion of the patients with endometrial thickness ≥8 mm and proportion of the patients with type Ⅲ blood intima in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the number of transplanted embryos and the number of transplanted excellent embryos between the two groups(P＞0.05).The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B(46.31％vs.35.56％;33.33％vs.25.18％,P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in the early miscarriage rate between the two groups(P＞0.05).The further subgroup analysis showed that the clinical pregnancy rate and embryoimplantation rate in the group A2 were significant-ly higher than those in the group B2(35.42％vs.18.52％;21.43％vs.12.40％,P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference between the group A1 and group B1(P＞0.05).Conclusion The advanced age pa-tients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer could select GnRHa down-regulation+HRT regimen to a-chieve better pregnancy outcomes,especially for those age ≥40 years old.
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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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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. CONCLUSION: Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.
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Abstract Studies regarding serum Progesterone (P4) concentration and Clinical Pregnancy Rates (CPR) in fresh Embryo Transfer (ET) after Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Cycles (COS) remain inconclusive. To find a P4 cutoff point on fresh ET day associated with higher CPR, and to identify predictive factors of CPR and P4, the authors conducted a prospective cohort of 106 patients who underwent COS at a public IVF center. The luteal phase was supported with vaginal micronized progesterone (200 mg, 8/8h), beginning on oocyte retrieval day. The primary outcome was CPR beyond the 8th week of pregnancy. A ROC curve was constructed to identify the best cutoff point correlated with higher CPR. Multivariate analysis evaluated predictive variables of CPR and P4 concentration. P4 levels showed no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant patients (67.12 ± 31.1 ng/mL vs. 64.17 ± 61.76, p = 0.7465). The cutoff point correlated with higher CPR was P4 ≥ 28.9 ng/mL (AUC 0.5654). Women's age (OR = 0.878; 95 % CI 0.774-0.995) and top-quality embryo transfer (OR = 2.89; 95 % CI 1.148-7.316) were associated with CPR. Women's age ≥ 40 years (OR = 0.0956; 95 % CI 0.0156-0.5851), poor response to COS (OR = 0.0964; 95 % CI 0.0155-0.5966), and follicles ≥ 10 mm (OR = 1.465; 95 % CI 1.013-2.117) were associated with the cutoff point. As the ROC curve was unsatisfactory, P4 ≥ 28.9 ng/mL should not be used to infer gestational success. In fresh ET, P4 concentration may merely reflect a woman's age and individual response to COS rather than being a reliable CPR predictor.
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Background: Sequential embryo transfer is when both cleavage-stage embryo is transferred on day 3 and blastocyst is transferred on day 5, sequentially in the same cycle. This has been suggested for increasing embryo implantation rate. Sequential transfer gives benefit of both day 3 as well as day 5 transfer in the same cycle, giving better outcome in patients suffering infertility. This study compares the implantation rates in sequential transfer vs Day 3 and day 5 transfers.Methods: This multi-centric study is a retrospective study conducted over a period of one year at D. Y. Patil Fertility Centre, Navi Mumbai. Total of 432 transfers were conducted in patients, out of which 262 were Day 3 or cleavage stage embryo transfer, 109 were Day 5 or blastocyst embryo transfer and 61 were sequential embryo transfer.Results: Day 3 transfer group had the clinical pregnancy rate of 52.67%, whereas day 5 transfer group had 60.55% of clinical pregnancy positive cases. Sequential embryo transfer had implantation rate of 60.66%, which was slightly higher than day 5 (60.55%) and day 3 (52.67%) implantation rates.Conclusions: Sequential transfer has marginally increased rate of implantation and clinical pregnancy when compared to day 5 and day 3 transfers.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the influence of time (early <90 days and late >90 days) and endometrial injury on pregnancy success. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which all infertile women who underwent at least one in vitro fertilization cycle at Clinica Gera between 2010 and 2015 were considered for inclusion. We included patients with a normal ovarian reserve and regular menses at intervals of up to 30 days. A total of 315 patient files were reviewed, and the study group was composed of patients who faced fertility issues and had male-caused infertility or idiopathic infertility. Also, women with male or unknown cause of infertility who have performed endometrial biopsy and have undergone embryo transfer up to 180 days after this procedure between 2010 and 2015 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the interval between biopsy and embryo transfer: group 1 (early—an interval of <90 days) and group 2 (late—an interval of >90 days and up to 180 days). RESULTS: The results were superior for the group with an interval of less than 90 days relative to the group with an interval of more than 90 days (p<0.04). The pregnancy rates for group 1 and group 2 were 58.5% and 43.4%, respectively. The odds ratio for pregnancy success was 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.55). CONCLUSION: The early transfer of embryos (<90 days) may produce better results with a high rate of pregnancy. Further studies are necessary to identify the mechanism involved in this phenomenon.
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Background: It is known that human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has an important function in angiogenesis and reduces the inflammatory response which in turn favour the implantation process. Human chorionic gonadotrophin is secreted early during the pregnancy, hence plays an important role. Objective of the study is to investigate the effect of intrauterine hCG injection before embryo transfer (ET) on pregnancy outcome in infertile couples.Methods: 100 patients who have undergone embryo transfer from 01 October 2021, to 31 January 2022, in a study setting of ARC Fertility Centre, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. After ensuring that the patients satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 received intrauterine hCG 5000 IU 3 to 4 hours before embryo transfer. Group 2 control group that did not receive intrauterine hCG. Every patient in either group had been called back on day 15 of embryo transfer to check serum beta hCG. If beta hCG shows a positive result, then primary outcome was positive. Every patient who is pregnancy positive had been called back after 15 days of positive result to see evidence of fetal heartbeat in early obstetrics scan. If fetal heartbeat is present, then secondary outcome was documented.Results: There was significant paired difference in median values of endometrial thickness between day 2 and day on FET and it shows a positive effect on pregnancy results among the hCG group.Conclusions: This study enabled us to determine the effect of intrauterine HCG in improving the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF).