La automedicación con anticonceptivos orales e inyectables en mujeres en edad fértil: resultados de un plan piloto / Self-medication with oral and injectable contraceptives in women of childbearing age: results of a pilot plan

La automedicación consiste en la selección y el uso de los medicamentos por parte de las personas, sin la participación del médico ni su prescripción, en este sentido es considerada como un fenómeno constante que se produce como consecuencia de necesidades y problemas de múltiples causas, sobre todo de índole económica. Materiales y métodos: Se realiza una investigación de campo, de corte transversal, tipo descriptiva. Se utilizó una prueba piloto para establecer la validez, pertinencia y coherencia para determinar el grado de confiabilidad del instrumento cuantitativo diseñado el cual fue validado por juicio de expertos. Se encuestó a 20 mujeres auto medicadas con anticonceptivo oral e inyectable, seleccionado de forma aleatoria. Resultados: en cuanto a la validación del instrumento se obtiene una puntuación de 99.4de validez, 99.2 de pertinencia y 99.4 de coherencia, en su totalidad de 298 dándonos como resultado final de 99.3 % de confiabilidad. Conclusión: el instrumento ha sido aprobado por su confiabilidad y validez, quedando apto para ser aplicados a la muestra que representa esta investigación(AU)

La automedicación consiste en la selección y el uso de los medicamentos por parte de las personas, sin la participación del médico ni su prescripción, en este sentido es considerado como un fenómeno constante que se produce como consecuencia de necesidades y problemas de múltiples causas, sobre todo de índole económica. Materiales y métodos: Se realiza una investigación de campo, de corte transversal, tipo descriptiva. Se obtuvo una prueba piloto para establecer la validez, pertinencia y coherencia para determinar el grado de confiabilidad del instrumento diseñado cuantitativamente el cual fue validado por juicio de expertos. Se encontró a 20 mujeres automedicadas con anticonceptivo oral e inyectable, seleccionadas de forma aleatoria. Resultados: en cuanto a la validación del instrumento se obtiene una puntuación de 99.4 de validez, 99.2 de pertinencia y 99.4 de coherencia, en su totalidad de 298 dándonos como resultado final de 99.3 % de confiabilidad. Conclusión: el instrumento ha sido aprobado por su confiabilidad y validez, quedando apto para ser aplicado a la muestra que representa esta investigación(AU)

Therapeutic effects of dimethyldiguanide combined with clomifene citrate in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE In view of the high incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of dimethyldiguanide or clomifene citrate alone, our study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of dimethyldiguanide combined with clomifene citrate in the treatment of PCOS. METHODS A total of 79 patients with POCS and 35 healthy females were included, and endometrial biopsies were obtained. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP1) expression in endometrial tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. POC patients were randomly divided into group A (n=40) and group B (n=39). Patients in group A were treated with dimethyldiguanide combined with clomifene citrate, while patients in group B were treated with clomifene citrate alone. The number of mature follicles and cervical mucus score, follicular development rate and single follicle ovulation rate, cycle pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, ovulation rate, endometrial thickness, positive rate of three lines sign, follicle stimulating hormone level and luteinizing hormone level were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The expression level of SREBP1 was higher in PCOS patients than that in the healthy control. SREBP1 expression was inhibited after treatment, while the inhibitory effects of combined treatment were stronger than those of clomifene citrate alone. Compared with clomifene citrate alone, the combined treatment improved cervical mucus score, follicle development rate, single follicle ovulation rate, endometrial thickness, positive rate of three lines sign, and follicle-stimulating hormone level. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of combined treatment is better than clomifene citrate alone in the treatment of PCOS.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Tendo em vista a alta incidência de síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) e os efeitos terapêuticos insatisfatórios da dimetildiguanida ou do citrato de clomifeno isoladamente, nosso estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos terapêuticos da dimetildiguanida associada ao citrato de clomifeno no tratamento da SOP. MÉTODOS Um total de 79 pacientes com POCS e 35 mulheres saudáveis foram incluídos, e biópsias endometriais foram obtidas. A expressão da proteína de ligação do elemento regulador de esterol-1 (SREBP1) nos tecidos endometriais foi detectada por qRT-PCR. Pacientes POC foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo A (n=40) e grupo B (n=39). Os pacientes do grupo A foram tratados com dimetildiguanida combinada com citrato de clomifeno, enquanto os pacientes do grupo B foram tratados apenas com citrato de clomifeno. O número de folículos maduros e muco cervical, taxa de desenvolvimento folicular e taxa de ovulação, taxa de gravidez, abortamento precoce, taxa de ovulação, espessura endometrial, taxa positiva de três linhas, nível de hormônio folículo estimulante e nível de hormônio luteinizante foram comparados entre os dois grupos. RESULTADOS O nível de expressão do SREBP1 foi maior nos pacientes com SOP do que no controle normal. A expressão de SREBP1 foi inibida após o tratamento, enquanto os efeitos inibidores do tratamento combinado foram mais fortes do que os do citrato de clomifeno isoladamente. Comparado com o citrato de clomifeno sozinho, o tratamento combinado melhorou significativamente a pontuação do muco cervical, a taxa de desenvolvimento folicular, a taxa de ovulação do folículo único, a espessura endometrial, a taxa positiva de três linhas de sinal e o nível de hormônio folículo estimulante. CONCLUSÃO O efeito terapêutico do tratamento combinado é melhor do que o citrato de clomifeno isolado no tratamento da SOP.

Relationship between seasons and pregnancy rates during intrauterine insemination. A historical cohort

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The underlying cause of seasonal infertility in humans is unclear, but is likely to be ­multifactorial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the pregnancy rates among infertile women who underwent induced ovulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) with the season in which the fertility treatment was performed. DESIGN AND SETTING: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 466 patients who were treated in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility outpatient clinic of a tertiary-level women's healthcare and maternity hospital. METHODS: Retrospective demographic, hormonal and ultrasonographic data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin medications were used for induced ovulation. The patients were divided into four groups according to the season (spring, winter, autumn and summer) in which fertility treatment was received. Clinical pregnancy rates were calculated and compared between these four groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the seasonal groups in terms of age, infertility type, ovarian reserve tests, duration of infertility, medications used or length of stimulation. A total of 337 patients (72.3%) were treated with clomiphene citrate and 129 (27.7%) with gonadotropin; no significant difference between these two groups was observed. The clinical pregnancy rates for the spring, winter, autumn and summer groups were 15.6% (n = 24), 8.6% (n = 9), 11.5% (n = 13) and 7.4% (n = 7), respectively (P = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: Although the spring group had the highest pregnancy rate, the rates of successful IUI did not differ significantly between the seasonal groups.

Síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica severo: Informe de caso y revisión de literatura / Severe Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review / Síndrome de hiperestimulação ovárica grave: Relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Introducción: El síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica severo es la complicación más grave de la estimulación ovárica durante la inducción de la ovulación. Los hallazgos característicos son la presencia de ovarios aumentados de volumen y ascitis en relación a extravasación de líquido por aumento de la permeabilidad capilar, cuya severidad puede llevar a falla respiratoria, renal, colapso hemodinámico y eventos tromboembólicos. Objetivo: Describir un caso clínico de síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica, junto con una revisión de la literatura sobre la patología, orientada al diagnóstico y tratamiento óptimo de pacientes con estas características clínicas. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 29 años con antecedente de síndrome de ovario poliquístico que presenta síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica severo como complicación secundaria a estimulación gonadotrófica. El cuadro clínico mostró ovarios aumentados de tamaño en la evaluación sonográfica; anasarca dada por ascitis y derrames pleurales bilaterales e insuficiencia respiratoria tipo distrés respiratorio del adulto. Se realizó paracentesis y se utilizó ventilación mecánica no invasiva, logrando la expansión pulmonar. Discusión: El análisis de este caso se inició siete días después de la administración de gonadotropina, favorecido por las condiciones previas de la paciente, sin complicaciones letales. Conclusiones: La paracentesis puede constituir una opción terapéutica efectiva en el tratamiento de ascitis con compromiso de la función pulmonar. La ventilación mecánica no invasiva es una estrategia para evitar la intubación en estas pacientes lo cual evita los periodos de sedación exhaustivos y el consiguiente riesgo de broncoaspiración. [Urbina-Contreras ZE, Urbina-Echeverry SE,Lamos-Duarte AF, Picón-Jaimes YA. Síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica severo: Informe de caso y revisión de literatura. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 244-251].

Introduction: Severe ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome is the most serious complication of ovarian stimulation during the induction of ovulation. Characteristic findings are the presence of increased ovarian volume and ascites in relation to fluid extravasation due to increased capillary permeability whose severity can lead to respiratory failure, renal failure, and hemodynamic collapse and thromboembolic events. Objective: To describe a clinical case of OHSS, along with a review of the literature on the pathology, aimed at the diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients with these clinical characteristics. Case presentation: A 29-year-old patient with a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome who presented severe Severe ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome as a secondary complication to gonadotrophic stimulation. The clinical profile showed enlarged ovaries in the sonographic test; anasarca due to ascites and bilateral pleural effusions and respiratory failures that belong to a respiratory distress type in this adult patient. Paracentesis was performed and noninvasive mechanical ventilation was used, achieving lung expansion with it. Discussion: The analysis of this case was started seven days after the administration of gonadotropin, favored by the patient's previous conditions, with no lethal complications. Conclusions: Paracentesis may be an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of ascites with compromised lung function. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation is a strategy to avoid intubation in these patients, which avoids the periods of exhaustive sedation and the consequent risk of bronchoaspiration. [Urbina-Contreras ZE, Urbina-Echeverry SE, Lamos-Duarte AF, Picón-Jaimes YA. Severe Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 244-251].

Introdução: O síndrome de hiperestimulação ovárica avançado é a complicação mais grave da estimulação ovariana durante a indução da ovulação. As características achadas são o aumento do volumem dos ovários e ascite em relação ao extravasamento do fluido devido ao aumento da permeabilidade capilar, cuja gravidade pode levar à insuficiência respiratória, insuficiência renal,colapso hemodinâmico e eventos tromboembólicos. Objetivo: Descrever um caso clínico de síndrome de hiperestimulação ovárica avançado, juntamente com uma revisão da literatura sobre a patologia, visando o diagnóstico e tratamento ótimo de pacientes com essas características clínicas. A presentação do caso: Paciente de 29 anos com história de síndrome de ovário policístico que apresenta síndrome de hiperestimulação ovárica avançado como complicação secundária à estimulação gonadotrófica. O quadro clínico mostrou ovários ampliados na avaliação ultra-sonográfica; anasarca devido à ascite e derrames pleurais bilaterais e insuficiência respiratória do tipo insuficiência respiratória do adulto. Foi realizada a paracentese e foi utilizada ventilação mecânica não invasiva, atingindo a expansão pulmonar. Discussão: A análise deste caso começou sete dias após a administração da gonadotrofina, favorecida pelas condições prévias da paciente, sem complicações letais. Conclusões: A paracentese pode constituir uma opção terapêutica efetiva no tratamento de ascite com comprometimento da função pulmonar. Aventilação mecânica não invasiva é uma estratégia para evitar intubação nessas pacientes, o que evita os períodos de sedação exaustiva e o consequente risco de bronco-aspiração. [Urbina-Contreras ZE, Urbina-Echeverry SE, Lamos-Duarte AF, Picón-Jaimes YA. Síndrome de hiperestimulação ovárica grave: Relato de caso e revisão da literatura. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 244-251].

Evaluation of central precocious puberty treatment with GnRH analogue at the Triangulo Mineiro Federal University (UFTM)

Objective To report our experience of treating central precocious puberty (CPP) with a GnRH analogue with respect to the final heights (FH) attained in patients who completed treatment. Subjects and methods Among 105 records of children diagnosed with precocious puberty, 62 cases (54 girls and 8 boys), who were treated with leuprolide acetate/3.75 mg/monthly, were selected, and divided into 4 groups: group 1 (G1), 25 girls who attained FH; group 2 (G2), 18 girls who completed treatment but did not reach FH; group 3 (G3), 11 girls still under treatment; and group 4 (G4), 8 boys, 5 of which attained FH. Treatment was concluded at a bone age of 12 years, and follow-up continued until FH was achieved. Results In both G1 and G2 groups, height standard deviation score (SDS), weight-SDS and percentile of body mass index (PBMI) did not show intra/intergroup differences at the beginning and at interruption of treatment, but when added, G1+G2, height-SDS and weight-SDS differed significantly (p = 0.002 and 0.0001, respectively). In G1, 19 of 25 cases attained TH, and average height gain was 16.7 cm (7.7- 27.1); there was significant difference between FH and prediction of FH at the start (PFH at start) (p = 0.0001), as well as between PFH at interruption vs TH and vs FH (p = 0.007) with FH higher than TH (p = 0.004). Significant correlation was identified between FH and height gain after treatment. Conclusion As shown by some studies, GnRH analogue treatment was effective in children with CPP reaching FH near the genetic target.

Drilling: medical indications and surgical technique / Drilling: indicações e técnica

SUMMARY Introduction: anovulation is a major cause of female infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulation. While undergoing drug-induced ovulation, women with PCOS usually have a satisfactory response recruiting follicles, but some are unable to recruit follicles or often produce an excessive number of follicles, which can result in ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and/or multiple pregnancy. Surgical laparoscopy with ovarian "drilling" may prevent or reduce the need for drug-induced ovulation. Objective: to identify the current indications of laparoscopic ovarian drilling and the best surgical technique. Method: a review of the medical literature based on systematic search in the Medline, Lilacs and Cochrane databases, using as keywords laparoscopy, polycystic ovary syndrome, and drilling. Results: we found 105 articles in the literature, 27 of these highly relevant, describing findings on ovarian drilling. Conclusion: laparoscopic drilling is indicated for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome with ovulatory resistance to the use of clomiphene citrate, body mass index less than 30 kg/m2 and preoperative luteinizing hormone above 10 IU/L. The preferred surgical technique should be the realization of 5 to 10 perforations on the surface of each ovary bilaterally using monopolar energy.

RESUMO Introdução: a anovulação é uma das principais causas de infertilidade feminina, e a síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é a principal causa de anovulação. As mulheres com SOP, quando submetidas a indução medicamentosa da ovulação, costumam ter resposta satisfatória, recrutando folículos. No entanto, algumas podem não recrutar folículos ou, muitas vezes, têm uma produção excessiva deles, o que pode resultar em síndrome de hiperestímulo ovariano e/ou gravidez múltipla. O tratamento cirúrgico por laparoscopia comdrilling ovariano pode evitar ou reduzir a necessidade de indução da ovulação com medicamentos. Objetivos: identificar as indicações atuais do drilling ovariano laparoscópico e qual a melhor técnica operatória. Método: revisão da literatura médica, por meio de busca sistemática nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e Cochrane, utilizando as palavras-chave: laparoscopia, síndrome dos ovários micropolicísticos edrilling. Resultados: foram encontrados 105 artigos na literatura, sendo 27 de grande relevância descrevendo achados sobre o drilling ovariano. Conclusão: o drilling laparoscópico está indicado para pacientes com SOP com resistência ovulatória ao uso do citrato de clomifeno, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) inferior a 30 kg/m2 e hormônio luteinizante (LH) pré-cirúrgico superior 10 UI/L. A técnica operatória de preferência deve ser a realização de 5 a 10 perfurações na superfície de cada ovário bilateralmente por meio do uso de energia monopolar.

Treatment of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: approach to clinical practice

Polycystic ovary syndrome represents 80% of anovulatory infertility cases. Treatment initially includes preconception guidelines, such as lifestyle changes (weight loss), folic acid therapy to prevent the risk of fetal neural tube defects and halting the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The first-line pharmacological treatment for inducing ovulation consists of a clomiphene citrate treatment for timed intercourse. The second-line pharmacological treatment includes the administration of exogenous gonadotropins or laparoscopic ovarian surgery (ovarian drilling). Ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins is effective with cumulative live birth rates of approximately 70%. Ovarian drilling should be performed when laparoscopy is indicated; this procedure is typically effective in approximately 50% of cases. Finally, a high-complexity reproduction treatment (in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is the third-line treatment and is recommended when the previous interventions fail. This option is also the first choice in cases of bilateral tubal occlusion or semen alterations that impair the occurrence of natural pregnancy. Evidence for the routine use of metformin in infertility treatment of anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome is not available. Aromatase inhibitors are promising and longer term studies are necessary to prove their safety.

A multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical study on Bushen Huoxue in treatment of ovulatory dysfunction caused infertility / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The multi-center, randomized, double-blind, double-simulated and positive-control trial was used to verify the contribution degree of Bushen Huoxue for the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction caused infertility, which provided scientific basis for clinical treatment.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>According to diagnostic, inclusion and exclusion criteria, we observed 349 patients which were divided into the treated group (n = 177, treated with Bushen Huoxue ricipe) and control group (n = 172, treated with clomiphene). Ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, clinical effective rate of traditional Chinese medicine, endometrium and diameter of dominant follicle were observed. Serum reproductive endocrine hormones were assayed before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The treated group showed ovulation rate of 69.34%, with pregnancy rate of 41.35%. The clinical effective rate of treated group and control group were 91.73% and 80.77%. There was remarkable difference in endometrium (P < 0.05) and remarkbale difference in sex hormones PRL and E₂in treated group at prior-treatment and post-treatment (P < 0.05). No adverse effects were found in the experiment. Security indicators did not show abnormal change.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The comparison between the two groups showed that the treated group was significantly different from control group in the pregnancy rate (P < 0.05), without notable difference in ovulation rate. There was significant difference in clinical effective rate between the treated group and control group. Both the two groups could contribute to the mature development and discharge of the follicles. The growth of endometrium and endometrial receptivity in the treated group were higher than control group. The treated group has regulatory effect on PRL and E₂.</p>

Infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome treated with acupuncture and clomiphene: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the best therapy for infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty patients were randomized into three groups, a clomi-phene group (group A), an acupuncture-moxibustion + Chinese medicine group (group B) and a clomiphene + acupuncture-moxibustion+ Chinese medicine group (group C), 40 cases in each one. In the group A, since the 5th day of menstruation, clomiphene was prescribed for oral administration. In the group B, on the 5th day of menstruation, warm needling therapy was applied at Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc. Additionally, the Chinese herbal medication for tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation was provided. In the group C, the therapy as the group B was combined on the basis of the treatment as the group A. The treatment lasted continuously for 3 menstrual cycles. The endometrial thickness, endometrial type and cervical mucus score on human chorionic gon adotropin (HCG) day, and ovulatory cycle rate, clinical pregnancy rate and abortion rate after treatment were observed in the patients of the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>1) HCG day cervical mucus score, endometrial thickness and endometrial morphology (A type rate): the results in the group C were better than those in the group A (all P<0.01); the results in the group B were better than those in the group A (all P<0.05). The difference in the endometrial thickness was not significant in comparison between the group C and the group B (P>0.05). The cervical mucus score and endometrial morphology (A type rate) in the group C were better than those in the group B (both P<0.05). 2) The ovulatory cycle rates in the group A and group (C were higher than that in the group B (both P<0.05), the pregnancy rate in the group C was higher than that in the other groups (both P<0.05), and the early abortion rate in the group C was lower than that in the group A and group B (both P<0.01). 3) Follicle diameter from 18 mm to 20 mm and endometrial thickness: the differences were not significant between the normal pregnancy patients and the early abortion patients (both P>0.05). The endometrial morphology A type rate in the normal pregnancy patients was higher than that in the early abortion patients (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined therapy of acupuncture, herbal medicine and clomiphene improves the pregnancy rate and reduces early abortion rate by effectively improving HCG day cervical mucus, endometrial thickness and morphology. The efficacy is apparently superior to the simple medication with clomiphene and the combined application of acupuncture and herbal medicine.</p>

Minimal Stimulation Using Gonadotropin Combined with Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole for Intrauterine Insemination

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of minimal stimulation using discretely administered gonadotropin combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) or letrozole (LTZ) for intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 257 IUI cycles from 158 infertile couples were assessed. A CC dose of 100 mg/day (n=126 cycles) or a LTZ dose of 5 mg/day (n=131 cycles) was administered on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle for 5 days. Each group received human menopausal gonadotropin at a dose of 150 IU by two or three alternative day: CC combined with alternate-day regimen for 2 or 3 days (CC+300, n=37; CC+450, n=89) and LTZ combined with alternate-day regimen for 2 or 3 days (LTZ+300, n=36; LTZ+450, n=95). RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was comparable between the CC and LTZ groups (18.3% vs. 13.0%, p=0.243). The clinical pregnancy rate also showed no significant difference among the 4 groups (21.6% vs. 16.9% vs. 11.1% vs. 12.6%, p=0.507). The multiple pregnancy rate was significantly higher in LTZ compared to CC group (37.5% vs. 8.7%, p=0.028) and in the LTZ+450 compared to CC+450 group (50% vs. 13.3%, p=0.038). Overall, there were 15 cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with the prevalence being significantly lower in the LTZ compared to CC group (1.5% vs. 10.3%, p=0.003). OHSS was more prevalent in the CC+450 compared to the LTZ+450 group (12.4% vs. 1.1%, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that minimal stimulation using two alternate-day gonadotropin with LTZ decreases the development of OHSS and multiple pregnancies, while maintaining comparable pregnancy rates in IUI cycles.

Minimal Stimulation Using Gonadotropin Combined with Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole for Intrauterine Insemination

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of minimal stimulation using discretely administered gonadotropin combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) or letrozole (LTZ) for intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 257 IUI cycles from 158 infertile couples were assessed. A CC dose of 100 mg/day (n=126 cycles) or a LTZ dose of 5 mg/day (n=131 cycles) was administered on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle for 5 days. Each group received human menopausal gonadotropin at a dose of 150 IU by two or three alternative day: CC combined with alternate-day regimen for 2 or 3 days (CC+300, n=37; CC+450, n=89) and LTZ combined with alternate-day regimen for 2 or 3 days (LTZ+300, n=36; LTZ+450, n=95). RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was comparable between the CC and LTZ groups (18.3% vs. 13.0%, p=0.243). The clinical pregnancy rate also showed no significant difference among the 4 groups (21.6% vs. 16.9% vs. 11.1% vs. 12.6%, p=0.507). The multiple pregnancy rate was significantly higher in LTZ compared to CC group (37.5% vs. 8.7%, p=0.028) and in the LTZ+450 compared to CC+450 group (50% vs. 13.3%, p=0.038). Overall, there were 15 cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), with the prevalence being significantly lower in the LTZ compared to CC group (1.5% vs. 10.3%, p=0.003). OHSS was more prevalent in the CC+450 compared to the LTZ+450 group (12.4% vs. 1.1%, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that minimal stimulation using two alternate-day gonadotropin with LTZ decreases the development of OHSS and multiple pregnancies, while maintaining comparable pregnancy rates in IUI cycles.

Clinical efficacy observation on therapy ovulation failure infertility caursed by PCOS with reinforcing kidney, activating blood circulation and ovarian stimulation compound recipe / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the clinical effect of tonifying the kidney and promoting blood circulation to promote oocyte decoction in the treatment of anovulatory infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Sixty cases were selected from the out-patient department of Xiyuan hospital of China academy of Chinese medical sciences and the Chinese academy of traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine out-patient department. Sixty patients with PCOS patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, with 30 cases and 30 cases respectively. The treatment group was given decoction of the reinforcing kidney, activating blood circulation and ovarian stimulation compound recipe. The control group was treated with clomiphene. Through the treatment of 1-2 courses, in the treatment group the pregnancy rate was 56.67%, the ovulation rate 61%; in control group of clomiphene citrate ovulation ratepregnancy rate was 30% , 72.84% of ovulation rate. The difference was significant between two groups (P < 0.05), the pregnancy rate in the treatment group was higher than the control group. The treatment group has regulatory effect on FSH, LH and their ratio, and increase E2 level, decrease T, PRL, INS and other hormone levels, contributing to the mature development of the follicles and endometrium growth, increase the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate. The control group on FSH, E2 increased, LH, T, PRL and INS showed no obvious effect.

Younger women with ovulation disorders and unexplained infertility predict a higher success rate in superovulation (SO) intrauterine insemination (IUI)

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Superovulation-intrauterine insemination (SO-IUI) is the most common assisted reproductive technique (ART) in the world, with good evidence of efficacy and cost-effectiveness. However, parameters affecting its success have not been consistently reported. So in this study, we aim at determining the parameters influencing the success rate of SO-IUI.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 797 SO-IUI cycles from 606 patients, performed between 2007 and 2009 in a single centre. These women received clomiphene citrate (CC), recombinant FSH (rFSH) or both.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 127 clinical pregnancies with a pregnancy rate (PR) of 15.9% (127/797) per treatment cycle. Factors associated with higher PR included maternal age <38 (P = 0.02), subfertility diagnoses of ovulatory disorders, unexplained infertility, sexual dysfunction and unilateral tubal obstruction (P = 0.02), an endometrial thickness ≥8 mm (P = 0.03), total number motile spermatozoa (TNMS) of ≥1 million (P = 0.03), and spermatozoa normal forms (NF) ≥4% (P <0.01) on bivariate analysis. When CC is used, the endometrial thickness is more likely to be suboptimal (<8 mm). All the above parameters remained significant except the subfertility diagnoses on multivariate analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients' selection with women <38 years old and preferably with ovulation disorders and unexplained infertility is associated with the highest PR in SO-IUI. Cycle parameters such as the use of rFSH alone, with the avoidance of CC, TNMS ≥1 million and NF ≥4% is likely to result in the best outcomes and reduce the high order multiple pregnancy risk.</p>

Uso de agonista de GnRH para inducir ovulación en ciclos de hiperestimulación ovárica controlada: experiencia de Clínica Monteblanco, Santiago, Chile / Use of GnRH agonist to induce ovulation cycles controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: experience of Monteblanco Clinic, Santiago, Chile

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva de Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de análogos GnRh para la inducción final de la maduración ovocitaria. Método: Se registraron los casos de IVF/ICSI durante el año 2012 en los que se indujo la maduración final ovocitaria con análogos GnRh (Lupron®). Todos los ciclos fueron estimulados con FSHr (Puregon®) y gonadotrofina urinaria altamente purificada (Menopur®), para la prevención del alza prematura de LH, el día 5° de estimulación se agregó diariamente antagonista de GnRh. La maduración ovocitaria final se realizó con 1,25 mg de acetato de leuprolide (Lupron®), posteriormente se realizó aspiración folicular bajo guía ecográfica. Todos los embriones obtenidos fueron vitrificados y transferidos en ciclos posteriores. Resultados: Entre enero y diciembre del año 2012 se registraron 110 pacientes cuya inducción de maduración final ovocitaria se realizó con acetato de leuprolide. El promedio de ovocitos recuperados fue de 21, la proporción de ovocitos maduros fue de 72 por ciento y la frecuencia de fecundación fue de 64 por ciento. No hubo ningún caso de síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo. Conclusiones: En los casos presentados de inducción de la maduración ovocitaria final con acetato de leuprolida, los resultados obtenidos son óptimos en términos de número de ovocitos en metafase II recuperados y en frecuencia de fecundación, mostrando ser una alternativa eficiente en la prevención del síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárico severo, sin alterar el pronóstico de las pacientes.

Objective: To present the experience of the Reproductive Medicine Unit of Clinica Monteblanco inducing oocyte final maturation by GnRh analogue administration. Methods: We analysed all IVF/ICSI cases performed in 2012, in which final oocyte maturation was induced by administration of GnRH analogue (Lupron®). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was achieved bydaily rFSH (Puregon®) and highly purified urinary gonadotropin (Menopur®) administration. In order to prevent premature LH rise, on the 5th day of stimulation daily GnRH antagonist (Orgalutran®) was added. Final oocyte maturation was induced by the administration of 1.25 mg leuprolide acetate (Lupron®). Follicular aspiration was subsequently performed under ultrasound guidance. All embryos were vitrified and transferred in a subsequent cycle. Results: We registered 110 patients. The mean number of recovered oocytes was 21; the proportion of mature oocytes was 72 percent, and the fecundation rate reached was 64 percent. No case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was recorded. Conclusions: In this cohort, the use of leuprolide acetate for induce final oocyte maturation demonstrated to be an efficient alternative to induce oocyte final maturation, while preventing OHSS.

Infertilidad: histeroscopia versus ultrasonografía transvaginal e histerosalpingografía / Infertility: hysteroscopy versus ultrasonography transvaginal and hysterosalpingography

Objetivo: Comparar la histeroscopia con el ultrasonido transvaginal y la histerosalpingografía para el estudio de la cavidad uterina en la paciente infértil. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo descriptivo, comparativo de las pacientes de la Unidad de Fertilidad del Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas entre marzo y noviembre de 2011. Resultados: Se evaluaron 33 pacientes con diagnóstico de infertilidad primaria y secundaria. La histeroscopia mostró alteraciones en 66,6 % predominando la sinequia uterina y el pólipo endometrial. La histerosalpingografía reportó una sensibilidad de 40,9 % y una especificidad de 81,8 % en comparación con la histeroscopia, con un valor predictivo positivo de 81,8 % y un valor predictivo negativo de 40,9.%. La tasa de concordancia entre los dos procedimientos fue de 50,4 %. El ultrasonido transvaginal reportó una sensibilidad de 45,5 % y una especificidad de 90,9 % en comparación con la histeroscopia, la concordancia entre estos dos procedimientos fue de 60,65 %. No hubo complicaciones durante la histeroscopia. Conclusiones: Consideramos que el ultrasonido transvaginal, la histerosalpingografía y la histeroscopia son complementarios en la evaluación de la paciente infértil, pero en vista de la baja tasa de sensibilidad y concordancia de los dos primeros, consideramos que la histeroscopia debe incluirse de rutina en el estudio de la pareja infértil.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the hysteroscopy, transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingography in the study of uterine cavity in infertile patients. Methods: Descriptive, comparative study of patients from the Fertility Unit of Gynecology Service of the Hospital Universitario de Caracas between March and November 2011. Results: We evaluated 33 patients with primary and secundary infertility. Abnormal hysteroscopic findings were observed in 66, 6 %, in wich intrauterine adhesions and endometrial polyp were the most common findings. Hysterosalpingography reported a sensitivity of 40.9 % and specificity of 81.8 % compared with hysteroscopy, with a positive predictive value of 81.8 % and a negative predictive value of 40.9 %. Overall agreement between these two procedures was 50.4 %. Transvaginal ultrasound reported a sensitivity of 45.5 % and specificity of 90.9 % compared with hysteroscopy, with a positive predictive value of 90.9 % and negative predictive value of 45.5 %. Overall agreement between between these two procedures was 60.65 %. There were no complications during hysteroscopy. Conclusions: We believe that transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy are complementary in the evaluation of the infertile patient but given the low rate of sensitivity and consistency of the first two, we believe that routine hysteroscopy should be included in the study of the infertile couple.

Minimum dose of hCG to trigger final oocyte maturation and prevent OHSS in a long GnRHa protocol / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This paper was aimed to study the minimum dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to effectively trigger maturation of oocytes and prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a series of hyper-responders treated with a long gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) protocol. Six women at high risk of developing severe OHSS in a long GnRHa protocol were enrolled into this study. Serum hormone levels on the day of and after hCG administration, antral follicle count, oocyte retrieval number and quality were determined. In total, 6 women aged between 29 and 36 years and at risk of developing severe OHSS, received 2000 U hCG. Five of them were treated with coasting for 1 day and the rest one for 4 days. The mean number of oocytes collected was 19 (range 14-27) and the fertilization rate per collected oocyte was 72.81%. Of the 6 women in the study, only one cancelled embryos transfer and all embryos were frozen, and then she delivered two health boys on term in the subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle. Pregnancies and births were achieved in 3 patients out of 5 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. No woman developed moderate or severe OHSS. Triggering with 2000 U hCG is feasible to prevent OHSS in unpredicted hyper-responders undergoing IVF in a long GnRHa protocol.

Effects of Ficus asperifolia on normal rat estrus cyclicity

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae) (F. asperifolia) effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Air-dried fruits of F. asperifolia were extracted using water. Prior to the test, vaginal smear was monitored daily for a 3-week period to select females with normal (regular) estrous cycle. Those with regular estrus cycle weighing between 150-170 g were randomized into three sets of 15 animals each. Each set was then divided into three groups: Group 1 (control) was orally administered with distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight) once a day for 1 week starting from the proestrus stage. Groups 2 and 3 were respectively treated with 100 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the plant aqueous extract. The two other sets of 15 animals each were similarly treated as the first set for 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Estrus cycle pattern was monitored before and during plant extract application whereas lipid profile, ovary, uterus and liver growth indices were determined at the end of each treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>F. asperifolia did not disrupt (0%) the order of appearance of normal estrus cycle stages, namely, proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus. Short-term treatment (1 week duration) exhibited high frequency of appearance of proestrus and estrus stages while mid- (3 weeks) and long-term (6 weeks) treatments revealed constancy in the frequency of all stages irrespective to animal groups. The plasma and organ lipid profile, as well as ovary, uterus and liver growth remained unchanged when compared to distilled water-treated animals. Following long-term administration of plant extract (6 weeks), no adverse effect was noticed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our data partially support the use of F. asperifolia in common medicine.</p>