Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET).@*METHODS@#Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births.@*RESULTS@#Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate.@*OBJECTIVE@#To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests.@*RESULTS@#A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence.@*CONCLUSION@#Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).

Effects of Zishen Yutai Pills on in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Prospective, Open-Labeled, Randomized and Controlled Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of Zishen Yutai Pills (ZYPs) on the quality of oocytes and embryos, as well as pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The possible mechanisms, involving the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), were also investigated.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with DOR who underwent their IVF-ET cycle were randomly allocated to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the treatment group (60 cases) received ZYPs from the mid-luteal phase of the former menstrual cycle by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. The patients in the control group (60 cases) received the same protocol but without ZYPs. The primary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos. Secondary outcomes included other oocyte or embryo indices as well as pregnancy outcomes. Adverse events were assessed by comparison of the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy complications, pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Contents of BMP15 and GDF9 in the follicle fluids (FF) were also quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the numbers of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos were significantly increased in the ZYPs group (both P<0.05). After treatment with ZYPs, a significant regulation of serum sex hormones was observed, including progesterone and estradiol. Both hormones were up-regulated compared with the control group (P=0.014 and 0.008), respectively. No significant differences were observed with regard to pregnancy outcomes including implantation rates, biochemical pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and pregnancy loss rates (all P>0.05). The administration of ZYPs did not increase the incidence of adverse events. The expressions of BMP15 and GDF9 in the ZYPs group were significantly up-regulated compared with the control group (both P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#ZYPs exhibited beneficial effects in DOR patients undergoing IVF-ET, resulting in increments of oocytes and embryos, and up-regulation of BMP15 and GDF9 expressions in the FF. However, the effects of ZYPs on pregnancy outcomes should be assessed in clinical trials with larger sample sizes (Trial reqistration No. ChiCTR2100048441).

Severe male factor in in vitro fertilization: definition, prevalence, and treatment. An update / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Infertility affects 10%-15% of couples worldwide. Of all infertility cases, 20%-70% are due to male factors. In the past, men with severe male factor (SMF) were considered sterile. Nevertheless, the development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) drastically modified this scenario. The advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART), specifically regarding surgical sperm retrieval procedures, allowed the efficacious treatment of these conditions. Yet, before undergoing ICSI, male factor infertility requires careful evaluation of clinical and lifestyle behavior together with medical treatment. Epidemiologically speaking, women whose male partner is azoospermic tend to be younger and with a better ovarian reserve. These couples, in fact, are proposed ART earlier in their life, and for this reason, their ovarian response after stimulation is generally good. Furthermore, in younger couples, azoospermia can be partially compensated by the efficient ovarian response, resulting in an acceptable fertility rate following in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. Conversely, when azoospermia is associated with a reduced ovarian reserve and/or advanced maternal age, the treatment becomes more challenging, with a consequent reduction in IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, azoospermia seems to impair neither the euploidy rate at the blastocyst stage nor the implantation of euploid blastocysts. Based on the current knowledge, the assessment of male infertility factors should involve: (1) evaluation - to diagnose and quantify seminologic alterations; (2) potentiality - to determine the real possibilities to improve sperm parameters and/or retrieve spermatozoa; (3) time - to consider the available "treatment window", based on maternal age and ovarian reserve. This review represents an update of the definition, prevalence, causes, and treatment of SMF in a modern ART clinic.

Hormona antimülleriana como marcador de respuesta ovárica en pacientes tratadas por fertilización in vitro / Anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker of ovarian response in patients treated with in vitro fertilization

Introducción: La infertilidad afecta al 15 por ciento de las parejas en edad fértil, de las que aproximadamente 4-8 por ciento requerirán técnicas de reproducción asistida de alta tecnología. Con la incorporación de la mujer a la vida laboral y la consiguiente postergación de la maternidad es posible el aumento de la infertilidad. La hormona antimülleriana en la mujer se produce por las células de la granulosa. Esta regula el reclutamiento de folículos, su crecimiento y previene el agotamiento folicular, por lo que constituye una importante herramienta en los protocolos de inducción de la ovulación. Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles de la hormona antimülleriana como marcador de respuesta ovárica en pacientes tratadas por fertilización in vitro. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y de corte transversal en la consulta protocolizada de Reproducción Asistida del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras, en el periodo comprendido de abril 2017 hasta abril 2019. La muestra quedó conformada por 137 mujeres que participaron en esta consulta. Se empleó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: La edad promedio de las pacientes fue de 33,1 ± 7,4 años. Predominó la concentración sérica normal de la hormona antimülleriana en mujeres entre 31-35 años (26,3 por ciento), nivel normal de FSH en (39,4 por ciento), recuento de folículos antrales normal (24,1 por ciento), buena calidad ovocitaria (39,4 por ciento), y buena calidad embrionaria (36,5 por ciento). Conclusiones: El nivel sérico de la hormona antimülleriana se asoció significativamente a la edad, la hormona folículo estimulante, el recuento de los folículos antrales, y la calidad ovocitaria y embrionaria(AU)

Introduction: Infertility affects to 15 percent of the couples in childbearing age, and approximately 4-8 percent of them will need high-tech assisted reproduction techniques. With the participation of women in work life and the subsequent delay of maternity, it is possible the increase of infertility. Anti-Müllerian in women is produced by granular cells. These cells control the recruitment of follicles, their growth and prevent follicles exhaustion; therefore, it represents an important tool in the protocols of ovulation induction. Objective: Assess the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker in the ovarian response in patients treated with in vitro fertilization. Methods: It was conducted a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study in the consultation of Assisted Reproduction in "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Surgical Clinical Hospital, in the period April, 2017 - April, 2019. The sample was formed by 137 women who attended to this consultation. It was used descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Average age of the patients was 33,1 ± 7,4 years old. There was predominance of normal serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone in women among 31-35 years old (26,3 percent), FSH normal level in (39,4 percent), normal recount of antral follicles (24,1 percent), good oocyte quality (39,4 percent), and good embryonic quality (36,5 percent). Conclusions: The serum level of the anti-Müllerian hormone was significantly associated to age, the follicle-stimulating hormone, the recount of antral follicles, and the oocyte and embryonic quality(AU)

Investigation of ADAMTS-1, BAX and IL-10 expressions in granulosa cells determinanting fertilization success in IVF / Investigación de las expresiones ADAMTS-1, BAX e IL-10 en célula de la granulosa determinando el éxito de fertilización en FIV

Granulosa cells (GCs) are essential components of follicles and play a role in regulating follicle development. The aim of this study was to investigate certain cellular components involved in the proliferation, differentiation and functional characteristics of granulosa cells in the success of fertilization of human oocytes during invitro fertilization (IVF) via immunohistochemical techniques. In this study, 30 patients who were diagnosed as primary or secondary infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome in the IVF center of Memorial Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included. The amount of Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in blood and granulosa cell diameter and cell core diameter were measured in 20 cells collected from each patient. In addition, degeneration scoring and BAX, ADAMTS-1, IL-10 expressions in granulosa cells were evaluated (p <0.01). It was thought that apoptosis induced by human GCs might be an indicator of egg quality. Moderate expression of ADAMTS-1 was thought to be related to failure of ovulation, deterioration of oocyte quality and decreased fertilization rate. This decrease in AMH levels may be associated with defects in granulosa cells. Therefore, significantly lower AMH secretion and increase in IL10 expression levels in healthy people can be explained by the increase of granulocyte cells.

Las células de la granulosa (GC) son componentes esenciales de los folículos y tienen un papel en la regulación del desarrollo de éste. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar ciertos componentes celulares involucrados en la proliferación, diferenciación y características funcionales de las células de la granulosa en el éxito de la fertilización de los ovocitos humanos durante la fertilización in vitro (FIV) a través de técnicas inmunohistoquímicas. En este estudio, se incluyeron 30 pacientes diagnosticados con infertilidad primaria o secundaria, síndrome de ovario poliquístico en el centro de FIV del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Hospital Memorial. La cantidad de Hormona Anti Mülleriana (AMH) en la sangre, el diámetro de las células de la granulosa y el diámetro del núcleo celular se midieron en 20 células obtenidas de cada paciente. Además, se evaluó la puntuación de degeneración y las expresiones BAX, ADAMTS-1, IL-10 en células de granulosa (p <0,01). Se estimó que la apoptosis inducida por los GC humanos podría ser un indicador de la calidad del huevo. Se estimó que la expresión moderada de ADAMTS-1 estaba relacionada con el fracaso de la ovulación, el deterioro de la calidad de los ovocitos y la disminución de la tasa de fertilización. La disminución en los niveles de AMH puede estar asociada con defectos en las células de la granulosa. Por lo tanto, el aumento de las células de granulocitos puede explicar la disminución significativa de la secreción de AMH y el aumento de los niveles de expresión de IL10 en personas sanas.

Morfometria e população de folículos pré-antrais de vacas Nelore vazias, gestantes e de fetos nos terços inicial, médio e final da gestação / Morphometry and population of preantral follicles of not pregnant Nelore cows, pregnant and fetus in the initial, medium and final third of pregnancy

The aim of this study was to describe population and morphological characteristics of preantral follicles of not pregnant cows, pregnant cows and fetus. Ten ovaries of non-pregnant Nelore cows, eighteen ovaries of pregnant cows and eighteen ovaries of fetus were used. For pregnant cows, six ovaries from each third (initial, middle and final) were evaluated, acquired from a slaughterhouse. For fetus, the same methodology and proportion of ovaries were used. Ovaries were washed, fixed and embedded in paraffin. They were then sectioned in longitudinal sections and stained by the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. Preantral follicles were classified according to morphology (primordial, primary and secondary) and degree of viability (intact and in initial, moderate and marked atresia). Descriptive and statistical analyzes were performed through KS300 image analysis program and Tukey's test. A greater proportion of primordial follicles were found in all categories. Secondary follicles were not observed in ovaries of fetus and cows in the initial third of pregnancy. All the ovary dimensions were higher in non-pregnant cows and in the final third of cows' pregnancy, and lower in final third of pregnancy fetus. It was concluded that follicle isolation was effective in describing population and morphological characteristics of preantral follicles of cows and fetus.(AU)

Success rates of in vitro fertilization versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with serum anti-sperm antibodies: a consecutive cohort study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are assumed to be a possible causative factor for male infertility, with ASAs detected in 5%-15% of infertile men but in only 1%-2% of fertile ones. It remains unclear whether ASAs have an adverse effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This study investigated differences in the rates of fertilization, pregnancy, and live births associated with serum ASA-positive and ASA-negative men following IVF or ICSI. Five hundred and fifty-four consecutive infertile couples undergoing IVF (n = 399) or ICSI (n = 155) were included. The two-sample two-sided t-test and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis. Lower rates of fertilization (41.7% vs 54.8%, P = 0.03), good embryos (18.9% vs 35.2%, P = 0.00), pregnancy (38.5% vs 59.4%, P = 0.00), and live births (25.8% vs 42.5%, P = 0.00) were observed in men of the IVF group with a positive serum ASA than in those with a negative ASA. ASA positivity/negativity correlated with pregnancy rates (P = 0.021, odds ratio [OR]: 0.630, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.425-0.932) and live birth rates (P = 0.010, OR: 1.409, 95% CI: 1.084-1.831) after controlling for the female serum follicle-stimulating hormone level and the couple's ages at IVF. Women coupled with ASA-positive men had lower live birth rates with IVF than with ICSI (25.8% and 47.4%, respectively; P = 0.07). Women coupled with ASA-positive men had lower rates of pregnancy and live births following IVF than those coupled with ASA-negative men but had a similar outcome with ICSI.

Pellet Method of Semen Cryopreservation: Effect of Cryoprotectants, Semen Diluents and Chicken Lines

Abstract The present study evaluated the effect of cryoprotectants, semen diluents and chicken lines during pellet method of semen cryopreservation. Three different experiments were conducted; Experiment 1 - semen was cryopreserved using dimethylformamide (DMF) at 6% and 9% concentrations in two semen diluents (Lake and Ravie diluent and TES/NaCl diluent), Experiment 2 - semen was cryopreserved using dimethylacetamide (DMA) at 6% and 9% with or without sucrose (100mM), Experiment 3- semen from two chicken lines (PD1 and PD6) was cryopreserved using DMA (6% and 9%). Semen was evaluated pre and post cryopreservation for progressive motility, live and abnormal sperm. Semen pellets were stored in cryovials for at least seven days before examination and insemination. Thawed semen was inseminated intravaginaly to study fertility. All the parameters studied were significantly lower (p<0.05) in cryopreserved semen. DMF in Lake and Ravie diluent gave very low fertility and TES/NaCl diluent no fertile eggs. DMA as cryoprotectant gave fertility up to 9.22 %. Addition of sucrose along with DMA produced fertility similar to other cryopreservation treatment groups. No difference in in vitro semen parameters between chicken lines was observed. There is difference in cryopreservation outcome due to semen diluent and type of cryoprotectant.

Born to donate: proposals for "savior sibling" regulation in Latin America / Niños creados para servir de donantes de órganos: propuestas para una regulación en América Latina

Abstract A Savior Sibling is a child who is born to provide an organ, bone marrow or cell transplant, to a sibling that is affected with a fatal disease. There are created with the in vitro fertilization and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and, in the process, the ethical standards for organ donation of children become less demanding. Therefore, we propose that the authorization of the technique considers, unavoidably, the opinion of an impartial third party that can guarantee the welfare of the child. We develop a critical analysis of the laws that regulate the creation of babies to serve as organ donors. We evaluate under what circumstances the organizations that play a part in the decisions, fulfill the ethical standards to allow the organ donation of children.

Resumen Los llamados Savior Sibling son bebés creados con la técnica de la fertilización in vitro y el diagnóstico preimplantacional genético, con el fin de servir como donantes a un hermano afectado por una enfermedad fatal. Se crean con el diagnóstico genético de fertilización in vitro y preimplantación y, en el proceso, las normas éticas para la donación de órganos a niños son menos exigentes. Por esta razón, proponemos que la autorización para llevar a cabo esta técnica considere, como obligatorio, la opinión de un tercero que sea imparcial y que pueda garantizar el bienestar del niño. Se hizo un análisis crítico de las leyes que regulan la creación de estos bebés que sirven como donantes de órganos. Evaluamos bajo qué circunstancias, las organizaciones que participan en estas decisiones cumplen con los estándares éticos para permitir la donación de órganos a niños.

Overcoming male factor infertility with intracytoplasmic sperm injection / Superando o fator masculino de infertilidade com injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides

Summary Objective: To evaluate the effect of male factor infertility on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes compared with a control group presenting isolated tubal factor. Method: This retrospective study included 743 couples undergoing ICSI as a result of isolated male factor and a control group consisting of 179 couples undergoing ICSI as a result of isolated tubal factor, performed in a private university- -affiliated in vitro fertilization center, between January/2010 and December/2016. Patients were divided into two groups according to maternal age: women ≤35 years old and >35 years old. The effects of infertility causes on laboratorial and clinical ICSI outcomes were evaluated using Student's t-test and (2 test. Results: No differences in controlled ovarian stimulation outcomes were observed between male factor cycles and tubal factor cycles in the two age groups. Implantation (male factor 35.5% vs. tubal factor 32.0%, p=0.340), pregnancy (male factor 46.9% vs. tubal factor 40.9%, p=0.184) and miscarriage (male factor 10.3% vs. tubal factor 10.6%, p=0.572) rates were similar between the infertility groups, irrespective of female age. Considering maternal age, the cancelation rate was higher in older women (>35 years old) undergoing ICSI as a result of male factor infertility (17.4% vs. 8.9%, p=0.013). Conclusion: Our results showed that there is no difference in the outcomes of pregnancy between couples with male or tubal factor infertility, which indicates that ICSI surpasses the worse specific outcomes associated with male factor.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do fator masculino de infertilidade em resultados de injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI) em comparação com um grupo controle que apresenta o fator tubário isolado. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 743 casais submetidos a ICSI por fator masculino e 179 casais por fator tubário, realizada em um centro privado de fertilização in vitro associado à universidade, entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2016. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a idade materna: mulheres ≤ 35 e > 35 anos de idade. Os efeitos das causas de infertilidade nos resultados laboratoriais e clínicos da ICSI foram avaliados pelos testes T de Student e Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças nos parâmetros de estimulação ovariana entre os ciclos com fatores masculinos e com fatores tubários. A taxa de implantação (fator masculino 35,5% vs. fator tubário 32,0%, p=0,340), de gravidez (fator masculino 46,9% vs. fator tubário 40,9%, p=0,184) e de aborto (fator masculino 10,3% vs. fator tubário 10,6%, p=0.572) foram semelhantes entre os grupos de infertilidade, independentemente da idade feminina. Considerando a idade materna, a taxa de cancelamento foi maior em mulheres > 35 anos cuja causa de infertilidade era o fator masculino (17,4% vs. 8,9%, p=0,013). Conclusão: Não há diferenças nos resultados de gravidez entre casais com infertilidade dos fatores masculino ou tubário isolados, o que indica que ICSI supera os piores resultados associados ao fator masculino.

Consentir na criopreservação de embriões: perceção de casais usuários de medicina da reprodução / Consent on embryo cryopreservation: perception of couples using reproductive medicine / Consentir en la crio-preservación de embriones: percepción de parejas usuarias de medicina de la reproducción

Este estudo qualitativo analisou as perceções de casais quanto aos fatores que contextualizam o consentimento livre e esclarecido na criopreservação de embriões, a partir de 34 entrevistas semiestruturadas, em Portugal. Analisaram-se os dados segundo os princípios da grounded theory. Dos resultados emergiram as seguintes necessidades: provisão de informações detalhadas, rigorosas, coerentes e no tempo adequado sobre os custos e duração da criopreservação e o destino dos embriões; reforço da privacidade física; tempo para refletir sobre o destino dos embriões e a divulgação da identidade dos beneficiários. As condições de aplicação do consentimento parecem ameaçar três dos seus elementos fundamentais: informação, voluntarismo e ponderação. Importa desenvolver orientações ético-profissionais que assegurem um consentimento assente em práticas de aconselhamento e prestação de informação adequadas às necessidades e expectativas dos pacientes.(AU)

This qualitative study analyzed couples' perceptions about the factors that contextualize informed consent regarding embryo cryopreservation, through 34 semi-structured interviews, in Portugal. Data were analyzed according to the principles of grounded theory. The results revealed the following needs: timely provision of detailed, accurate and intelligible information about the costs of cryopreservation, embryo storage limit and embryo disposition; reinforcement of physical privacy; availability of time to reflect about embryo disposition and disclosure of users' identities. The conditions of administration of the informed consent appear to threaten three of its fundamental elements: information, voluntarism and reflection. The development of professional and ethical guidelines is necessary to ensure the implementation of a consent process characterized by practices of counseling and information adapted to patients' needs and expectations.(AU)

Este estudio cualitativo analizó las percepciones de parejas en lo que se refiere a los factores que contextualizan el consentimiento libre e informado en la crio-preservación de embriones, a partir de 34 entrevistas semi-estructuradas realizadas en Portugal. Se analizaron los datos según los principios de la grounded theory. De los resultados surgieron las necesidades siguientes: provisión de informaciones detalladas, rigurosas, coherentes y en el tiempo adecuado sobre los costos y duración de la crio-preservación y el destino de los embriones; refuerzo de la privacidad física, tiempo para reflexionar sobre el destino de los embriones y la divulgación de la identidad de los beneficiarios. Las condiciones de aplicación del consentimiento parecen amenazar tres de sus elementos fundamentales: información, voluntarismo y ponderación. Es importante desarrollar orientaciones ético-profesionales que aseguren un consentimiento pleno en prácticas de aconsejamiento y prestación de informaciones adecuadas a las necesidades y expectativas de los pacientes.(AU)

Perfil biopsicossocial de pacientes que procuram mutirão de infertilidade na cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP) / Biopsychosocial profile of patients seeking tertiary care of infertility in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP)

Objetivo: Investigar por meio de questionário os aspectos psicológicos e sociais de pacientes inférteis atendidas no 1 ◦ Mutirão de Infertilidade do Hospital Electro Bonini, em Ribeirão Preto (SP). Métodos: Foram entrevistadas 116 mulheres que procuraram atendimento para investigação e tratamento de infertilidade. Os resultados foram analisados para identificação do perfil psicossocial das pacientes. Resultados: Os principais questionamentos levaram em conta grau de tristeza por não engravidar, esperança de engravidar, se já engravidou, se já pensou em adotar filhos, desistência do tratamento. Os resultados foram condizentes com os dados encontrados na literatura. A análise do perfil biopsicossocial nos revelou o acentuado grau de tristeza e preconceito ou pressão social por não conseguir engravidar. Entretanto, essas mulheres demonstram grande esperança de gestar e a maioria não pensa em desistir do tratamento. Conclusão: Este estudo comprova o aspecto patológico que a infertilidade ocasiona na vida dos casais, principalmente nas mulheres, já que 75% relataram que se sentem infelizes ou depressivas por não conseguirem engravidar. O trabalho multidisciplinar, nesse sentido, é de fundamental importância na compreensão dos conflitos emocionais íntimos e profundos que a infertilidade provoca.(AU)

Objective: To investigate, through a questionnaire, the psychological and social aspects of infertile patients attended at the Infertility Ambulatory Clinic of Electro Bonini Hospital, in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP). Methods: Were interviewed 116 women who sought care for investigation and treatment of infertility. The results were analyzed to identify the social and psychological profiles of the patients. Results: The main questions took into accountthe degree of sadness for not getting pregnant, their hope to get pregnant, if they had already been pregnant, if they had ever thought about adopting a child, withdrawal of treatment. The results were consistent with the data found in the literature. The biopsychosocial profile analysis revealed a strong degree of sadness and prejudice or social pressure for not getting pregnant. However, those women have great hope of getting pregnant and the vast majority doesn't think of quitting treatment. Conclusion: This study proves the pathological aspect that infertility causes in the lives of couples, especially women, since 75% reported that they feel unhappy or depressed for not being able to get pregnant. Multidisciplinary work, in that sense, plays an important role in understanding the intimate and deep emotional conflicts that infertility causes.(AU)

Indução de ovulação em pacientes com tumor estrogênio­dependente: diretrizes clínicas da Sociedade Brasileira de Reprodução Humana / Ovulation induction in patients with estrogen­dependent tumors: a Brazilian Society of Human Reproduction clinical practice guideline

A oncofertilidade é um campo de interesse interdisciplinar de desenvolvimento recente que busca mesclar os conhecimentos em oncologia e medicina reprodutiva, com a contribuição das técnicas de reprodução assistida, para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de preservação da função gonadal e oferecer a possibilidade da procriação biológica aos sobreviventes de câncer. As estratégias de preservação da fertilidade feminina em pacientes oncológicas atualmente aceitas para a prática rotineira são a criopreservação de embriões e a criopreservação de oócitos maduros. Ocorre que, para execução de ambos, a indução de ovulação é obrigatória e, com ela, vêm os riscos teóricos de estimulação do crescimento de tumores estrogênio­dependentes e a postergação do início do tratamento antineoplásico. Os protocolos de estimulação ovariana de início aleatório contemplam a intenção de se minimizar o atraso no início da quimioterapia ou radioterapia e o bloqueio ao crescimento tumoral e oferecem resultados satisfatórios, semelhantes aos obtidos em protocolos de início habitual. Apresentamos neste artigo as diretrizes clínicas da Sociedade Brasileira de Reprodução Humana para indução de ovulação em pacientes com tumor estrogênio­dependente.(AU)

Oncofertility is an interdisciplinary interest field of recent development, which aims to merge the knowledge in oncology and reproductive medicine, with the help of assisted reproductive technologies, to develop strategies for gonadal function preservation and to offer the possibility of biological procreation to cancer survivors. Preservation strategies of female fertility in oncological patients currently accepted for routine practice are the cryopreservation of embryos and cryopreservation of mature oocytes. It happens that ovulation induction is mandatory for executing both strategies, and with it the theoretical risk of stimulation of estrogen­dependent tumors growth and the postponement of anti­neoplastic treatment. Random­start ovarian stimulation protocols include the intention of minimizing the delay in onset of chemo­radiotherapy and to block tumor growth, providing satisfactory results, similar to those obtained in the usual beginning protocols. This article presents the clinical guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Human Reproduction for ovulation induction in patients with estrogen­dependent tumors.(AU)

Individualization of controlled ovarian stimulation in vitro fertilization using markers of ovarian reserve: a systematic review / Individualização da estimulação ovariana controlada na fertilização in vitro com o uso de marcadores da reserva ovariana: uma revisão sistemática

Introduction: The main objective of individualization of treatment in IVF is to offer every single woman the best treatment tailored to her own unique characteristics, thus maximizing the chances of pregnancy and eliminating the iatrogenic and avoidable risks resulting from ovarian stimulation. Personalization of treatment in IVF should be based on the prediction of ovarian response. Objective: To summarize the predictive ability of ovarian reserve markers, and the therapeutic strategies that have been proposed in IVF after this prediction. Methods: A systematic review of the existing literature was performed by searching Medline, LILACS, SciELO and Pubmed, for publications related to ovarian reserve markers and their incorporation into controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols in IVF. Results: 251 articles were found. Ten articles published between 2010 and 2015 were selected. Conclusion: Antral follicle count (AFC) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), the most sensitive markers of ovarian reserve, are ideal in planning personalized COS protocols. These markers permit prediction of the ovarian response with reliable accuracy. Following the categorization of expected ovarian response clinicians can adopttailored therapeutic strategies for each patient.(AU)

Introdução: O principal objetivo da individualização do tratamento na fertilização in vitro é oferecer a cada mulher o melhor tratamento sob medida para suas próprias características únicas, maximizar, assim, as chances de gravidez e eliminar os riscos de iatrogenia durante a estimulação ovariana. A personalização do tratamento na fertilização in vitro deve basear-se na predição da resposta ovariana. Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de marcadores da reserva ovariana para individualização da dose inicial do FSH nos ciclos de FIV. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura feita por meio de pesquisa Medline, Lilacs, SciELO e PubMed, para publicações relacionadas com marcadores reserva ovariana e sua incorporação, estimulação ovariana (COS) e protocolos controlados em fertilização in vitro. Resultados: Foram achados 251 artigos. Foram selecionados dez artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2015. Conclusão: Contagem de folículos antrais (AFC) e hormônio anti-Müulleriano (AMH), os marcadores mais sensíveis da reserva ovariana, são ideais no planejamento de protocolos individualizados. Esses marcadores permitem previsão da resposta ovariana com confiança De acordo com a resposta ovariana esperada, os clínicos podem adotar estratégias terapêuticas sob medida para cada paciente.(AU)

Previsão de gravidez pós-fertilização in vitro de acordo com valor de ß-hCG e progesterona / Prediction of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization according ß-hCG and progesterone levels

Introdução: Múltiplos estudos sugerem que os valores de ß-hCG e de progesterona podem ser bons preditores de gravidez. Objetivo: Investigar o potencial dos valores de ß-hCG e progesterona na previsão de gravidez evolutiva e de gravidez gemelar, 14 dias após punção ovocitária em ciclos FIV/ICSI, e estabelecer um modelo de previsão. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de ciclos com punção e transferência de embriões a fresco entre maio/2011 e setembro/2015. Os grupos definidos foram: sem gravidez; gravidez não evolutiva; gravidez evolutiva (única ou gemelar). A análise estatística considerou = 5%. Para avaliar a capacidade de prever gravidez evolutiva e gravidez gemelar recorreu-se a um modelo de análise multivariada e usou-se um processo de regressão logística binária. Recorreu-se às curvas ROC para avaliar a capacidade do valor de ß-hCG e progesterona na distinção entre gravidez não evolutiva e evolutiva. Resultados: Verificaram-se 149 casos: sem gravidez 11,4%, gravidez não evolutiva 24,8%, gravidez evolutiva 63,8% (83 única, 12 gemelares). Com exceção dos valores de progesterona e ß-hCG, não se verificaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as variáveis do grupo gravidez não evolutiva e evolutiva (ß-HCG: 38,9 vs 159 UI/L; progesterona: 20,4 vs 60 ng/mL). Na comparac¸ão entre gravidez única e gemelar, apenas o valor de ß-hCG foi estatisticamente significativo (ß-HCG: 147 vs 331 UI/L). Quando o valor de progesterona é ≥ 25, a probabilidade de gravidez é 5,4 vezes superior (IC95%, 1,18-24,8). Na regressão logística para gravidez gemelar apenas o valor de ß-hCG foi estatisticamente significativo. Conclusão: Uma avaliação única de progesterona e ß-hCG, 14 dias após punção, tem um bom valor preditivo de gravidez evolutiva, porém com capacidade limitada para discriminar entre gravidez única e gemelar.(AU)

Introduction: Multiple studies suggest that the amount of ß-hCG and progesterone can be good predictors of pregnancy. Objective: To investigate the potential of ß-hCG and progesterone values in predicting evolutive pregnancy and twin pregnancy, 14 days after oocyte puncture in IVF/ICSI cycles, establishing a predictive model. Methods: A retrospective study of cycles with the use of a puncture and fresh embryo transfer between May/2011 and September/2015. The defined groups were: with no pregnancy; without evolutive pregnancy; and with evolutive (single or twin) pregnancy. Statistical analysis considered = 5%. To assess the ability to predict evolutive pregnancy and twin pregnancy, a multivariate analysis model was carried out, with the use of a binary logistic regression process. ROC curves were used to evaluate the ability of ß-hCG and progesterone values in differentiating between non-evolutive and evolutive pregnancy. Results: 149 cases were found: no pregnancy 11.4%, without evolutive pregnancy 24.8%, with evolutive pregnancy 63.8% (83 single, 12 twins). Excluding progesterone and ß-hCG values, there were no statistically significant differences between the variables of non-evolutive and evolutive pregnancy groups (ß-HCG: 38.9 vs. 159 IU/L, progesterone: 20.4 vs. 60ng/mL). In a comparison between single and twin pregnancies, only the amount of ß-hCG was statistically significant (ß-HCG: 147 vs. 331 IU/L). When progesterone value is >25, the probability of pregnancy is 5.4 times greater (95% CI, 1.18-24.8). In a logistic regression for twin pregnancies, only ß-hCG value was statistically significant. Conclusion: A single assessment of progesterone and ß-hCG values 14 days after the puncture has a good predictive value of evolutive pregnancy, but with limited ability to discriminate between single and twin pregnancies.(AU)

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.

Experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Clínica Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de fecundación in vitro / Experience of the Monteblanco Clinical Reproductive Medicine Unit with the use of corifollitropin alfa in in vitro fertilization cycles

ANTECEDENTES: La hiperestimulación ovárica controlada (HEOC) es uno de los componentes fundamentales de los ciclos de fecundación in-vitro (FIV). HEOC se ha realizado con gonadotrofinas exógenas de uso diario, agregando un componente de estrés adicional al tratamiento. La aparición de una FSH recombinante de depósito (corifollitropin alfa) permite disminuir el estrés asociado. Los estudios publicados no han mostrados diferencias en el número de ovocitos recuperados ni en las tasas de embarazo clínico. Los estudios existentes han sido financiados en su mayoría por la industria farmacéutica. OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva Monteblanco con el uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos en pacientes no seleccionadas. MÉTODO: Se analizaron el número de ovocitos recuperados y la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2 en pacientes sometidas a HEOC con corifollitropin alfa, FSH recombinante diaria (rFSH), y la combinación de FSH recombinante y urinaria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 727 ciclos de FIV: 270 con corifollitropin alfa, 33 con rFSH y 333 con combinación de FSH. No hubo diferencias significativas en la recuperación de ovocitos ni en la proporción de ovocitos en metafase 2. Al corregir por edad de la mujer y tipo de esquema de HEOC, encontramos que la edad de la mujer se asoció negativamente con el número de ovocitos recuperados, no así el tipo de esquema de HEOC. CONCLUSION: El uso de corifollitropin alfa en ciclos de FIV autólogos, no se diferencia significativamente de los otros esquemas de HEOC en la media de ovocitos recuperados ni en la media de ovocitos en metafase 2 obtenidos.

BACKGROUND: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a main component of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. COH have been performed with daily exogenous gonadotropins administered, adding to treatment an additional component of stress. The appearance of a depot recombinant FSH (corifollitropin alfa) helps to reduce stress in patients undergoing IVF. No studies have shown differences in the number of retrieved oocytes or clinical pregnancy rates; however these studies have been funded by the pharmaceutical industry. AIMS: To show the experience of Reproductive Medicine Unit Monteblanco with the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles, in unselected patients. METHODS: Our main outcome was the mean number of oocytes retrieved, and the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2 in patients undergoing COH with corifollitropin alpha, daily recombinant FSH (rFSH), and a combination of rFSH and urinary gonadotropin. RESULTS: We analyzed 727 IVF cycles: 270 cycles with corifollitropin alpha, 33 exclusive rFSH and 333 cycles with rFSH combination and urinary gonadotropins. We did not found any statistically significant difference in the mean number of oocytes recovered nor the proportion of metaphase two oocytes obtained. After adjusting for age, we did not find that the COH protocol influenced the mean number of oocytes recovered. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the use of corifollitropin alpha in autologous IVF cycles does not alter the mean number of oocytes recovered, nor the proportion of oocytes in metaphase 2.

Factores clínico-terapéuticos que influyen en el logro de embarazo en pacientes tratadas por fertilización in vitro / Clinical and therapeutic factors influencing the achievement ofpregnancy among patients undergoing in vitro fertilization

Introducción: La fertilización in vitro es la técnica de reproducción asistida de alta tecnología que con más frecuencia se emplea como tratamiento en pacientes infértiles. Objetivo: determinar los factores clínico-terapéuticos que influyen en el logro de embarazo clínico mediante la técnica de fertilización in vitro. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte longitudinal retrospectivo, en 654 parejas infértiles para precisar la influencia de algunos factores, como la edad materna, años de infertilidad, causa y tipo de infertilidad, número de folículos aspirados, grosor endometrial, estradiol sérico antes de la administración de gonadotropina coriónica humana, calidad del semen, valor basal de hormona folículo estimulante, esquema de tratamiento con análogos de hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas y las modificaciones a este, en el logro de embarazo por fertilización in vitro. Resultados: se obtuvo que el 25,10 por ciento de las pacientes incluidas quedaron embarazadas. Entre las pacientes que se embarazaron y las que no, hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a la edad (p= 0,001), concentración de estradiol (p= 0,003), grosor endometrial (p= 0,001) y folículos aspirados (p= 0,045). La infertilidad secundaria incrementó la probabilidad de embarazarse en 15 por ciento, el semen óptimo en 47 por ciento y el esquema terapéutico con acetato de leuprorelina en 28 por ciento. En el análisis multivariado, las variables más relacionadas con el logro de embarazo fueron, el esquema terapéutico con acetato de leuprorelina (p= 0,001), el semen óptimo (p= 0,028) y el grosor endometrial (p= 0,036).Conclusiones: el esquema de tratamiento, la calidad del semen y el grosor endometrial, son factores independientes que influyen en que una paciente sometida a la técnica de fertilización in vitro se embarace(AU)

Introduction: In vitro fertilization is the high technology assisted reproduction method most commonly used in the treatment of infertile patients. Objective: determine the clinical and therapeutic factors influencing the achievement of pregnancy by in vitro fertilization.Methods: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 654 infertile couples to determine the influence of a number of factors upon the achievement of pregnancy by in vitro fertilization. The factors considered were maternal age, years of infertility, type of infertility and cause, number of aspirated follicles, endometrial thickness, serum estradiol before the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, semen quality, basal follicle-stimulating hormone, and treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and its modifications. Results: 25.10 percent of the patients included became pregnant. A statistically significant difference was found between patients becoming and not becoming pregnant as to age (p= 0.001), estradiol concentration (p= 0.003), endometrial thickness (p= 0.001) and aspirated follicles (p= 0.045). Secondary infertility increased the probability of becoming pregnant by 15 percent, optimal semen by 47 percent and treatment with leuprorelin acetate by 28 percent. The multivariate analysis variables most closely related to the achievement of pregnancy were treatment with leuprorelin acetate (p= 0.001), optimal semen (p= 0.028) and endometrial thickness (p= 0.036). Conclusions: treatment scheme, semen quality and endometrial thickness are independent factors influencing the achievement of pregnancy in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization(AU)