Fertility specialist practice in the Philippines during the COVID- 19 pandemic

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the changes in the clinical practice of infertility specialists in the Philippines, specifically, the proportion of specialists who stopped practice, length of break from clinics, the decrease in caseload, changes in consultation platform, screening frequency, number of clinicians that contracted COVI D 19 and safety protocols employed during the COVID - 19 pandemic.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire given to all members of the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine (PSRM) last November 2020. Participants were requested to answer the questionnaire through google spread sheet, with informed consent. All data were collated, summarized and reported in terms of frequencies, and measures of central tendency.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> There were 110 active members of the PSRM who participated in the study. There was an overall decrease in the percentage of fertility consultations during the pandemic. There is also a substantial decrease in the caseload from different practices: 45.4% reported more than 50% decrease in !VF-related procedures, 54.5% noted more than 50% decrease in intrauterine insemination procedures, 52.8% reported more than 50% decrease in ovulation induction treatment, and 66.3% reported more than 50% decrease in endoscopic procedures. About 37% of the respondents deferred approximately 5-10 cases for fertility treatment, with 27.3% of the respondents reported deferring embryo transfer to less than 5 couples. More than half of the specialists (51.8%) stopped performing fertility procedures and 68.2% of the respondents completely stopped doing out patient consultations. However, some specialists resumed clinics by May 2020 (30.9%) and June 2020 (30.9%). Upon resumption of clinics, specialists used both face to face consultation and teleconsultation, with the largest proportion of respondents using both platforms. Safety measures employed during face-to-face consultations to prevent disease transmission included hand sanitizers in the clinics, restricted number of people in the waiting room and consultation room, use of personal protective equipment, symptom check prior to face to face consults, installation of air purifiers, and acrylic barriers, and use of health declaration forms. Majority of the specialists are aware of the international and local guidelines regarding infertility care during the pandemic (98.2%) and inform patients regarding the contents of the guidelines (90%).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is a significant decline in the consultations and fertility procedures during the pandemic. Specialists are well informed of the international and local guidelines regarding fertility care during the pandemic.</p>

Nuevos desafíos en el rol de matronas/matrones en Medicina Reproductiva / New challenges in the role of the midwife in Reproductive Medicine

Con el incremento en las tasas de infertilidad en los últimos años a un 15% a nivel mundial, ha habido un aumento en las consultas de medicina reproductiva para tratamientos de alta y baja complejidad. Estos tratamientos requieren un proceso largo y complejo, desde su diagnóstico hasta el fin del tratamiento. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es conocer la importancia que tiene el rol de matronas/matrones en las unidades de medicina reproductiva, fundamentalmente en el acompañamiento y educación de los pacientes.

With infertility rates increasing in recent years to 15% worldwide, there has been an increase in reproductive medicine consultations for high and low complexity treatments. These treatments require a long and complex process, from its diagnosis to the end of the treatment. The aim of this bibliographic review is to understand the importance of the role of the midwife in reproductive medicine units, fundamentally in the accompaniment and education of patients.

Preservación de la fertilidad y cáncer de mama. Un lugar en las Unidades de Mastología para el especialista en medicina reproductiva / Fertility preservation and breast cancer. A place within the Breast Unit for the specialist in reproductive medicine

Hace 11 años, durante el fellow en mastología, una paciente del entonces jefe de servicio, que tenía mi misma edad y también era médica, se enfrentaba al diagnóstico de un cáncer de mama triple negativo. Yo estaba entonces embarazada y recuerdo muy bien sus palabras: ¨por culpa de la carrera no fui madre y ahora con esto, menos¨. Pasaron los años y la sigo viendo como paciente. Nunca fue madre, sigue ejerciendo la profesión y se encuentra libre de enfermedad. Su historia enfocó mi mirada hacia estas mujeres jóvenes y las necesidades particulares que ellas requieren antes, durante y luego del tratamiento, volviéndolas así un grupo tan especial

Recomendaciones en el manejo de pacientes de medicina reproductiva en tiempos de SARS-CoV-2: Un resumen de la literatura / Management recommendation of reproductive medicine patients in SARS-CoV-2 time: A literature summarize

La pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 es una emergencia sanitaria sin precedentes, que ha implicado un reordenamiento en la priorización de procedimientos médicos electivos, frente a un potencial colapso del sistema de salud a nivel mundial y riesgo de contagio del personal y pacientes. Al igual que en el resto del mundo, en Chile la mayoría de los centros de medicina reproductiva han debido suspender sus diferentes terapias de reproducción asistida (TRA). Sin embargo, a raiz de la disminución del número de contagios y mayor evidencia científica disponible, la Sociedad Europea de Reproducción Humana y Embriología (ESHRE) ha recomendado reiniciar los ciclos de medicina reproductiva de forma gradual, a través de sistemas de triage, priorizando pacientes por medio de la generación de distintos escenarios. Considerando esta recomendación, se realizó una revisión sobre la evidencia existente respecto a SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 en medicina reproductiva recopilando diferentes directrices de las principales sociedades internacionales, con el objetivo de generar una recomendación ajustada a la realidad nacional.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an unprecedented health emergency, which involves a reorganization of elective procedures, facing a potential global health system collapse. In Chile, as in the rest of the world. most reproductive medicine centers have suspended their different assisted reproduction therapies (ART). However, due to the decrease in the number of infections and due to a greater collection of scientific evidence, the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) have recommended restarting cycles gradually through triage systems, prioritizing patients through the generation of different scenarios. With this in mind, we carried out a review of the existing evidence so far regarding SARS-CoV-2 and reproductive medicine, and we tried to compile the different guidelines of the main international societies, to generate a recommendation adjusted to our local scenario.

COVID-19 e reprodução assistida: um ponto de vista sobre o cenário brasileiro / COVID-19 and assisted reproduction: a point of view on the Brazilian scenario

O mundo vive uma pandemia sem precedentes recentes causada pelo novo coronavírus, SARS-CoV-2. As projeções matemáticas para o Brasil apontam que a curva da epidemia se encontra em um platô, com mais de 190 mil novas infecções diárias previstas até a segunda quinzena de junho de 2020. Embora distante de ser uma estratégia com a eficácia desejada, o distanciamento social tem sido a solução possível para conter a disseminação do vírus e achatar a curva, com repercussões biopsicossocioeconômicas significativas e imensuráveis. Com a medida, recomendou-se que os tratamentos de reprodução assistida fossem suspensos em todo o mundo. Assim, observamos, no momento, a mobilização das autoridades sanitárias e entidades médicas para a elaboração de estratégias de segurança que garantam a retomada dos tratamentos num cenário de convivência com a COVID-19, adaptando-se tais estratégias à realidade de cada local. No Brasil, em 22 de maio de 2020, as projeções indicam que ainda haverá grande volume de novas infecções até a segunda quinzena de junho e que os números de óbitos diários não cairão abaixo de 800 até o fim do mês de julho. Dessa forma, o momento brasileiro não parece permitir o reinício seguro dos tratamentos, devendo-se manter a recomendação de suspensão, com exceção daqueles indicados para preservação de fertilidade, por razão médica. Tal recomendação, contudo, está sujeita a mudanças e deve ser periodicamente revista, a curtos intervalos, com o intuito de beneficiar a maioria das pessoas.(AU)

O mundo vive uma pandemia sem precedentes recentes causada pelo novo coronavírus, SARS-CoV-2. As projeções matemáticas para o Brasil apontam que a curva da epidemia se encontra em um platô, com mais de 190 mil novas infecções diárias previstas até a segunda quinzena de junho de 2020. Embora distante de ser uma estratégia com a eficácia desejada, o distanciamento social tem sido a solução possível para conter a disseminação do vírus e achatar a curva, com repercussões biopsicossocioeconômicas significativas e imensuráveis. Com a medida, recomendou-se que os tratamentos de reprodução assistida fossem suspensos em todo o mundo. Assim, observamos, no momento, a mobilização das autoridades sanitárias e entidades médicas para a elaboração de estratégias de segurança que garantam a retomada dos tratamentos num cenário de convivência com a COVID-19, adaptando-se tais estratégias à realidade de cada local. No Brasil, em 22 de maio de 2020, as projeções indicam que ainda haverá grande volume de novas infecções até a segunda quinzena de junho e que os números de óbitos diários não cairão abaixo de 800 até o fim do mês de julho. Dessa forma, o momento brasileiro não parece permitir o reinício seguro dos tratamentos, devendo-se manter a recomendação de suspensão, com exceção daqueles indicados para preservação de fertilidade, por razão médica. Tal recomendação, contudo, está sujeita a mudanças e deve ser periodicamente revista, a curtos intervalos, com o intuito de beneficiar a maioria das pessoas.(AU)

Vitrificación de ovocitos en pacientes oncológicas: experiencia en clínica ivi chile y revisión de la literatura / Vitrification of oocytes in oncological patients: experience in clinica ivi chile and review of literature

La sobrevida de pacientes con cáncer ha mejorado con el tiempo, especialmente en pacientes en edad fértil. La criopreservación de los ovocitos a través de la estimulación ovárica controlada (EOC) es la técnica más frecuente de preservación de la fertilidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un análisis descriptivo de los ciclos de pacientes que, previo al tratamiento de cáncer, realizaron un tratamiento de preservación de fertilidad. Se analizaron datos demográficos como edad, diagnóstico de ingreso y resultados clínicos, tales como tipo de protocolo de estimulación utilizado, número de ovocitos obtenidos, duración de la estimulación y momento de inicio en el ciclo. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 28.9 años. La duración media de la estimulación fue de 12 días, con un promedio de ovocitos obtenidos en total de 12. Se utilizaron 2 protocolos de estimulación ovárica, obteniendo mejores resultados con el esquema de antagonistas de GnRH asociado a letrozole y doble gatillante. Respecto al momento del ciclo en que se inició la estimulación ovárica, no hubo diferencias. Conclusiones: Es posible realizar preservación de la fertilidad previo a un tratamiento oncológico con buenos resultados en pacientes jóvenes, por lo que sugerimos realizarlo en todos los pacientes con diagnóstico oncológico antes el tratamiento del cáncer. Es recomendable comenzar la estimulación ovárica en cualquier fase del ciclo ya que se obtienen los mismos resultados y permite un pronto inicio de la terapia oncológica.

Survival of patients with cancer has been improving over time, especially in young patient with fertility intention. Cryopreservation of oocytes through controlled ovarian stimulation (EOC) is the most frequent technique of fertility preservation. We analyzed the data obtained from oncological patients who attended IVI Chile between January 2008 and May 2017 in search of fertility preservation. Demographic data were obtained: age, diagnosis of admission, type of stimulation protocol used, number of oocytes obtained, duration of stimulation and pregnancy rate. Results: The average age: 28,9 years; average duration of stimulation:12 days. Number of oocytes obtained in total: 12. Two ovarian stimulation protocols were used. The one with the best results was the protocol with GnRH antagonists associated with letrozole and double triggering. Regarding the moment of the cycle where to start ovarian stimulation, there were no differences. Conclusions: It is possible to carry out a fertility preservation treatment prior to an oncological treatment with good results in young patients, so we suggest the preservation of fertility in all patients with an oncological diagnosis before oncological treatment. It is recommended to start ovarian stimulation at any phase of the cycle since the same results are obtained.

Ultrasound guidance versus the blind method for intrauterine catheter insemination: A randomized controlled trial / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to compare clinical pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment cycles with transabdominal ultrasound guidance during intrauterine catheter insemination (US-IUI) versus the “blind method” IUI without ultrasound guidance (BM-IUI). The secondary objective was to compare whether US-IUI had better patient tolerability and whether US-IUI made the insemination procedure easier for the clinician to perform compared to BM-IUI. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial done at the Reproductive Medicine Unit of General Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We included women aged between 25 and 40 years who underwent an IUI treatment cycle with follicle-stimulating hormone injections for controlled ovarian stimulation. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were recruited for our study. The US-IUI group had 70 patients and the BM-IUI group had 60 patients. The clinical pregnancy rate was 10% in both groups (p> 0.995) and there were no significant difference between the groups for patient tolerability assessed by scores on a pain visual analog scale (p= 0.175) or level of difficulty for the clinician (p> 0.995). The multivariate analysis further showed no significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.34; p= 0.558) in the US-IUI group compared to the BM-IUI group even after adjusting for potential covariates. CONCLUSION: The conventional blind method for intrauterine catheter insemination is recommended for patients undergoing IUI treatment. The use of ultrasound during the insemination procedure increased the need for trained personnel to perform ultrasonography and increased the cost, but added no extra benefits for patients or clinicians.

Efficient Production of Murine Uterine Damage Model

BACKGROUND: Thin or damaged endometrium causes uterine factor-derived infertility resulting in a failure of embryonic implantation. Regeneration of endometrium is a major issue in gynecology and reproductive medicine. Various types of cells and scaffolds were studied to establish an effective therapeutic strategy. For this type of investigations, production of optimal animal models is indispensable. In this study, we tried to establish various murine uterine damage models and compared their features. METHODS: Three to ten-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were anesthetized using isoflurane. Chemical and mechanical methods using ethanol (EtOH) at 70 or 100% and copper scraper were compared to determine the most efficient condition. Damage of uterine tissue was induced either by vaginal or dorsal surgical approach. After 7-10 days, gross and microscopic morphology, safety and efficiency were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Both chemical and mechanical methods resulted in thinner endometrium and reduced number of glands. Gross morphology assessment revealed that the damaged regions of uteri showed various shapes including shrinkage or cystic dilatation of uterine horns. The duration of anesthesia significantly affected recovery after procedure. Uterine damage was most effectively induced by dorsal approach using 100% EtOH treatment compared to mechanical methods. CONCLUSION: Taken together, murine uterine damage models were most successfully established by chemical treatment. This production protocols could be applied further to larger animals such as non-human primate.

Biodireito e legislação na reprodução assistida / Biolaw and legislation on assisted reproduction

O biodireito é um ramo da ciência jurídica, e por essa lente podemos analisar os princípios e normas que influenciam e modificam as relações com o Estado e entre os próprios indivíduos, quando tratarem sobre a vida e dos direitos fundamentais dos indivíduos envolvidos. Os principais princípios analisados da bioética são: beneficência, autonomia, justiça, respeito pela pessoa e do consentimento informado. As pesquisas buscam trazer foco na legislação brasileira a respeito do assunto, a fim de propor uma maior abordagem para facilitar a compreensão das pessoas envolvidas no processo de Reprodução Assistida, tanto pacientes como profissionais. As normas analisadas foram a Constituição Federal, o Código Civil Brasileiro e as Resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM). O texto trata de assuntos polêmicos que envolvem pacientes, equipe multiprofissional e sociedade, pois ao analisar as técnicas de Reprodução Assistida há inúmeras indagações como por exemplo quais os direitos e deveres envolvidos, qual o limite do uso dessas técnicas para ter como resultado a gravidez e quais os direitos fundamentais que estão sendo preservados. Alguns pontos discutidos no trabalho são da cessão temporária do útero, doação de material genético, criopreservação e Reprodução Assistida post-mortem, entre outros. Assim, o desenvolvimento do tema exposto se dá em três momentos, sendo o primeiro o biodireito e os direitos humanos do ponto de vista da Reprodução Assistida, bem como as técnicas utilizadas, em seguida o estudo da legislação brasileira e por fim os aspectos polêmicos e discussões a respeito do tema. (AU)

Biolaw is a branch of legal science, through which it's possible to analyze the principles and regulations that influence and modify the relation with the State and among individuals themselves when it comes to the life and fundamental rights of the individuals involved. The main bioethics principles analyzed are: beneficence, autonomy, justice, respect for the person and the informed consent. Research aims to focus on the Brazilian legislation on the subject in order to propose a wider approach to promote the comprehension of people involved in the process of Assisted Reproduction, both patients and professionals. The regulations analyzed were the Brazilian Constitution, the Brazilian Civil Code and the Brazilian Federal Medical Council. The text brings up polemical subjects involving patients, a multiprofessional team and the society, as the Assisted Reproduction techniques are analyzed, numerous questions come up, as what are the rights and obligations involved, what is the limit of using these techniques to achieve pregnancy and what are the fundamental rights which are being preserved. Some of the topics discussed in this research are surrogacy, genetic material donation, cryopreservation and posthumous assisted reproduction. Therefore, the development of the exposed topic happens in three phases, the first one is Biolaw and Human Rights from the Assisted Reproduction point of view and the techniques that are used, then the study of the Brazilian legislation and finally the polemical aspects and discussions on the topic. (AU)

Percepciones y creencias sobre criopreservación embrionaria en mujeres y hombres que se realizan técnicas de reproducción asistida en Santiago, Chile / Perceptions and beliefs about embryo cryopreservation in women and men who have assisted reproductive techniques in Santiago, Chile

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: Aunque la criopreservación embrionaria es frecuentemente utilizada como parte de las técnicas de reproducción asistida, no existe información cuantitativa de cómo las parejas infértiles viven la experiencia de tener embriones criopreservados en Chile. El objetivo del estudio fue examinar las percepciones y creencias que tienen mujeres y hombres respecto de sus embriones criopreservados, sus perspectivas respecto de la donación reproductiva y destino de los embriones remanentes. Metodología: 153 mujeres y hombres con embriones criopreservados provenientes de un hospital público, Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil y un centro privado, Clínica Las Condes, en Santiago, Chile, respondieron durante mayo 2015 a mayo 2016 un cuestionario en línea, anónimo, respecto de sus percepciones y creencias sobre criopreservación embrionaria. Resultados: Los encuestados reconocen a sus embriones criopreservados como un hijo (53.2%) o un proyecto de hijo (40.7%). Sólo 8% los considera un grupo organizado de células; sobre el 60% rechaza la opción de descartarlos o usarlos para investigación. Los participantes del hospital público tenían mayor disposición a donar sus embriones remanentes a otras parejas que aquellos del privado (61% vs 40%; P=0.016). Un 34% de las personas encuestadas estuvo de acuerdo con donar embriones a parejas de un mismo sexo. Conclusión: Este estudio muestra que las personas chilenas tienen un vínculo emocional con sus embriones criopreservados y no consideran descartarlos. Los resultados de este estudio pueden servir para dar adecuada consejería a las personas que se realizan técnicas de reproducción asistida, de tal modo de tomar decisiones informadas respecto de la criopreservación.

ABSTRACT Background and objetive: Although embryo cryopreservation is frequently used as part of assisted reproductive technology, quantitave information addressing how infertile couples live the experience of having cryopreserved embryos is lacking in Chile. The aim of this study is to examine men and women's perception and beliefs regarding their cryopreserved embryos, as well as their perspective on embryo donation and disposition. Methods: 153 women and men with frozen embryos from a public hospital, Instituto de Investigactiones Materno Infantil, and a private clinic, Clínica Las Condes, in Santiago, Chile, responded between May 2015 and May 2016 to an anonymous online survey addressing their perceptions and beliefs concerning their cryopreserved embryos. Results: Respondents considered their frozen embryos to be equivalent to a child (53.2%) or a potential child (40.7%). Only 8% regard them as an organized group of cells. Over 60% of respondents disagree with destroying surplus embryos or using them for research. Participants from the public hospital are more willing to donate their embryos to another couple than those from the private center (61% vs 40%; P=0.016); 34% of respondents agreed to donate surplus embryos to same sex couples. Conclusion: This study reveals that Chilean couples are emotionally bound to their frozen embryos, and that discarding them is not an option. The results from this survey will help strengthen counseling for couples to enable them to make informed decisions regarding their surplus embryos.

Bilateral salpingectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancer in women at average risk: a position statement of the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSOG)

Based on the current understanding of a preventive effect of bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancers, the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Endocrinology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Korean Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine support the following recommendations:• Women scheduled for hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease should be informed that bilateral salpingectomy reduces the risk of ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancer, and they should be counseled regarding this procedure at the time of hysterectomy.• Although salpingectomy is generally considered as a safe procedure in terms of preserving ovarian reserve, there is a lack of evidences representing its long-term outcomes. Therefore, patients should be informed about the minimal potential of this procedure for decreasing ovarian reserve.• Prophylactic salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy is favorable in terms of prevention of ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancer, although operation-related complications minimally increase with this procedure, compared to the complications associated with vaginal hysterectomy alone. Conversion to open or laparoscopic approach from vaginal approach to perform prophylactic salpingectomy is not recommended.• Women who desire permanent sterilization at the time of cesarean delivery could be counseled for prophylactic salpingectomy before surgery on an individual basis.

Effects of selenium on the survival and invasion of trophoblasts / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Placental oxidative stress is known to be a factor that contributes to pregnancy failure. The aim of this study was to determine whether selenium could induce antioxidant gene expression and regulate invasive activity and mitochondrial activity in trophoblasts, which are a major cell type of the placenta. METHODS: To understand the effects of selenium on trophoblast cells exposed to hypoxia, the viability and invasive activity of trophoblasts were analyzed. The expression of antioxidant enzymes was assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the effects of selenium treatment on mitochondrial activity were evaluated in terms of adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species levels. RESULTS: Selenium showed positive effects on the viability and migration activity of trophoblast cells when exposed to hypoxia. Interestingly, the increased heme oxygenase 1 expression under hypoxic conditions was decreased by selenium treatment, whereas superoxide dismutase expression was increased in trophoblast cells by selenium treatment for 72 hours, regardless of hypoxia. Selenium-treated trophoblast cells showed increased mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased reactive oxygen species levels under hypoxic conditions for 72 hours. CONCLUSION: These results will be used as basic data for understanding the mechanism of how trophoblast cells respond to oxidative stress and how selenium promotes the upregulation of related genes and improves the survival rate and invasive ability of trophoblasts through regulating mitochondrial activity. These results suggest that selenium may be used in reproductive medicine for purposes including infertility treatment.

Fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult cancer patients in Japan

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients are generally defined as being from 15 to 39 years old. For preservation of fertility in AYA cancer patients, the best-known guideline in this field was released by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in 2006. However, the ASCO guideline is not necessarily applicable to Japanese cancer patients. The Japan Society for Fertility Preservation (JSFP) was formed in 2012, and a system and guideline for fertility preservation in Japanese AYA cancer patients plus children was released in July 2017. According to this guideline, patients should receive psychological and social support from health care providers such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, and social workers. In 2013, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine stated that freezing oocytes is a method that has passed beyond the research stage. However, freezing ovarian tissue is still a research procedure. While slow freezing of ovarian tissue is generally performed, rapid freezing (vitrification) is more popular in Japan. We have developed a new closed technique for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. It has been suggested that optical coherence tomography might be applied clinically to measure the true ovarian reserve and localize follicles in patients undergoing ovarian tissue transplantation. Combining gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy with anticancer agents might be useful for ovarian protection and it is expected that discussion of such combined treatment will continue in the future. This article outlines practical methods of fertility preservation using assisted reproductive techniques for AYA cancer patients in Japan.

Dilemas éticos en embriones criopreservados: avance de investigación / Ethical dilemmas in cryopreserved embryos: research update

Los adelantos en medicina reproductiva han producido cambios y transformaciones en la estructura familiar. El impacto de la técnica sobre la subjetividad requiere de un trabajo interdisciplinario capaz de conceptualizar las variantes y los efectos de esas transformaciones sobre el tejido social de la Argentina. En esta oportunidad, el foco será la conceptualización del embrión in vitro; se estudiará cómo el modo de percibirlos afecta el destino de los embriones criopreservados. Este trabajo presenta un primer acercamiento, en el marco de una investigación posdoctoral (CONICET) que tiene por objeto el desarrollo de una guía psico-educativa de buenas prácticas para la resolución de dilemas éticos en embriones criopreservados. La indagación se llevó a cabo en 27 pacientes/usuarios de técnicas de reproducción humana asistida (TRHA) por medio de una encuesta estructurada on-line autoadministrable, que indaga la representación del embrión no implantado en dos casos controvertidos de la práctica clínica: disposición de embriones en caso de fallecimiento de uno de los progenitores (viñeta 3) y disposición de embriones posdivorcio (viñeta 4).

Improvements in reproductive medicine have transformed the structure of families. The impact of the technique on the subjectivity of those involved in these processes requires interdisciplinary work in order to conceptualize the variations and effects of these transformations on the Argentinean society. In this opportunity, the focus will be the conceptualization of the in vitro embryo and the effects of this perception in its possible destinations. This paper summarizes a first approach, within the framework of a postdoctoral research (CONICET) which aims to develop a psycho-educational guide for the resolution of ethical dilemmas in cryopreserved embryos. The inquiry was carried out in 27 patients of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) by a self-administered structured online survey, which explores the perception of in vitro embryos in two controversial cases of clinical practice: embryos dispositions after death (case 3) and after divorce (case 4).

Anomalías en los ductos Müllerianos: Evaluación diagnóstica por resonancia magnética / Müllerian Duct Anomalies: Diagnostic Evaluation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Los ductos Müllerianos son dos estructuras embrionarias que en su desarrollo pasan por tres procesos fundamentales: desarrollo, fusión ductal y reabsorción septal. Las anomalías de los ductos Müllerianos (ADM) incluyen un gran espectro de malformaciones que comprometen el útero, trompas de Falopio, cuello uterino y los dos tercios superiores de la vagina. La gravedad de las ADM y sus características morfológicas están dadas por el momento embriológico específico en el que aparece el trastorno. Las mujeres con estas anomalías consultan principalmente por amenorrea primaria, infertilidad y complicaciones obstétricas. La resonancia magnética (RM) se ha convertido en una herramienta muy útil para su adecuada evaluación por tratarse de una técnica no invasiva, que no utiliza radiación ionizante y permite una evaluación multiplanar con adecuada valoración del contorno uterino externo, lo que la constituye en una técnica necesaria para el diagnóstico preciso, así como para la planeación quirúrgica de las pacientes

The Müllerian ducts are two embryological structures that undergo three main processes during their formation: development, ductal fusion, and septal resorption. Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) include a large spectrum of malformations that involve the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and the upper two-thirds of the vagina. The severity and morphological characteristics are given by the specific embryological moment in which the disorder occurs. Women with these anomalies present symptoms such as primary amenorrhea, infertility, and obstetric complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a very useful tool for evaluation, given that it is a noninvasive technique that does not use ionizing radiation, while allowing multiplanar evaluation for a proper assessment of the external uterine contour, which makes this method a useful technique for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning

Análisis epidemiológico de las patologías en mujeres de edad reproductiva que acudieron a un hospital general tipo IV / Epidemiological analysis of medical conditions in women of childbearing age who attended a teaching general hospital in Caracas, Venezuela

Analizar la patología médica de las mujeres en edad fértil que fueron atendidas en el Hospital General del Oeste de Caracas, Venezuela. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, de pacientes con edades entre 14 y 44 años evaluadas desde 1º Octubre 2015 al 1º Mayo 2016. Tratamiento estadístico: Se realizó estadística descriptiva con medidas de tendencia central en las variables continuas y de proporción en las cualitativas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 910 pacientes con edad promedio de 25,63 ± 6,69 DS. El grupo entre 14 y 19 años fue el 33,40% y el 17,5% eran adolescentes. El promedio de edad de las embarazadas fue de 23,31 ± 6,08 DS, mientras que en las no gestantes 30,57 ± 7,97 DS. Según el Graffar modificado por Méndez Castellanos predominó la clasificación III en 57,06%. El promedio de la menarquia fue 12,7 ± 1,75 DS y de la sexarquia 16,54 ± 4,04 DS. La edad promedio del primer parto fue 18 ± 1,33 DS. El 73,62% no cumplía control ginecológico anual. Eran gestantes 78% y de ellas, el 80% eran sanas. Las patologías médicas del embarazo fueron preeclampsia 39%, anemia 35,93%, diabetes gestacional 12%, síndrome de HELLP 11%, hiperemesis gravídica 1,56%. Los diagnósticos médicos no relacionados con el embarazo fueron: asma 41,77%, HTA crónica 16,45%, ITU 12,65%, obesidad 7,59%, anemia 5,09%. La violencia doméstica se documentó en 3,4% y 20% ocurrió durante la gestación. En las no gestantes el diagnóstico médico predominó en 48% y los mas frecuentes fueron: anemia 34,84%, ITU 27,77%, HTA crónica 7,57%. Conclusión: La atención médica de la mujer en edad reproductiva debe ser adecuadamente abordada(AU)

To analyze the medical conditions in women of childbearing age who consulted at the Hospital General del Oeste, Caracas, Venezuela. Methods: This is an analitycal, transverse case design, of female patients in a non probabilistic sample, of intentional selection, that included 100% of patients aged 14 - 44 years, who consulted between October 1st 2015 and May 1st 2016- We included hospitalized and outpatients of internal medicine, as well as obstetrics and gynecology. A previous informed consent was obtained. The sample was divided in two groups, pregnant and not pregnant, classified as healthy and with any medical or gynecological pathology. The variables studied were: age, menarche, sexarche, parity, demographics, and final diagnoses, as well as associated complications. Results: We studied 910 patients, with an average age of 25,63 ± 6,69 DS. The group of 14 to 19 years was 3,40% and 17,5% of them were adolescents. The average age of the pregnant women was 23,31 ± 6,08 DS, and in the non-pregnant 30,57 ± 7,97 DS The Graffar score modified by Méndez Castellanos showed a class III in 57,06%. The average age of menarche was 12,7 ± 1,75 DS and of the first sexual intercourse 16,54 ± 4,04 DS. The average age of the first delivery 18 ± 1,33 DS. An important 73,62% did not have an annual gynecological consultation. The pregnant women were 78%. Among them, 80% were healthy. Their pathological conditions of pregnancy were: preeclampsia 39%, anemia 35,93%, gestational diabetes 12%, HELLP syndrome 11%, hyperemesis gravídarum 1,56%. The medical conditions not related to pregnancy were: asthma 41,77%, chronic hypertension 16,45%, UTI 12,65%, obesity 7,59%, anemia 5,09%. Doméstic violence was documented in 3,4%, and 20% ocurred during pregnancy. In non pregnant women there was 48% of medical conditions, being the most frequent anemia 34,84%, UTI 27,77%, chronic hypertension 7,57%, Conclusion: Women in childbearing age must be adequately approached and treated(AU)

A case report on catamenial epilepsy / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A case of a 17-year-old nulligravid with onset of seizure episodes since menarcheis reported. She was diagnosed with Seizure Disorder treated with Phenobarbital and was seizure free for 2 years. Two years prior to consult, seizure recurrences were noted to coincide with menstruation, hence, was diagnosed with Catamenial Epilepsy. Patient was shifted to Lamotrigine but seizure exacerbations were still observed, prompting referral to the Reproductive Medicine service for adjunctive hormonal therapy. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate was added to the antiepileptic drug which provided seizure control. Adjunctive hormonal therapy proved to be helpful in the management of intractable seizures in this patient. The report aims to give a better understanding of the neuroactive properties of estrogen and progesterone and its role in the development of Catamenial Epilepsy. Gender-related and psychosocial issues in the treatment of Epilepsy in the child-bearing years up to the menopause are also discussed.

A case report on catamenial epilepsy / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A case of a 17-year-old nulligravid with onset of seizure episodes since menarcheis reported. She was diagnosed with Seizure Disorder treated with Phenobarbital and was seizure free for 2 years. Two years prior to consult, seizure recurrences were noted to coincide with menstruation, hence, was diagnosed with Catamenial Epilepsy. Patient was shifted to Lamotrigine but seizure exacerbations were still observed, prompting referral to the Reproductive Medicine service for adjunctive hormonal therapy. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate was added to the antiepileptic drug which provided seizure control. Adjunctive hormonal therapy proved to be helpful in the management of intractable seizures in this patient.The report aims to give a better understanding of the neuroactive properties of estrogen and progesterone and its role in the development of Catamenial Epilepsy. Gender-related and psychosocial issues in the treatment of Epilepsy in the child-bearing years up to the menopause are also discussed.