A Successful Pregnancy Outcome After Continued Surveillance of Lupus Anticoagulant Antibodies in a Patient With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) can be a devastating experience for individuals trying to have children. Various potential causes contribute to the multifactorial pathogenesis of RPL, including chromosomal anomalies, endocrine conditions, autoimmunity, thrombophilias, and infectious agents. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) offer an unspecific clue to the underlying autoimmune pathogenic etiology of RPL. This case details a 40-year-old female with a history of RPL, fibromyalgia, and ANA positivity, who spontaneously developed lupus anticoagulant antibodies during her second trimester of pregnancy. Although the recommended American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) diagnostic criteria for initiating a thrombophilia evaluation was not formally met, the patient's maintenance of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) throughout her pregnancy may have contributed to the success of the pregnancy. When treating a patient with RPL, consideration of the comprehensive clinical picture should precede the need to strictly adhere to published criteria for using non-proven clinical interventions. A risk-benefit analysis ought to be considered when offering patients additional medications that may come with some risks but could significantly improve the chances of a successful clinical outcome, such as live birth. We aim to provide evidence to promote greater flexibility in guidelines so that a patient's unique autoimmune etiologies of RPL are not overlooked.

Transient Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Post-COVID-19 Infection.

Anti-ovarian antibodies (AOAs) have been linked to autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This report details a case in which a patient experienced transient POI after a COVID-19 infection and tested positive for AOA. After treatment with oral contraceptives and subsequent high-dose oral corticosteroids, the patient underwent fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 23 oocytes were retrieved. Two euploid blastocysts and three untested blastocysts were successfully created. This report hypothesizes the connection between autoimmune POI, AOA, and COVID-19. Conflicting data have been reported linking COVID-19 and ovarian injury. However, it is suggested that COVID-19 transiently impacts the menstrual cycle and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Treatment to overcome poor ovarian response due to AOA has not been adequately determined; however, similar autoimmune conditions have been successfully treated with corticosteroids.

Stimulant-Induced Pituitary Failure and Reversible Azoospermia.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed disorder that is managed with stimulant medications, which function by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Excess dopamine has been known to affect several body systems, including the endocrine system. This case presents male factor infertility caused by a negative interaction between excess dopamine and the endocrine system, inducing pituitary failure, which led to azoospermia. The patient and her partner presented to the fertility clinic for evaluation after one year of failing to conceive. The patient's partner had been treated throughout the conception of their first three pregnancies for ADHD with methylphenidate (Ritalin) for many years; however, eight months prior to presentation at the clinic, the partner had been switched to amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) for treatment of ADHD. A fertility evaluation revealed azoospermia which was confirmed via two separate semen analyses two weeks apart. In addition, the patient's total testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were below normal limits. A normal semen analysis was obtained after a five-month withdrawal of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, which was followed by a naturally conceived pregnancy. The possibility of pre-testicular azoospermia caused by medication-induced pituitary failure should be considered in males prescribed stimulant medication who are seeking to reproduce.

Curcumin Supplementation and Endometrial Lining: Examining the Role and Pathophysiology of Use During Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer.

Curcumin is a commonly used herbal supplement purported for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. The effects of curcumin supplementation on endometrial lining have been proposed; however, endometrial preparation in the case of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) has not been established. This case series references two scenarios where turmeric was ingested by the patient, and endometrial thickness was subsequently reduced disrupting the FET cycle. Throughout this case series, curcumin's possible interactions with the uterine lining are summarized. Additionally, these cases highlight the importance of physicians' awareness of taking a full history of any herbal remedies or supplements in addition to prescription or over-the-counter medications taken when undergoing treatment for controlled FET cycles or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). To our knowledge, no studies to date have investigated this relationship.