Reassessing the interpretation of oxidation-reduction potential in male infertility.

Male Infertility Oxidative System (MiOXSYS) has been proposed as a rapid and promising technology for the evaluation of sperm oxidative stress. In this case-control study, 134 men with normal sperm parameters (NSP) and 574 men with abnormal sperm parameters (ASP), according to the World Health Organization sperm assessment references values established in 2010, were enrolled. Conventional sperm parameters were evaluated in all patients. Sperm static oxido-reduction potential (sORP) was assessed using the MiOXSYS. Sperm DNA integrity was measured in 604 patients. To ensure that sperm concentration was not a confounding factor in the sORP index ratio, sperm and seminal fluid sORP from 57 randomly selected additional patients were also measured using the MiOXSYS. sORP index (mV/106 sperm/mL) was higher in patients with ASP and seemed to correlate with conventional sperm parameters. Although receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that a sORP index cut-off of 0.79 could differentiate normal from ASP with 57.7% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity, these values are much lower than those found in the literature. These values also need to be higher to be applicable in a clinical setting. Furthermore, absolute sORP (mV) was not different in the presence or absence of spermatozoa. sORP index relationships with sperm parameters seem rather be due to sperm concentration, denominator of the sORP index ratio. The establishment of a reliable method using the absolute sORP value, independent of sperm concentration, needs to be addressed. Other oxidative stress biomarkers could be used to validate this method. Lay summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that oxidative stress may have a role in male infertility. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between the production of molecules containing oxygen and the antioxidants, molecules that neutralize the molecules containing oxygen. The molecules containing oxygen can cause damage to sperm DNA. This damage can be measured using a particular index and this study looked at whether the concentration of the sperm sample might have an impact on results and suggests this should be taken into consideration by clinicians and researchers.

Intrauterine Administration of Activated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Intrauterine Insemination: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intrauterine administration of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rates. METHODS: This prospective double-blind randomized parallel clinical trial included 213 patients undergoing IUI at the Fertilys clinic. PBMC were isolated on the day of ovulation (day 0; D0) and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 48 hours (day 2; D2). Patients in the PBMC group (n = 108) underwent in utero administration of 1.106 cells on D2, while patients in the control group (n = 105) were administered sperm-washing medium. Distribution of CD4 T lymphocyte populations (n = 61) was assessed on D0 and D2. Pregnancy and live birth rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates were not significantly different between the PBMC and control groups. Significantly higher levels of T helper (Th) 2, Th22, and T regulatory cells (P < 0.0001) and lower levels of Th17 cells were observed in hCG-activated PBMC at D2 than at D0. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine administration of PBMC was not beneficial in IUI patients. New clinical approaches to better identify patients requiring endometrium immunomodulation needs to be addressed.

Effect of uterine dimensions on live birth rates after single embryo transfer in infertile women.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do uterine size parameters measured by baseline transvaginal ultrasound predict live birth after single embryo transfer (SET) of a high-quality blastocyst? DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study including women undergoing their first SET between August 2010 and March 2014 at a large university hospital reproductive centre. The effects of baseline uterine dimensions on live birth rate (LBR) were analysed while controlling for confounding effects. RESULTS: A total of 437 nulliparous and 70 parous women were included. The nulliparous group had lower body mass index (BMI) (24.4 ± 5.1 versus 25.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2; P = 0.015) and a higher number of fibroids (0.4 ± 1.0 versus 0.2 ± 0.5; P = 0.005) than the parous group. While controlling for confounding effects, none of the uterine parameters appeared to be a significant predictor of LBR among nulliparous and parous women (P > 0.05 in all cases). A subsequent analysis of endometrial length was done, whereby the endometrial lengths were divided into quartiles (20.0-32.2 mm; 32.3-36.5 mm; 36.6-40.0 mm; 40.1-54.0 mm). After controlling for confounders, the shortest quartile in the nulliparous group had a significantly lower LBR (P = 0.02) than the other groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that endometrial cavity length and cervical length did not aid clinically. CONCLUSION: Uterine parameters do not have a clinically useful impact on LBR after SET of a blastocyst in infertile women. The use of baseline endometrial length to predict live birth is no better than chance, while cervical length only predicts failure to live birth.

A comparison of IVF outcomes transferring a single ideal blastocyst in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and normal ovulatory controls.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects PCOS on live birth rates when transferring a single fresh ideal blastocyst. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study performed at the university-affiliated reproductive center. Women with PCOS and a control group of normal ovulatory women who underwent their first fresh embryo transfer with single ideal grade blastocyst were included in the study. Demographic, stimulation information and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analysed. The primary outcome was live birth rates, and secondary outcomes included pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: 71 Women with PCOS and 272 normal ovulatory controls underwent their first embryo transfer and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. PCOS patient were younger (31.0 ± 3.7 vs. 33.1 ± 3.2, p = 0.0001), with higher AFC (40.0 ± 9.3 vs. 13.3 ± 4.6, p = 0.0001), required lower dose of gonadotropins to stimulate (1198 ± 786 vs. 1891 ± 1224, p = 0.0001), and had higher serum testosterone levels (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the number of previous pregnancies, the number of previous full-term pregnancies, the level of basal serum FSH, estradiol level at triggering and the BMI. When compared by Chi squared testing pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates did not differ. However, when controlling (with multivariate stepwise logistic regression) for confounders, live birth rates were lower among the women with PCOS (p = 0.035, CI: 0.18-0.92). CONCLUSION: After controlling for confounders, when transferring a fresh single ideal blastocyst, live birth rates were lower among the women with PCOS than normal ovulatory controls.

Does ovarian reserve affect outcomes in single ideal blastocyst transfers in women less than 40 years of age?

PURPOSE: There is much debate whether diminished ovarian reserve is purely a quantitative issue, or if quality as determined by pregnancy potential of the ensuing oocytes is also affected. The purpose of this study was to determine whether diminished ovarian reserve, as established by one of three ways described below, affects pregnancy outcomes of women under 40 years old undergoing a single ideal blastocyst transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, including 507 women undergoing an ideal quality single embryo transfer between August 2010 and March 2014. Logistic regression was used to control for age, duration of infertility, parity, body mass index, and smoking status. For analysis, women were stratified for: antral follicle counts (≤ 5 vs. > 5), basal serum FSH levels (< 13 vs. ≥ 13 IU/L), and quartile of total FSH dose required for stimulation. RESULTS: In stratifying women by antral follicle count (AFC) ≤ 5 vs. > 5, the pregnancy rate (40 vs. 53%, p = 0.04), clinical pregnancy rate (29 vs. 46%, p = 0.02), and live birth rate (13 vs. 43%, p = 0.001) were superior with AFC > 5. Using FSH levels (< 13 vs. ≥ 13 IU/L), the pregnancy rate (50 vs. 31%, p = 0.27), clinical pregnancy rate (40 vs. 13%, p = 0.45), and live birth rate (38 vs. 13%, p = 0.48) were similar. Examining quartiles of FSH stimulation, the pregnancy rates were similar (from lowest to highest: 45, 52, 54, 41%, p = 0.13); however, clinical pregnancy rate (36, 43, 47, 25%, p = 0.003) and live birth rate (32, 38, 44, 20%, p = 0.005) were superior in lower quartiles vs. the highest quartile. CONCLUSION: Ovarian reserve may affect embryo pregnancy potential and outcomes when measured by AFC and exogenous stimulation but not by basal FSH levels.

Morbid obesity and pregnancy outcomes after single blastocyst transfer: a retrospective, North American study.

PURPOSE: Maternal obesity has been shown to affect reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes following in vitro fertilization. More recently, studies have demonstrated lower live birth rates after single blastocyst transfer (SBT) in patients who are overweight or obese. However, the impact of morbid obesity on pregnancy outcomes after SBT has not been well elucidated. The present study aimed to determine whether morbid obesity has a detrimental impact on pregnancy outcomes after SBT in a North American population. METHODS: A retrospective, cohort study including 520 nulliparous and multiparous women undergoing top-quality SBT between August 2010 and March 2014 at a University Health Centre in North America was conducted. Primary outcomes included: miscarriage rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. Subjects were divided into different BMI categories (kg/m2), including <20, 20-24.9, 25.0-29.9, 30-40, and 40 or more. RESULTS: The miscarriage rate per pregnancy for each group, respectively, was 36, 64, 59, 61, and 50% (p = 0.16); the clinical pregnancy (per patient) rate per group was 36, 52, 38, 26, and 10% (p = 0.009); and the live birth rate (per patient) per group was 35, 50, 38, 26 and 10% (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Morbid obesity is a strong and independent predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing top-quality SBT.

Malpractice claims and avoidance of complications in endoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopy has become a valuable tool for the gynaecologist in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of gynecological disorders. Its quicker recovery time and other advantages has benefitted countless women. Laparoscopic procedures, however, have their own associated risks and complications, and the surgeon must become thoroughly familiar with these. This awareness will help reduce patient morbidity and mortality, and potentially avoid the stress and burden of litigation, which has been increasing in recent years. Complications of gynaecologic laparoscopy include entry-related problems, and injuries to bowel, urinary tract, blood vessels, and nerves. Although some of these complications have been well described, some have emerged recently in relation to new technology and techniques. In this chapter, we discuss some of the complications of endoscopic surgery, including their incidence, prevention, and medico-legal implications, and provide a brief overview of their management.

Is young maternal age really a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome in a canadian tertiary referral hospital?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome among teenage mothers within a large tertiary referral center in Canada. METHODS: All nulliparous singleton births in the McGill University Health Centre during 2001-2007 were retrieved using the "MOND" database. Patients were divided according to maternal age: <20 years (teenage), and between 20 and 39 years. Obstetric and neonatal complications were compared. RESULTS: 9744 nulliparous women were included; 250 (2.6%) were teenage and 9494 (97.4%) were 20-39 years old. Teenage mothers tended to deliver earlier (38.0 vs 39.2 weeks gestation, P < 0.001) and had higher rates of extreme prematurity (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5-8.1). Babies of teenage mothers had lower birth weights (3014 g vs 3326 g, P < 0.001), higher rates of NICU admission (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-3.0), congenital anomalies (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6) and combined perinatal and neonatal mortality (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9-7.5). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between young maternal age and the risk to have at least one adverse outcome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Even within a large tertiary referral hospital, teenage mothers carry a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, mainly due to preterm births.