Maximize the safety and efficacy of fertility preservation by random start/dual ovarian stimulation for early breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: What is the more efficient and safer protocol during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for early-stage breast cancer patients seeking emergency fertility preservation before adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy? MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, case-series study involved two early-stage (Ia) breast cancer patients that requested for fertility preservation within 3 weeks. Random start/dual stimulation protocols with aromatase inhibitor (AI) were used to maximize oocyte yield and suppress serum estradiol (E2) level. RESULTS: E2 levels on trigger day during dual COH were between 112.0 and 407.0 pg/mL. Duration of COH could be shortened to only 17 days, and up to 41 oocytes were successfully retrieved with two retrievals. CONCLUSION: This remarkable efficient and safe protocol involves the combination of random start/dual stimulation with step-up AI dosage beforehand which not only maximize oocyte yield within the shortest possible timeframe, but also to maintain the low level of E2 to avoid over-stimulating estrogen-sensitive cancer cells and to decrease the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

The debated role of bariatric surgery in improving in-vitro fertilization outcomes in morbidly-obese infertile women-a case report and brief overview.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has a negative impact on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, and obese women who plan IVF treatments are often encouraged to pursue weight reduction. Bariatric surgery is an effective strategy for the treatment of morbidly obese women. The current case report is to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on IVF outcome in a morbidly obese woman with subfertility. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old, morbidly obese woman with subfertility was indicated for IVF treatment. Due to her high body mass index (47.9 kg/m2), she was advised to lose weight; initial failure at conservative measures of weight loss prompted her to undergo bariatric surgery, combined with post-operative lifestyle change, prior to receiving IVF treatment. The woman successfully conceived at the second cycle and delivered twins by cesarean section smoothly at 36 + 3/7 weeks of gestation. Both twins have normal development up to two years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Weight reduction mediated by bariatric surgery in subfertile and morbidly obese women can be considered before IVF treatment.

Successful live birth after repeated high-dose radiotherapy to the uterus.

RESEARCH QUESTION: It has been established that radiotherapy can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on the effective sterilizing dose of adulthood uterine radiotherapy. DESIGN: This is a case report of a 36-year-old women with three different cancer types who received repeated high-dose radiotherapy of 66 Gy and 50 Gy to the pelvis. The study used a dose-volume histogram, the most widely used tool to calculate the radiation distribution within a volume of interest in a patient during radiotherapy. It was determined that the current patient's uterus might have received the highest uterine radiation dosage for full-term live birth that has been reported in the current literature. RESULTS: Due to iatrogenic ovarian failure, the woman was only able to use donor eggs. After preparation of the endometrium for 18 days, it had reached 8.7 mm in thickness with a triple-line appearance. Two cleavage-stage embryos were transferred, one of which implanted successfully. The course of the pregnancy was uneventful. Finally, the patient gave birth to a healthy baby via Caesarean section at 38+5 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: The uterus may be more resistant to radiotherapy than previously understood. Uterine fertility preservation methods should be guided by the age of the patient receiving radiotherapy and the actual dose of radiation exposure of the uterus. Future studies should implement a dose-volume histogram to calculate the radiation exposure of the reproductive organs.

Iatrogenic Teratoma Rupture during TVOR Complicated with Peritonitis, Pleuritis, and Septic Shock.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a better understanding of the clinical course and the subsequent complications of teratoma rupture. CASE: We report a rare case of chemical peritonitis and pleuritis caused by teratoma rupture during ultrasonographically guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR). The patient initially presented with nonspecific and digestive symptoms after TVOR, but the condition deteriorated rapidly after three weeks with peritonitis and septic shock. Thus, exploratory laparoscopy was performed with the findings of a ruptured teratoma at left adnexa, severe adhesions, and purulent fluid in her peritoneal cavity. Bilateral pleuritis was also noted after the operation, which was suspected to be caused by chemical irritation of the spilled contents of the teratoma. The patient's condition improved after surgical treatment and was discharged 28 days after admission. CONCLUSION: Our case showed that the timing of peritoneal irritation caused by teratoma rupture converting to severe chemical peritonitis was approximately 3 weeks. Physicians should avoid cyst puncture during TVOR and closely observe or even perform surgical treatment when iatrogenic teratoma ruptures are suspected.