High estradiol levels in fresh embryo transfer cycles are not associated with detrimental impact on birth outcomes.

PURPOSE: There is an unclear relationship between estradiol levels and fresh embryo transfer (ET) outcomes. We determined the relationship between estradiol on the day of trigger, in fresh ET cycles without premature progesterone elevation, and good birth outcomes (GBO). METHODS: We identified autologous fresh ET cycles from 2015 to 2021 at multiple clinics in the USA. Patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, uterine factor, and elevated progesterone on the day of trigger (progesterone > 2 ng/mL or 3-day area under the curve > 4.5 ng/mL) were excluded. The primary outcome was GBO (singleton, term, live birth with appropriate weight). Log-binomial generalized estimating equations determined the likelihood of outcomes. RESULTS: Of 17,608 fresh ET cycles, 5025 (29%) yielded GBO. Cycles with estradiol ≥ 4000 pg/mL had a greater likelihood of GBO compared to cycles < 1000 pg/mL (aRR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54). Pairwise comparisons of estradiol between < 1000 pg/mL versus 1000-1999 pg/mL and 1000-1999 pg/mL versus 2000-2999 pg/mL revealed a higher likelihood of GBO with higher estradiol (aRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.95; aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.97, respectively). Comparisons amongst more elevated estradiol levels revealed that the likelihood of GBO remained similar between groups (2000-2999 pg/mL versus 3000-3999 pg/mL, aRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97-1.11; 3000-3999 pg/mL versus ≥ 4000 pg/mL, aRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.9-1.04). CONCLUSION: In fresh ET cycles, higher estradiol levels were associated with an increased prevalence of GBO until estradiol 2000-2999 pg/mL, thereafter plateauing. In fresh ET candidates, elevated estradiol levels should not preclude eligibility though premature progesterone rise, and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome must still be considered.

Impact of time interval from cesarean delivery to frozen embryo transfer on reproductive and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in reproductive and neonatal outcomes on the basis of the time interval from cesarean delivery to subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Multicenter fertility practice. PATIENTS: Women undergoing autologous elective single embryo transfer FET after prior cesarean delivery. INTERVENTION: Time from prior cesarean delivery to subsequent FET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: live birth (LB). RESULTS: A total of 6,556 autologous elective single embryo transfer FET cycles were included. Frozen embryo transfer cycles were divided into eight groups on the basis of the time interval from prior cesarean delivery to subsequent FET in months. A secondary analysis was then performed with time as a continuous variable. The proportion of LBs did not differ significantly across all time interval groups and over continuous time (range: 40.0%-45.6%). The mean gestational age at the time of delivery did not significantly differ as the time between prior cesarean delivery and subsequent FET increased (range: 37.3-38.4). When time was evaluated continuously, the proportion of preterm births was higher with a shorter time between cesarean delivery and subsequent FET. The mean birth weight ranged from 3,181-3,470g, with a statistically significant increase over time. However, the proportions of extremely low birth weight, very low birth weight, and low birth weight did not significantly differ. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in reproductive outcomes on the basis of the time interval from cesarean delivery to FET, including LB. The proportion of preterm deliveries decreased with a longer time between cesarean delivery and FET. Differences in mean neonatal birth weight were not clinically significant because the proportion of low birth weight neonates was not significantly different over time. Although large, this sample cannot address all outcomes associated with short interpregnancy intervals, particularly rarer outcomes such as uterine rupture. When counseling patients, the timing of FET after cesarean delivery must be balanced against the risks of increasing maternal age on reproductive and neonatal outcomes.

Fast and furious: pregnancy outcome with one-step rehydration in the warming protocol for human blastocysts.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do embryos warmed using a one-step rehydration protocol with a more efficient workflow result in comparable pregnancy rates to the standard multi-step rehydration protocol? DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of 3439 frozen embryo transfers (FET). Clinical outcomes of 833 FETs using a one-step rehydration protocol were reviewed and compared with results from the control group (2606 FETs using standard multi-step rehydration protocol). Primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes were survival, positive pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, implantation and miscarriage rates. RESULTS: Survival rates were identical between the two groups (99.5%). Clinical pregnancy rate was 63.0% in the one-step warming protocol, comparable to 59.9% in the multi-step rehydration protocol. A significant increase was observed in the ongoing pregnancy rate with 60.4% in the one-step rehydration versus 55.4% in the multi-step rehydration group (P = 0.011); implantation rate was 63.6% versus 57.0% (P = 0.0005). The miscarriage rate of 4.0% in the one-step rehydration protocol was significantly lower compared with 7.6% in the multi-step rehydration protocol (P = 0.0001). Comparable outcomes persisted even when the analysis was extended to embryos that had and had not undergone preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), as well as day of development of the blastocysts. When controlling for variables of age, PGT, blastocyst development day and embryo expansion, rapid warming significantly increased chances of an ongoing pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.264, 95% CI 1.076 to 1.484). CONCLUSION: A one-step rehydration protocol resulted in identical survival rates and improved ongoing pregnancy rates compared with the multi-step rehydration technique.

The Impact of the FertiStrong Mobile Application on Anxiety and Depression in Men: A Randomised Control Pilot Study.

Background: Male factor accounts for up to half of all cases of infertility. Previously, research has focused on the psychological effects of infertility on female partners, but recent studies show negative consequences on male patients as well. Despite evidence that men are affected by infertility, there is limited studies focusing on coping methods for them. Aims: Determine if a cognitive-behavioral and relaxation mobile application, targeted at men experiencing infertility, could lead to decreases in psychological distress. Settings and Design: Randomized controlled. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine men participated in a randomized pilot study of the FertiStrong application. Participants completed a demographic form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) at baseline and one month follow-up. The intervention group downloaded the FertiStrong application and used it when needed. Control participants received routine infertility care. Statistical Analysis Used: Normally distributed data is presented as mean+/- SD; Differences in proportions were tested using Chi-square test and within group comparison were performed using paired t-test. Results: One participant was excluded, resulting in 38 participants, 19 in each group. There were no baseline differences in demographic characteristics (P>0.31). For the HADS anxiety domain, the control group had a small increase between baseline and follow up, while the intervention group had a small decrease. For the HADS depression domain, there was a slight increase in the controls. For the FPI, the control group had a two-point increase, from moderately stressed to extremely high while the intervention group had a five-point decrease, from extremely high to moderately high, but was not significant. Each FPI domain-specific score in the intervention group decreased and one, Rejection of Childfree lifestyle, was significant (P=0.03). The increase in stress level was significantly greater in the control group (P<0.02). Conclusion: Recruitment was challenging due to the short recruitment phase and the sample size was smaller than planned. However, there were several significant improvements noted in the intervention group and on all testing, the intervention group trended to less distress. More research is needed on convenient interventions for men experiencing infertility.

Fertility knowledge and views on egg freezing and family planning among surgical specialty trainees.

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies focusing on resident and fellow attitudes on family planning and egg freezing. Surgical training programs are often longer and more time consuming than other fields. It is important to understand how this training affects family planning decisions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe fertility knowledge and viewpoints on family planning among US residents or fellows. STUDY DESIGN: The Advocate Aurora Health Institutional Review Board approved this study on October 8, 2019 (IRB# AHC-7213-S5500413). A 32-question survey was emailed to trainees across US programs in a variety of specialties (obstetrics/gynecology; ophthalmology; otolaryngology; urology; and neurology, plastic, general, thoracic and orthopedic surgery) to assess fertility knowledge. Pearson chi square tests were conducted to investigate differences in fertility knowledge by groups of interest (trainee specialty, gender, trainee program type). Demographics and viewpoints on family planning and egg freezing are described. All analyses were performed using SAS, version 9.4. RESULTS: A total of 447 surveys were collected from October 2019 to January 2020. Participants included 309 residents, 94 fellows, and 44 with unknown status across the 9 specialties. Participants were mostly female (73%), aged 26 to 30 years (48%), White (69%), married (59%), and heterosexual (95%), with no children (72%). When asked at what age a woman's fertility slightly decreases, obstetrics/gynecology trainees had 39% less likelihood of answering correctly compared with non-obstetrics/gynecology respondents (P=.0207). Female respondents had 18% less likelihood of answering correctly relative to male respondents, and trainees in academic programs were 20% to 60% more likely to answer correctly relative to those in community programs, but these findings were not statistically significant. Interestingly, female respondents had 2.89 times increased odds of having 0 children (P<.0001), 0.42 times increased odds (ie, 58% decreased odds) of being married (P=.0003), and 1.33 times increased odds of postponing childbearing (P=.2438). CONCLUSION: This study found that despite their sex or focused training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, female respondents and obstetrics/gynecology trainees were not more well-versed in basic female fertility knowledge than their counterparts. Furthermore, female respondents were less likely to have children or be married, and more likely to report postponing childbearing, highlighting differences in family planning by sex. Fertility-focused educational interventions for obstetrics/gynecology trainees are necessary. More research into barriers to family planning, particularly by sex, are also merited.

Black recipients of oocyte donation experience lower live birth rates compared with White recipients.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is minority race associated with worse oocyte donation outcomes? DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 926 oocyte recipients who underwent a donor cycle with fresh embryo transfer at a single fertility centre between January 2009 and June 2015. Race was self-reported. To adjust for repeat donors within the sample, mixed models were used to analyse donor parameters and recipient outcomes. The recipient outcome models were adjusted for age, body mass index and primary infertility diagnosis. RESULTS: The study consisted of 767 (82.8%) White, 41 (4.4%) Black, 63 (6.8%) Asian and 55 (5.9%) Hispanic women. Compared with White recipients, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for clinical pregnancy was 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.79) for Black, 0.55 (95% CI 0.31-0.98) for Hispanic and 0.88 (95% CI 0.51-1.53) for Asian recipients. The aOR for live birth was 0.47 (95% CI 0.23-0.98) for Black, 0.58 (95% CI 0.32-1.06) for Hispanic and 0.62 (95% 0.35-1.09) for Asian recipients. A subgroup analysis restricted to cycles with racially concordant donors and recipients showed that the odds of clinical pregnancy and live birth were further reduced among Black recipients, with aOR of 0.28 (95% CI 0.09-0.81) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.09-0.98), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Black and Hispanic oocyte donation recipients experience lower clinical pregnancy rates and Black recipients experience lower live birth rates compared with White recipients. Racially discordant donor oocyte cycles involving donors and recipients of different races present an opportunity to further investigate the cause of disparity.

Evaluating the Utility of Intralipid Infusion to Improve Live Birth Rates in Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or Recurrent Implantation Failure.

CONTEXT: Intralipid is used to improve clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or recurrent implantation failure (RIF) with elevated natural killer (NK) cells. Data supporting this practice is conflicting but suggestive of minimal benefit. AIMS: The aims of this study are to determine if intralipid infusion improves live birth rates and if is a cost-effective therapy in the RPL/RIF population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a large REI private practice, retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Charts of 127 patients who received intralipid from 2012 to 2015 were reviewed and compared to historical control data. T-tests and Chi-square analyses evaluated demographics and cycle statistics. Chi-square analyses assessed impact on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Cost analysis was performed from societal perspective with a one-way sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Patients with live births were noted to have a higher average number of previous live births and were more likely to have had a frozen embryo transfer in the intralipid cycle in comparison to those with unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes. Neither clinical pregnancy nor live birth rates were significantly improved from baseline rates quoted in the literature (P = 0.12 and 0.80, respectively). Intralipid increased costs by $681 per live birth. If live birth rates were >40% using intralipid and <51% without intervention, neither strategy was favored. CONCLUSIONS: Intralipid does not improve live birth rates and is not cost-effective for patients with RIF or RPL and elevated NK cells. This study supports the growing literature demonstrating the minimal benefit of screening for and treating elevated peripheral NK cells.

Post-thaw recovery of rare or very low concentrations of cryopreserved human sperm.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cases in which no sperm could be identified after thawing among cryopreserved samples of rare or very low concentrations of sperm. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-institution, cross-sectional. SETTING: Male infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): We identified couples that underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with the use of either ejaculated or testicular cryopreserved-thawed sperm. Inclusion criteria were men with <100,000 total ejaculated sperm or men with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction who underwent microsurgical testicular sperm extraction with similarly low pre-cryopreservation sperm counts. Pre-cryopreservation specimens were categorized as "rare sperm only" (Group 1) or <100,000 total sperm (group 2). "Rare sperm only" applied to cases in which only one to three sperm were identified in a search of >20 high-power fields. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cases in which no sperm were able to be found post-thaw (i.e., complete cellular loss) for use at the time of a programmed IVF cycle. RESULT(S): We analyzed 55 men (83 ICSI cycles). There were five ICSI cycles (6.0%) among five different couples in which no sperm could be identified post-thaw. Of these, four cases were from group 1 (8.5%) and one from group 2 (2.8%). Complete cellular loss occurred in 5.8% of testicular sperm samples and 7.1% of ejaculated sperm samples. There were no statistical associations between the ability to locate sperm post-thaw and the pre-cryopreservation parameters or sperm source. CONCLUSION(S): Failure to retrieve any sperm after thawing of rare or very low concentrations of cryopreserved sperm is an infrequent event and largely limited to those patients with rare quantities of sperm.

Diminished ovarian reserve is not observed in infertility patients with high normal CGG repeats on the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene.

STUDY QUESTION: Does an association exist between high normal numbers of CGG trinucleotide repeats on the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)? SUMMARY ANSWER: This large data set demonstrated that a high normal number of CGG repeats (35-54 repeats) on the FMR1 gene was not significantly correlated with DOR. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The FMR1 premutation (55-200 repeats) is a known cause of primary ovarian insufficiency. However, the relationship between high normal CGG repeat numbers (35-54 repeats) and ovarian reserve has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a retrospective data analysis conducted between January 2012 and February 2014 that included 1287 women. Over 1140 women had complete data. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All women, excluding oocyte donors, who presented to a large private practice specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility for treatment and who underwent both fragile X and ovarian reserve testing were included. All fragile X testing was performed using triplet repeat PCR, with confirmation of positives by Southern blot. CGG repeat numbers from both alleles were recorded, and the allele with the higher number of repeats was used for statistical calculations. We did not differentiate between patients with one or two high normal alleles. Women with >54 CGG repeats were excluded from the analysis. For our analysis, we considered both a 'high normal' number of CGG repeats (35-44) and an intermediate number of GCC repeats (45-54) as 'high normal'. Ovarian reserve testing was carried out on Cycle Day 2 or 3 and included measurements of FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). A generalized linear regression model assuming gamma distribution and log link function that controlled for age was used to assess correlation between CGG repeat number and FSH, AMH and AFC. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: As expected, there was a significant correlation between increasing age and increasing FSH and decreasing AFC and AMH for the patients in this study. For every 1-year increase in age, FSH increased by a factor of 1.04, AFC decreased by a factor of 0.93 and AMH decreased by a factor of 0.89. After controlling for age, there was no significant correlation between FMR1 CGG trinucleotide repeat number and FSH (P = 0.23), AFC (P = 0.14) or AMH (P = 0.53). Three subgroup analyses were also performed. We found a significant relationship between increasing CGG repeat number and decreasing AMH levels (P = 0.01) in women >44 years old. The second subgroup analysis included only Caucasian patients and found no significant correlation between CGG repeat number and DOR. In a subgroup analysis comparing women with at least one allele <26 repeats, at least one allele >35 and women with both alleles between 29 and 32, there were no significant associations regarding ovarian reserve in any of these groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: One limitation of this study is that it involved a heterogeneous population of infertile women with mixed diagnoses. Factors that could affect ovarian reserve, such as medical comorbidities, prior surgeries, family history and endometriosis, were not accounted for. Finally, there was a lack of racial diversity, with Caucasians representing 67.8% of the total population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The findings of this study are generalizable to an infertility population and are in line with several previously published studies. Women who are found to have high normal CGG repeat numbers can be counseled that this is not causative for DOR. Further studies are needed to investigate whether increasing CGG repeat numbers are associated with ovarian responsiveness to gonadotrophin stimulation or IVF outcome.

Racial disparities in in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of race on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Private practice. PATIENT(S): All women who underwent a first autologous IVF cycle at Fertility Centers of Illinois from January 2010 to December 2012. INTERVENTION(S): Information was collected on baseline characteristics, cycle parameters, and outcomes. Race was self-reported. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical intrauterine pregnancy and live birth rates. RESULT(S): A total of 4,045 women were included: 3,003 white (74.2%), 213 black (5.3%), 541 Asian (13.4%), and 288 Hispanic women (7.1%). A multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounders. Compared with white women, the adjusted odds ratio for clinical intrauterine pregnancy was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.88) in black women, 0.73 (95% CI 0.60-0.90) in Asian women, and 0.82 (95% CI 0.62-1.07) in Hispanic women. The adjusted odds ratio for live birth was 0.50 (95% CI 0.33-0.72) in black women, 0.64 (95% CI 0.51-0.80) in Asian women, and 0.80 (95% CI 0.60-1.06) in Hispanic women compared with white women. The spontaneous abortion rate was 14.6% in white women versus 28.9% in black women, 20.6% in Asian women, and 15.3% in Hispanic women. CONCLUSION(S): Black and Asian women had lower odds of clinical intrauterine pregnancy and live birth and higher rates of spontaneous abortion compared with white women. Further research is needed to better characterize the mechanisms associated with this racial disparity and to improve treatment options for black and Asian women.

Endometrin as luteal phase support in assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical pregnancy rate (PR) and live birth rate (LBR) between Endometrin monotherapy versus Endometrin and P in oil combination therapy in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Large private practice. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing autologous fresh IVF cycles, autologous frozen ET cycles, and fresh oocyte donor cycles were included for analysis. INTERVENTION(S): Endometrin as a single agent for luteal support, Endometrin monotherapy or Endometrin with P in oil used at least once every 3 days for luteal support, Endometrin combination therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical PR and LBR. RESULT(S): A total of 1,034 ART cycles were analyzed. Endometrin monotherapy was used in 694 of 1,034 (67%) cycles and Endometrin combination therapy was used in 340 of 1,034 (33%) cycles. In all fresh cycles, clinical PR was not significantly different (IVF autologous: Endometrin monotherapy 46.9% vs. Endometrin combination therapy 55.6%; donor oocyte endometrin monotherapy 45.2% vs. Endometrin combination therapy 52.0%). Frozen ET cycles had a significantly higher clinical PR and LBR with combination therapy group compared with monotherapy (clinical PR 47.9% vs. 23.5%; LBR 37.5% vs. 17.3%). CONCLUSION(S): Endometrin monotherapy was sufficient for the P component of luteal support and provided high PRs for fresh cycles in both autologous and donor oocyte cycles. Clinical PR and LBR in frozen ET cycles were significantly improved with the addition of IM P to Endometrin therapy. This may reflect the fact that lesser quality embryos are transferred in frozen ET cycles, and more intense P support is required for comparable PRs.

Lower chance of pregnancy with repeated cycles with in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in initial and replicate IVF cycles. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 2,167 fresh, nondonor IVF cycles performed in a large private practice from January 1, 2005, to March 1, 2006. Standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and laboratory protocols were followed. RESULTS: Patients undergoing multiple treatment cycles were significantly older. There was no difference in body mass index or percentage of cancelled cycles with increasing number of IVF attempts. The number of retrieved, mature and fertilized oocytes progressively declined as the number of treatment cycles increased. The number of embryos transferred increased with increasing number of treatment cycles. Implantation, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates decreased significantly with the second treatment cycle and more markedly with 3-5 treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of a successful outcome declined with each additional treatment cycle. The most notable decrease in clinical pregnancy rates occurred after the third cycle. Patients who fail to conceive after 3 cycles of IVF should be counseled to begin considering other options.

Body mass index: impact on IVF success appears age-related.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of BMI on IVF outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing IVF from 1st January 2005 to 1st March 2006 in a large private practice using a single IVF laboratory. The patients underwent standard protocols for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and embryology parameters. The main outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. RESULTS: A total of 2167 fresh, non-donor IVF cycles were queried, but to minimize bias, only the first treatment cycle for each patient was analyzed (n = 1273). The data were examined by multiple regression models that included BMI and Age as main effects plus a BMI x Age interaction. When examined as a main effect, BMI did not appear to have a major effect on IVF outcome, but there was a significant BMI x Age interaction. At younger ages, a high BMI had a pronounced negative influence on fertility, but this effect diminished as the patient age increased. Clinical pregnancy rates decreased with increasing BMI and increasing Age. CONCLUSIONS: In younger patients undergoing IVF, BMI has a significant negative impact on fertility that diminishes as patients reach their mid thirties. After Age 36, BMI has a minimal impact on fertility.

Adding human menopausal gonadotrophin to antagonist protocols - is there a benefit?

The objective of this retrospective analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes of recombinant FSH (r-FSH) with combination r-FSH plus human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) protocols in a large private practice using a single IVF laboratory, from 2001 to 2003. Patients underwent ovarian stimulation by standard gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol using r-FSH or combination r-FSH plus HMG. When two or more follicles had attained a minimum mean diameter of 20 mm, follicular triggering was achieved with either recombinant HCG (r-HCG; Ovidrel, 250 microg s.c.) or urinary HCG (u-HCG; 10,000 IU i.m.). The main outcome measures were number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate. There was a lower percentage of cancelled cycles and an increased number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, oocytes that fertilized, embryo that cleaved and a tendency towards higher clinical pregnancy rates in patients treated with r-FSH alone compared with those treated with r-FSH plus HMG. Patients treated with r-FSH plus HMG had lower miscarriage rates and the live birth rate was similar in both treatment groups. In conclusion, irrespective of age, using a treatment regimen consisting of a combination of HMG plus r-FSH was not beneficial compared with r-FSH alone in patients using a GnRH antagonist protocol.

Age-matched comparison of recombinant and urinary HCG for final follicular maturation.

This age-matched retrospective analysis compared the clinical outcomes of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG) and urinary HCG (uHCG) in patients undergoing fresh, nondonor IVF cycles. The patients underwent ovarian stimulation by standard gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist down-regulation or a GnRH antagonist protocol using recombinant FSH (rFSH) alone or in combination with human menopausal gonadotrophin. When two or more follicles had attained a mean diameter of 20 mm, follicular triggering was achieved with either Ovidrel (rHCG) 250 mug SC or uHCG 10,000 IU IM. Patients receiving rHCG were considered subjects, and they were age-matched in a 1:2 ratio to patients receiving uHCG, who were designated as controls. The main outcome measures were number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes obtained, number of oocytes fertilized and clinical pregnancy rates. A total of 273 subjects were age-matched and compared with 546 controls. Recombinant HCG had a minimal effect on the number of oocytes retrieved (13.4 versus 13.2), mature oocytes (10.5 versus 10.3) and oocytes fertilized (8.2 versus 7.8) compared with uHCG. Pregnancy (46.0 versus 45.2%) and clinical pregnancy rates (38.1 versus 36.8%) were similar for rHCG and uHCG. Recombinant HCG was as effective as uHCG for final follicular maturation in IVF cycles.

Relationship between sperm characteristics and hormonal parameters in normal couples.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between hormone profiles and semen analysis measures and fertility in the male partners of presumed normal couples. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTINGS: Healthy volunteers in an academic research environment. PATIENT(S): One hundred forty-five reproductive age couples without known risk factors for infertility and who had discontinued contraception to achieve pregnancy completed this component of this study. Each couple was followed for < or =12 menstrual cycles while they attempted to conceive. INTERVENTION(S): Semen quality measures for the first ejaculates were obtained at the start of the study along with a single blood sample. Levels of FSH, bioactive FSH, inhibin B, LH, and T were measured for each man. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen analysis, FSH, inhibin B, LH, T, and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Significant positive relationships were observed between the two measures of FSH as well as between both of the FSH measures and LH. Follicle-stimulating hormone as measured by RIA was significantly negatively correlated with inhibin B. Inhibin B showed a marginally significant negative correlation with LH, and LH and T had a marginally significant positive correlation. Inhibin B increased significantly, and both measures of FSH activity showed significant decreases, with increasing levels in several semen quality measures. There was no significant relationship between the measured hormones and the pregnant and nonpregnant groups or time to pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): These results contribute additional information on the utility of reproductive hormone measurements for predicting semen quality in couples without known reduced fertility.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in an outpatient setting.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability to perform laparoscopic appendectomy on an outpatient basis. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University ambulatory surgery center. PATIENTS: Forty-two consecutive patients. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After performing five laparoscopic appendectomies, three women required hospitalization. Thus a new multimodal protocol was implemented and admission and recovery times were monitored. After the new protocol was implemented, only 1 of 37 patients required hospitalization. Discharge times were similar to those for women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy without appendectomy. CONCLUSION: With attention to surgical and anesthetic protocols, appendectomy can be performed at the time of gynecologic laparoscopy in an ambulatory setting without a significant delay in discharge.