Perinatal Outcomes of Singleton, Twin and Triplet Gestations after Oocyte Donation: A Retrospective, Population-Based Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although high live birth rates are associated with oocyte donation (OD), these pregnancies are associated with increased obstetric and perinatal risks. This study evaluated maternal and neonatal risks after OD compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) with autologous oocytes, and to spontaneous pregnancies (SPs), among singletons, twins and triplets. METHODS: A retrospective, large, population-based cohort study was conducted based on electronic data from Maccabi Healthcare Services. A total of 469,134 pregnancies were grouped according to the mode of conception. The main outcome measures were preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The data were analyzed separately for singletons, twins and triplets. RESULTS: The mean maternal age was older in the OD group compared with the IVF and SP groups (singletons: 39.7 ± 4.1 vs. 34.5 ± 4.8 and 31.7 ± 5.3 years; twins: 39 ± 4.6 vs. 32.6 ± 4.4 and 31.2 ± 5.1 years; and triplets: 35.6 ± 2.5 vs. 32 ± 3.9 and 29.7 ± 5 years). The mean gestational age was younger among the OD group compared to the SP group (singletons: 37.5 ± 3 vs. 39 ± 2 p = 0.001, and twins: 35 ± 3 vs. 36 ± 2.5 p = 0.001). Higher rates of PTB < 37, PTB < 34 and PTB < 28 weeks were found among OD singletons. Multivariable logistic regressions for PTB < 37 weeks and SGA in singletons demonstrated that OD and IVF are significant risk factors (OR = 4.1, 95%CI = 3.3-5.2; OR = 4.3, 95%CI = 4.1-4.6; OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.3-2.6; OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 2-2.4, respectively). Significantly higher rates of PIH were demonstrated among the OD vs. IVF and SP groups in singleton (4.3% vs. 1.7% and 0.7%) and in twin pregnancies (7.5% vs. 4.3% and 3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: OD pregnancies are at increased risk for PTB, SGA and PIH.

Cancer-Related Morbidity Among Patients Conceiving Through Oocyte Donation: A Healthcare Registry Cohort Study.

Background: Ovarian aging, often leads to increased use of a donor oocyte, which is associated with greater risk for age-related diseases. Objective: To evaluate the association between women conceiving through oocyte donation (OD) and future cancer-related morbidity, as compared with women conceiving through IVF (in vitro fertilization) with autologous oocytes (AO), spontaneous conceptions (SC), and nulliparas. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was based on the electronic health records of a very large health maintenance organization. The cohort included mothers who delivered before age 45, during 2000-2019. The index date for surveillance was the delivery date of the relevant pregnancy. Each woman from the OD group was matched to a woman the same age at delivery and with the same number of children. Cancer diagnosis was the main outcome. Results: Matching: 664 OD cases to 664 AO, 700 OD cases to 700 SC, and 700 OD cases to 700 nulliparas. Mean follow-up times were 8.9 ± 3.8 OD, 10 ± 4.1 AO, and 6.4 ± 4.1 years SC. Cancer-related morbidity rates were comparable between OD and the other groups, but compared with nulliparas, a trend was noted (1.6% and 3.1%, respectively, p = 0.07). Survival analysis curves were not significantly different, although a trend was shown in the curve comparing to nulliparity (p = 0.07). In a Cox regression model corrected for BMI, smoking and hormone replacement therapy exposure, cancer in the OD group did not differ compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Women conceiving through OD do not have increased risk for cancer-related morbidity in the decade following delivery.

Does cleavage- versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer improve fertility rates in women over 38 years of age undergoing assisted reproductive technology?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether extending embryo culture to day 5 (D5) affects pregnancy rates in women older than 38 years undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study included data from fresh IVF cycles of women over 38 years, during 2011-2021. The cohort was divided according to day 3 (D3) versus D5 embryo transfer (ET). RESULTS: A total of 346 patients (ages 38-45 years) who underwent 496 IVF cycles were included, each yielding one to six embryos. A total of 374 (75%) fresh D3 ETs were compared with 122 (25%) D5 ETs. Demographically, there were more nulliparas in the D3 group (189 [50.9%] vs 47 [38.8%], P = 0.021). Higher gonadotropin dosage was used (3512 ± 1346 vs 3233 ± 1212 IU, P = 0.045) and lower maximum estradiol levels were reached in the D3 group (1129 ± 685 vs 1432 ± 708 pg/mL, P = 0.002). Thirty-three (27%) of the D5 cycles resulted in transfer cancelation due to failure of blastocyst formation (P = 0.001). However, clinical pregnancy rates (P = 0.958), live birth rates (P = 0.988), and miscarriage rates (P = 0.710) did not differ between D3 and D5 ETs. Multivariable logistic regression for clinical pregnancy rate showed that day of transfer did not have a significant effect on the odds (P = 0.376), but maternal age (P = 0.001) and number of retrieved oocytes (P = 0.009) were significant variables. CONCLUSIONS: In older women, culturing embryos to blastocyst stage can decrease invalid ETs without reducing pregnancy rates. Cancelation rates are higher but it may avoid interventions and conserve valuable time.

Oocyte retrieval in social fertility preservation: challenging traditional beliefs on gonadotropin dosing and follicular size.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate treatment approaches for fertility preservation patients, with a focus on timing of oocyte retrieval, and to determine whether their characteristics differ from those of other IVF patients. Additionally, to evaluate the significance of follicle size on triggering day in the context of fertility preservation. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center. It compared 140 matched patients undergoing social fertility preservation to 140 patients undergoing IVF treatment due to male factor infertility. RESULTS: Patients undergoing fertility preservation received a higher initial gonadotropin dose and had more oocytes retrieved than the control group. Within the fertility preservation cohort, a negative correlation was observed between the rate of large follicles and the number of retrieved oocytes. While there was no significant association between rate of large follicles and oocyte maturation rate in the entire group, age-stratified analysis revealed a negative relationship. Analysis revealed that although traditional treatment determinants such as follicular size and gonadotropin dosing were considered, peak estradiol levels were consistently identified as significant predictors of treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians may modify treatments for fertility preservation, emphasizing a higher gonadotropin dosage to maximize oocyte retrieval. Elevated estradiol levels can serve as a real-time predictive marker for the number of mature oocytes. While treatment strategies can influence outcomes, intrinsic patient factors, particularly baseline ovarian function, remain crucial. These results challenge beliefs regarding the importance of larger follicles and suggest the need for a tailored approach, considering patient age and specific fertility preservation objectives.

Machine learning for predicting elective fertility preservation outcomes.

This retrospective study applied machine-learning models to predict treatment outcomes of women undergoing elective fertility preservation. Two-hundred-fifty women who underwent elective fertility preservation at a tertiary center, 2019-2022 were included. Primary outcome was the number of metaphase II oocytes retrieved. Outcome class was based on oocyte count (OC): Low (≤ 8), Medium (9-15) or High (≥ 16). Machine-learning models and statistical regression were used to predict outcome class, first based on pre-treatment parameters, and then using post-treatment data from ovulation-triggering day. OC was 136 Low, 80 Medium, and 34 High. Random Forest Classifier (RFC) was the most accurate model (pre-treatment receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) was 77%, and post-treatment ROC AUC was 87%), followed by XGBoost Classifier (pre-treatment ROC AUC 74%, post-treatment ROC AUC 86%). The most important pre-treatment parameters for RFC were basal FSH (22.6%), basal LH (19.1%), AFC (18.2%), and basal estradiol (15.6%). Post-treatment parameters were estradiol levels on trigger-day (17.7%), basal FSH (11%), basal LH (9%), and AFC (8%). Machine-learning models trained with clinical data appear to predict fertility preservation treatment outcomes with relatively high accuracy.

Does the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine and its serum IgG levels affect fertility treatments and obstetric outcomes? An observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although there are some data regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, its potential impact in terms of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels has not been evaluated prospectively. This study aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 vaccine and IgG levels on IVF outcomes. METHODS: This observational, cohort study was conducted at a referral IVF unit. Couples undergoing IVF treatment during the COVID-19 vaccination period were recruited from March-April 2021. The study compared 38 women who had received the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to 10 women who had not and were not infected by the virus. We also compared pre- and post-vaccination IVF treatments for 24 women. The relation between serologic titers and IVF treatment outcomes was also assessed. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the vaccinated and unvaccinated/uninfected groups regarding the main outcome measures. However, there was a trend toward a higher pregnancy rate for the unvaccinated group (57% vs. 23%, p = 0.078) but no difference in delivery rate (p = 0.236), gestational week (p = 0.537) or birth rate (p = 0.671). CONCLUSION: We cautiously state that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine does not affect fertility outcomes, including fertilization, pregnancy and delivery rates, obstetric outcomes, and semen parameters, regardless of measured IgG levels.

Obstetric and maternal outcomes of IVF and oocyte donation pregnancies among women ages 40-45-a large cohort study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the perinatal and maternal outcomes of women ranging in age from 40 to 45 years who gave birth after in vitro fertilization or oocyte donation, compared to spontaneous conception. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used electronic data from a national healthcare service from 2000 through 2019. Three groups were compared: spontaneous pregnancy (SC), in vitro fertilization (IVF) utilizing autologous oocytes, and pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation (OD). The primary study outcomes were preterm labor (PTL) before 37 weeks of gestation, and infants classified as small for gestational age (SGA). RESULTS: The cohort included 26,379 SC, 2237 IVF pregnancies, and 300 OD pregnancies for women ages 40-45 years at delivery. Women with OD or IVF had a higher incidence of PTL < 37 weeks compared to women with SC (19.7% vs. 18% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.001), PTL < 34 (7% vs. 4.5% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.001), PTL < 32 (3.7 vs. 2.1 vs. 0.6, p = 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression for PTL < 37 weeks demonstrated that age (OR = 1.18) and hypertensive diseases (OR = 3.4) were statistically significant factors. The OD group had a lower rate of SGA compared to SC (1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.001), while the IVF group had a higher rate of SGA compared to SC (9.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.001). Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy were significantly higher among the OD group and the IVF group compared to SP pregnancies (3.3% vs. 1%, p = 0.002; 2.3% vs. 1%, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Women ages 40-45 undergoing IVF or OD have a greater risk of PTL, possibly due to higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Stain-Free Sperm Analysis and Selection for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Complying with WHO Strict Normal Criteria.

This multi-center study evaluated a novel microscope system capable of quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) for label-free sperm-cell selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Seventy-three patients were enrolled in four in vitro fertilization (IVF) units, where senior embryologists were asked to select 11 apparently normal and 11 overtly abnormal sperm cells, in accordance with current clinical practice, using a micromanipulator and 60× bright field microscopy. Following sperm selection and imaging via QPM, the individual sperm cell was chemically stained per World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 protocols and imaged via bright field microscopy for subsequent manual measurements by embryologists who were blinded to the QPM measurements. A comparison of the two modalities resulted in mean differences of 0.18 µm (CI -0.442-0.808 µm, 95%, STD-0.32 µm) for head length, -0.26 µm (CI -0.86-0.33 µm, 95%, STD-0.29 µm) for head width, 0.17 (CI -0.12-0.478, 95%, STD-0.15) for length-width ratio and 5.7 for acrosome-head area ratio (CI -12.81-24.33, 95%, STD-9.6). The repeatability of the measurements was significantly higher in the QPM modality. Surprisingly, only 19% of the subjectively pre-selected normal cells were found to be normal according to the WHO2021 criteria. The measurements of cells imaged stain-free through QPM were found to be in good agreement with the measurements performed on the reference method of stained cells imaged through bright field microscopy. QPM is non-toxic and non-invasive and can improve the clinical effectiveness of ICSI by choosing sperm cells that meet the strict criteria of the WHO2021.

The Effect of Month-Long Daily Fasting on Semen Parameters: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether Ramadan month-long daily fasting affects semen analysis parameters. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in tertiary academic medical center. Medical records of 97 Muslim patients who were admitted to the IVF unit from May 2011 to May 2021 were reviewed. Only men who provided at least one semen sample during Ramadan period (Ramadan month +70 days after) and one sample not during Ramadan were included. Semen characteristics of each patient were independently compared to themselves. RESULTS: The post-gradient semen analysis indicated significantly lower progressive sperm motility (mean 30.01 ± 20.46 vs. 38.12 ± 25.13) (p < 0.001). The decrease in the progressive motility remained significant among patients with non-male factor indications (p < 0.001). In the non-male factor indication group, the difference in the progressive motility of the post-gradient semen analysis between the 2 samples was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). There were no significant differences between semen parameters before centrifuging. The incidence of asthenospermia (progressive sperm motility <32%) as an absolute parameter was higher after centrifuging the semen sample during the Ramadan period (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Semen samples collected during Ramadan period were associated with lower progressive motility and reduced semen volume compared to semen samples from the same men outside of the Ramadan period. A possible effect of these altered semen parameters on fertility should be investigated further.

General anesthesia with propofol during oocyte retrieval and in vitro fertilization outcomes: retrospective cohort study.

General anesthesia is frequently administered during oocyte retrieval. Its effects on the outcomes of IVF cycles are uncertain. This study investigated whether administration of general anesthesia (specifically propofol) during oocyte retrieval affects IVF outcomes. A total of 245 women undergoing IVF cycles were included in this retrospective cohort study. IVF outcomes of 129 women who underwent oocyte retrieval under propofol anesthesia and 116 without anesthesia were compared. Data were adjusted for age, BMI, estradiol on triggering day and total gonadotropin dose. The primary outcomes were fertilization, pregnancy and live birth rates. A secondary outcome was the efficiency of follicle retrieval associated with the use of anesthesia. Fertilization rate was lower in retrievals under anesthesia compared to without (53.4% ± 34.8 vs. 63.7% ± 33.6, respectively; p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the ratio of expected to retrieved oocytes between retrievals with and without anesthesia (0.8 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.8, respectively, p = 0.96). The differences in pregnancy and live birth rates between the groups were not statistically significant. General anesthesia administered during oocyte retrieval may have adverse effects on the fertilization potential of oocytes. This impact on the developmental potential of oocytes may lead to negative IVF outcomes and should be investigated further.

How effective is digital educational content in shaping fertility awareness? An interventional, cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether exposure to digital educational content affects fertility awareness and attitudes towards fertility preservation treatments? METHODS: A total of 957 women ages 20 to 45 years participated in this internet-based, interventional, cross-sectional study. A questionnaire assessing knowledge of the reproductive span and attitudes towards fertility preservation treatment was completed by these women before and after exposure to online educational content on ovarian reserve and fertility preservation treatments. Responses before and after exposure to the educational content were compared. RESULTS: Knowledge about female age-related fertility decline improved significantly after exposure to educational content (51.6% vs. 79.6%, p < 0.001). Increased willingness to pursue fertility preservation treatments (38.6% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001) and to recommend fertility preservation treatments to friends (55% vs. 65.2%, p < 0.001) was observed. Participants who desired to conceive were more positively influenced by the exposure to educational content in their attitudes towards fertility treatments compared to those who do not desire to conceive. CONCLUSIONS: Online educational content has the potential to improve fertility awareness and shape a more positive attitude towards fertility preservation treatments for the public.

GnRH agonist-triggering ovulation in women with advanced age.

This study evaluates the effect of GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger for ovulation induction among women with advanced maternal age (AMA). This is a retrospective study performed at a single assisted reproductive technology centre, 2012 to 2020. A total of 306 patients with 515 IVF cycles who were triggered with GnRHa for Ovum Pick Up (OPU), were divided into two groups according to maternal age: age ≥ 40 and age < 40. The groups were compared for demographics, stimulation parameters of IVF treatment and IVF treatment outcomes. The patients in the age < 40 group were approximately 10 years younger than the patients in the age ≥ 40 group (31 ± 5.4 vs. 41.5 ± 1.3 years, p < 0.001). The age ≥ 40 group had significantly higher mean E2/retrieved oocytes ratio, compared to the age < 40 group (310.3 ± 200.6 pg/ml vs. 239 ± 168.2 pg/ml, p = 0.003), and a lower mean MII/retrieved oocyte (35 ± 37.8 vs. 43.4 ± 35.9, p = 0.05, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis for E2/retrieved oocytes demonstrated that age < 40 and total dose of gonadotropins were significant variables. In conclusion, GnRHa for ovulation triggering in high responder patients prior to OPU appears to be a good option for AMA. However, this population is characterized by different parameters of ovarian response that require further evaluation.

High physical activity and ovarian reserve: a prospective study of normo-ovulatory professional athletes.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether high physical activity affects ovarian reserve in normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women. METHODS: This prospective, observational study compared 31 professional female athletes, with 31 women who did not engage in physical activity. It was conducted 2017-2020 in a tertiary medical center. Normo-ovulatory, professional athletes, ages 20-35 years were recruited from The Wingate Institute-the Israeli National Institute for Sport Excellence. They had high International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores. Non-physically active women, matched by age and body mass index, were recruited from hospital staff. Women were evaluated for ovarian reserve markers on day 2-5 of the menstrual cycle, including follicular stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, anti-Mullerian hormone and Inhibin B. RESULTS: The average age of the high physical activity group was 29.9 ± 4.2 years and the nonactive group 31.6 ± 4.2 years (p = 0.062). Body mass index of both groups were similar (22.5 ± 5.0 vs. 21.4 ± 2.5, respectively; p = 0.1). No differences were observed with respect to follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.12) and anti-Mullerian hormone (p = 0.16). A trend towards higher total antral follicle count in the high physical activity group vs. the non-active group (34.5 ± 12.9 vs. 28.1 ± 15.2, p = 0.08) and lower Inhibin B (68.1 ± 36.8 vs. 89.4 ± 46.1, p = 0.05). Menarche age correlated with anti-Mullerian hormone (r = 0.387, p = 0.003), as did total antral follicle count (r = 0.368, p = 0.004). IPAQ scores and basal follicle stimulating hormone levels were negatively correlated (r = - 0.292, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Athletic, normo-ovulatory women have ovarian reserves that are at least as good as those of the general population. As this is the first study examining this issue, it could cautiously reassure women engaged in high physical activity regarding ovarian reserve.

Can 17 hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) decrease preterm deliveries in patients with a history of PMC or pPROM?

BACKGROUND: A history of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a significant risk factor for recurrence. Intra-muscular-7α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) has been the preventive treatment of choice until the recent "Prolong study" that reported no benefit. OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefit of (17P) treatment in preventing reoccurrence of sPTB, by evaluating two presenting symptoms of the first sPTB: premature contractions (PMC) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included 342 women with a previous singleton sPTB followed by a subsequent pregnancy. sPTB were either due to PMC (n = 145) or pPROM (n = 197). During the subsequent pregnancy, 90 (26.3%) patients received 250 mg 17P IM. Each presenting symptom-PMC or pPROM-was evaluated within itself comparing treated vs. untreated groups. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Patients treated with 17P in the subsequent pregnancy had delivered earlier in the previous pregnancy (33.4w vs. 35.3w in the PMC group, and 34.1w vs. 35.7w in the pPROM group, p<0.001). In the following pregnancy, they had higher admission rates due to suspected preterm labor (31.7% vs. 10.9% in the treated vs. untreated PMC group (p = 0.003) and 26.1% vs. 5.4% in the treated vs. untreated pPROM group (p<0.001). In both groups, but more prominently in the previous PMC group, treatment compared to non-treatment in the subsequent pregnancy significantly prolonged it (4.3w vs. 2.6w in the PMC group (p = 0.007), and 3.7w vs. 2.7w in the pPROM group (p = 0.018)). The presenting symptom of sPTB in the following pregnancy tended to recur in cases of another sPTB, with a significantly greater likelihood of repeating the sPTB mechanism in cases with PMC, regardless of receiving 17P (69% in the PMC cohort and 60% in the pPROM cohort, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 17P might delay preterm delivery in patients with a previous sPTB on an individual level (prolongation of the pregnancy for each patient compared to her previous delivery). Therefore, our results imply that 17P can decrease potential premature delivery complications for patients with a previous sPTB due to PMC or pPROM.

Physiological and psychological stress responses to labor and delivery during COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate objective (saliva cortisol) and subjective (questionnaire) stress levels during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic compared to before the pandemic and their effects on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This cohort study included 36 women with low-risk, singleton, term deliveries at a tertiary academic center during the COVID-19 pandemic and 49 who delivered before. Physiological stress was evaluated with salivary cortisol measurements, and emotional stress with stress scale questionnaires (0-10) during active and full dilation stages of labor, and 2-min postpartum. Cord blood cortisol and pH were obtained. Delivery mode, complications, and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Psychological stress was higher for the COVID-19 group compared to controls during full dilation (6.2 ± 3.4 vs. 4.2 ± 3, p = .009). The COVID-19 group had significantly lower cord cortisol levels (7.3 vs. 13.6 mcg/dl, p = .001). No differences were found regarding salivary cortisol level assessments at active, full dilation and 2-min post-delivery (p = .584, p = .254, p = .829, respectively). No differences were found regarding pH < 7.1 (p = .487), 1- and 5-min Apgar scores < 7 (p = .179) and neonatal weight (p = .958). CONCLUSIONS: Women who delivered during COVID-19 pandemic had higher stress levels at full dilation and lower cord cortisol levels, as may be expected after exposure to a chronic stressor.

Spontaneous labor patterns among women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated spontaneous labor patterns among women achieving a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), without a previous vaginal delivery in relation to nulliparous women. METHODS: This historical cohort study included 422 women attempting VBAC and 150 nulliparas. We examined time intervals for each centimeter of cervical dilation and compared labor progression in 321 women who achieved spontaneous VBAC and 147 nulliparous women achieving a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Epidural anesthesia use, delivery mode, cord arterial pH and 5-minute Apgar score were also compared. FINDINGS: Women in the VBAC group compared to nulliparous women had similar durations of first (4-10 cm: 4:22 (00:54-13:10) h vs. 4:47 (1:10-15:10) h, p = .61), second (1:07 (8:00-3:21), vs. 1:34 (10:00-3:40), p = .124) and third stages of labor (10:00 (2:00-22:00) vs. 08:00 (3:24-22:12), p = .788). When comparing women who had epidural analgesia to those who did not, no differences were found between the groups regarding durations of first and second stages of labor. Interestingly, among parturients without epidural anesthesia only, the VBAC group had shorter second stage compared to the nulliparous (00:19 (0:04-1:59) vs. 00:47 (0:08-2:09), p = .023). CONCLUSION: Labor patterns among women achieving spontaneous VBAC are similar to those of nulliparous women with spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

The yield of chromosomal microarray analysis among pregnancies terminated due to fetal malformations.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is preferred for genetic work-up when fetal malformations are detected prenatally. OBJECTIVES: To assess the detection rate of CMA after pregnancy termination due to abnormal ultrasound findings. METHODS: CMA was successfully performed in 71 pregnancies using fetal DNA (mainly from skin) or placenta. Data regarding clinical background, pregnancy work-up, and CMA were analyzed. RESULTS: Findings were abnormal in 17 cases (23.9%), of which 13 were detectable by karyotype. The incremental yield of CMA was 4/71 (5.6%); 1/32 (3.1%) for cases with an isolated anomaly and 3/39 (7.7%) for cases with nonisolated anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: CMA yield from terminated pregnancies was 23.9%. Although most chromosomal abnormalities are detectable by karyotype, CMA does not require viable dividing cells; hence, it is more practical for work-up after termination. In most cases, the diagnosis was followed by consultation regarding the risk of recurrence and recommendations for testing in subsequent pregnancies.

Can Social Support on Facebook Influence Fertility Outcomes?

Social support is known to reduce stress and increase quality of life among patients undergoing IVF. Increasing social media use introduces a social support mechanism, yet data regarding the effect of this support on IVF outcomes are scarce. This observational, retrospective cohort study included women undergoing their first IVF cycle at an academic tertiary medical center. Fertility outcomes were compared between 82 women who were active users of social media (posting on Facebook at least 3 times a week) and 83 women who did not use Facebook or any other social media platform (the control group). For the social media group, we coded all Facebook Feed activities (Posts, Comments, Likes) for each participant up to 8 weeks prior to beta hCG test. Social support was measured by average Likes and Comments per post, on fertility outcomes. The social media group included more single women than the control group (17% vs. 5%, respectively, p = 0.012) and had a shorter infertility duration (1.6 ± 0.9 years vs. 2.3 ± 1.4, respectively, p = 0.001(. We found a trend in fertilization rates between groups (social media group 58% vs. controls 50%, p = 0.07). No difference was found regarding pregnancy rate between groups (p = 0.587). The social media group had a lower miscarriage rate compared to the controls (6% vs. 25%, p = 0.042). These results were also validated in the multivariant regression analysis. Social support (via Facebook) may have a positive effect on IVF outcomes, especially regarding miscarriages rate, with minor effect regrading fertilization rate and no effect regarding pregnancy rate. Therefore, encouraging women to be active on Facebook during treatment, including OPU day, may impact treatment results.

Thawing day 3 embryos and culturing to day 5 may be a better method for frozen embryo transfer.

PURPOSE: Does thawing cleavage embryos and culturing them for transfer as blastocysts improve pregnancy and perinatal outcomes compared to transferring thawed blastocysts? METHODS: Retrospective, observational cohort study performed at two assisted reproductive technology centers, 2014 to 2020. A total of 450 patients with 463 thawed embryo transfer cycles were divided into 2 groups according to the embryonic developmental stage at cryopreservation and transfer: 231 thawed blastocysts (day 5 group) and 232 thawed cleavage embryos that were cultured for 2 days and transferred as blastocysts (day 3-5 group). The two groups were compared for demographics, routine parameters of IVF treatment, pregnancy rates, and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis for ongoing pregnancy and delivery demonstrated that the day 3-5 group had a greater likelihood of achieving ongoing pregnancy and delivery compared to the day 5 group (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.062-2.361, p = 0.024). Perinatal outcomes were comparable between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Our results support culturing post-thaw cleavage embryos for 2 days and transferring them as blastocysts to increase chances of ongoing pregnancy and delivery.

Characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease caused by sexually transmitted disease - An epidemiologic study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper genital organs, diagnosed by clinical findings. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) identify sexually transmitted (STD) pathogens from endocervical swabs, via real time PCR. This study explored the prevalence of STD detected by NAAT for women with PID. We also aimed to identify predictive characteristics for positive test. MATERIAL & METHODS: This retrospective cohort study explored the prevalence of positive NAAT for women with clinically diagnosed PID, 2016-2019, in a secondary referral center. The primary outcome was the prevalence of positive STD tests and specific pathogens. The secondary outcome was predictive clinical and laboratory parameters for positive NAAT. RESULTS: Among the 610 women in our cohort, 103 had a positive STD PCR, which accounts for 17%. Most of the patients had Urea parvum (39.4%) Mycoplasma hominis (17.2%) or Urea urealyticum (15.7%). Other pathogens with lower incidence were Chlamydia trachomatis (9.8%), Trichomonas vaginalis (3.4%), Mycoplasma genitalium (2.1%) and the lowest rate was for Neisseria gonorrhea (1.5%). CONCLUSION: In our population, we found lower prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea compared to other large populations. This may be due to a high prevalence of married and religious women and also due to administration of a wide range of empirical antibiotic treatment, even for a low suspicion of PID. The study also gives reassurance that our empirical antibiotic protocol is adjusted to the endemic PID pathogens found in our population.