Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Mesenteric vein thrombosis following impregnation via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Pregnancy is an acquired hypercoagulable state. Most patients with thrombosis that develops during pregnancy present with deep vein leg thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, whereas the development of mesenteric vein thrombosis(MVT) in pregnant patients is rare. We report a case of MVT in a 34-year-old woman who had achieved pregnancy via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVFET). At 7 wk of gestation, the patient was referred to us due to abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and hematochezia, and she was diagnosed with superior MVT. Following resection of the gangrenous portion of the small intestine, anticoagulation therapy with unfractionated heparin and thrombolysis therapy via a catheter placed in the superior mesenteric artery were performed, and the patient underwent an artificial abortion. Oral estrogen had been administered for hormone replacement as part of the IVF-ET procedure, and additional precipitating factors related to thrombosis were not found. Pregnancy itself, in addition to the administered estrogen, may have caused MVT in this case. We believe that MVT should be included in the differential diagnosis of a pregnant patient who presents with an acute abdomen.

Letter to the editor“regarding case report of chronic cornual ectopic pregnancy presenting as large cornual mass after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer”

We read the Yang et al,published case report in Laparoscopic,Endoscopic and Robotic Surgery.2019.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lers.2019.09.001,with great interest.Yang et al,in the introduction mentioned that the cornual ectopic pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that is abnormally located in the proximal portion of the fallopian tube,lying within the muscular wall of the uterus.

Relationship between lower number of oocytes retrieved and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of the infertile women with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer（IVF-ET） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection（1CSI）. Methods:The clinical data of 216 embryo transfer cycles with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 during the procedure of IVF/ICSI in Reproductive Medicine Center of the 105th Hospital of PLA from Jul.2008 to Dec.2011 were analyze retrospectively.All the patients were divided into group A（< 35 years）,group B（35-39 years） and group C（≥40 years） according to the ages,and 409 IVF/ICSI cycles with patients’ age less than 35 years old and 6-15 retrieved oocytes in the same period were served as controlled group.Then the patients≥35 years were subdivided into gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist（GnRH-a） long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group according to the protocols of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation（COH）.The clinical date and the outcomes were analyzed and compared among all groups. Results:There were significantly differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.19.4%） and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.50.0%） between group A and group C（P<0.05）,and there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.41.6%）and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.10.0%） between group A and control group（P>0.05）.There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates（29.01%vs.26.1%vs.25.9%） and early abortion rates（33.3%vs.33.3%vs.40.0%） among GnRH-a long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group（P>0.05）. Conclusions:Relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI would still be got for the patients <35 years with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5,but whatever COH protocols such as GnRH-a long protocol,GnRH-a short and GnRH antagonist could not improve the outcomes of IVF/ICSI for the patients aged≥35 with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5.

Effects of Zishen Yutai Pills on in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve:A Prospective,Open-Labeled,Randomized and Controlled Study

Objective:To explore the effects of Zishen Yutai Pills(ZYPs)on the quality of oocytes and embryos,as well as pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)receiving in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer(IVF-ET).The possible mechanisms,involving the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 15(BMP15)and growth differentiation factor 9(GDF9),were also investigated.Methods:A total of 120 patients with DOR who underwent their IVF-ET cycle were randomly allocated to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio.The patients in the treatment group(60 cases)received ZYPs from the mid-luteal phase of the former menstrual cycle by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone(Gn RH)antagonist protocol.The patients in the control group(60 cases)received the same protocol but without ZYPs.The primary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos.Secondary outcomes included other oocyte or embryo indices as well as pregnancy outcomes.Adverse events were assessed by comparison of the incidence of ectopic pregnancy,pregnancy complications,pregnancy loss,and preterm birth.Contents of BMP15 and GDF9 in the follicle fluids(FF)were also quantified with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the control group,the numbers of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos were significantly increased in the ZYPs group(both P<0.05).After treatment with ZYPs,a significant regulation of serum sex hormones was observed,including progesterone and estradiol.Both hormones were up-regulated compared with the control group(P=0.014 and 0.008),respectively.No significant differences were observed with regard to pregnancy outcomes including implantation rates,biochemical pregnancy rates,clinical pregnancy rates,live birth rates,and pregnancy loss rates(all P>0.05).The administration of ZYPs did not increase the incidence of adverse events.The expressions of BMP15 and GDF9 in the ZYPs group were significantly up-regulated compared with the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusions:ZYPs exhibited beneficial effects in DOR patients undergoing IVF-ET,resulting in increments of oocytes and embryos,and up-regulation of BMP15 and GDF9 expressions in the FF.However,the effects of ZYPs on pregnancy outcomes should be assessed in clinical trials with larger sample sizes(Trial reqistration No.Chi CTR2100048441).

Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer:A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on endometrium and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned to observation group(40 cases)and control group(43 cases)according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software.The patients of the two groups received GnRH agonist long protocol as a routine treatment.In the observation group,acupuncture was given at two acupoint groups for 30 min once every other day.Group 1 included Guanyuan(CV 4),Qihai(CV 6),Zhongji(CV 3),bilateral acupoints Zigong(EX-CA1).Group 2 included Mingmen(GV 4),Yaoyangguan(GV 3),bilateral Shenshu(BL 23)and Ciliao(BL 32).The two groups of acupoints were used alternately.The whole needling process was performed at the time of ovulation induction until the transplantation day and consisted of3 courses,while the control group did not receive acupuncture interventions.The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time,endometrial thickness and type(A,B,and C),serum oestradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels on the day of injection of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG),clinical pregnancy rate,as well as live birth rate were observed.Adverse reactions were also be recorded.All patients were followed up for the pregnant rate 14 days after IVF-ET and live birth rate after pregnancy.All adverse reactions(AEs)of acupuncture were recorded during the trial.Ressults:The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time in the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.01).The proportion of type A endometrium in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The serum E2 and P levels on the day of hCG injection was lower and the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no serious AEs during this trial.Conclusion:Acupuncture can improve the proportion of type A endometrium,regulate the levelse of serum Eand P on the day of hCG injection,and improve the pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS infertility undergoing IVF-ET.

Effect of Patient Age and Embryo Parameters on Pregnancy Outcomein In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer(IVF-ET)

Objective To study the effect of patient age, the number and quality of embryos transferred on pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer procedures （IVF-ETs）. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with infertile women who underwent a total of 1 800 cycles of lVF-ET and intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2007. The patients were divided into three groups based on age （year）. 〈30, 30-34 and 235. The rates of clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancies were compared in each group when 1-3 embryos and 0-3 goodquality embryos were transferred respectively. Results 1） In the group of patients aged 〈30 years, there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes with 1-3 embryos transferred. However, pregnancy rates were similar when 2 3 good-quality embryos were transferred, which was significantly higher compared with 0-1 good-quality embryos transferred; the incidence of multiple pregnancies was not an issue when only 1 embryo was transferred. 2） The pregnancy rate of the patients aged 30 34 was not significant not only when only 2-3 embryos were transferred but also when 2-3 good-quality embryos were transferred, which was significant compared with when 1 embryo or 0 1 good-quality embryo was transferred. The subgroup of 3 good-quality embryos transferred, at the same time, was expected to significantly increase multiple pregnancy rate. 3） For the patients aged 235, there were similar pregnancy rates in the subgroup involving 1-3 embryos transferred. Compared with 0-2 good-quality embryos transferred, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the patients with 3 good-quality embryos transferred. An increased trend toward multiple pregnancies was observed among not only the subgroups with 1-3 embryos transferred, but also when 1-3 good-quality embryos were transferred, although it was significantly higher in patients with 3 good-quality embryo transferred. Conclusion In an effort to achieve the ideal pregnancy rate without the risk of multiple pregnancies, it is desirable to employ a single good-quality embryo transfer for patients aged 〈30 years and 2 good-quality embryos for patients aged 330. As older women （aged 335 years）, this is important, need to abstain from poor-quality embryo transferred by increasing the number of embryos transferred in an effort to improve the rate of clinical pregnancy, if the patients have had enough 2 high-quality embryos.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Cumulative Pregnancy Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women Aged 35 Years and Older with Normal Ovarian Reserve

Background:To investigate the factors associating with the cumulative clinical pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.Methods:A total of 358 patients undergoing IVF-ET at the Department of Reproductive Medicine,the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2014 and June 2016 were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.Results:The probability of pregnancy in women 35-37 years of age and 38-40 years of age was 75.9%(95%confidence interval[CI]:75.1%-76.7%)and 66.9%(95%CI:65.6%-68.2%),respectively,and it was 37.8%(95%CI:34.7%-41.1%)in women aged 40 years and older.Univariate analysis(hazard ratio[HR]:2.50,95%CI:1.647-3.774)and multivariate analysis(HR:2.17,95%CI:1.427-3.268)showed a correlation between the number of retrieved oocytes and successful pregnancy.Conclusions:The number of retrieved oocytes plays a key role in the pregnancy outcome of women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.We recommend the number of retrieved oocytes be increased for women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Expression of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a in Granulosa Cells from Women with Shen(Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen(Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET),and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table,33 cases in each group.Before undergoing IVF,patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture,respectively,for 3 menstrual cycles.Shen de?ciency syndrome scores were assessed.Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization,high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates.Follicular ?uid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval,and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide3-kinases(PI3 K),serine-threonine kinase(Akt) and forkhead box O3(Foxo3 a) m RNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Syndrome scores for pre-versus post-treatments decreased significantly(16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group(P<0.05),but showed no signi?cant change in the control group(17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58).A signi?cant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups(P<0.05).High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15%(195/282) vs.60.27%(176/292) and 66.67%(22/33) vs.42.42%(14/33),respectively,P<0.05].The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups.No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups.Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3 K and Akt m RNA were signi?cantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group,while the expression of Foxo3 a was reduced(all P<0.05).Conclusions: For infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF,EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate.The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3 K/Akt/Foxo3 a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis,possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate(Registration No.Chi CTR 1800016217).

Influence of Different Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist Administration Methods on Pregnancy Outcomes of Patients Undergoing In-vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) administration methods on pregnancy outcomes of patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Clinical data of 5217 patients who underwent IVF-ET were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the long-acting GnRH-a group (n=1330) and the short-acting GnRH-a group (w=3887) based on their various treatment plans. The clinical and laboratory embryo data and clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the age, infertility, primary/secondary infertility rate, IVF rate, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle counting (AFC), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the number of transplanted embryos between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the oocyte numbers, M II rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate (P>0.05) between the two groups. The gonadotropin (Gn) using days, Gn dose and endometrial thickness were significantly greater in the long-acting GnRH-a group than those in the short-acting GnRH-a group (P<0.01). Additionally, the estradiol (E2) levels, blastocyst freezing rate, embryo utilization rate, transplant cancellation rate and abortion rate were significantly lower in the long-acting GnRH-a group than those in the shortacting GnRH-a group (P<0.01). The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate were significantly higher in the long-acting GnRH-a group than in the short-acting GnRH-a group (P<O.Ol). It was concluded that use of long-acting GnRH-a can effectively reduce the transplant cancellation rate and improve the clinical pregnancy rate of the fresh cycle.

Kidding after Transfer of in Vitro Produced Saanen Goat Embryos into Local Ukrainian Breed Recipients in Different Seasons

In recent years, the demand for goat products has been growing due to the fact that goat milk has a number of advantages over cow milk, for example, it is low in lactose, and is considered less allergenic and easier to digest. To increase production during both breeding and non-breeding seasons and reduce the price of dairy products, it is necessary to effectively use reproductive management and assisted reproductive technologies. In vitro embryo production makes it possible to obtain a large number of eggs from goats, which for some reason are unable to conceive, but have genetic value. Afterward in vitro produced embryos can be transferred into recipient goats of other less genetically valuable breeds, such as the Ukrainian local breed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of transfers of in vitro produced embryos of Saanen goats into surrogate sires of the Ukrainian local breed in different seasons. All manipulations with animals were carried out following ethical standards (Strasbourg, 1986). Six Saanen goats were selected as the oocyte donors. After the hormonal stimulation oocytes were retrieved by laparoscopic ovum pick-up. In vitro produced embryos were transferred laparotomically into 24 recipients of Ukrainian local breed. Fifty days after embryo transfers, pregnancies were determined by ultrasound diagnostics. Although the embryo development rate in the breeding season was 20% higher than in the non-breeding season, there was no difference in pregnancy and kidding rates between seasons. In conclusion, the transfer of in vitro produced Saanen goat embryos to recipients of the Ukrainian local breed gives the opportunity to achieve pregnancy and kidding regardless of the breeding season, which will enable a faster and more efficient increase in the livestock of highly productive goats in Ukraine in the post-war period.

Effect of Mitochondrial Function of Ovarian Granulosa Cells on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of abnormal ovarian granulosa cell metabolism on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)outcomes in obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)patients.Methods:Patients with PCOS who met the study criteria were screened according to the inclusion criteria.A total of 32 patients with obese PCOS were recruited into the study group,and 39 patients with non-obese PCOS were recruited into the control group.The general data(age,body mass index,and years of infertility),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),granulosa cell mitochondrial function,and IVF-ET outcome of patients in the study group and control group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The differences in age and years of infertility between the study group and the control group were insignificant(P>0.05),and the body mass index(BMI)of the study group and control group was 30.5±1.24 kg/m2 and 22.3±1.12 kg/m2,respectively,in which the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the HOMA-IR of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the ATP content in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);comparing the FSH and LH levels between the two groups,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the rate of IVF-ET failure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusion:PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder,and obesity is one of the independent risk factors for the development of PCOS.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on In-Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are widely used to improve IR in women with PCOS. However, whether IR in patients without PCOS should be treated remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify whether IR in patients without PCOS affects the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 non-PCOS patients who underwent the first IVF–ET cycle. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index [HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose)/405]. A HOMA index of >2.5 was used to indicate IR. Based on the HOMA index calculation, 28 patients were IR(+) and 88 patients had normal insulin sensitivity. We retrospectively compared the response with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, fertilization rates, pregnancy rate, live birth rates, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence. Results: There were no significant differences in human menopausal gonadotropin administration, peak estradiol, retrieved oocyte number, fertilized embryo number, good quality embryo number, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, delivery rate, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and GDM incidences between the groups. Conclusion: IR in non-PCOS patients has no effect on IVF-ET outcomes or perinatal prognosis.

Effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin injection on fertilization outcome of patients in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer

Objective:To explore the effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)injection on the outcome of fertilization in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:One thousand one hundred and forty IVF-ET cycles from January 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the different fertilization time after injection of HCG divided into four groups:Group A(38.0 h~39.0 h),Group B(39.1 h~40.0 h),Group C(40.1 h~41.0 h),and Group D(41.1 h~42.0 h).The normal fertilization rate,the normal cleavage rate,the embryo utilization rate,the high-quality embryo rate,the clinical pregnancy rate,the implantation rate,and the spontaneous abortion rate were analyzed among the groups.Then we investigated the effect of different promotion methods on the outcome of fertilization during the optimal fertilization time.Results:There was no significant difference in 2PN cleavage rate,available embryo rate,clinical pregnancy rate,implantation rate and abortion rate among the four groups(P>0.05).The high-quality embryo rate in Group D(44.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate in Group D(71.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate(78.1%)of antagonist group was significantly higher than other groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The different fertilization time after HCG injection have effects on high-quality embryo rate and normal fertilization rate of patients in IVF-ET.The appropriate fertilization time of patients in IVF-ET was 41 h~42 h after HCG injection in our reproductive center,improved the clinical pregnancy rate and reduced the early abortion rate.The GnRH-ant protocol is superior to other protocol in IVF-ET.

Untreated Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis Adversely Affects Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.

Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy,which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy,the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility.The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy.The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 m IU/m L to 1759 m IU/m L.Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract.Therefore,we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.

Post-salpingectomy interstitial heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pregnancy(HP)refers to the coexistence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy.Salpingectomy is proposed as a pretreatment before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)to reduce the risk of HP.HP after IVF-ET occurs in women who had already underwent bilateral salpingectomy,even though it is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a 29-year-old woman with recurrent interstitial HP after IVF-ET following salpingectomy is presented.The main symptom was a sudden and worsening pelvic pain.Physical examinations revealed signs of peritoneal bleeding and irritation with stable vital signs.Transvaginal ultrasound showed a live intrauterine pregnancy and another live embryo with cardiac activity in the left cornu extending beyond the lateral edge of the uterus.Her hemoglobin concentration was 8.0 g/dL,and serum human chorionic gonadotropin value was 171116.9 mIU/mL.With the diagnosis of ruptured HP with internal bleeding,an emergency laparoscopic resection of left cornu was performed.The interstitial pregnancy was removed with caution to protect the intrauterine pregnancy.After the surgical treatment,the intrauterine pregnancy continued with no complications.A healthy baby was delivered by caesarean section at 39 wk.Outcomes of another three cases are further summarized.CONCLUSION Post-salpingectomy HP is a rare but challenging condition.Surgical treatment is preferred in the case with a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Studies on Antimicrobial Resistance Transfer In vitro and Existent Selectivity of Avian Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterobacteriaccae In vivo

Increasing antimicrobial resistance （AR） has become a severe problem of public health in the world, whereas control of the AR of bacteria will be based on investigation of the AR mechanism. Furthermore, understanding the existent selectivity of AR organisms from animals can prevent the emergence and diffusion of AR effectively. PCR amplifications of gyrA and parC genes have been performed for detecting fluoroquinolones-resistance （FR） genes. A conjugational transfer test has been carried out using a donor which is resistant to tetracycline （TE）, ampicillin （AMP）, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim （SXT）, and a recipient which is sensitive to TE, AMP, and SXT. The AR strains have been passed 20 passages. Two groups of chicken inoculated multi-AR Escherichia coli （E. coli） and multi-AR Salmonella, respectively, are mix-fed. The result shows that amino acid codons of Ser-83 and Asp-87 are mutations from gyrA and there are no mutations from parC genes in all the FR strains. Resistance to TE, AM, and SXT can transfer among E. coli and the conjugal transfer frequency of TE is 3×10^-7. AR can inherit in 20 passages at least. The multi-AR E. coli and Salmonella can be isolated from all chickens three days after inoculation but CIP-resistant strains decrease during the time run out and disappear at 23 days after inoculation. The results indicate that the mutations of gene gyrA are correlative with the FR phenotype. AR genes that are not connected to the chromosome can transfer horizontally and vertically. AR bacteria can diffuse quickly and eliminate naturally from the host if the chicken is not under the pressure of this antibiotic.

An exploratory study of South African women’s experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVE-ET) at fertility clinics

Infertility is considered to be a growing problem worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, at least 20%-50% of couples of reproductive age experience a fertility problem and 30% are diagnosed with infertility. This study explores the experiences of women in South Africa who are involuntary childless and explores their psychological and emotional experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET). Utilising a qualitative methodology, a diverse group of 21 married women diagnosed with infertility and who had undergone at least two cycles of IVF-ET were recruited. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the study indicated that the women perceived themselves as not conforming to a dominant belief system and as a result felt compelled to explore all the medical options available. They reported emotional turmoil characterised by primary binary emotions of anxiety-excitement and nervousness-optimistic. These emotions were experienced throughout the five stages of the IVF-ET treatment cycles. A synopsis of the psychological and emotional responses to the IVF-ET treatment is discussed. The findings of this study suggest the need for the incorporation of a mandatory psychosocial intervention as part of infertility management. Greater attention to the psychological and emotional repercussions of infertility treatment could lead to a more personalised client-approach which, in turn, would prepare infertile women and couples for the emotional demands of the treatment.

Double Pulmonary Embolism and Left Common Iliac Vein Thrombosis after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer： a Case Report

This article discusses the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of a case of double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis following in vitro fertilization （IVF） and embryo transfer （ET） to arouse vigilance for unexpected thrombosis after ovarian hyperstimulation and to serve as a clinical reference of this condition. This paper reports the case of a woman with double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis after IVF-ET and the successful management of this condition. The woman had primary infertility, and underwent IVF-ET with 14 ooeytes recovered and two embryos transferred. The patient suffered breathing difficulty 17 days after the ET, and was hospitalized 6 days later as her condition had exacerbated. Computed tomographic （CT） angiography of pulmonary arteries showed double pulmonary embolism, left common iliae vein thrombosis, abnormal density shadow in uterine appendages, and ascites. A healthy baby boy and girl were safely delivered by Caesarean section after successful treatment. Thrombosis after IVF-ET is an uncommon but life-threatening complication and concurrent pulmonary embolism is even rarer. It is suggested that careful thrombosis risk assessment be taken before therapy and particular attention be paid to patients with special body constitutions to develop thrombosis. Whenever patients experience breathing difficulty after IVF-ET, it is strongly advised to examine the possibility of pulmonary embolism. The main treatments for thrombosis are anticoagulant therapy by low-molecular-weight heparin and thrombolysis by urokinase.