Uterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor with the main manifestation of increased human chorionic gonadotropin:A case report

BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is an extremely rare malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasm commonly presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding,abdominal pain,and increased human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG).This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female was referred to the Ningbo Maternal and Child Hospital of China in December 2022,complaining of increased hCG levels for 1 month.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed gestational trophoblastic tumor,and hysteroscopic electrotomy and curettage of intrauterine hyperplasia were performed.The patient was diagnosed with uterine ETT through postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical results.Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed,and hCG levels returned to normal.The patient was without recurrence during the postoperative 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG,highlighting that ETT should be considered in the presence of abnormal hCG.A total laparoscopic hysterectomy is recommended.

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.

Predictive Value of Initial Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels for Pregnancies after Single Fresh and Frozen Blastocyst Transfer

As one of the earliest markers for predicting pregnancy outcomes, human chorionic gonadotropin(h CG) values have been inconclusive on reliability of the prediction after frozen and fresh embryo transfer(ET). In this retrospective study, patients with positive h CG(day 12 after transfer) were included to examine the h CG levels and their predictive value for pregnancy outcomes following 214 fresh and 1513 vitrified-warmed single-blastocyst transfer cycles. For patients who got clinical pregnancy, the mean initial h CG value was significantly higher after frozen cycles than fresh cycles, and the similar result was demonstrated for patients with live births(LB). The difference in h CG value existed even after adjusting for the potential covariates. The area under curves(AUC) and threshold values calculated by receiver operator characteristic curves were 0.944 and 213.05 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after fresh ET, 0.894 and 399.50 m IU/m L for clinical pregnancy after frozen ET, 0.812 and 222.86 m IU/m L for LB after fresh ET, and 0.808 and 410.80 m IU/mL for LB after frozen ET with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, respectively. In conclusion, single frozen blastocyst transfer leads to higher initial h CG values than single fresh blastocyst transfer, and the initial h CG level is a reliable predictive factor for predicting IVF outcomes.

Second-trimester maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin level associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Objective:To determine whether maternal β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG) level in second-trimester may be associated with subsequent development of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Seven hundred and sixty-two women in mid-trimester were to have maternal urine β-hCG standardized concentrations and maternal serum β-hCG measurements.Their case histories were recorded and reviewed from mid-trimester to delivery.The relation was observed between maternal urine,serum markers and subsequent development of PIH.Results:Among 762 women,504 cases were normal pregnancies,42 cases had PIH,94 cases had premature rupture of membrane (PROM),69 cases had preterm delivery (PD),53 other cases were excluded by various reasons.The levels of maternal urine,serum β-hCG in PIH were (61.75±9.78) IU/L and (304.56±54.17) ng/mg respectively,which were higher significantly than normal pregnancy group ([20.65±7.61] IU/L and [146.34±47.81] ng/mg,P<0.05).When maternal serum,urine β-hCG levels ≥2 MOM(multiple of mean),the incidences of developing PIH were increased significantly as compared with those of β-hCG <2 MOM women.The incidence of PIH increased from 5.1% in pregnancies with urine β-hCG ≥2 MOM to 11.7% in cases with urine β-hCG ≥4 MOM.Conclusion:The elevation of maternal mid-trimester urine,serum β-hCG levels is not only an early signal for dysfunction of placenta but also a dangerous signal for development of PIH.Second-trimester maternal urine β-hCG measurement proves to be superior to serum marker in clinical prediction.

Effects on Cell Viability and on Apoptosis in Tumoral(MCF-7)and in Normal(MCF10A)Epithelial Breast Cells after Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Derivated-Angiotensin Peptides Treatments

Angiotensin-(1 - 7) [Ang-(1 - 7)] is an endogenous heptapeptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system that has antiproliferative properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of Ang-(1 - 7) and of Ang-(1 - 7)-substituents 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) e Ang II-derivatives containing the TOAC (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid) in normal (MCF10A) and in tumoral (MCF7) epithelial mammary cell lines. Both cell lines received an hCG and angiotensin peptides 24-hour treatment, in combination or alone followed by cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle assays performed by flow cytometer (GUAVA). After hCG, Ang-(1 - 7), hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments, MCF7 displayed cell viability decrease and mid-apoptosis increase. We also observed cell viability decrease in MCF10A after Ang-(1 - 7), Ang-(1 - 7) Fmoc and hCG + AngII Toac treatments. These cells had an increase in late apoptosis and necrosis after AngII Toac, hCG + Ang-(1 - 7) and hCG + Ang-(1 - 7)-Fmoc treatments. Regarding the cell cycle analysis, we did not observed any changes in cell cycle phases. In summary, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis (initial, mid and late) was increased after hCG and/or Ang-(1 - 7) peptides treatments. These results point out hCG and Ang-(1 - 7) as effective compounds to inhibit cell proliferation, since they decrease cell viability and increase apoptosis in both normal and in tumoral breast cells, being the effect more pronounced in the tumoral cell line. Our results support the idea of investigating more closely the putative use of these compounds as novel therapeutic agents for breast cancer.

Expression of Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Genes in Renal Cell Cancer and Benign Renal Disease Tissues

To study the expression of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) genes in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and benign renal disease tissues, nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction endonuclease analysis were employed to detect the expression of βhCG genes in 44 cases of RCC tissues and 24 cases of benign renal disease tissues It was found that 52% RCC samples revealed positive for βhCG mRNA expression Positive rate in advanced stage and poorly differentiated RCC was higher, but there was no significant difference The positive rate of βhCG mRNA expression was 54% in 24 cases of benign renal tissues, including 3 cases out of 6 polycystic kidneys, 7 cases out of 13 renal atrophies, 2 cases out of 2 oncocytomas and 1 case out of 2 pyonephrotic kidneys β7 was most frequently transcribed subtype gene independent on the histology These findings suggested βhCG gene transcription is not only involved in RCC but also in benign renal diseases

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.

Effect of TCDD on Maternal Toxicity and Chorionic Gonadotropin──Bioactivity in the Immediate Post-implantation Period of Macaque

The purpose of this experiment was to observe the alterations in bioactivity of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) associated with early fetal loss (EFL), induced by the environmental toxin TCDD (2,3,7,8\|tetrachlorodibenzo\| p \|dioxin) in the cynomolgus macaque. Ten of twelve females administered single doses of 1, 2 or 4 μg/kg TCDD on gestational day (GD) 12 had EFL from ten to twenty days later. Seven control animals treated only with the vehicle had normal pregnancies. Blood samples were repeatedly collected for hormone evaluation, from two days before treatment to thirty\|one days following treatment. Immunoreactive monkey chorionic gonadotropin (mCG) was measured in serum using ELISA, and bioactive mCG was measured using a luminescence LH/CG bioassay. No change in immunoreactive mCG levels was detected as a result of TCDD, treatment, but bioactive mCG levels were significantly lower in TCDD\|treated animals compared to controls. This change in bioactivity of mCG was also reflected in the ratio of mCG bioactivity to mCG immunoreactivity (B/I ratio) which began to rise in normal pregnancies by GD 20, but did not rise in TCDD treated animals. These results demonstrate that normal pregnancy in the monkey, as in humans, is characterized by a post\|implantation change in the B/I ratio of CG. These findings therefore suggest that changes in the production of bioactive CG may be used as a biomarker of environmental toxicant exposures which lead to EFL.

The Study on Immuno-response and Antisera Properties of Recombinant β-subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in C57 Black Mouse

In this study, the immuno-response of recombinant hCG-β and natural hCGβ was comparatively investigated by using Freund's adjuvant. The results showed that, the properties and merits of the antibodies elicited by both kinds of hCG-β were similar. The antisera had high affinity for binding with hCG (Kαγβ≈5.86×108/mol/L, Kαβ≈8.18×108/mol/L), and were found to be effective in inhibiting the binding of 125I-hCG to receptors in rat testes. Results also indicated that, similar to the antisera induced by natural hCG-β, the recombinant hCG-β induced antisera had capacity of neutralizing the biological activities of hCG. Recombinant hCG-β could be used as an immunogen for contraceptive vaccine.

Minimum Dose of hCG to Trigger Final Oocyte Maturation and Prevent OHSS in a Long GnRHa Protocol

This paper was aimed to study the minimum dose of human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） to effectively trigger maturation of oocytes and prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） in a series of hyper-responders treated with a long gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist （GnRHa） proto- col. Six women at high risk of developing severe OHSS in a long GnRHa protocol were enrolled into this study. Serum hormone levels on the day of and after hCO administration, antral follicle count, oo- cyte retrieval number and quality were determined. In total, 6 women aged between 29 and 36 years and at risk of developing severe OHSS, received 2000 U hCG Five of them were treated with coasting for 1 day and the rest one for 4 days. The mean number of oocytes collected was 19 （range 14-27） and the fertilization rate per collected oocyte was 72.81%. Of the 6 women in the study, only one cancelled em- bryos transfer and all embryos were frozen, and then she delivered two health boys on term in the sub- sequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET） cycle. Pregnancies and births were achieved in 3 patients out of 5 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） cycles. No woman developed moderate or severe OHSS. Triggering with 2000 U hCG is feasible to prevent OHSS in unpredicted hyper-responders undergoing IVF in a long GnRHa protocol.

Treatment of hypogonadotropic male hypogonadism: Case-based scenarios

The aim of this study is to review four case-based scenarios regarding the treatment of symptomatic hypogonadism in men. The article is designed as a review of published literature. We conducted a PubMed literature search for the time period of 1989-2014, concentrating on 26 studies investigating the effcacy of various therapeutic options on semen analysis, pregnancy outcomes, time to recovery of spermatogenesis, as well as serum and intratesticular testosterone levels. Our results demonstrated thatexogenous testosterone suppresses intratesticular testosterone production, which is an absolute prerequisite for normal spermatogenesis. Cessation of exogenous testosterone should be recommended for men desiring to maintain their fertility. Therapies that protect the testis involve human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） therapy or selective estrogen receptor modulators （SERMs）, but may also include low dose hCG with exogenous testosterone. Off-label use of SERMs, such as clomiphene citrate, are effective for maintaining testosterone production long-term and offer the convenience of representing a safe, oral therapy. At present, routine use of aromatase inhibitors is not recommended based on a lack of long-term data. We concluded that exogenous testosterone supplementation decreases sperm production. It was determined that clomiphene citrate is a safe and effective therapy for men who desire to maintain fertility. Although less frequently used in the general population, hCG therapy with or without testosterone supplementation represents an alternative treatment.

Serum Beta-hCG of 11 Days after Embryo Transfer to Predict Pregnancy Outcome

Objective To assess the clinic value of a single maternal serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin （β-hCG） assay 11 d after embryo transfer in ART pregnancies and to predict pregnancy outcome. Methods A total of 384 pregnancies after embryo transfer were included. Inviable pregnancies were defined as biochemical pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies and first trimester abortions. Ongoing pregnancies were defined as singleton pregnancies and multiple pregnancies whose gestation were achieved more than 12 weeks. Serum β- hCG concentrations were compared among different groups. Results On the post embryo transfer d 11, the mean β-hCG concentration of the ongoing pregnancy group （323. 7±285.2 mIU/ml） was significantly higher than that of the inviable pregnancy group （81.4±68.1 mmIU /ml） （P〈 0. 001）. In multiple gestations, the levels of β-hCG were significantly higher compared with singleton pregnancies. If the β-hCG level was between 10 mIU/ml and 50 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of biochemical pregnancies and ectopic pregnancies was 81.8%, the negative predictive value was 94.4%. If the level was less than 100 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of first trimester abortions was 80.8%, the negative predictive value was 77.8%. If the level was greater than 250 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of multiple pregnancies was 83.3%, the negative predictive value was 74.4%. Conclusions A single serum β-hCG level on d 11 after embryo transfer has good predictive value for clinical pregnancy outcome in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and helps to plan the subsequent follow-up.

Evaluation of pig oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization using three gonadotropin-based hormonal compounds

Objective:To evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropins(hCG)and equine chorionic gonadotropins(eCG)on in vitro gilt oocyte maturation and embryonic development,using frozen semen for fertilization.Methods:Two independent experiments(6 replicates each)were carried out to evaluate gilt oocyte maturation,and fertilization and embryonic development by using ovaries from a local abattoir.Totally,712 oocytes were randomly distributed in four-well dishes to receive Novormon(eCG 5.0 IU),PG600(eCG 5.0 IU and hCG 2.5 IU),Chorulon(hCG 5.0 IU),or no hormones.Oocytes were incubated with 5%CO2,95%air and saturation humidity at 39℃for 44 h.Maturation of the oocytes to metaphaseⅡwas assessed by using the aceto-orcein technique.In addition,741 oocytes were used and randomly distributed in four-well dishes,and then oocyte maturation was carried out as mentioned,but matured oocytes were washed and placed in fertilization medium with frozen-thawed sperm.Gametes were co-incubated for 7 h,and then washed and placed in development medium,and incubated for further 7 days,at which time embryonic development was evaluated.Fertilization and embryo development media were not supplemented with the studied hormones.Results:Novormon(eCG)and PG600(eCG+hCG)treatments significantly improved the percentages of metaphaseⅡoocytes compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,a significant increase was also observed in the young blastocyst stage between the control group and the PG600 treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Hormonal products Novormon(eCG)and PG600(eCG+hCG)can obtain the highest percentages of in vitro maturation in gilt oocytes;however,this effect is not transferred to fertilization rates.

Conventional treatment options and herbal remedies for male infertility:An overview

Male infertility is responsible for an estimated 50%of all cases of infertility.Treatments for male infertility include surgery,in-vitro fertilization,hormone therapy,and herbal remedies.Assisted reproductive technologies and methods have made it possible to identify and treat previously untreatable causes of male infertility.Currently available treatments for male infertility are prohibitively expensive,difficult to obtain,necessitate a lengthy course of treatment,and have a host of side effects.Herbal therapy offers male infertility treatment that is less expensive and has fewer side effects than other treatments.The current review focuses on the various treatment options for male infertility.

Choriocarcinoma with lumbar muscle metastases:A case report

BACKGROUND Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant trophoblastic tumor that presents with early symptoms similar to those of an ectopic pregnancy.Here we present a patient with suspected ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery in our hospital.The patient was found to have choriocarcinoma that had metastasized to the lumbar muscle and presented with symptoms similar to those of an ectopic pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 34-year-old female who complained of amenorrhea lasting 53 d,7 d of right lower back pain,and 3 d of right lower abdominal pain.Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed the absence of a gestational sac in the uterus and a mass in the left adnexa.After 6 d of re-examination,ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)examination were performed on the mass located in the left adnexa area.We also noted that the patient's serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin(h CG)level was increased.Considering an ectopic pregnancy,we performed a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.During the operation,a left ovarian mixed echogenic mass approximately 2.5 cm×2.0 cm with no villous tissue was found.Postoperative levels of serum h CG continued to increase.Lung CT examination showed lung nodules.Both CT and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mixed echogenic mass in the lumbar muscle.Considering lumbar metastasis of choriocarcinoma,six courses of cisplatin,dactinomycin,and etoposide chemotherapy were given after surgery.The patient's serumβ-h CG level decreased to normal and the mixed echogenic mass in the lumbar muscle decreased in size after the fifth course of chemotherapy.All symptoms subsequently disappeared after treatment.CONCLUSION In summary,lumbar metastasis from choriocarcinoma is extremely rare.Appropriate chemotherapy can successfully treat these metastasized tumors.

STUDY ON EXPRESS OF a-HCG AND a-HCGmRNA IN PANCREATIC ENDOCRINE TUMORS

The antigen Alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (α HCG) and a HCGmRNA in pancreatic endocrine tumors (PET) were investigated by immuno histochemistry and in situ hybridization. It was found that α HCG can be detected in PET buy not in normal islet cells. α HCG immunoreactivity was expressed by 5 of 28 (18%) in benign PET and 14 of 24 (58.3%) in malignant PET. Using in situ hybridization of α HCGmRNA, a strong signal in PET was obtained. The clinico pathological significance of α HCG in PET was discussed.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following the use of GnRH agonist trigger of final oocyte maturation and freeze-all strategy: A case report and review of the literature

Rationale:The current literature has a surprising controversy regarding the use of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)for luteal support as an explanation for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome,and this is because of the gap in the listing of the predisposing factors that put women at an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Patient concerns:A case of 25-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain,distention,dyspnea,and nausea with a 6.5 kg increase in weight from baseline.Ultrasonographic examination showed bilaterally enlarged multicystic ovaries after gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)agonist triggering and cycle segmentation with no hCG rescue administration.Diagnosis:Moderate/severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Interventions:The woman was admitted to the hospital for medical management of moderate/severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome,and pain management was advanced to patient-controlled anesthesia with the start of low molecular weight heparin.On day 2,albumin therapy followed by a furosemide chase was started due to an increase in abdominal girth.On day 1,Cabergoline was maintained,and on day 2 the GnRH antagonist Cetrorelix was started.Outcomes:The woman’s clinical condition improved,and a clinical pregnancy was eventually achieved during the first cryo-warmed blastocyst cycle.Lessons:Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can still happen even after the use of GnRH agonist and avoidance of hCG support.Segmentation of in vitro fertilization with complete avoidance of hCG for luteal support remains the best approach.

Association of the microbial culture of follicular fluid,vaginal swab and catheter tip with β-hCG IVF positive and negative

Objective:To find out the association of microbial contamination withβ-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)in-vitro fertilization(IVF)positive and negative.Methods:A total of 73 fresh IVF cycle women were included in the retrospective study.Vaginal swab culture samples were collected prior to ovum pick-up and embryo transfer.The follicular fluids were collected during ovum pick-up and catheter tip culture samples were collected after successful embryo transfer.After 14 days of the embryo transfer,women were classified intoβ-hCG IVF positive and negative.The comparative statistical analyses of aerobic microbial culture reports were done betweenβ-hCG IVF positive and negative women.Results:Out of 73 women,42(57.5%)were found to beβ-hCG IVF positive and 31(43.5%)were negative.In the aerobic culture of ovum pick-up vaginal swab,follicular fluid,embryo transplantation vaginal swab and catheter tip,Enterococcus faecalis was found to be higher compared to other bacteria(Streptococcus spp.,Candida,Escherichia coli and Klebsiella).Regarding the comparison between IVF positive and negative,the overall microbial infection rate of vaginal swab culture during ovum pick-up and embryo transplantation was found to be higher in IVF negative women than in IVF positive women(38.71%vs.28.57%);however,it was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The follicular fluid and catheter tip culture microbial infection rate was found to slightly higher in IVF positive women than in IVF negative women(54.76%vs.41.94%and 19.05%vs.9.68%,respectively),but there were not significant differences(P>0.05).Conclusions:The aerobic microbial culture reports of follicular fluid,vaginal swab culture,and catheter tip culture are not statistically significantly withβ-hCG IVF positive.

Special epithelioid trophoblastic tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is a special type of gestational trophoblastic tumor.However,its pathogenesis has been incompletely elucidated.ETT rarely occurs in the ovaries and fallopian tubes,unlike placental site trophoblastic tumor,requiring a histopathological biopsy and immunohistochemistry for further diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old woman with irregular vaginal bleeding and elevated serum chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)levels presented similar symptoms to ectopic pregnancy.Transvaginal ultrasound revealed abnormal echoes of the left adnexa.Postoperatively,the pathology of the left ovary and fallopian tube was reported as ETT.The patient was followed up with regular hCG measurements and ultrasounds.The blood hCG values showed an upward trend 3 mo after the operation and then chemotherapy was prescribed.The current health status is normal.CONCLUSION For women of childbearing age with elevated serumβ-hCG levels,practitioners should consider ETT and be alert to the poor prognosis of the disease.After surgery,the patient’s condition should be closely observed to prevent recurrence and metastasis.Postoperative chemotherapy is only helpful for treating the disease to a certain extent.

The value of PAPP-A in the diagnosis and prognosis of GTD

Objective： To investigate the value of PAPP-A （pregnancy assouated plasma protein-A） in the diagnosis and prognosis of gestational trophoblastic disease （GTD）. Methods： The serum 13-HCG （β-human chorionic gonadotropin） and PAPP-A levels of 25 normal pregnant women, 28 patients with complete hydatidiform mole and 38 patients with invasive mole were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） during the periods of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Results： Compared with control group, patients with complete mole and invasive mole had higher levels of β-HCG （P 〈 0.01）. But there was no significant difference between the complete and invasive mole group （P 〉 0.05）. The PAPP-A level of complete mole group was significantly higher than that of control group （P 〈 0.01）. The PAPP-A level of invasive mole group was significantly higher than that of complete mole group and control group（P 〈 0.05）. In complete mole group, serum β-HCG and PAPP-A levels of the patients with malignant sequelae were significantly higher than those with benign sequelae （P 〈 0.05）. The β-HCG level had no relationship with the clinical stage of invasive mole. However, the PAPP-A level increased with clinical advancement of invasive mole. The levels of β-HCG and PAPP-A gradually decreased after evacuation in patients with complete moles, but maintained positive or even increased in patients with subsequent malignancy diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and invasive mole, but Conclusion： The PAPP-A level can give us some help not only in early also in the prognosis of malignant sequelae.