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C H Syrop

Publications and source records attributed to C H Syrop.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Maturational asynchrony between oocyte cumulus-coronal morphology and nuclear maturity in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist stimulations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine oocyte meiotic maturity and asynchrony between cumulus-coronal morphology and nuclear maturity after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and norethindrone-programmed stimulations. DESIGN: Oocyte meiotic maturity was evaluated at follicular aspiration in 4,961 oocytes after GnRH-a/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/human menopausal gonadotropin stimulations (hMG) for in vitro fertilization patients and 299 oocytes after norethindrone-programmed clomiphene citrate (CC)/hMG in oocyte donors. Maturational asynchrony between the oocyte's cumulus-coronal morphology and nuclear maturity was evaluated in 2,336 oocytes. SETTING: In vitro fertilization program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; academic tertiary care center. INTERVENTIONS: After evaluating oocyte cumulus-coronal maturity, cumulus masses were spread to determine oocyte nuclear maturity. RESULTS: Fourteen percent, 17%, 50%, 17%, and 2% of oocytes were prophase I, metaphase I, metaphase II, postmature metaphase II, and atretic, respectively. Asynchrony was noted in 28% of prophase I, 71% of metaphase I, 11% of metaphase II, 45% of postmature metaphase II, 32% of atretic, and 28% of all oocytes. Significant differences were not found between GnRH-a and norethindrone-programmed stimulations in asynchrony between cumulus-coronal morphology and nuclear maturity or percentage of prophase I, metaphase I, metaphase II, postmature metaphase II, or atretic oocytes. Sixty-seven percent of oocytes possessed a polar body at retrieval. The rate of fertilization was significantly higher for metaphase II oocytes than postmature metaphase II and metaphase I oocytes > prophase I oocytes. Parthenogenetic activation tended to be highest for postmature metaphase II oocytes. Embryo cleavage was significantly higher for postmature metaphase II, metaphase II, and metaphase I oocytes than for prophase I oocytes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of asynchrony between cumulus-coronal morphology and nuclear maturity at follicular aspiration in GnRH-a and norethindrone-programmed stimulations. Asynchrony was observed in 28% of oocytes. A higher percentage of oocytes possessed a polar body at egg retrieval with these stimulation regimens compared with rates reported previously for FSH, FSH/hMG, and CC/hMG stimulations.

Cell Cycle↗

Conditions of oocyte storage and use of noninseminated as compared with inseminated, nonfertilized oocytes for the hemizona assay.

OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in sperm binding to the zona and recovery of oocytes from the storage vessel after oocyte preservation for the hemizona assay (HZA) by the method currently in predominant use, salt storage at 4 degrees C, as compared with a new method that should allow for indefinite preservation of zona receptors, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)/sucrose in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C). A second objective was to compare sperm binding to noninseminated zona as opposed to zona from inseminated, nonfertilized oocytes and to examine whether differences in binding potential were related to the patient's fertilization rate from the cycle in which the oocytes for the HZA originated. DESIGN: Binding and recovery were evaluated after 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 17 to 25 months of storage. SETTING: In vitro fertilization and andrology laboratories at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; academic tertiary care center. RESULTS: Binding of sperm was significantly lower for nonfertilized oocytes stored > 12 months in salt at 4 degrees C than for those stored in liquid nitrogen. Binding was similar after storage for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Oocyte recovery was significantly lower after storage in salt for > 12 months as compared with storage in liquid nitrogen. Greater variability in sperm binding was observed between matching zona halves of nonfertilized as compared with noninseminated oocytes. Nonfertilized oocytes also bound fewer total sperm than noninseminated oocytes. The number of sperm bound to noninseminated oocytes was not related to the patient's fertilization rate from the cycle in which the oocytes originated. However, significantly fewer sperm bound to the zona of nonfertilized oocytes when the oocyte originated from a cycle in which the patient's fertilization rate was > 50%. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that storage of oocytes in DMSO/sucrose in liquid nitrogen results in superior long-term (> 12 months) preservation of zona receptors for sperm binding and improves oocyte recovery as compared with salt storage at 4 degrees C. Although noninseminated oocytes appear to be optimal for use in the HZA, nonfertilized oocytes can be used successfully if the oocytes originate from an IVF cycle in which the fertilization rate is < or = 50%.

Adult↗

Increased risk of monochorionic twinning associated with assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of monochorionic twinning in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). METHODS: We reviewed our experience with 218 ART pregnancies achieved over 3 years. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound 26 and 36 days after oocyte retrieval. The presence of two yolk sacs or two fetal poles within one sac suggested monochorionicity, and was confirmed by follow-up ultrasound and placental pathology. The various ARTs were compared to determine if any method had an increased incidence of monochorionicity compared to any other method. Statistical analysis was performed employing Chi Square analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of monochorionicity in all gestations was 3.2% (8 times background rate); among multiple gestations it was 9.8%. The rates of monochorionicity for each ART appeared similar. CONCLUSION: The incidence of monochorionic twinning is increased in pregnancies resulting from ART. Careful ultrasound evaluation of such pregnancies for monochorionicity is strongly recommended, both for planning of prenatal care and when considering a multifetal pregnancy reduction procedure.

Chorion↗

Prediction of nuclear maturity from cumulus-coronal morphology: influence of embryologist experience.

PURPOSE: A majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs continues to evaluate oocyte maturity on the basis of cumulus-coronal morphology (CCM) even though marked asynchrony has been reported between CCM and nuclear maturity. This study was designed to examine changes in embryologists' ability to correctly predict nuclear maturity from CCM as a function of increasing experience. Nuclear maturity was assessed by inverted microscopy with a modified spreading technique at follicular aspiration. A second objective was to determine the percentage of oocytes which displayed asynchrony between CCM and nuclear maturity as assessed by embryologists with extensive experience in oocyte maturity evaluation. RESULTS: The three participating embryologists had directly evaluated 1304, 75, and 0 oocytes for nuclear maturity and CCM at study initiation and correctly predicted nuclear maturity from CCM in 74, 64, and 47% of oocytes, respectively. Embryologist 1 did not significantly change in predictive ability during the 17-month study period. Embryologist 2 significantly improved in predictive ability during the first 9 months of the study (841 oocytes evaluated) and plateaued thereafter, at a similar percentage of correct predictions as embryologist 1. Embryologist 3 continued to improve in predictive ability throughout the study period, reaching 61% correct predictions at the close of the study after evaluating 223 oocytes. Once embryologists had plateaued in their predictive ability, 72% of oocytes evaluated received the correct nuclear maturity classification based on CCM. Significantly fewer oocytes (54%; 375/690) evaluated by embryologists who had not plateaued in their predictive ability received the correct nuclear maturity classification based on CCM. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that embryologists' ability to predict oocyte nuclear maturity correctly from CCM continues to change over several months even when pretraining video recordings are used before beginning direct evaluations. After embryologists plateaued in their predictive ability, nuclear maturity still could not be correctly predicted from CCM in 28% of oocytes due to asynchrony between nuclear and CCM maturity. Based upon this, circumstances in which the spreading technique should be used for direct assessment of nuclear maturity as opposed to assessment of CCM only are discussed.

Cell Differentiation↗

After superovulation-intrauterine insemination fails: the prognosis for treatment by gamete intrafallopian transfer/pronuclear stage transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognosis for gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)/pronuclear stage transfer (PROST) treatment after prior superovulation-intrauterine insemination (IUI). DESIGN: Matched, retrospective. SETTING: Outpatient university endocrine-infertility program. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-four women matched for infertility factors and age were studied according to the following three treatment groups: superovulation-IUI only, GIFT/PROST only, or GIFT/PROST after superovulation-IUI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Per cycle and cumulative pregnancy rates (PRs) were compared utilizing life table analysis. RESULTS: Cumulative PRs (0.408) for superovulation-IUI only were lower than initial (0.469) and cumulative (0.802) cycle fecundity of GIFT/PROST (P = 0.002). Per cycle and cumulative PRs did not differ between GIFT/PROST only versus GIFT/PROST after superovulation-IUI. CONCLUSIONS: Gamete intrafallopian transfer/PROST may be cost-effective when compared with superovulation-IUI. The prognosis for GIFT/PROST success is not negatively affected by earlier superovulation-IUI treatment failure.

Adult↗

Early diagnosis of ovarian torsion by color Doppler ultrasonography.

Ovarian torsion is often difficult to diagnose because of the nonspecific nature of the clinical findings. We report on the use of color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing early ovarian torsion. This technique provides a highly specific finding, the absence of blood flow to the ovary, that greatly facilitates the diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

Adult↗

Effects of smoking on ovulation induction for assisted reproductive techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of smoking on ovulation induction for assisted reproductive techniques. DESIGN: Matched, retrospective, cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient University endocrine/infertility program. PATIENTS: Eighteen smokers and 36 nonsmokers: 2 nonsmokers matched to each smoker for age, weight, and history of ovarian surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: During a stimulation cycle, the serum estradiol (E2) level, number of follicles, number of oocytes, number of embryos, and ampules of gonadotropins used were compared in the smoking versus the nonsmoking groups by Wilcoxon's signed rank test for paired data. Follicular fluid (FF), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), E2, A:E2 ratios, and T:E2 ratios were measured and compared between groups by Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULTS: Smokers had significantly lower serum E2 levels, fewer follicles, fewer oocytes retrieved, and fewer embryos per cycle than nonsmokers, despite equal amounts of gonadotropin administration. Follicular fluid obtained from mature follicles had a higher A:E2 ratio and a higher T:E2 ratio in smokers compared with nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking adversely affects ovulation induction parameters and alters the FF hormonal milieu.

Adult↗

Transvaginal sonographic detection of endometrial polyps with fluid contrast augmentation.

Injection of the endometrial cavity with isotonic solutions during transvaginal sonography was used to confirm the presence and location of endometrial polyps. Fourteen infertility patients, 13 of them asymptomatic, had polyps detected in this manner. Confirmation and treatment took place via hysteroscopy. Potential indications for this readily available and inexpensive technique vary from infertility to menometrorrhagia.

Adult↗

Treatment of severe male-factor infertility with high concentrations of motile sperm by microinsemination in embryo cryopreservation straws.

A microinsemination technique was evaluated for treating our program's most severe cases of male-factor infertility. Oocytes were inseminated with high concentrations of motile sperm (1 to 9 x 10(6)/ml) in 10 to 150 microliters within embryo cryopreservation straws. Fertilization was obtained in 20 of 29 (69%) couples treated by this technique. In the 15 patients in which only embryos generated from the straw technique were transferred, 7 clinical pregnancies resulted (46.7% per transfer). The implantation rate for couples receiving embryos from the straw technique only (12/58; 20.7%) compared favorably to that observed for other cases treated during this same time period with regular insemination techniques (111/766; 14.5%). Clinical pregnancy rates per transfer for IVF-ET, TET, and PROST were 33.0% (1/3), 0% (0/2), and 60.0% (6/10), respectively. The percentage of polyploidic embryos was significantly lower (P less than 0.0001) for male-factor patients treated by the straw technique with high sperm concentrations than for non-male-factor patients treated during this same time period with standard sperm concentrations. Normal births have resulted from straw inseminations with 3.4 x 10(6) and ongoing pregnancies with 5.0 x 10(6) motile sperm/ml. The results of this study suggest that some cases of male-factor infertility can be successfully treated by insemination with high concentrations of motile sperm in embryo cryopreservation straws. A technique of centrifuging sperm in straws was also developed to concentrate the entire fraction of washed sperm into 10 microliters. Further development of this technique may allow treatment of more severe cases of oligo/asthenospermia by microinsemination with high concentrations of motile sperm than is presently possible with standard washing techniques.

Adult↗

Improved methods for preparation of culture media for in-vitro fertilization and gamete intra-fallopian transfer.

A new method for preparation of culture media for IVF-ET and GIFT was developed which eliminated the requirement for volumetrics and glassware. Water weight was used instead of volumetrics for preparation of media. Media prepared by the volumetric and water weight methods were compared for (i) preparation time, (ii) pH, (iii) osmolarity and (iv) the percentage of two-cell murine embryos developing to blastocysts. The time required for preparation of media was significantly less for the water weight method. Following equilibration with 5% CO2, no differences were observed between the two methods for pH, osmolarity or development of embryos to the blastocyst stage. Time for media preparation and osmolarity was less variable among preparation days for the water weight method. These results suggest that media can be prepared more efficiently and precisely with the water weight method than with the standard volumetric method used by most IVF laboratories. The former method eliminates considerable technician time which must be devoted to proper cleaning/sterilization of volumetrics and the possibility of media contamination by residual substances remaining on volumetrics following improper cleaning.

Animals↗

Comparison of concurrent pregnancy rates for in-vitro fertilization--embryo transfer, pronuclear stage embryo transfer and gamete intra-fallopian transfer.

Concurrent pregnancy and implantation (sacs/embryos transferred) rates were compared for 84, 77 and 49 cases of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), pronuclear stage embryo transfer (PROST) and gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT), respectively. All cases reported occurred during an 18-month interval since the initiation of PROST by our programme. Leuprolide acetate was used with follicle stimulating hormone and human menopausal gonadotrophin for follicular stimulation of all but donor oocyte cases (n = 9). Clinical pregnancy (per transfer) and implantation rates were significantly higher (P less than 0.03) for PROST (52.4%, 20.2%) in comparison with IVF-ET (26.9%, 11.4%). Rates for GIFT (48.9%, 18.4%) were not significantly higher (P = 0.10, 0.14) than for IVF-ET. This was probably due to the lower number of GIFT than PROST procedures performed. The total pregnancy rate for GIFT (biochemical, ectopic and clinical combined) was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than for IVF-ET. Pregnancy and implantation rates for PROST and GIFT were similar. These results support the use of PROST rather than IVF-ET for all cases in which the woman has one functional Fallopian tube. Furthermore, to maintain equivalent rates of pregnancy with PROST and GIFT, it is suggested that GIFT should not be used for cases of male-factor infertility without first documenting normal rates of in-vitro fertilization with PROST.

Adult↗

Comparison of motility stimulants for cryopreserved human semen.

Caffeine, pentoxifylline, 2-deoxyadenosine, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), relaxin, adenosine, kallikrein, and calcium were compared for their ability to stimulate motility of cryopreserved sperm. Caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2-deoxyadenosine significantly increased the percentage of motile sperm at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after administration. Sperm velocity was significantly increased by caffeine at 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes, and by pentoxifylline at 0, 45, and 60 minutes. Consistent stimulation was not observed for other chemicals. Caffeine, pentoxifylline, and 2-deoxyadenosine were then examined for their ability to provide motility stimulation after removal with washing. With the exception of caffeine, percent motility and velocity for stimulated and untreated sperm were similar after washing. A significant reduction in motility was observed at 48 hours after washing for caffeine. The percentage of hamster oocytes penetrated at 24 hours after washing was significantly reduced for caffeine, 2-deoxyadenosine, and pentoxifylline combined with 2-deoxyadenosine. Pentoxifylline-treated sperm showed no reduction in fertilizing capacity. These results indicate that, of the chemicals examined, pentoxifylline is superior for motility stimulation of cryopreserved sperm.

Adenosine↗

Diurnal variations in midluteal serum progesterone measurements.

The utility of a single midluteal phase progesterone (P) value has been questioned by studies that document pulsatile P secretion. In this study, fluctuations of P values during clinical sampling times were investigated. Significant differences were found between morning and afternoon mean P values and in the timed occurrence of clinically relevant P values. Despite reported pulsatile secretion, the impact of clinically significant fluctuations may be minimized by the use of timed sampling.

Adult↗

Peritoneal fluid environment and infertility.

The PF environment is one that hosts the processes of ovulation, gamete transportation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The cellular and acellular constituents of this dynamic fluid are in a constant interactive state, being influenced by the physiologic events of the menstrual cycle and pelvic disease processes; these constituents probably influence disease manifestation and reproduction. The importance of understanding this zone of early reproductive life has been now recognized. We hope that future investigations will define the exact role(s) of known components and some yet-to-be defined substances of PF in disease processes that affect reproductive function. With better understanding of normal and abnormal events in this pelvic microenvironment, we can develop rationales for novel treatment modalities.

Ascitic Fluid↗

Cyclic changes of peritoneal fluid parameters in normal and infertile patients.

This study compared peritoneal fluid volume, macrophage count, and macrophage concentration by diagnosis and cycle week of 426 patients undergoing laparoscopy. Patient diagnosis and cycle week had no significant interaction. Peritoneal fluid volume was dependent upon cycle week and diagnostic group, but macrophage count depended only upon diagnostic group. Endometriosis was associated with a significantly elevated total number of macrophages. Postovulatory peritoneal fluid volumes were significantly higher than preovulatory values. Cyclic and postovulatory differences in peritoneal fluid volume support proposed pathophysiologic roles.

Ascitic Fluid↗

A comparison of peritoneal fluid parameters of infertile patients and the subsequent occurrence of pregnancy.

The effects of peritoneal fluid or its cellular components on human oocyte fertilization and cleavage cannot be studied directly. This report explores the association of laparoscopically obtained peritoneal fluid volume, macrophage count, and concentration of 124 infertility patients and their first occurrence of pregnancy during a 2-year follow-up period. Endometriosis patients who achieved pregnancy had a significantly lower mean fluid volume than those remaining nonpregnant. In patients with endometriosis, a fluid volume significantly less than the mean for all endometriosis patients carries a significantly greater chance of pregnancy. The time required for the occurrence of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis appears influenced by peritoneal fluid volume. Peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis, via an as yet unknown mechanism or substance, appears to be associated with reduced fertility.

Ascitic Fluid↗

Triplet gestation: maternal and neonatal implications.

Triplet pregnancy of over 20 weeks gestation occurred 20 times during 75,506 deliveries at a referral hospital. Commonly occurring maternal complications included premature delivery (75%), antepartum anemia (35%), postpartum hemorrhage (35%), preeclampsia (20%), and premature spontaneous rupture of the membranes (20%). Malpresentation was common. Neonatal complications were also common and included respiratory distress syndrome (45%), presumptive sepsis (36.6%), hyperbilirubinemia (33%), and neonatal death (21.6%). These high complication rates emphasize the importance of early identification and referral center care for these vulnerable pregnancies.

Adult↗