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Biomedical subjects

Hesham G Al-Inany

Publications and source records attributed to Hesham G Al-Inany.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Intrauterine insemination catheters for assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the oldest and most practised form of assisted reproduction worldwide. We systematically reviewed the literature so that we could evaluate the use of soft versus firm catheters in subfertile women undergoing IUI. METHODS: Extensive searches were conducted for full-text manuscripts, conference abstracts, ongoing and unpublished trials. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy (CPR) and ongoing pregnancy (OPR)/live birth rates (LBRs) per woman. Secondary outcomes were multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) per clinical pregnancy, difficulty cannulating the cervix, bleeding and patient discomfort. Meta-analysis was performed using the Peto-modified Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model. RESULTS: Seven randomized trials were identified, and four were excluded. No significant differences were noted for CPR and LBR per woman [OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.70-1.32 and OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.43-1.58, respectively]. As for the secondary outcomes, MPRs per cycle were also not significantly different. More difficulty was noted with soft catheters and more patient discomfort with firm catheters. Bleeding following the procedure was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter choice during IUI does not seem to be a detrimental factor for success, as in other assisted reproduction techniques (ART). More studies are warranted to draw definitive conclusions and support the results of this systematic review.

Catheterization↗

HMG versus rFSH for ovulation induction in developing countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis based on the results of a recent meta-analysis.

Both cost and effectiveness should be considered conjointly to aid judgments about drug choice. Therefore, based on the results of a recent published meta-analysis, a Markov model was developed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis for estimation of the cost of an ongoing pregnancy in IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. In addition, Monte Carlo micro-simulation was used to examine the potential impact of assumptions and other uncertainties represented in the model. The results of the study reveal that the estimated average cost of an ongoing pregnancy is 13,946 Egyptian pounds (EGP), and 18,721 EGP for a human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and rFSH cycle respectively. On performing a sensitivity analysis on cycle costs, it was demonstrated that the rFSH price should be 0.61 EGP/IU to be as cost-effective as HMG at the price of 0.64 EGP/IU (i.e. around 60% reduction in its current price). The difference in cost between HMG and rFSH in over 100,000 cycles would result in an additional 4565 ongoing pregnancies if HMG was used. Therefore, HMG was clearly more cost-effective than rFSH. The decision to adopt a more expensive, cost-ineffective treatment could result in a lower number of cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment undertaken, especially in the case of most developing countries.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Soft versus firm embryo transfer catheters for assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The true impact of the embryo transfer catheter choice on an IVF programme has not been fully examined. We therefore decided to systematically review the evidence provided in the literature so that we may evaluate a single variable in relation to a successful transfer, the firmness of the embryo transfer catheter. METHODS: An extensive computerized search was conducted for all relevant articles published as full text, or abstracts, and critically appraised. In addition, a hand search was undertaken to locate any further trials. RESULTS: A total of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the types of embryo transfer catheters were identified. Only ten of these trials, including 4141 embryo transfers, compared soft versus firm embryo catheters. Pooling of the results demonstrated a statistically significantly increased chance of clinical pregnancy following embryo transfer using the soft (643/2109) versus firm (488/2032) catheters [P = 0.01; odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-1.79]. When only the truly RCT were analysed, the results were again still in favour of using the soft embryo transfer catheters [soft (432/1403) versus firm (330/1402)], but with a greater significance (P < 0.00001; OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.26-1.77). CONCLUSION: Using soft embryo transfer catheters for embryo transfer results in a significantly higher pregnancy rate as compared to firm catheters.

Catheterization↗

N-acetyl-cysteine is a novel adjuvant to clomiphene citrate in clomiphene citrate-resistant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a mucolytic drug with insulin sensitizing properties, as an adjuvant therapy in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) resistant to clomiphene citrate (CC). DESIGN: Placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial. SETTING: University-based hospital and private infertility practice. PATIENT(S): One hundred fifty women diagnosed with CC-resistant PCOS, aged 18-39 years undergoing therapy for infertility were included. INTERVENTION(S): The patients were assigned randomly to receive either NAC 1.2 g/d (group I) or placebo (group II) with CC 100 mg/d for 5 days starting at day 3 of the cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ovulation rate and pregnancy rate (PR). RESULT(S): Combination of CC and NAC significantly increased both ovulation rate and PR in women with CC-resistant PCOS (49.3% vs. 1.3% and 21.3% vs. 0%, respectively). No cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were reported in the NAC group; two cases of miscarriage (12.5%) were reported. CONCLUSION(S): The NAC as an adjuvant to CC was more effective than placebo for CC-resistant patients with PCOS. It is safe and well tolerated.

Acetylcysteine↗

Increasing the dose of human menopausal gonadotrophins on day of GnRH antagonist administration: randomized controlled trial.

A significantly lower pregnancy rate following the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol as compared with the long GnRH agonist protocol has been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate whether increasing the dose of gonadotrophins on the day of antagonist administration would increase the pregnancy rate. This study is an open labelled, randomized controlled trial and allocation was done using sealed envelopes. One hundred and fifty-one subfertile couples undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were included in the study. Ovarian stimulation was started on day 3 of the cycle, using 150-300 IU human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG)/day. From day 8 onward, daily vaginal ultrasound and daily urinary LH estimation were performed. If a premature LH rise was detected, the cycle was cancelled. The antagonist (0.25 mg daily) was started when the leading follicle reached 15 mm in mean diameter and LH testing in urine was negative up to and including the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection. Patients were randomized on the day of starting the antagonist into two groups: group A, 72 patients with no increase in HMG dose, and group B, 79 patients in whom the dose of HMG was increased by 75 IU on the day of antagonist administration, and continued till the day of HCG administration. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding number of oocytes retrieved, embryos obtained, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate. It was concluded that there is no clinical evidence for increasing the dose of HMG on the day of antagonist administration.

Adult↗

The use of clomiphene citrate/human menopausal gonadotrophins in conjunction with GnRH antagonist in an IVF/ICSI program is not a cost effective protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of a clomiphene citrate (CC)/human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)/GnRH antagonist protocol versus a long-acting GnRH agonist/hMG protocol. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty nine couples having their first trial of ICSI for male factor infertility were divided into two groups. Group I (no = 33) received CC 100-150 mg/day for five days starting from day 2 of the cycle and 150 IU of hMG/day on days 6-10. GnRH antagonist (Centrorelix) 0.25 mg/day was started when the leading follicle reached 16 mm in the absence of an LH surge. Group II (no = 156) received 0.1 mg Deacapeptyl/day as our standard long protocol. RESULTS: Clinical pregnancy was observed in 8 out of the 33 cases in group I (24%) while in group II, 92 out of 156 achieved clinical pregnancy (59%), the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.019). The cost of medications/cycle was estimated to be 1110+/-492 E.P in group I, while it was 1928+/-456 E.P. in group II. However, the total cost per pregnancy was 19653 EP in group I and 10047 EP in group II. CONCLUSION: The use of the clomid/hMG/antagonist protocol is not a cost effective strategy and should not be recommended in IVF-ICSI cycles.

Adult↗

The outcome of in vitro fertilization in advanced endometriosis with previous surgery: a case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with advanced pelvic endometriosis and previous surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: A case controlled study was performed. RESULTS: Patients with the diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis with previous surgical treatment were treated by IVF (group A = 85). An age-matched group of patients (group B = 177) with tubal factor infertility were treated with the same protocol of IVF. In group A, cycle cancellation because of poor response occurred in 29.7% compared with 1.1% in the control group (relative risk 26.03, 95% CI 6.02-112.45). There were 13 (15.3%) clinical pregnancies per stimulated cycle in group A compared with 93 (52.5%) clinical pregnancies in the control group, P <.0001 (odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.55). CONCLUSION: The outcome of IVF in stage IV endometriosis with previous surgery was significantly lower compared with an age-matched group of tubal factor infertility.

Adult↗

The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in a flexible protocol: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a flexible protocol of starting gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist according to the size of the leading follicle. STUDY DESIGN: This was a pilot study that included 123 couples who were undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles at the Egyptian IVF-ET Center. Couples were recruited into two groups: group I (n=64), gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist was administered when the diameter of the leading follicle reached 16 mm; group II (n=59), gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist was administered on day 6 of stimulation. RESULTS: The mean number of antagonist injections was significantly lower in the flexible protocol compared to the fixed protocol (3.4+/-1.1 vs 5.3+/-1.8, P<.05). There was no significant difference between the two protocols regarding the number of embryos, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.45-1.59) or multiple pregnancy rate (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.45-3.51). CONCLUSION: Starting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist according to the size of the leading follicle is as effective as starting on a fixed day and reduces the antagonist administration.

Adult↗

Diagnosis and management of unexplained infertility: an update.

Unexplained infertility constitutes around 15% of patients presenting with infertility. A lack of agreement exists among infertility specialists with regard to the diagnostic tests to be performed and their prognostic value as well as criteria of normality. It seems that serum progesterone for detection of ovulation, hysterosalpingography and or laparoscopy for tubal patency and semen analysis are the basic tests for diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Expectant treatment is the option of choice for young patients with short period of infertility. The spontaneous pregnancy rate is very high in this group of patients. The world literature have shown that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination (COH and IUI) is an effective treatment of unexplained infertility. According to the available data, this procedure could be limited to three trials. There is evidence that both COH and IUI are important independent positive factors in achieving better pregnancy rate in unexplained infertility. If the above measures fail to achieve pregnancy, GIFT or IVF/ICSI could be performed as it yields a high pregnancy rate.

Female↗