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Y Khalaf

Publications and source records attributed to Y Khalaf.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A randomized controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics (co-amoxiclav) prior to embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of the transfer catheter during embryo transfer is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Antibiotics at the time of embryo transfer may improve outcomes. We evaluated the effect of co-amoxiclav on the rates of bacterial contamination of transfer catheters and clinical pregnancy. METHODS: On the day of oocyte collection, 350 patients were randomized, with sequentially numbered opaque-sealed envelopes containing treatment allocation assigned randomly by computer, to receive co-amoxiclav on the day before and the day of embryo transfer, or no antibiotics. Following transfer, the catheter tips were cultured and assessed to identify the organism(s) isolated and to quantify the level of the contamination. Couples were followed for 8 weeks to determine whether they had achieved clinical pregnancy. Outcome assessors were blinded to the treatment allocation, and the analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: Antibiotics significantly reduced catheter contamination rates (49.4 versus 62.3%, RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.97, P = 0.03). There was no difference detected in clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups (36.0 versus 35.5%, P = 0.83) although there was a significant (P = 0.03) association between the level of bacterial contamination and clinical pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: Co-amoxiclav reduces catheter contamination, but this is not translated into better clinically relevant outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rates. Our findings do not support the routine use of antibiotics at embryo transfer.

Adult↗

The effect of small intramural uterine fibroids on the cumulative outcome of assisted conception.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of small intramural fibroids on the cumulative pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth and implantation rates after three IVF/ICSI attempts. METHODS: The first three treatment cycles of women enrolled for IVF/ICSI over a 12-month period were analysed. Only patients with small (<or=5 cm) intramural fibroids not encroaching upon the endometrial cavity were included in the fibroid group. Cox's hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) associated with the presence of intramural fibroids. RESULTS: During the study period, 322 women without fibroids (control group) and 112 women with fibroids (study group) underwent 606 IVF/ICSI cycles. The pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates in the study group were 23.6, 18.8 and 14.8% compared with 32.9, 28.5 and 24% in the control group, respectively (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that the pregnancy rate at each cycle was reduced by 39% (HR=0.61, 95% CI=0.39-0.95, P=0.029) in the study group compared with the control group. The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was reduced by 43% (HR=0.57, 95% CI=0.35-0.91, P=0.018), and the cumulative live birth rate was reduced by 47% (HR=0.53, 95% CI=0.32-0.87, P=0.013) in the study group. After adjusting for confounding variables, the presence of fibroids was found to significantly reduce the ongoing pregnancy rate at each cycle of IVF/ICSI by 40% (HR=0.60, 95% CI=0.36-0.99, P=0.048) and the live birth rate at each cycle by 45% (HR=0.55, 95% CI=0.32-0.95, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Small intramural fibroids are associated with a significant reduction in the cumulative pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates after three IVF/ICSI cycles.

Adult↗

Three hundred and thirty cycles of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for serious genetic disease: clinical considerations affecting outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To report on our experience with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycles performed for serious genetic disease in relation to the clinical factors affecting outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective review of data from a single centre. SETTING: Tertiary referral PGD centre in a London teaching hospital. METHODS: The PGD cycles included 172 cycles for chromosome rearrangements, 96 cycles for single-gene disorders and 62 cycles for X-linked disorders. In vitro fertilisation was the preferred method in chromosome rearrangement and X-linked cases, while intra cytoplasmic sperm injection was used in all single-gene disorders. Appropriate in situ hybridisation fluorescence probes were used in chromosome rearrangement and X-linked cases and polymerase chain reaction was used in single-gene disorders. All pregnancies were followed till delivery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Live birth rate per PGD cycle started. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of cycles started (283) reached oocyte retrieval and 3743 eggs were collected, of which 2086 fertilised normally (55.7%). Two hundred and fifty cycles (76%) had embryos sutiable for biopsy on day 3 of in vitro culture, 1714 embryos were biopsied, and in 205 cycles (62%), there was at least one unaffected embryo available for transfer, resulting in 90 pregnancies, 68 clinical pregnancies and 58 live birth. The live birth rate was 18% per cycle started, 21% per egg retrieval and 28% per embryo transfer which significantly affected the live birth outcome. Woman age, number of eggs collected and achieving cryopreservation of surplus embryos had no statistically significant effect on treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The live birth outcome of PGD cycles for serious genetic disorder is modest and is affected by the number of embryos genetically suitable for transfer.

Adult↗

Treatment with the GnRH antagonist ganirelix prevents premature LH rises and luteinization in stimulated intrauterine insemination: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess whether the use of ganirelix in women undergoing stimulated IUI could prevent the occurrence of premature LH rises and luteinization (LH+progesterone rises). METHODS: Women of infertile couples, diagnosed with unexplained or male factor infertility, were randomized to receive either ganirelix (n=103) or placebo (n=100) in a double-blind design. All women were treated with an individualized, low-dose rFSH regimen started on day 2-3 of cycle. Ganirelix (0.25 mg/day) was started if one or more follicles>or=14 mm were visualized. Ovulation was triggered by HCG injection when at least one follicle>or=18 mm was observed and a single IUI was performed 34-42 h later. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of premature LH rises (+/-progesterone rise). RESULTS: In the ganirelix group, four subjects had a premature LH rise (value>or=10 IU/l), one LH rise prior to the start of ganirelix and three LH rises during ganirelix treatment, whereas in the placebo group 28 subjects had a premature LH rise, six subjects prior to the start of placebo and 22 subjects during placebo treatment. The incidence of LH rises was significantly lower in ganirelix cycles compared to placebo cycles (3.9 versus 28.0%; P=0.003 for ITT analysis). When excluding subjects with an LH value>or=10 IU/l before the start of ganirelix/placebo the incidence of LH rises was also significantly lower in ganirelix cycles compared to placebo cycles (2.9 versus 23.4%; P=0.003 for ITT analysis). Premature luteinization (LH rise with concomitant progesterone rise>or=1 ng/ml) was observed in one subject in the ganirelix group and in 17 subjects in the placebo group of which three subjects had a premature spontaneous ovulation. Ongoing pregnancy rates per attempt were 12.6 and 12.0% for the ganirelix and placebo groups respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ganirelix effectively prevents premature LH rises, luteinization in subjects undergoing stimulated IUI. Low-dose rFSH regimen combined with a GnRH antagonist may be an alternative treatment option for subjects with previous proven luteinization or in subjects who would otherwise require insemination when staff are not working.

Adolescent↗

Pituitary suppression in ultrasound-monitored frozen embryo replacement cycles. A randomised study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the value of using a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist prior to exogenous steroid supplementation for endometrial preparation in frozen-thawed embryo replacement (FER) cycles. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial of 234 patients undergoing FER cycles was conducted. The study population was randomly divided into two groups according to a computer-generated list. In group A (n = 117), a daily dose of 6 mg of oral estradiol valerate was initiated on menstrual day 1 following pituitary suppression using 400 mcg buserelin acetate daily. In group B (n = 117), the same dose of estradiol valerate was initiated on day 1 of bleeding without prior GnRH agonist therapy. In both groups, ovulation monitoring was not undertaken and progesterone pessaries (800 mg daily) were administrated when the endometrial thickness had reached 8 mm or more with embryo transfer taking place 2 days later. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with respect to cause of infertility, age at stimulation (32.8 +/- 4 vs 33.2 +/- 3.9 years, P = 0.4), basal FSH level (6.3 +/- 1.7 vs 6.4 +/- 2 IU/l, P = 0.5), number of oocytes collected (16.9 +/- 7.3 vs 16.5 +/- 7.4, P = 0.7) and fertilized normally in the retrieval cycle (11.5 +/- 4.9 vs 11 +/- 4.9, P = 0.4) and number of embryos cryopreserved (6.6 +/- 3.6 vs 6.2 +/- 3.6, P = 0.3). There was no significant difference between the two groups in age at frozen replacement (33.6 +/- 4.2 vs 34 +/- 3.9 years, P = 0.4), duration of the proliferative phase (20.7 +/- 8.6 vs 21 +/- 9.2 days, P = 0.7) and number of thawed embryos replaced (2.3 +/- 0.6 vs 2.2 +/- 0.6, P = 0.2). However, compared with group B, group A achieved significantly higher pregnancy (37.6% vs 24%, OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1-3.4), clinical pregnancy (24% vs 11.3%, OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.2-5.5) and live birth rates (20% vs 8.5%, OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.2-8). CONCLUSION: Medicated frozen embryo replacement cycles timed by endometrial thickness measurement alone without monitoring or suppression of ovarian activity are associated with reduced outcome.

Adult↗

Cryo-thawed embryos obtained from conception cycles have double the implantation and pregnancy potential of those from unsuccessful cycles.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of fresh IVF/ICSI cycle outcome on the prognosis of the related frozen embryo replacement (FER) cycle. METHODS: 459 FER cycles, involving 2049 cleavage stage embryos with no or up to 10% fragmentation, were performed for which the outcome of the fresh cycle was recorded. The cycles were divided into two groups; group A included cycles in which cryopreserved embryos were obtained from fresh cycles in which conception occurred. Group B were cycles in which cryopreserved embryos originated from unsuccessful fresh cycles. RESULTS: Groups A and B were comparable with respect to mean (+/- SD) age at cryopreservation (33 +/- 3.9 versus 33.2 +/- 4 years, P = not significant), mean number of oocytes retrieved and fertilized normally in the fresh cycle (11 +/- 5.2 versus 11.2 +/- 4.8, P = not significant) and mean age at the cryo-thawed transfer (34.5 +/- 4.2 versus 33.9 +/- 4 years, P = not significant). No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to mean number of embryos cryopreserved (6.5 +/- 3.9 versus 6.2 +/- 3.6) and subsequently thawed (4.5 +/- 2.5 versus 4.5 +/- 1.8) per cycle and number of cryo-thawed embryos transferred per cycle (2.0 +/- 0.7 versus 2.1 +/- 0.8). However, the implantation rate per transferred embryo in group A was double that in group B (23 versus 11.2%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle were significantly higher in group A compared with group B (34.8 and 27.3% versus 15.6 and 13.1%, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003 respectively). The difference in FER cycle outcome could not be explained by confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: After thawing, cryopreserved embryos originating from conception IVF/ICSI cycles achieve double the implantation and pregnancy rates of those obtained from unsuccessful cycles.

Adult↗

Increasing the gonadotrophin dose in the course of an in vitro fertilization cycle does not rectify an initial poor response.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of increasing the gonadotrophin dose after 5 days of controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF patients who show an initial poor response to stimulation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We identified all IVF cycles between January 1992 and March 1996 in which ovarian response after 5 days of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with 225-300 IU per day of human menopausal gonadotrophins (hMG; Metrodin or Pergonal) was monitored by measurement of serum estradiol concentrations (n=596 patients). According to estradiol concentration, the daily dose of hMG was doubled or increased to 450 IU in 193 patients (group A) or maintained the same in 403 patients (group B). Further cycle monitoring was achieved using serial ultrasound and serum estradiol measurements. RESULTS: The two groups were age-matched. Group A patients experienced a higher cancellation rate despite having a higher mean number of hMG ampoules (59.5 versus 36.2) and a longer duration of stimulation (12.2 versus 10.8 days). They achieved lower levels of serum estradiol on days 9 and 10 of stimulation, produced a lower mean number of oocytes per retrieval (5.8 versus 8.9) and had a lower clinical pregnancy rate per cycle (8.3 versus 23.4%) compared to group B. All differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The poor outcome of cycles with initial low response to COH appears not to be averted by doubling or increasing the hMG dose after 5 days of stimulation.

Adult↗

Conventional in-vitro fertilisation versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection for the treatment of non-male-factor infertility: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a more invasive option than conventional in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which can be successful even when semen characteristics are poor. Reports of higher fertilisation rates after ICSI suggest that this technique may be better than the conventional method for all couples seeking IVF. We undertook a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing clinical outcome after ICSI or traditional IVF in couples with non-male-factor infertility. METHODS: 415 eligible and consenting couples at four UK centres were randomly assigned IVF or ICSI (total 435 treatment cycles: IVF 224; ICSI 211). Usual clinical and laboratory protocols for the two treatment procedures were followed in each of four participating centres. The primary outcome was the implantation rate (number of gestation sacs per embryo replaced expressed as a percentage). Secondary outcomes were pregnancy and fertilisation rates associated with each treatment. Analyses were by intention to treat. FINDINGS: The implantation rate was higher in the IVF group than in the ICSI group (95/318 [30%] vs 72/325 [22%]; relative risk 1.35 [95% CI 1.04-1.76]). The pregnancy rate per cycle was also higher after IVF (72 [33%] vs 53 [26%]; 1.17 [0.97-1.35]). Mean associated laboratory time was significantly shorter with IVF than with ICSI (22.9 [SD 12.1] vs 74.0 [38.1] min; 95% CI for difference 45.6-56.6). INTERPRETATION: ICSI offers no advantage over IVF in terms of clinical outcome in cases of non-male-factor infertility. Our results support the current practice of reserving ICSI only for severe male-factor problems.

Adult↗

A prospective controlled study of the effect of intramural uterine fibroids on the outcome of assisted conception.

BACKGROUND: Although uterine fibroids occur in 30% of women and are associated with a degree of subfertility, the effect of intramural fibroids on the outcome of IVF or ICSI treatment has not been prospectively studied. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on 434 women undergoing IVF/ICSI in the assisted conception unit of an inner London teaching hospital. Patients were assessed for the presence of fibroids by transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosonography or hysteroscopy where appropriate. RESULTS: During the study period, 112 women with (study), and 322 women without (controls), intramural fibroids were treated. Patients were similar regarding the cause and duration of their infertility, number of previous treatments, and basal serum FSH concentration. Women in the study group were on average 2 years older (36.4 versus 34.6 years; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration of ovarian stimulation or gonadotrophin requirement, number of follicles developed, oocytes collected, embryos available for transfer or replaced. When analysing only women with intramural fibroids of < or =5 cm in size (n = 106) pregnancy, implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates were significantly reduced: 23.3, 11.9 and 15.1 respectively compared with 34.1, 20.2 and 28.3% in the control group (P = 0.016, P = 0.018 and P = 0.003). The mean size of the largest fibroids was 2.3 cm (90% range 2.1-2.5 cm). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of intramural fibroids was one of the significant variables affecting the chance of an ongoing pregnancy, even after controlling for the number of embryos available for replacement and increasing age, particularly age > or =40 years, odds ratio 0.46 (CI 0.24-0.88; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that an intramural fibroid halves the chances of an ongoing pregnancy following assisted conception.

Embryo Implantation↗

Screening for HIV, hepatitis B and C infection in a population seeking assisted reproduction in an inner London hospital.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority requires all sperm donors to be screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C and their semen quarantined for six months. No guidelines exist for screening prior to in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We prospectively analysed the prevalence of these viruses in our patients. Screening detected one case of HIV (0.13%), four of hepatitis C (0.5%) and 14 new cases of hepatitis B (1.7%). The prevalence of hepatitis B and HIV in our antenatal population at this time was 1.4% and 0.8%, respectively. Knowledge allows measures to be taken to reduce the risk of transmission to partner, fetus, new born baby, or by cross-contamination during embryo cryostorage and enables couples to make an informed decision regarding proceeding with treatment. Detection of infection in one partner should no longer preclude fertility treatment.

Female↗

Low serum estradiol concentrations after five days of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization are associated with poor outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic significance of low serum E2 concentrations in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for IVF. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Assisted conception unit of a university hospital. PATIENT(S): One thousand four hundred and forty patients undergoing COH for IVF. INTERVENTION(S): COH, serum E2 measurement, ultrasonographic scanning of ovarian follicles, oocyte retrieval, and ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cancellation and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): Patients were classified into four groups according to serum E2 levels on the sixth day of COH: group A (E2 level < 50 pg/mL [114 cycles]), group B (E2 level 51-100 pg/mL [189 cycles]), group C (E2 level 101-200 pg/mL [320 cycles]), and group D (E2 level >200 pg/mL [817 cycles]). Group A experienced the highest cancellation rates (65.1%) and lowest pregnancy rates (7.8%) despite requiring significantly more hMG ampules (47.8+/-1.7). The cancellation rate was higher (75.1%) and no pregnancy occurred in a subset of group A in whom COH was initiated with > or =3 ampules (225 IU) of gonadotropins. CONCLUSION(S): In COH cycles using luteal phase buserelin, low initial serum E2 concentrations are associated with poor outcome.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

A normal livebirth after intracytoplasmic sperm injection for globozoospermia without assisted oocyte activation: case report.

The successful outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with round-headed spermatozoa (globozoospermia) is reported. A couple with infertility secondary to globozoospermia received ICSI treatment. Fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. This couple experienced 40, 10 and 42% fertilization rates after ICSI in their first, second and third cycles respectively. Pregnancy did not occur in the first or second cycle but was successfully achieved after the third ICSI cycle. It is concluded that current ICSI procedures may overcome the infertility associated with globozoospermia and result in normal healthy livebirth without assisted oocyte activation.

Adult↗

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and its effect on renal function in a renal transplant patient undergoing IVF treatment: case report.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a renal transplant patient undergoing assisted conception treatment is reported. A couple with infertility secondary to tubal blockage and pelvic endometriosis received IVF treatment. Ovarian enlargement secondary to OHSS resulted in obstruction in the transplanted kidney and deterioration of renal function. No other systemic manifestations of OHSS were evident. Conservative management was successful and a twin live birth was later achieved by replacement of two frozen-thawed embryos.

Adult↗

Recurrent cholestasis following ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: case report.

This is a case report illustrating a patient who developed recurrent cholestasis during a twin pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. On the first occasion cholestasis developed unusually in the first trimester, and on the second occasion, it presented in the way that obstetric cholestasis (OC) is commonly seen in the third trimester.

Adult↗

Transmyometrial embryo transfer after difficult immediate mock transcervical transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the place of ultrasound-directed transvaginal transmyometrial ET in a protocol using both the transcervical and transmyometrial routes in a step-wise fashion. DESIGN: A prospective descriptive clinical study. SETTING: A university-based assisted conception unit. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients who had difficult or impossible mock transcervical ET immediately before the real transfer. INTERVENTION: Ultrasound-directed transvaginal transmyometrial ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pregnancy and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Four patients became pregnant, including three with clinical pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: In cases in which transcervical ET isd difficult or impossible, transvaginal transmyometrial ET is a viable option. The use of mock transcervical ET immediately before the real transfer would identify patients needing transmyometrial ET.

Cervix Uteri↗