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Serum placental protein 14 concentrations are similar in the first trimester pregnancies of women after pituitary down-regulation with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist and normal cycles with frozen embryo transfers.

Previous studies suggest that, in pregnancies after in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer following pituitary down-regulation with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (buserelin) and ovulation induction with human gonadotrophins, the serum placental protein 14 (PP14) concentration is lower than in normally conceived pregnancies. We studied serum PP14 concentrations in two groups of women: (i) in 17 infertile women whose pregnancy followed IVF and embryo transfer using buserelin (long protocol) and human menopausal gonadotrophin for ovulation induction; (ii) in 15 women whose pregnancy followed transfer of frozen-thawed embryos. Similar PP14 concentrations were found in both groups on days 9-10, 14-15 and 70-77 after human chorionic gonadotrophin administration (buserelin, IVF/embryo transfer) or spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge (frozen-thawed embryo transfer). Our results show that PP14 secretion is not compromised by pituitary down-regulation with buserelin in infertile women with functional ovaries.

Buserelin↗

Elective single embryo transfer yields good delivery rates in oocyte donation.

BACKGROUND: High pregnancy rates have been noted after oocyte donation (OD). Multiple pregnancies should be avoided, because oocyte recipients have an increased risk of obstetric complications. METHODS: We analysed our OD results from 2000-2001 when elective single embryo transfer (eSET) was introduced as a recommended policy for all recipients if at least one good quality embryo was available. The results were compared with those achieved in 1998-1999, when usually two embryos were transferred (double embryo transfer, DET). Between 1998 and 2001, 100 healthy women donated oocytes and 135 fresh embryo transfers were carried out. The mean age of the donors was 31 years and that of the recipient women was 35 years. RESULTS: The proportion of eSET of all OD transfers was 17.1% in 1998-1999 and 61.0% in 2000-2001. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy (36.8 versus 45.8%) and delivery rates (31.6 versus 33.9%) per embryo transfer between the two time periods. The proportion of twins declined from 29% (1998-1999) to 10% (2000-2001). The delivery rate was similar after eSET and DET (32.6 versus 32.1% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: By increasing the proportion of eSETs it is possible to reduce the number of twins without affecting delivery rates in oocyte recipients.

Adult↗

Clinical factors for successful cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer.

PURPOSE: To study how clinical factors such as embryo quality, cell stage of embryo at cryopreservation, and synchronization of developmental stages between embryo and endometrium at thawing affect the implantation rate after cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer (ET), these factors were examined in 106 cryopreserved-thawed ETs including 204 embryos. RESULTS: In 86 embryos graded as high quality before transfer by morphological evaluation, 31 implantations were successful, while the other, low-quality embryos did not implant at all. High-quality embryos received less cryoinjury during cryopreservation compared to the injuries sustained by embryos in moderate and poor quality. When cyopreservation was performed at the 1-, 2-, and 3-day cell stages, pregnancies were similiarly achieved among most of the embryos at all cell stages. At thawed ETs in natural ovulation cycles, there were some differences among the developmental stages between thawed embryo and endometrium that received the thawed transferred embryos. Although the transfer timelag ranged a day or more, asynchronism of endometrium growth to the cell stage did not reduce pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that embryo quality evaluated morphologically was the most important clinical factor for successful implantation of cryopreserved-thawed ET.

Blastocyst↗

The effect of embryo transfer on the intrauterine growth of the mandible in mouse fetuses.

A DDD/Qdj strain of embryos was transferred to the same strain of recipient females to examine the effect of the embryo transfer procedure on the intrauterine growth of the mandible in mouse fetuses. Just after parturition, the litter size and the gestation period were recorded and the mandibular size of the newborn offspring was measured by use of an image analyzing system. The mandibular size of the newborn offspring developed from the transferred embryos was compared with that of the newborn offspring developed from the nontransferred embryos. The following results were obtained: 1) There was no gender difference in the mandibular size of the newborn offspring from either the transferred or nontransferred embryos. 2) An inverse relation between the litter size and the mandibular size of the newborn offspring was observed, while a direct relation between the gestation period and the mandibular size of the newborn offspring was observed. 3) The litter size in the transferred group was smaller than that of the nontransferred group, while the gestation period in the transferred group was longer than that of the non-transferred group. After adjusting for the effects of the litter size and the gestation period on the mandibular size for both groups, the adjusted mandibular size of the newborn offspring in the transferred group was significantly smaller than that of the nontransferred group. Thus, it is concluded that the embryo transfer procedure retards the intrauterine growth of the mandible in mouse fetuses developed from transferred embryos.

Animals↗

Multinucleation in normally fertilized embryos is associated with an accelerated ovulation induction response and lower implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if multinucleation in normally fertilized embryos is indicative of poor developmental or clinical pregnancy prognosis and to examine the ovulation induction characteristics associated with multinucleation. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: A tertiary care institution. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles (exclusive of other assisted reproductive technologies). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cycles in which embryos had at least 1 multinucleated blastomere were compared with cycles in which all blastomeres exhibited no nucleus or a single nucleus (control). RESULT(S): When >50% of transferred embryos contained multinucleated blastomeres there was a significant reduction in implantation (3.4% vs. 14.7%), clinical pregnancy (9.1% vs. 29.1%), and live birth rates (7.5% vs. 27.6%) when compared with transfers of control embryos. In conjunction with this finding, multinucleate cycles had higher E2 levels and more follicles on the day of hCG administration, a higher number of oocytes retrieved, a higher fertilization rate, and more embryos transferred per patient than did the cycles that produced control embryos. When multinucleated embryos were present, but not transferred, the developmental capacity of the sibling embryo was reduced. CONCLUSION(S): The evaluation of nuclear status using simple light microscopy is predictive of embryo developmental capacity and should be included in the embryo scoring system. The presence of multinucleated blastomeres in normally fertilized embryos is associated with a more effusive response to gonadotropin therapy and is indicative of a poor developmental outcome and lower clinical pregnancy rates.

Adult↗

Comparison of cycle outcome for gamete intrafallopian transfer alone and in combination with intrauterine embryo transfer.

As an alternative to embryo cryopreservation, the efficacy of intrauterine transcervical transfer of a small number of embryos resulting from fertilization of supernumerary oocytes obtained during a GIFT cycle (GIFT-ET) was assessed in this investigation. Data from 72 consecutive GIFT (N = 27) and GIFT-ET (N = 45) cycles were retrospectively reviewed. Age and infertility diagnoses were similar among the two groups. Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and abortion rates per retrieval were not significantly different between the two groups. We conclude that GIFT-ET offers no advantage over GIFT alone and that cryopreservation of all supernumerary embryos with intrauterine transfer in subsequent cycles would maximize pregnancy rates from a single oocyte aspiration and GIFT procedure.

Adult↗

Analysis of gene transcription in bovine nuclear transfer embryos reconstructed with granulosa cell nuclei.

The low efficiency of animal production using somatic cell nuclear transfer procedures is considered to be the result of an incomplete reprogramming of the donor somatic cell nucleus, which leads to a lack of, or abnormal expression of developmentally important genes. However, our current understanding of the process of somatic cell nuclear reprogramming and its effect on gene expression is limited. In this study, we compare the transcription patterns of six developmentally important genes, Oct4, IL6, FGF2, FGF4, FGFr2, and gp130 in single in vitro fertilized (IVF) and nuclear transfer embryos reconstructed using granulosa cells for the donor nuclei. Similar patterns of transcription were detected for Oct4, FGF2, and gp130 in IVF and nuclear transfer embryos during the preimplantation stages of development. However, a number of morula- and blastocyst-stage embryos derived from nuclear transfer procedures showed abnormal transcription of IL6, FGF4, and FGFr2. Previous studies have demonstrated that these three genes play an important role in implantation, early postimplantation development, or both in the mouse. Therefore, the aberrant transcription patterns detected in nuclear transfer embryos may lead to a reduction in embryo viability.

Animals↗

Assessment of endocervical and endometrial damage inflicted by embryo transfer trial: a hysteroscopic evaluation.

The aim was to assess the endocervical and endometrial damage inflicted by embryo transfer trial using office hysteroscopy. Seventy-five consecutive infertile women who underwent office hysteroscopy were enrolled. Hysteroscopy was performed immediately after embryo transfer trial. The relationship between clinical perception of easiness of transfer, presence of blood on the catheter, degree of endocervical and endometrial damage was examined. In the difficult transfer group, minor and moderate endocervical lesions were noted in 35% and 24% of the cases, respectively. The respective figures for the easy transfer group were 19% and 3% (P>.05). There was a statistically significant concordance between the perceived difficulty of transfer and degree of endometrial damage (P<0.05). Of interest, in the easy transfer group, 32% of the patients had minor, 3% moderate and 65% no endometrial damage. The respective figures were 42%, 29% and 29% in the difficult transfer group. There was blood on the catheter in 25%, 56% and 71% of the easy, moderate and difficult transfer groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant concordance between the perceived difficulty of embryo transfer and presence of blood on the catheter (P<0.05). These results suggest that clinical perception of difficulty of transfer and the presence of blood on the catheter are directly associated with endometrial disruption.

Catheterization↗

Hypersensitivity to progesterone-in-oil after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence and management of pulmonary compromise, marked leukocytosis, and eosinophilia in a patient receiving P-in-oil after IVF and embryo transfer. DESIGN: Case report.A tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit. PATIENT(S): A 29-year-old patient receiving P-in-oil supplementation after IVF embryo transfer. INTERVENTION(S): Extensive diagnostic testing and surveillance for hypersensitivity to P in sesame oil; development of an alternative oil-based P-in-oil suspension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Tolerance of alternative P vehicle; clinical pregnancy. RESULT(S): The patient tolerated an alternative P oil vehicle and successfully achieved a clinical pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer. CONCLUSION(S): Although rare, hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients receiving P-in-oil supplementation after IVF embryo transfer. Testing for tolerance and subsequent use of alternative P vehicles may be an effective strategy in managing patients with sensitivity to P-in-oil.

Adult↗

Does intravaginal probiotic supplementation increase the pregnancy rate in IVF-embryo transfer cycles?

This study investigated the effect of intravaginal administration of probiotics immediately after oocyte retrieval on vaginal colonization and outcome of the IVF-embryo transfer cycle. One hundred and seventeen women who underwent ovarian stimulation and IVF were randomized immediately after oocyte retrieval into two groups: those who received intravaginal probiotics (study group, n = 50) and those who did not (control group, n = 67). Vaginal colonization with lactobacilli and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. No significant between-group differences were observed in patient age, oestrogen and progesterone concentrations on day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, number of embryos transferred, or pregnancy rate. The presence of lactobacilli in the vagina during oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer did not improve the pregnancy rate. Furthermore, intravaginal administration of lactobacilli following oocyte retrieval did not affect the prevalence of lactobacilli during embryo transfer, or the pregnancy rate. Intravaginal probiotic supplementation immediately after oocyte retrieval has no effect on vaginal colonization or pregnancy rate in IVF cycles.

Administration, Topical↗

Trends in embryo-transfer practice and in outcomes of the use of assisted reproductive technology in the United States.

BACKGROUND: During the past decade in the United States, increasing attention has been paid to lowering the incidence of multiple gestations resulting from the use of assisted reproductive technology. To determine whether such efforts have been successful, we assessed national trends in embryo-transfer practice patterns and in outcomes after the use of assisted reproductive technology. METHODS: We analyzed data on outcomes of assisted reproductive technology procedures as reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1995 to 2001 by fertility clinics in the United States. We also analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics on the rates of twin births and triplet or higher-order multiple births. RESULTS: From 1995 to 2001 in the United States, the number of infertility clinics, the number of fresh-embryo cycles initiated, and the number of fresh-embryo transfers increased steadily. The average number of embryos transferred per cycle began decreasing in 1997, with the steepest decline (an 11.1 percent decrease) between 1998 and 1999. In contrast, the number of pregnancies and live births per cycle during the period from 1995 to 2001 steadily increased. Even though the percentage of pregnancies with twins did not change significantly between 1997 and 2001, the percentage of pregnancies with three or more fetuses significantly decreased every year, with the steepest decline (a 20.8 percent decrease) between 1998 and 1999, after the publication in 1998 of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines for embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Since 1997 in the United States, there have been consistent decreases in both the number of embryos transferred per cycle and the percentage of pregnancies with three or more fetuses, as well as a consistent increase in the percentage of live births per cycle.

Adult↗

Ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to analyze the risk factors, stimulation characteristics, and future fecundity of patients with ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all cases of ectopic pregnancy occurring between January 1989 and March 1993 (Cornell series 1 to 17). A case-control group of intrauterine pregnancies was used for comparison of the stimulation and transfer characteristics. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 1123 pregnancies (2.4%) were ectopic, following 2812 fresh IVF embryo transfers, while 8 of 105 pregnancies (7.6%) were ectopic, following 405 frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Tubal factor was the cause of infertility in the majority (85.7%) of ectopic pregnancies. No difference was found between the ectopics and the matched controls in stimulation and transfer characteristics. Thirty ectopic pregnancies were ampullary, two were interstitial, two were cervical, and one was heterotopic. Twenty of the patients subsequently underwent 29 IVF attempts, with a pregnancy rate of 41.4% per transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic pregnancy after IVF appears to be related to preexisting tubal pathology; embryo transfer of cryopreserved thawed embryos in a natural cycle may result in a higher ectopic rate in these patients; in subsequent IVF cycles the intrauterine pregnancy rate of these patients is not decreased.

Adult↗

[Embryo transfer: a critical step in assisted reproduction].

The advances and development of new procedures and techniques related to embryo development, and its final outcome, the embryo transfer; have increased significantly the pregnancy rate through this reproductive assisted technique. The embryo transfer is probably the last part in in-vitro fertilization programs and the success should be determined through the technical approach and procedure's characteristics. The use and standardization of the current techniques during the embryo transfer process allow increasing the success in pregnancy and implantation rates in a short period of time in the current Assisted Reproduction Programs.

Embryo Transfer↗

A review and meta-analysis of prospective trials comparing different catheters used for embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative efficacy of different types of embryo transfer (ET) catheters. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized, controlled trials comparing at least two different ET catheters. SETTING: Infertility centers providing treatment with in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF-ET). PATIENT(S): Women undergoing ET. INTERVENTION(S): Embryo transfer with soft or hard catheters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): A total of seven prospective trials were identified that compared soft (Cook or Wallace) catheters with hard (TDT, Frydman, Tomcat, Rocket) catheters. The meta-analysis demonstrated an increased chance of clinical pregnancy when soft ET catheters were used. The TDT catheter was compared against both soft catheters and other hard catheters, showing decreased chance of clinical pregnancy when the TDT catheter was used. Six more prospective trials were identified comparing the Cook and Wallace soft catheters, and the meta-analysis of these data showed no demonstrable difference in clinical pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION(S): An increased chance of clinical pregnancy is achieved when soft ET catheters are used. There appears to be little difference between the Cook and Wallace soft catheters.

Catheterization↗

Serum pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein before embryo transfer is related to endometrial thickness and to outcome prognosis in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization treatment.

We have previously observed the repeated presence of low but detectable amounts of the trophoblast marker pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein (SP1) in the serum of some women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment around the time of oocyte retrieval. The occurrence of these signals seemed to be restricted to a defined group of patients which also showed a lower pregnancy success rate in a preliminary study. To test our hypothesis we have analysed 173 consecutive cycles leading to an embryo transfer. Fifty-four cycles (31%) had a serum SP1 level of at least 0.1 ng/ml between days embryo transfer -5 and embryo transfer (group A). Five pregnancies were obtained in this group (pregnancy rate = 9.3%), while in group B, defined by the absence of detectable SP1 before embryo transfer (119 cycles), 36 ongoing pregnancies were achieved (30.3%). Ten of the 41 pregnancies were achieved in 33 first-time non-pregnant patients undergoing further attempts during the study period. Again the pregnancy rate was higher in the first-time group B women (9/23 versus 1/10 for group A). Patients tended to remain in their groups A or B, the latter being associated with a better immediate as well as subsequent chance for pregnancy. Group A cycles had a significantly lower endometrial thickness two days before oocyte retrieval than group B (P = 0.0011). We postulate that the presence of an unknown, maternal and progesterone- or follicle stimulating hormone-independent factor in some patients could stimulate tonic ectopic SP1 synthesis and at the same time negatively influence endometrial development.

Adult↗

The effect of endometriosis on implantation: results from the Yale University in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of endometriosis on implantation. DESIGN: Case-control study from Yale University IVF-ET program. PATIENTS: Two hundred eighty-four consecutive IVF cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with endometriosis only (n = 35; 89 cycles) were compared with an age-matched control group with tubal infertility (n = 70; 147 cycles) and also to a group with unexplained infertility (n = 15; 48 cycles). Data from the endometriosis group was analyzed further in subgroups of minimal-mild (43 cycles) and moderate-severe (46 cycles). RESULTS: No difference was found in the number and the quality of oocytes retrieved and fertilization rates between the endometriosis, the tubal infertility, and the unexplained infertility groups. The quality and the number of embryos transferred in each group were comparable. A trend toward reduced pregnancy rate per transfer (14.8%) in the endometriosis versus tubal or unexplained infertility groups (25.7% and 23.3%, respectively) was observed. Implantation rate (gestational sac per transferred embryo) was significantly lower in the endometriosis versus the tubal infertility group (3.9% versus 8.1%; unexplained infertility group, 7.2%). Analysis of first cycles only across all groups revealed that the implantation rate also was significantly lower in the endometriosis versus the tubal infertility group (3.1% versus 9%; unexplained infertility group, 6.7%). Within the endometriosis group, although the pregnancy rate per cycle and per transfer were similar in subgroups, patients with minimal-mild endometriosis had the lowest implantation rate. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in patients with endometriosis, implantation rate is low. Abnormal implantation, which may be secondary to endometrial dysfunction or embryotoxic environment, is a factor in endometriosis-associated subfertility.

Adult↗

Exogenous growth hormone improves the number of transferable embryos in superovulated ewes.

The application of pGH (porcine Growth Hormone) to superovulated ewes was studied with the aim of improving the embryo yield. Thirty-seven ewes were superovulated with pFSH for 3 d and 18 of them were cotreated the third day with 0.50 mg of pGH. Embryos were surgically recovered on Day 7 after sponge withdrawal. Then, 102 morphologically healthy embryos were immediately transferred in pairs to 51 synchronized recipient ewes. The GH treatment did not significantly affect the percentage of ewes in estrus, the time of estrus onset or the ovulation rate. However, it improved synchronization by grouping estrus in a narrower range (12 h) in comparison to the control group (24 h); (16 to 28 h after sponge withdrawal vs 12 to 36 h; P < 0.05). The total amount of LH released during the preovulatory surge was lower in the GH than in the control group (P < 0.05). No differences were found between groups for other LH-related parameters such as basal levels, peak values or peak time from sponge removal. The proportions of unfertilized oocytes and degenerate embryos recovered were lower in the GH cotreated group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). This resulted in higher rates of transferable embryos and lambs born per donor ewe in the GH than in the untreated group (3.9 vs 1.7 and 2.28 vs 0.84, respectively; both, P < 0.05). These beneficial effects of GH would likely be due either to a direct action on oocyte maturation or to an indirect action on the oviductal environment.

Animal Husbandry↗