List of Recent Publications. There are 523 links to this search
ID
Publications
Sonographic abnormalities in pregnancies conceived following IVF with and without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) [2021]
8866
The use of PGT-A was not associated with a difference in risk of fetal anomaly detection on a mid-trimester anatomical survey. The results of this study highlight the importance of improved patient counseling regarding the limitations of PGT-A, and of providing standard prenatal care for pregnancies conceived through ART, regardless of whether PGT-A was performed.
Greater fetal crown-rump length growth with the use of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection conceptions after thawed versus fres [2021]
8859
At 6-14 weeks, thawed blastocyst transfers after IVF/ICSI conceptions present greater CRLs compared with fresh, and both IVF/ICSI groups show smaller CRLs than the general population. This effect is particularly evident before 9 weeks and it may favor birth weight difference of thawed versus fresh BT pregnancies.
Possibility of live birth in patients with low serum β:-hCG 14 :days after blastocyst transfer [2021]
8849
Initially low serum β:-hCG levels 14 :days after frozen blastocyst transfer indicated minimal chances of live birth. For patients having an initial β:-hCG > :58.8 mIU/ml, luteal phase support should continue.
Association between blastocyst morphology and maternal first trimester serum markers in ongoing pregnancies obtained after single fresh blastocyst tra [2021]
8848
Our study concluded that first trimester serum markers were not associated with blastocyst morphological characteristics. Although this needs further confirmation, this suggests that blastocyst morphology would not have an impact on placentation. Therefore, these findings are reassuring for couples undergoing IVF and blastocyst transfer.
Blastocyst morphology has no relationship with serum bhCG levels and live birth rates once pregnant [2021]
8847
Once the patient conceives after IVF with single blastocyst, none of the morphological parameters have a strong impact on the day16 serum level of β:::-hCG. Among women who conceived, blastocyst grade and stage were not associated with live births.
Live birth and perinatal outcomes using cryopreserved oocytes: an analysis of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority database from 2000 to 2 [2021]
8842
Treatment cycles using frozen own oocytes have a lower LB rate but a lower risk of low birth weight (LBW) as compared with frozen donor oocytes.
Conception after early IVF pregnancy loss: should we wait? [2020]
8797
Conclusion: On the basis of this cohort, IVF should not be postponed after pregnancy loss, as shorter intervals were associated with greater likelihood of live birth.
Early pregnancy loss/ Miscarriage/Pregnancy interval/
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The outcomes after transfers of embryos with chromosomal mosaicism: a single reproductive medicine center experience at iVF Riga clinic [2020]
8794
Implantation outcomes and continuing pregnancies showed slight differences, when compared to fully normal embryos. Artifacts have to be differentiated from undeniable aberrations, and correct interpretation of results must be done with following patient counselling and prenatal testing if necessary.
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of in vitro fertilization and natural pregnancies in the same mother [2020]
8787
Conclusion(s): When compared in a cohort of the same women, natural and IVF-attained pregnancies did not differ with regard to obstetric and perinatal outcomes.
Risk Factors for Monozygotic Twins in IVF-ICSI Cycles: a Case-Control Study [2020]
8781
After performing a multivariate logistic analysis, only assisted hatching remained significantly associated with monozygotic twinning (adjusted odds ratio 2.32, 95%CI 1.03–5.25). Blastomere separation during the passage through this artificial hole or interference with the signaling pathway within the embryo could be the mechanisms involved.
The impact of the origin of surgical sperm retrieval on placental and embryonic development: The Rotterdam Periconception cohort [2020]
8768
Here we demonstrate that the first trimester growth trajectory of the placenta is increased in pregnancies conceived after TESE‐:ICSI compared to those conceived after ICSI with ejaculated sperm. Findings are discussed in the light of known differences in sperm DNA integrity, epigenetics, and placental gene expression.
Prospective longitudinal cohort study of uterine arteries Doppler in singleton pregnancies obtained by IVF/ICSI with oocyte donation or natural concep [2020]
8736
This finding reproduces our previous discovery of lower UtA-PI in frozen as compared to fresh blastocyst transfer. The vast majority of OD is obtained by the use of cryopreservation. We speculate that increased uterine perfusion may be the physiological response to compensate dysfunctions both in the mother and in the placenta.
Uterine artery Doppler in singleton pregnancies conceived after in‐:vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh vs frozen [2020]
8735
Conclusion:UtA‐:PI and the proportion of SGA are lower in IVF/ICSI pregnancies conceived after FBT as compared to fresh blastocyst transfer.
Zygotic splitting following embryo biopsy: a cohort study of 207 697 single‐:embryo transfers following IVF treatment [2020]
8732
Conclusions: The present study demonstrated an increased risk of monozygotic splitting with embryo biopsy. Given the current sparse literature, it is important to accumulate further evidence to validate the findings.
embryo biopsy/monozygotic twin/zygotic splitting/mzt statistically higher after pgt-a biopsy/
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Determinants of monozygotic twinning in ART: a systematic review and a meta-analysis [2020]
8731
We found blastocyst transfer to be a risk factor for MZT. Hence, the results of this meta-analysis may weaken the previously proposed view that greater experience with blastocyst transfer and improved culture media could decrease the high rate of MZT after blastocyst transfer
Initial serum HCG levels are higher in pregnant women with a male fetus after fresh or frozen single blastocyst transfer: A retrospective cohort study [2020]
8687
Conclusions: MsHCG levels are higher in pregnant women with a male fetus than those with a female one on day 11 after fresh or frozen SBT. A sex-specific response to the stress in the process of in vitro embryo culture was suggested.
hcg/gender/gender and placental histopathology/maternal hcg and fetal gender/gender ration after sbt/maternal hcg and fresh x frozen sbt/
Linked Activities:
Effect of newborn gender on placental histopathology and perinatal outcome in singleton live births following IVF [2020]
8686
Conclusions: Newborn gender has a significant impact on the placental histopathology pattern, which can contribute to the development of adverse perinatal outcomes.
histopathology/ivf/newborn gender/placenta/gender/gender andplacental histopathology/gender and placental histopathology/male gender effects/
Linked Activities:
The influence of oxygen concentration during embryo culture on obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial [2020]
8682
The present data show that, at least in egg donation cycles undergoing Day 3 embryo transfers, culturing embryos under atmospheric oxygen concentration seems not to affect perinatal outcomes.
low oxygen tension/ hypoxia/neonatal outcomes/effect of oxygen tension and ivf/
Linked Activities:
Effects of vitrification and the superovulated environment on placental function and fetal growth in an IVF mouse model [2020]
8645
Our findings suggest that vitrification may negatively impact early embryonic viability, while the SO maternal uterine environment impairs both placental development and fetal growth in IVF.
oocyte donation/donor conception/pregnancy complications/hypertension/aspirin/pregnancy outcomes following oocyte donation/
Linked Activities:
Increased risk of severe maternal morbidity in women with twin pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation [2020]
8614
Our study showed an increased risk of SAMM in women with twin pregnancies after MAR, notably after IVF using autologous oocytes and particularly after oocyte donation. To avoid unnecessary exposure to the high-risk combination of MAR and multiple pregnancies, transfer of a single embryo should be encouraged whenever possible
Birth Characteristics in Men With Infertility [2020]
8580
The likelihood of having been born small for gestational age was almost fivefold higher in men with male factor infertility than in men with unexplained infertility. Men with male factor infertility were more often born with non-optimal birth characteristics than the control group and the reference group. Men with azoospermia were more often born with non-optimal birth characteristics, compared with men without azoospermia (21.3% versus 12.1%: P
low birth weight/ male factor/ infertility/ preterm birth/ small for gestational age/male factor infertility and birth characteristics/
Linked Activities:
Fetal fraction of cell-free DNA in pregnancies after fresh or frozen embryo transfer following assisted reproductive technologies [2020]
8577
Concurrent with other studies demonstrating a reduced FF for singleton pregnancies after ART treatment compared with naturally conceived pregnancies, we found a reduction in FF between the two groups. This is one of the first studies to examine FF in ART pregnancies after fresh ET compared with frozen ET, hence the existing knowledge is limited. We find that FF is even more reduced in pregnancies following fresh ET compared with frozen ET, which
Maternal and perinatal outcomes with COVID 19 A systematic review of 108 pregnancies [2020]
8517
Although the majority of mothers were discharged without any major complications, severe maternal morbidity as a result of COVID‐::19 and perinatal deaths were reported. Vertical transmission of the COVID 19 could not be ruled out. Careful monitoring of pregnancies with COVID 19 and measures to prevent neonatal infection are warranted.
covid-19/pregnancy/covid-19 and pregnancy/covid19 and pregnancy/
Linked Activities:
What the latest research suggests about the coronavirus in pregnancy [New Scientist] [2020]
8516
A GROWING number of case studies suggest that, while pregnant people don’t seem to be at greater risk of the coronavirus, covid-19 is linked to a higher rate of caesareans and preterm births, and the virus may be able to cross the placenta to a fetus.
The impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals on oocyte/embryo and clinical outcomes in IVF [2020]
8502
IVF participants living in agricultural regions should be informed about the fertility decline, low ongoing pregnancy rates and elevated risk of miscarriage associated with exposure to high doses of pesticides.
Coronavirus: What we know so far about risks to pregnancy and babies. [2020]
8454
Pregnant people don’t seem to be at greater risk of experiencing severe covid-19, and the virus doesn’t seem to pass to fetuses, but there’s still a lot we don’t know.
Prevalence and risk factors of zygotic splitting after 937 848 single embryo transfer cycles [2020]
8396
Clinicians should consider whether to counsel couples about the small increase in the risk of zygotic splitting associated with some embryo manipulations.
The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy following sperm donation in IVF: an Australian state-wide retrospective cohort study [2019]
8350
These findings suggest that exposure to new sperm may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The mechanism of increased risk seen in conceptions arising from egg or embryo donation remains unclear. Further investigation is required to elucidate these mechanisms and, ultimately, improve pregnancy outcomes following IVF
donor sperm/preeclampsia/primipaternity/ivf/icsi/fetal growth restriction/donor sperm and disorders of pregnancy/donor eggs and disorders of pregnancy/donor eggs and disorders of pregnancy/
Linked Activities:
Low LH Level on the Day of GnRH Agonist Trigger Is Associated With Reduced Ongoing Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates and Increased Early Miscarriage Rate [2019]
8275
Conclusion: Low serum LH levels on the day of GnRH-a trigger is associated with reduced ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates and increased early miscarriage rates. Our findings suggest a lower threshold of serum LH values on the day of GnRH-a trigger necessary to optimize reproductive outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles.
Associations between embryo grading and congenital malformations in IVF/ICSI pregnancies [2019]
8273
Conclusions: This is the first study to compare the rates of individual congenital malformations for good and poor quality embryos. It provides insight into potential risks of transferring poor quality embryos. In pregnancies >20 weeks’ gestation, poor quality Day 5 embryos are associated with major malformations, at least one anomaly, musculoskeletal anomalies, talipes and the ICD classification ‘Other congenital malformations’. In pregnan
Association of paternal age with perinatal outcomes between 2007 and 2016 in the United States: population based cohort study [2019]
8270
Advanced paternal age is associated with negative effects on both mothers and offspring. Given the relatively low prevalence of advanced paternal age in the US, population level impacts are currently modest. Nevertheless, as advanced paternal age has doubled in the US over the past generation, further investigation is warranted of the impact on birth outcomes and public health.
How men's lifestyles can affect babies' health [2019]
8269
The belief that a pregnant woman is responsible for the well-being of her fetus is easy to understand. A fetus is (literally) connected to its mother. Myriad factors such as a mother's physical and mental condition, exposure to toxins and whether she is well-nourished have long been recognized as determinants of newborn fitness. Yet the paternal role in producing a healthy baby is rarely considered.
Obstetric Complications of Donor Egg Conception Pregnancies [2019]
8268
Ovum donation has now been shown to be an independent risk factor for hypertensive disease in pregnancy, post-partum haemorrhage and increased risk of caesarean section. Neonatal outcomes are less clear-cut, although there is some evidence to suggest there is increased risk of small for gestational age babies and preterm delivery. It is now clear that OD pregnancies are higher risk than IVF pregnancies with autologous ovum and they should be tre
Bed rest after an embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2019]
8243
Conclusion: Our findings showed that immediate mobilization after an ET does not have a negative influence over the success rates of IVF. Therefore, bed rest should not be recommended.
The human placenta may not have a microbiome after all.
Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2211529-the-human-placenta-may-not-have-a-m [2019]
8222
Is the placenta home to communities of bacteria? Recent evidence that the organ has its own microbiome promised to rewrite our understanding of it, but now research suggests that the earlier experiments may have been contaminated.
Sperm chromatin structure assay high DNA stainability sperm as a marker of early miscarriage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection [2019]
8199
Conclusion(s). There is a small but increased risk of early miscarriage if HDS >15% compared with HDS ≤::15%. This increased risk is seen only after ICSI, not after IVF. These findings suggest that HDS can be used as a predictor of an increased risk of miscarriage in ICSI treatments
Do specific ultrasonography features identified at the time of early pregnancy loss predict fetal chromosomal abnormality? – A systematic review and m [2019]
8168
Chromosomal abnormality was more likely to occur in embryonic EPL and enlarged YS. On the other hand, short CRL, small GS, symmetrical arrested growth embryo, or gestational sac with only a YS, were not associated with an increased risk of fetal chromosomal abnormality. Ultrasonography features at the time of diagnosis of EPL have limited predictive value of fetal chromosomal abnormality.
Is a woman’s chronological age or ‘ovarian age’ more important in determining perinatal outcome after assisted reproductive treatment? [2019]
8141
Once pregnant, after adjusting for maternal age, women with poor OR were no more likely to experience a biochemical pregnancy or miscarriage than women with normal OR. There were no significant differences in rate) between women with normal or poor OR.
Fresh IVF cycles increase risk of SGA, Frozen Cycles increase risk of LGA: Which is Worse? [A comment]. [2019]
8138
A 2010 retrospective analysis evaluated 123,383 diverse live
births concluding that SGA, but not LGA was associated with increased mortality. In fact, appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) and LGA neonates had similar likelihoods of death. Therefore, we caution citing aberrant fetal growth as an argument for favoring fresh over
frozen IVF cycles without properly considering other elements that may be more relevant.
A familial case report of a 13:22 chromosomal translocation with recurrent intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure [2019]
8135
We propose the involvement of a balanced t(13:22)(q21.2:q13.3) chromosomal translocation in the pathogenesis of recurrent ART or spontaneous reproductive failures. Hence, it is suggested that all cases with structural chromosomal abnormalities be counseled prior to opting for ART and undergoing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Maternal β:-HCG concentrations in early IVF pregnancy: association with the embryo development stage of blastocysts [2019]
8118
Faster-growing blastocysts produced significantly higher serum β:-HCG concentrations 9 days after transfer than slower-growing blastocysts in fresh cycles, but the difference was not significant by day 16 after transfer. Also, β:-HCG concentrations 9 and 16 days after embryo transfer in FET cycles were higher than in fresh embryo transfer cycles. Interpretation of β:-HCG results 9 days after blastocyst transfer should consider the bla
Neonatal and maternal outcome after frozen embryo transfer: increased risks in programmed cycles [2019]
8115
Conclusion: No significant difference could be seen regarding preterm birth and low birth weight between the different protocols. However, higher rates of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, postterm birth and macrosomia were detected in programmed cycles. Stimulated cycles had outcomes similar to natural cycles. These findings are important in view of the increasing use of frozen cycles and the new policy of freeze-all cy
Generational Health Impact of PCOS on Women and their Children [2019]
8102
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder with reproductive consequences. Hence, the synergy of the dual maternal challenges of difficulties with conception, set on a background of metabolic disorder and inflammation, understandably leads to increased obstetric risk for the woman. Furthermore, she is more likely than her peers to require assistance with conception, either through induction of ovulation with the attendant risk of a
Evidence that prenatal testosterone transfer from male twins reduces the fertility and socioeconomic success of their female co-twins [2019]
8098
Data on all twin births in Norway between 1967 and 1978 show that females exposed in utero to a male co-twin have a decreased probability of graduating from high school (15.2%), completing college (3.9%), and being married (11.7%), and have lower fertility (5.8%) and life-cycle earnings (8.6%).
Prenatal testosterone linked to long-term effects in females who share womb with male twin [2019]
8097
Women who shared their mother's womb with a male twin are less likely to graduate from high school or college, have earned less by their early 30s, and have lower fertility and marriage rates when compared with twins who are both female, according to new research.
Normalized second and fourth finger lengths in male and female partners and IVF cycle outcomes [2019]
8091
Results: In the female partner, a longer normalized second finger length of the left (2DLN) hand, reflecting a high intrauterine exposure to oestrogens, was independently and significantly (P := :0.011) associated with obtaining at least one top-quality embryo in a multivariate model. Conversely, in the male partner a longer normalized fourth finger length of the left hand (4DLN), reflecting a high intrauterine exposure to androgens, wa
Molecular Support for Heterogonesis Resulting in Sesquizygotic Twinning [2019]
8074
Sesquizygotic multiple pregnancy is an exceptional intermediate between monozygotic and dizygotic twinning. We report a monochorionic twin pregnancy with fetal sex discordance. Genotyping of amniotic fluid from each sac showed that the twins were maternally identical but chimerically shared 78% of their paternal genome, which makes them genetically in between monozygotic and dizygotic: they are sesquizygotic
'Extremely rare' twins born in Brisbane in second reported case in the world [2019]
8073
Every parent thinks their child is special, but a Queensland brother and sister truly are unique. They have been identified as the second reported case of semi-identical, or sesquizygotic, twins in the world, and were the first to be diagnosed while still in the womb.It is believed the siblings are the result of one egg being fertilised simultaneously by two sperm
Increased body mass index associated with increased preterm delivery in frozen embryo transfers [2019]
8058
What do the results of this study add? Underweight, overweight and obesity do not significantly contribute to live birth outcomes. Maternal BMI was a significant predictor of PTD, with obesity most significantly at risk of PTD.
Decreased ovarian reserve relates to pre-eclampsia in IVF/ICSI pregnancies [2019]
8051
CONCLUSION: Diminished responsiveness of the ovaries to FSH stimulation in an IVF cycle, reflecting decreased ovarian reserve, is associated with an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy.
Air pollution and female fertility: a systematic review of literature [2019]
8010
We found that in the IVF population, nitrogen dioxide and ozone were associated with a reduced live birth rate while particulate matter of 10 mm was associated with increased miscarriage. Furthermore, in the general population, particulate matter of 2.5 mm and between 2.5 and 10 mm were associated with reduced fecundability, whereas sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide might promote miscarriage and stillbirths.
What is the effect of embryo morphology on serum bhCG levels? [2018]
8000
Conclusion: Our study suggests that serum bhCG levels resulting from a single fresh blastocyst ET showed a correlation with day 5 blastocoele expansion and blastocyst quality score in both ongoing pregnancy and live birth.
The impact of periconceptional maternal lifestyle on clinical features and biomarkers of placental development and function: a systematic review [2018]
7943
The findings revealed that maternal smoking was associated with lower first-trimester placental vascularization flow indices/Alcohol use was associated with a lower placental weight./Adequate nutrition in the first trimester, periconceptional folic acid supplement intake and strong adherence to a Mediterranean diet, were all associated with a lower resistance of the uterine and umbilical arteries in the second and third trimester./
Multi-chorionic pregnancies following single embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage: a case series and review of the literature [2018]
7939
Conclusion(s): The accepted theory of monozygotic twinning resulting from the splitting of an embryo per a strict post-fertilization timing protocol must be re-examined with the advent of observed multi-chorionic pregnancies resulting from single blastocyst transfer in the context of IVF.
Monozygotic twinning in the IVF era: is it time to change existing concepts? [2018]
7938
The initial observations on a series of cases of monozygosity in IVF cycles led authors to suggest a link between the physical condition of the zona pellucida, hatching, and the generation of identical twins [5]. The advent of prolonged culture conditions [6] allowed the evaluation of embryo development and the selection of the “best” embryo for transfer...
The impact of intentional endometrial injury on reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2018]
7935
Outcomes: Ten studies, comprising a total of 1260 patients, were selected. Overall, when studying the effect of endometrial injury on clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) and live birth rates (LBRs), higher rates were shown in the endometrial injury group. However, endometrial injury did not significantly improve CPRs and LBRs, when considering sub-group analyses of studies including patients with two or more failed IVF cycles, studies examining older
Fresh versus elective frozen embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of reproductive outcomes [2018]
7934
WIDER IMPLICATIONS: Although the use of eFET has steadily increased in recent years, a significant increase in LBR with eFET was solely noted in hyper-responders and in patients undergoing PGT-A. Concerning safety, eFET significantly decreases the risk of moderate and severe OHSS, albeit at the expense of an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
Intralipid® may represent a new hope for patients with reproductive failures and simultaneously an over-immune endometrial activation [2018]
7909
Results: The live birth rate of the RIF cohort treated with Intralipid® reached 54% (51/94) at the next embryo transfer. In patients successfully pregnant under Intralipid® who benefitted of a test of sensibility before the embryo transfer, we observed a significant decrease of the three biomarkers used to diagnose the over-immune endometrial activation (CD56 cells: IL-18/TWEAK, IL-14/FN-14).
Endometrial thickness of less than 7.5 mm is associated with obstetric complications in fresh IVF cycles: a retrospective cohort study [2018]
7860
Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that a thin endometrial lining was associated with obstetric complications that might be related to poor placentation. These findings should be validated in large prospective cohort studies.
Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) among obese and non-obese women following single embryo transfers [2018]
7853
Conclusions: Obese patients achieving live births had statistically significantly lower initial serum hCG values than non-obese patients. However, mean 2-day percent rises in hCG were similar across BMI categories. Initial hCG values may lack sensitivity for live birth in obese patients: rate of hCG rise remains the mainstay of monitoring very early pregnancies following IVF. Future studies should investigate whether serum analyte ranges should b
Effect of Growth Hormone on Uterine Receptivity in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure in an Oocyte Donation Program: A Randomized Controlled Tri [2018]
7761
Conclusion: Our data of improved implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates among infertile RIF patients treated with GH indicate that GH improves uterine receptivity.
Should we continue to measure endometrial thickness in modern-day medicine? The effect on live birth rates and birth weight [2018]
7755
An EMT less than 7.0 ::mm was also associated with a decrease in neonatal birthweight z-scores (−::0.40: 95% CI −::0.69 to −::0.12). In conclusion, these results reaffirm the use of EMT as a potential prognostic tool for live birth rates and neonatal birthweight in contemporary IVF, namely when considered together with other ovarian stimulation monitoring methods, such as the late-follicular endocrine profile.
Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on clinical in vitro fertilization outcomes [2018]
7752
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that a high SDF level (>13%) was associated with a high miscarriage rate, and that it mainly contributed to miscarriage in the POR group. The results suggest that SDF measurements should be considered in couples with POR in order to predict the prognosis of the pregnan
Monkeys have been cloned in a lab in China and humans could be next [2018]
7745
Chinese scientists have cloned monkeys using the same technique that produced Dolly the Sheep two decades ago, breaking a technical barrier that could open the door to copying humans.
Cloning of Macaque Monkeys by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer [2018]
7744
For SCNT using adult monkey cumulus cells, 22 pregnancies were confirmed in 42 surrogates and yielded 2 babies that were short-lived. In both cases, genetic analyses confirmed that the nuclear DNA and mitochondria DNA of the monkey offspring originated from the nucleus donor cell and the oocyte donor monkey, respectively. Thus, cloning macaque monkeys by SCNT is feasible using fetal fibroblasts.
Timing of probiotic milk consumption during pregnancy and effects on the incidence of preeclampsia and preterm delivery: a prospective observational c [2018]
7742
In this observational study, we found an association between timing of probiotic milk consumption during pregnancy and the incidence of the adverse pregnancy outcomes preeclampsia and preterm delivery. If future randomised controlled trials could establish a causal association between probiotics consumption and reduced risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery, recommending probiotics would be a promising public health measure to reduce these adv
Women taking probiotics during pregnancy might have lower pre-eclampsia and premature birth risk [2018]
7741
Probiotics taken during pregnancy might help lower the risks of pre-eclampsia and premature birth, suggests new research. But timing may be crucial, the findings indicate.
Preeclampsia acts differently in in vitro fertilization versus spontaneous twins [2018]
7716
The study population included 4428 twin pregnancies, of these 314 (7.1%) had preeclampsia: 64 (20.3%) were IVF twins and 250 (79.7%) were spontaneous twins. Preeclampsia was more common in IVF compare to spontaneous twins (13.8 vs 7.6%, OR = 1.81, CI = 1.50–2.17, P < 0.001). The mothers of IVF twins were significantly older, and were more likely to be nulliparous. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher among IVF twins. The mean gestational age
Sperm RNA may serve as biomarkers of future health, researchers find [2017]
7685
Human sperm may hold the potential to serve as biomarkers of the future health of newborn infants, according to a new study by a Wayne State University School of Medicine research team.
At fertilization, spermatozoa provide their genomic contribution, as well as a set of RNAs and proteins that have distinct roles in development... GPX4 and RPS24 are associated with developmental defects and/or neonatal lethality. This leaves the intriguing possibility that, while sperm RNAs delivered to the oocyte inform the success of live birth, they may also be predictors of human health.
Guideline on the management of recurrent pregnancy loss [2017]
7681
The overall aim of this guideline is to supply healthcare providers with the best available evidence for investigation and treatment of women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Vanishing twin syndrome among ART singletons and pregnancy outcomes [2017]
7654
The reduction in birth weight and increased risk of SGA in ART singletons with VTS may suggest the presence of harmful intrauterine factors with long-term health impact. While vanishing twins are not routinely observed in naturally conceived pregnancies, loss of a twin is potentially a risk factor for the surviving foetus in any pregnancy. This could be further explored in large samples of naturally conceived pregnancies with the necessary infor
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies conceived with embryos cultured in a time-lapse monitoring system [2017]
7621
No detrimental effects were observed in obstetric and perinatal outcomes when a time-lapse incubator was used rather than a more widely used conventional incubator. As far as we know this is the first report from a randomized study of the neonatal outcomes of time-lapse monitoring. Our results suggest that this technology is an effective and safe alternative for embryo incubation, though trials of larger numbers of patients are required to furthe
Serum antimüllerian hormone levels are independently related to miscarriage rates after in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer [2017]
7620
Result(s): In patients displaying reduced serum AMH levels, miscarriage rates were significantly increased independently from age and the number of oocytes retrieved. Conclusion(s): The present data indicate that serum AMH levels are independently associated with the occurrence of a miscarriage after IVF-ET.
The superovulated environment, independent of embryo vitrification, results in low birthweight in a mouse model [2017]
7617
We found that superovulation of the recipient dams led to significantly lower fetal weight at term while blastocyst vitrification had no significant effect on fetal weight (1.43 ± 0.24 g fresh-natural, 1.30 ± 0.28 g vitrified-natural vs. 1.09 ± 0.20 fresh-superovulated, 0.93 ± 0.23 g vitrified-superovulated, P < 0.0001).
Sirtuin 1 Levels in Recurrent Implantation Failure [2017]
7615
Recurrent implantation failure patients have higher sirtuin 1 levels than non-pregnant women and healthy pregnant women, but this difference did not reach statistical significance due to the low number of patients in our study. These higher sirtuin 1 levels may result from the inflammation imbalance of RIF patients. The only statistically significant correlation found was between age and sirtuin (r ::= ::0.277, p ::= ::0.009)
Semen quality and pregnancy loss in a contemporary cohort of couples recruited before conception: data from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertilit [2017]
7614
Although a few trends were identified (e.g., DNA fragmentation), general semen parameters seemed to have little relation with risk of pregnancy loss or recurrent pregnancy loss at the population level. However, given that 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and half the fetal genome is paternal in origin, the findings await corroboration
Unexplained recurrent miscarriages are associated with an aberrant sperm protamine mRNA content [2017]
7612
When comparing recurrent miscarriage couples with couples undergoing IVF/ICSI, Ct-values of protamine-1 and protamine-2 mRNAs were significantly higher and the protamine mRNA ratio was significantly lower in RM couples (P < 0.01). Although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated, our data suggest that protamine mRNA levels in spermatozoa are not only important for successful fertilization, but also for proper development of the early embryo
Fetal reduction in multifetal pregnancies associated with better birth outcomes [2017]
7536
Among twin and triplet pregnancies that were reduced to singleton or twin pregnancies, there was a substantial reduction in complications such as preterm birth and very preterm birth, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
There is biological plausibility that coagulation activation underlies a proportion of in vitro fertilisation IVF failures and recurrent early clinical pregnancy loss (RPL).- A pragmatic observational study of IVF couples screened for M2 carriage and treated with LMWH achieved a 37.9% live birth rate, similar to an unscreened and untreated group with fewer adverse risk factors for conception and a better prognosis from assisted conception
Prediction of fetal loss by first-trimester crown–rump length in IVF pregnancies [2017]
7500
Conclusion: In IVF pregnancies with a live embryo, a small CRL at 40–80 days’ gestation may predict fetal loss. Repeated ultrasound should be considered after 1–2 weeks.
Pregnant after assisted reproduction: a risk pregnancy is born! 18-years perinatal outcome results from a population-based registry in Flanders, Belgi [2017]
7495
Conclusion: According to our results all ART pregnancies, whether due to IVF/ICSI or non-IVF treatment, have to be considered as risk pregnancies, irrespective of the number of foetuses.
The twin epidemic in infertility care – Why do we persist in transferring too many embryos? [2017]
7494
There is enough evidence that reimbursement policies providing accessible ART to infertile couples can decrease the potential harm from multiple pregnancies substantially unless we succeed to provide simplified IVF at affordable prices.
Periconceptional maternal one-carbon biomarkers are associated with embryonic development according to the Carnegie stages [2017]
7470
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: In periconceptional care, maternal I-C biomarkers should be taken into account as predictors of embryonic morphological development. Combining embryonic size measurements with morphological assessment could better define normal embryonic development.
Perinatal Risks Associated with Early Vanishing Twin Syndrome following Transfer of Cleavage- or Blastocyst-Stage Embryos [2017]
7463
Conclusions. Our study highlights that the adverse perinatal risks of PTB, LBW, and VLBW associated with early VT syndrome are similar in patients undergoing cleavage-stage or blastocyst-stage ETs during fresh IVF cycles.
A Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Local Endometrial Injury on the Clinical Pregnancy Rate of Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles in Patients With [2017]
7462
Conclusion: Local endometrial injury in a preceding cycle does not increase the clinical pregnancy rate in the subsequent FET cycle of patients with repeated implantation failure.
Increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization in women with decreased ovarian reserve [2017]
7459
The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in clinical pregnancies was significantly higher in the decreased ovarian reserve than in the normal ovarian reserve group (5.51% vs. 2.99%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy was significantly associated with decreased ovarian reserve. Our results showed that decreased ovarian reserve is an independent risk factor for ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embry
Q&A has developed some models to help you anticipate your chance of success. Every couple have a unique chance of success based upon their own factors such as age and fecundity (number of eggs). Your treatment by your own clinic will differ between clinics and doctors and their special medical assessment. The models provide a more general guide to help you decide about future treatment but is NOT medical advice.
Online tool predicts chances of conceiving with IVF [2016]
7424
An online calculator that predicts a couple’s individualised chances of conceiving, after a single cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment and over a course of cycles, has been created by researchers using data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority register, The BMJ reports
High miscarriage rate in women treated with Essure® for hydrosalpinx before embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2016]
7418
The available evidence suggests that, although Essure prior to ET in women with hydrosalpinx improves the chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy compared with no intervention, it is associated with a higher rate of miscarriage when compared with the other interventions. Although this evidence is based on observational studies, we believe that salpingectomy should be the first option for women who are eligible for videolaparoscopy
Decreased Ovarian Reserve Predicts Inexplicability of Recurrent Miscarriage? A Retrospective Analysis [2016]
7414
CONCLUSION: Idiopathic recurrent miscarriage was associated with lower basal estradiol and anti-Mullerian hormone levels compared to explained recurrent miscarriage.
Cohort study of perinatal outcomes of children born following surgical sperm recovery [2016]
7374
Overall these results are reassuring, suggesting high live birth rates regardless of diagnosis or sperm source, although there may be higher miscarriage rates in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. Other perinatal outcomes were not affected by diagnosis or sperm source.
Maternal serum screening markers and nuchal translucency measurements in in vitro fertilization pregnancies: a systematic review [2016]
7366
Conclusion(s). A decrease in PAPP-A and an increase in total hCG was consistently reported among the included studies. However, owing to the variability in the levels of the other maternal serum screening markers reported and the inability to conduct a meta-analysis, we were unable to generalize about the differences between prenatal screening results in the IVF population.
PGS for recurrent pregnancy loss: forget it! [from Professor Hans Evers, via ESHRE] [2016]
7360
In this month’s issue of Human Reproduction Gayathree Murugappan and colleagues from Stanford and Seattle show that among all attempts at preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or expectant management in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), clinical outcomes including pregnancy rate, live birth rate and clinical miscarriage rate were similar. They conclude that success rates with PGS are limited by the high incidence of cycles that inte
Automatic time-lapse instrument is superior to single-point morphology observation for selecting viable embryos: retrospective study in oocyte donatio [2016]
7352
Patients where no high embryos were transferred (n = 75) had an OPR of 46.70%, and those patients where at least one high embryo was transferred (n = 109) significantly increased OPR to 67%. A logistic regression analysis - - suggested that if at least one of the embryos was labeled as high, OPR was 2.567 times higher than a cycle where no high embryos were transferred.
Frequency of low serum LH is associated with increased early pregnancy loss in IVF/ICSI cycles [2016]
6332
In the study group, there were significantly increased early pregnancy loss rates (31.1% versus 16.3%, P = 0.012). The odds of early pregnancy loss increases by 1.55 fold for increased episodes of low serum LH (P = 0.029). Whether the adverse outcome is due to impaired oocyte quality or an endometrial component deserves further investigation.
Higher β::-HCG concentrations and higher birthweights ensue from single vitrified embryo transfers [2016]
6324
Despite no significant difference in the average period of gestation (38 weeks 5 days for both groups), the mean birthweight of infants born following FET was significantly heavier by 161 ::g (3370 ::g versus 3209 ::g: P < 0.001). Furthermore, more infants exceeded 4000 ::g (P < 0.001) for FET although there was no significant difference for the macrosomic category (≥::4500 ::g). We concluded that FET programme embry
Effectiveness of ovarian age as the background risk for aneuploidy screening in an unselected pregnant population [2016]
6322
A non-significant trend was shown for AMH-derived age for both an increased area under the curve (0.986 versus 0.979) and an increased detection rate (from 83% to 100%) for a 1/250 risk threshold. For a 3% false-positive rate, a non-significant trend for increased detection with the use of both AMH- and AFC-derived ovarian ages was observed (from 67% to 83%). These results indicate that, although ovarian derived ages seem to potentially reflect a
Taking antidepressants during pregnancy increases risk of autism by 87 percent [2015]
6282
Using antidepressants during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of autism, researchers have discovered. The findings are hugely important as six to ten percent of pregnant women are currently being treated for depression with antidepressants.
Early maternal serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels and sex-related growth difference of IVF embryos [2015]
6250
Seven hundred eighty-six non-donor SETs resulted in live birth. After including only day 16 serum ß-hCG results, 525 SETs were analysed. Neonatal gender was available for 522 cases. Mean maternal serum ß-hCG levels were similar, 347 ::± ::191 IU/L in the male newborn group and 371 ::± ::200 IU/L in the female group. The difference between ß-hCG levels remained insignificant after adjusting for confounding variables. Ed-No gend
A successful treatment algorithm for evaluation of early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization [2015]
6249
Of the 3,904 pregnancies included, the incidence of EP and HP was 0.77% and 0.46%, respectively. The algorithm selected 96.7% and 83.3% of pregnancies diagnosed with EP and HP, respectively, for early ultrasound evaluation, leading to earlier treatment and resolution. Logistic regression revealed that first hCG, second hCG, hCG slope, age, pain, and vaginal bleeding were all independent predictors of early pregnancy failure after ART.
IVF in women over 38: The doctor's dilemma: Women over 44 should be advised against doing IVF with their own eggs [2015]
6238
It is a biological fact that female fertility declines with age - in assisted conception as in natural. Indeed, findings from a 12-year study reported today at the Annual Meeting of ESHRE by Dr Marta Devesa from the Hospital Universitaro Quiron-Dexeus in Barcelona, Spain, showed that in her own clinic cumulative live birth rates following IVF declined from 23.6% in women aged 38-39 years to 1.3% in those aged 44 and over
Rate of ectopic pregnancy following IVF has almost halved in past 12 years [2015]
6237
The risk of ectopic pregnancy following fertility treatment with assisted reproduction (ART) is small but significantly higher than found in natural conceptions. Now, a nationwide population-based analysis of all ART pregnancies achieved in the UK between 2000 and 2012 has found that the rate of ectopic pregnancy following IVF and ICSI progressively decreased throughout these 12 years, almost halving from an overall rate of 20 to 12 cases per tho
Risks associated with obesity in pregnancy, for the mother and baby: a systematic review of reviews [2015]
6210
Maternal obesity is also linked to greater risk of preterm birth, large-for-gestational-age babies, foetal defects, congenital anomalies and perinatal death. Furthermore, breastfeeding initiation rates are lower and there is greater risk of early breastfeeding cessation in women with obesity compared with healthy weight women. These adverse outcomes may result in longer duration of hospital stay, with concomitant resource implications
Increased risks in pregnancy for obese mothers and their babies, says study [2015]
6209
Women with obesity have a range of increased health risks in pregnancy, both for them and their babies, compared with those in the healthy weight category, according to a new systematic review of research.
Enough! Stop the arguments and get on with the science of natural killer cell testing [2015]
6197
There is still uncertainty over the precise pathophysiological basis for all immune investigation and therapy, but this should not be a barrier for clinical observation and empirical care. On the contrary, clinicians and researchers should work more closely together to provide the best care for our patients.
First do no harm: uterine natural killer (NK) cells in assisted reproduction [2015]
6196
The evidence that targeting uNK or peripheral blood NK cells assists women with recurrent pregnancy failure is lacking. Healthcare professionals and patients should very carefully evaluate the practice of immunomodulation to enhance pregnancy outcome. A discussion on how to move towards stricter regulation of immunotherapy in non-hospital settings is now needed because it is clear that the potential risks and costs of these therapies outweigh an
Tracking nutrient transfer at the human maternofetal interface from 4 weeks to term [2015]
6179
We deduce that decidual cell glycogen is broken down for transport into the placenta where the products may be reassembled into glycogen or used for metabolic processes. First trimester histiotrophe is internalised by syncytiotrophoblast, then broken down in apical vacuoles containing lysosomal markers. This process declines after haemotrophic nutrition commences
Womb milk nourishes human embryo during first weeks of pregnancy (New scientist). [2015]
6178
Call it the milk of life – not breast milk, but womb milk. For the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, before the mother's nutrient-rich blood supply is plumbed in, all the materials and energy for building a baby are supplied by secretions from glands in the uterus lining.
Exposure to high levels of pollution can have a significant impact on fetal growth and development, researchers conclude. Their study found that women who were pregnant during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when pollution levels were reduced by the Chinese government, gave birth to children with higher birth weights compared to those who were pregnant before and after the games.
Association Between Assisted Reproductive Technology Conception and Autism in California, 1997–2007 [2015]
6162
Results. In the full population, the incidence of diagnosed autism was twice as high for ART as non-ART births. The association was diminished by excluding mothers unlikely to use ART: adjustment for demographic and adverse prenatal and perinatal outcomes reduced the association substantially, although statistical significance persisted for mothers aged 20 to 34 years.
Perinatal outcomes associated with assisted reproductive technology: the Massachusetts Outcomes Study of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (MOSART) [2015]
6152
Conclusion(s): The use of a population-based comparison group of subfertile births without ART demonstrated significantly higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in ART singleton births, but these differences are smaller than differences between ART and fertile births. Further refinement of the measurement of subfertile births and examination of the independent risks of subfertile births is warranted.
Phthalates potentially alter levels of a pregnancy hormone that influences sex development [2015]
6145
Exposure to hormone-altering chemicals called phthalates - which are found in many plastics, foods and personal care products - early in pregnancy is associated with a disruption in an essential pregnancy hormone and adversely affects the masculinization of male genitals in the baby, according to new research. The findings focus on the role of the placenta in responding to these chemicals and altering levels of a key pregnancy hormone.
Endometrial scratching for women with previous IVF failure undergoing IVF treatment. [2015]
6136
We conclude that endometrial scratching does not improve live birth rate in women undergoing IVF treatment with previous one IVF failure. Nevertheless, it may improve live birth in women with two or more previous IVF failures.
Biochemical pregnancy and spontaneous abortion in first IVF cycles are negative predictors for subsequent cycles: an over 10,000 cases cohort study [2015]
6133
BP and SA in first IVF cycles had negative predictive value for subsequent ART outcomes.
No benefit of culturing embryos in a closed system compared with a conventional incubator in terms of number of good quality embryos: results from an [2015]
6127
There was no significant difference in the mean ± SD number of GQEs between groups: 2.41 ± 2.27 for the closed system group and 2.19 ± 1.82 for the control group (P = 0.34, difference 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.69: −:0.24). A significantly higher miscarriage rate was found in the TLI group compared with the control group (33.3 and 10.2%, P = 0.01).
Embryo transfer practices and multiple births resulting from assisted reproductive technology: an opportunity for prevention [2015]
6113
A substantial reduction of ART-related multiple (both twin and triplet or higher order) births in the United States could be achieved by single blastocyst transfers among favorable and average prognosis patients less than 35 years of age and donor-oocyte recipients.
Trends in perinatal health after assisted reproduction: a Nordic study from the CoNARTaS group [2015]
6095
It is assuring that data from four countries confirm an overall improvement over time in the perinatal outcomes of children conceived after ART. Furthermore, data show the beneficial effect of single embryo transfer, not only in regard to lowering the rate of multiples but also concerning the health of singletons.
Effects of dietary interventions on neonatal and infant outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2014]
6036
All dietary interventions and those focused on macronutrient intake also increased birth weight (P < 0.01) and length (P < 0.05) and reduced the incidence of low birth weight (P < 0.01). Dietary interventions in low-income countries and underweight or nutritionally at-risk populations increased birth weight (P < 0.05) and reduced the incidence of low birth weight (P = 0.01). No effects were seen for the following other outcomes: placental weight,
Interpretation - We describe the first livebirth after uterus transplantation. This report is a proof-of-concept for uterus transplantation as a treatment for uterine factor infertility. Furthermore, the results show the feasibility of live uterus donation, even from a postmenopausal donor.
World's first child born after uterus transplantation [2014]
6027
Seven Swedish women have had embryos reintroduced after receiving wombs from living donors. Now the first transplanted woman has delivered a baby – a healthy and normally developed boy.
Clinical pregnancy after uterus transplantation [2014]
6019
Conclusion(s)
We have presented the first clinical pregnancy in a patient with absolute uterine infertility after uterus allotransplantation. Although the real success is the delivery of a healthy near-term baby, this clinical pregnancy is a great step forward and a proof of concept that the implantation phase works.
Intralipid infusion therapy is a sterile fat emulsion containing soy oil, chicken egg yolk, glycerine and water. The infusion is in liquid form and administered intravenously. It is a non invasive procedure carried out in clinic as part of a treatment cycle.
Intralipid therapy for recurrent implantation failure: new hope or false dawn? [Archive 2011] [2014]
6013
Recent reports of high pregnancy rates achievable in women with RIF have added fuel to the debate regarding the effectiveness of intralipid in modulating the immune system. We would like to assess if there is sufficient current evidence of acceptable quality to permit an assumption that intralipid therapy is an effective treatment for women undergoing repeated assisted reproduction cycles. We have concluded that appropriately controlled, large-sc
Couple who spent £20,000 on IVF finally have a baby thanks to egg yolk and soya treatment. [2014]
6012
A couple who spent £20,000 on fertility treatment finally conceived thanks to a controversial treatment involving egg yolk and soya.
Cathy Garvey and her partner Dan Bowley spent six years trying for a baby. Four rounds of IVF treatment failed, leaving the couple, from Birmingham, heartbroken. But they finally achieved success after trying a new technique being pioneered in Britain.
Climate change is associated with male:female ratios of fetal deaths and newborn infants in Japan [2014]
5992
Conclusion(s): The recent temperature fluctuations in Japan seem to be linked to a lower male:female sex ratio of newborn infants, partly via increased male fetal deaths. Male concepti seem to be especially vulnerable to external stress factors, including climate changes.
Sperm involved in recurrent partial hydatidiform moles cannot induce the normal pattern of calcium oscillations [2014]
5920
Sperm that previously provoked recurrent partial hydatidiform mole pregnancies due to dispermic fertilization is not able to activate human oocytes or trigger the normal pattern of Ca2+ oscillations in mouse and human oocytes in vitro.
Ca oscillations/hydatidiform moles/phospholipase C zeta /PLC/
Linked Activities:
Multicentre study of the clinical relevance of screening IVF patients for carrier status of the annexin A5 M2 haplotype [2014]
5883
In 314 patients (157 couples), 44% of couples (one or both partners), 24% of females, 26% of males and 37% of couples with unexplained infertility were M2 carriers. This high incidence has provoked further urgent studies on specific patient populations and on the value of post embryo-transfer therapy.
Genetic screening could reduce recurrent miscarriages [2014]
5882
The presence of a specific genetic variant in the annexin A5 (ANXA5) gene known as the C4/m2 variant or M2 haplotype in either parent has already been implicated in both obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction and death, and in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). It is involved in fetal-induced disruption of normal blood clotting in the placenta, thought to interfere with normal implantation of the embryo.
Father's ethnic background influences birthweight, study finds [2014]
5875
A father's ethnic background can influence a child's birthweight, a new study has found. Current birthweight curves - graphs used to plot how one baby's weight compares to others of the same age - assume that the parents are of Western European descent. That means many babies of an East Asian or South Asian mother may be classified as underweight, when in fact they are "normal" for their ethnic groups. The new study shows the same is true when th
Maternal tract factors contribute to paternal seminal fluid impact on metabolic phenotype in offspring [2014]
5805
These findings show that paternal seminal fluid composition affects the growth and health of male offspring, and reveal that its impact on the periconception environment involves not only sperm protection but also indirect effects on preimplantation embryos via oviduct expression of embryotrophic cytokines.
Influence of interpregnancy interval on birth timing [2014]
5799
While short IPI is a known risk factor for preterm birth, our data show that inadequate birth spacing is associated with decreased gestational age for all births. Pregnancies following short IPIs have a higher frequency of birth at all weeks of gestation prior to 39 and fewer births ≥::40 weeks, resulting in overall shortened pregnancy duration.
Risk of preterm birth: Short intervals between pregnancies result in decreased pregnancy length [2014]
5798
Women who have short intervals between pregnancies of less than 18 months are more likely to see a decrease in the length of subsequent pregnancies, finds a new study. The study looked at 454,716 live births from women with two or more pregnancies over a six year period. The researchers looked at the influence of inadequate birth spacing on the duration of the subsequent pregnancy.
Seminal fluid and reproduction: much more than previously thought [2014]
5795
It is now reported that an absence of seminal plasma at conception in mice promotes increased fat accumulation, altered metabolism and hypertension in offspring. The evidence reviewed here demonstrates that seminal plasma is not simply a transport medium for sperm, but acts also as a key regulator of the female tract environment providing optimal support for the developing embryo and benefiting future health of offspring.
Children with autism have elevated levels of steroid hormones in the womb [2014]
5789
Scientists have discovered that children who later develop autism are exposed to elevated levels of steroid hormones (for example testosterone, progesterone and cortisol) in the womb. The finding may help explain why autism is more common in males than females, but should not be used to screen for the condition.
Preventing early menopause in breast cancer patients with new drug treatment [2014]
5785
Among young breast cancer patients, one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy is early menopause. But a major study finds the risk of early menopause can be significantly reduced by adding the drug goserelin to the chemotherapy regimen.
Clues to stillbirths may be found in marmoset monkeys [2014]
5783
The marmoset monkey may offer clues to reducing stillbirths in human mothers, according to new research. The marmoset, a squirrel-sized monkey indigenous to South America, reaches sexual maturity by 15 months of age. They have multiple births, usually twins and triplets. Adult females who were born into triplet litters get pregnant just as often as twin females, but they lose three times as many fetuses. Nearly half of the losses occur during lab
Preconception Zinc Deficiency Disrupts Postimplantation Fetal and Placental Development in Mice [2014]
5782
Zinc is an essential nutrient for optimal fertility, but the effects of preconception zinc deficiency on postimplantation development are not known. Collectively, the findings provide evidence for the importance of preconception zinc in promoting optimal fertility and oocyte developmental potential.
Zinc deficiency before conception disrupts fetal development [2014]
5781
Female mice deprived of dietary zinc for a relatively short time before conception experienced fertility and pregnancy problems more than mice that ingested zinc during the same times, according to researchers. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss, and embryos from the zinc-deficient diet group were an average of 38 percent smaller than those from the control group. Preconception zinc deficiency also caused approximately half
Clinical rationale for cryopreservation of entire embryo cohorts in lieu of fresh transfer [2014]
5779
There have been reports of greater implantation and pregnancy rates with FET than with fresh autologous embryo transfer, suggesting superior endometrial receptivity in the absence of ovarian stimulation. As cryo-technology evolves, there is potential for further increase in FET success rates, but for now it may be best to follow an individualized approach, balancing fresh transfer and embryo cohort cryopreservation options while considering patie
A 46-year-old Orlando woman has become the oldest mother in the United Woman sets IVF birth record [2014]
5776
A 46-year-old Orlando woman has become the oldest mother in the United States, and possibly in the world, to give birth to a healthy baby through in-vitro fertilization using her own fresh eggs.{ed unsure of the validity of this claim}
Pregnant women who take antipsychotic medication are at a higher risk of diabetes and their babies are more likely to need special medical attention, a new pilot study suggests
Poor diet before pregnancy linked with preterm birth [2014]
5765
For the first time, researchers have confirmed that women who eat a poor diet before they become pregnant are around 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than those on a healthy diet. The study shows that women who consistently ate a diet high in protein and fruit prior to becoming pregnant were less likely to have a preterm birth, while those who consistently ate high fat and sugar foods, and take-out food were about 50% more likely to have a
Freeze-all is a superior therapy to another fresh cycle in patients with prior fresh blastocyst implantation failure [2014]
5754
Multiple logistic regression indicated freeze-all was associated with greater cumulative live birth rate than was a fresh cycle (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.3, P = 0.0287). These findings suggest that, following implantation failure with fresh blastocysts, patients have a significantly greater chance of live birth with freeze-all and subsequent thaw than with another fresh cycle.
Selection of embryos for transfer in IVF: ranking embryos based on their implantation potential using morphological scoring [2014]
5751
Five factors were included in the final prediction model: early cleavage, number of blastomeres on days 2 and 3 and morphological score and presence of morula on day 3. With validation, the model showed moderate discriminative capacity (c-statistic 0.70) and calibrated well and was able to distinguish embryos with high ongoing implantation potential from embryos with moderate or low ongoing implantation potential. The model can be used by embryol
Quality of additional embryos transferred on pregnancy outcomes in IVF: predictions using a mathematical approach [2014]
5747
Transfer of additional embryos, irrespective of embryo quality, always increased pregnancy rate and MPR. When implantation rate was low, there was a marked increase in pregnancy rate but only a relatively small increase in MPR. In contrast, with higher implantation rates, the increase in pregnancy rate was mainly due to the increase in MPR, with the same singleton pregnancy rate. Transfer of additional embryos, irrespective of embryo quality, fol
On the cost and prevention of iatrogenic multiple pregnancies [2014]
5746
The aim of this study was to determine whether, using real data from a major regional insurance carrier for the interval 2005–2009 covering obstetric costs requiring hospitalization and neonatal costs through the first year, it was possible to show that the cost saved by eliminating iatrogenic multiple births would be adequate to fund a protocol to minimize iatrogenic multiple births. The net savings on an annual basis for the study group of 13,
Chromosome analysis in embryos from young patients with previous parity [2014]
5744
According to the results, informative in 152 couples, the proportion of euploid embryos was significantly lower in 53 nonpregnant women when compared with 99 women with term pregnancy (49% versus 75% respectively, P < 0.001). In addition, in 21 nonpregnant patients, all embryos transferred were found to be chromosomally abnormal. These findings confirmed the limited prediction power of embryo morphology on implantation but also the relevance of c
Heterochromatin variants in human karyotypes: a possible association with reproductive failure [2014]
5743
The heterochromatin variants occurred more frequently in the reproductive failure group than in the controls (P := :0.006). Regarding individual chromosomes, chromosome 9 variants were most frequently found in the study and control groups, and they also occurred more frequently in the reproductive failure group. The most significant difference between the study and control groups was found for the 9qh+ variant (P := :0.026),
Live birth from a 46-year-old using fresh autologous oocytes through in vitro fertilization [2014]
5723
A 46-year-old with antimullerian hormone (AMH) level less than 0.16 conceived through IVF using autologous oocytes. A total of seven oocytes were retrieved, from which four embryos were transferred at the cleavage stage, resulting in a pregnancy and delivery of a healthy male infant weighing 1,580 g at 31 and 3/7 weeks' estimated gestational age.
China's oldest mother: Woman of 64 defies one-child policy with IVF twins to overcome loneliness after her first daughter died
Read more: http://ww [2014]
5717
It's rare enough to fall pregnant aged 64... for it to be twins is even rarer. And in China it is even rarer still to be allowed to keep your twins thanks to a one-child policy that's been in force since the 1970s.
But Sheng Hailin managed to achieve all three when she became China's oldest mother four years ago giving birth to daughters Zhizhi and Huihui aged 60. Sheng and her husband decided that she wanted to become a mother again after her
Randomised clinical trial comparing elective single-embryo transfer followed by single-embryo cryotransfer versus double embryo transfer [2014]
5710
In the intention-to-treat analysis, the cumulative live birth delivery rate in the eSET group was similar to the results obtained for the DET group (45.2% vs. 41.8%: p := :0.60). The rate of multiple gestation was significantly lower in the eSET group than in the DET group (0% vs. 26.4%: p :< :0.05). The findings obtained in the per-protocol analysis were similar to those obtained in the intention-to-treat analysis. The per-pr
The association between embryo quality and perinatal outcome of singletons born after single embryo transfers: a pilot study [2014]
5704
There was a higher clinical pregnancy rate (41.5%) and live birth rate (32.3%) in the good quality embryo transfer group compared with that in the poor quality transfer group (19.2 and 15.5%, respectively: P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the miscarriage rate between the transfers of a single good or poor quality embryo. Multivariable logistic regression analyses for pregnancy complications revealed no increased risk of matern
Individualized embryo transfer training: timing and performance [2014]
5694
Personalized embryo transfer training is feasible and useful, allowing clinics, on one hand, to offer a maximum chances of pregnancy with fully trained personnel, and the other hand, to avoid the superfluous and costly overtraining of already proficient trainees. Furthermore, it is advisable to maintain a short interval of time between consecutive embryo transfer sessions after a trainee has acquired competence, to avoid a significant drop in the
Incidence and zygosity of twin births following transfers using a single fresh or frozen embryo [2014]
5684
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As many as 1 in 5 twins born after SET may be the result of a concurrent natural conception. Couples therefore need to be counselled regarding the relative benefits and risks of intercourse in assisted reproduction technology cycles where spontaneous conception is possible.
zygosity /monozygotic/ single embryo transfe/r IVF/twin/SET
Linked Activities:
Comparative Genomic Hybridization Selection of Blastocysts for Repeated Implantation Failure Treatment: A Pilot Study [2014]
5681
The aim of this study is to determine if the use of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and transfer of a single euploid blastocyst in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) can improve clinical results.- In conclusion, PGS by array CGH with single euploid blastocyst transfer appears to be a successful strategy for patients with multiple failed IVF attempts.
Maternal nutrition at conception modulates DNA methylation of human metastable epialleles [2014]
5680
Our results demonstrate that maternal nutritional status during early pregnancy causes persistent and systemic epigenetic changes at human metastable epialleles.
Mother's diet affects the 'silencing' of her child's genes [2014]
5679
A unique 'experiment of nature' that took place in The Gambia has now revealed that a mother's diet before she conceives has a permanent effect on her offspring's genetics. This is the first time the effect has been seen in humans, and is regarded as a major contribution to the field of 'epigenetics.' [ed do IVF clinics have a duty of care wtr clients diet?]
A population-based cohort study of the effect of Caesarean section on subsequent fertility [2014]
5673
Our results provide strong evidence that there is no or only a slight effect of Caesarean section on future fertility. The clinical and social circumstances leading to the Caesarean section have a greater effect on future fertility than the Caesarean section itself. This finding is important in light of rising Caesarean section rates.
UK study finds Caesareans are 'not a fertility risk' [2014]
5672
Undergoing a Caesarean section is unlikely to cause problems with future fertility, according to researchers. A study of more than one million low-risk first-time mothers in English NHS hospitals has shown the medical and social circumstances behind a decision to operate may be associated with apparent falls in fertility rather than the procedure itself.
Conjugated bisphenol A (BPA) in maternal serum in relation to miscarriage risk [2014]
5659
With the 115 women included in the study, there were 47 live births and 68 clinical miscarriages (46 aneuploid and 22 euploid). Median conjugated BPA concentrations were higher in the women who had miscarriages than in those who had live births (0.101 vs. 0.075 ng/mL). Women with the highest quartile of conjugated BPA had an increased relative risk of miscarriage (1.83: 95% CI, 1.14–2.96) compared with the women in the lowest quartile. We found a
Twin births soar in US due to fertility treatments [2014]
5655
IVF is partly responsible for a million extra twins born in the US between 1981 and 2012, according to calculations by The Atlantic. The natural rate of twin births is about 1 in 50. But around 1980 the rate began to rise. By 2012 one baby in 30 was a twin.
Improved Rodent Maternal Metabolism But Reduced Intrauterine Growth After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy [2014]
5649
The offspring of dams receiving VSG were born smaller and lighter than offspring of control dams that underwent sham surgery - these adult offspring had a greater propensity to develop glucose intolerance and increased adiposity than the offspring of lean mothers or obese mothers who underwent sham surgery - therefore weight loss alone by obese mothers is not sufficient to reverse the deleterious effects of an HFD and obesity on their offspring.
Recurrent miscarriage: do professionals adhere to their guidelines [2014]
5631
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Homocysteine and antiphospholipid antibodies were determined in 39 and 47%, respectively. Thrombophilia screening (54%) and karyotyping (50%) were offered to women regardless of their underlying risk for inherited thrombophilia or chromosome abnormalities. Higher maternal age at the time of presentation and a lower number of preceding miscarriages were improperly used to decide on diagnostic tests and were both
The endometrial receptivity array for diagnosis and personalized embryo transfer as a treatment for patients with repeated implantation failure [2014]
5628
Conclusion(s): There is an increased percentage of WOI displacement in RIF patients compared with comparison group patients, leading to the concept of pET as a therapeutic strategy. Rescue of NR patients by pET in a displaced WOI results in similar PR and IR.
Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on Clinical Outcome of Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer and on Blastocyst Formation [2014]
5625
A total of 1082 FET cycles with cleavage stage embryos (C-FET) (855 from IVF and 227 from ICSI) and 653 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles (B-FET) (525 from IVF and 128 from ICSI) were included. There was no significant change in clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy and miscarriage rates in the group with a SDF >30% compared with the group with a SDF ≤:30% in IVF and ICSI cycles with C-FET or B-FET. Also, there was no significant
SSRI use during pregnancy linked to autism and developmental delays in boys [2014]
5616
In a study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs, researchers found that prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a frequently prescribed treatment for depression, anxiety and other disorders, was associated with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays in boys.[Pre-conception Pregnancy Advice]
Women who gain too much or too little weight during pregnancy at risk for having an overweight child [2014]
5615
Gaining both too much or too little weight during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of having an overweight or obese child, according to a study. In one of the largest studies to examine current Institute of Medicine recommendations regarding pregnancy weight gain in relation to childhood obesity, researchers reviewed the electronic health records of 4,145 racially diverse females who had completed a health survey between 2007 and 2009 and s
A greater number of euploid blastocysts in a given cohort predicts excellent outcomes in single embryo transfer cycles [2014]
5599
Results: In patients with ≤:3 euploid blastocysts, clinical pregnancy rate was higher in double, compared to single embryo transfers. However, in patients with ≥:4 euploid blastocysts, clinical pregnancy rate was not reduced with single embryo transfer was performed, whereas the multiple gestation rate was greatly reduced.- Conclusions: Size of the euploid embryo cohort is a marker for success in single embryo transfer cycles. Patients
The incidence of monozygotic twinning in assisted reproductive technology: Analysis based on results from the 2010 Japanese ART national registry [2014]
5597
Conclusions: Blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased MZT incidence. We have to be aware of the potential risk of MZT caused by blastocyst transfer. However, further studies are required to assess the correlation among specific AH types, embryo culture conditions, and MZT incidence.
The timing of monozygotic twinning: a pro-life challenge to conventional scientific wisdom [2014]
5591
A recent paper in Zygote criticizes the ‘theory of origins’ of the various classes of monozygotic twins originally proposed and developed by Corner. It does so on the basis of recent observations on human IVF embryos. Here, the validity of one of the evidential sources is upheld, but an alternative explanation is proposed that is more plausibly based on evidence than the explanation offered in Zygote.
Type of Conception and Outcomes in Women with Singleton Pregnancy [2014]
5590
After adjusting for differences in maternal characteristics, pregnant women with singleton foetuses, who conceived with assistance, had similar outcomes, except for higher caesarean section rates, as compared to women who conceived naturally.
A comparison of the miscarriage rate between women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing IVF treatment [2014]
5581
PCOS patients who conceived following IVF treatment had higher biochemical loss than women without PCOS, but the clinical miscarriage rate was no different between the two groups.
There was a subtle relationship between the sex of the first and subsequent births and secondary recurrent miscarriage, but not primary recurrent miscarriage.
Associations between insulin resistance, free fatty acids, and oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome during in vitro fertilization [2014]
5577
Our findings clearly demonstrated that PCOS is associated with significantly higher FAI and IR levels and decreased plasma SHBG levels, independent of BMI. Obese PCOS patients had higher palmitoleic acid and oleic acid levels in both the plasma and follicular fluid than did the control subject and nonobese PCOS patients. Our results indicated that developmental competence is associated with oleic and stearic acid concentrations, which may contrib
The danger of ignoring pregnancy and delivery rates in ART [2014]
5569
We are convinced that in rediscovering the importance of quick and safe (in this order) conceptions for infertility patients (Scotland et al., 2007), our European colleagues will quickly close the still widening gap between USA and European pregnancy and delivery rates. Considering that the age of infertility patients in developed countries is steadily increasing, better ART pregnancy rates would appear particularly important.
Women who produce fewer eggs during IVF treatment are more likely to miscarry, research suggests.
Scientists analysed 124,351 IVF pregnancies between 1991 and 2008. About 20% of pregnancies in women who produced fewer than four eggs after the ovarian stimulation phase of IVF ended in miscarriage. The research indicated the quality of the eggs in these cases was poorer - clinicians said this information would help them to counsel patients
Triaging pregnancies of unknown location: the performance of protocols based on single serum progesterone or repeated serum hCG levels [2014]
5559
The results show that serum progesterone is less efficient for triage than serial hCG measurements assessed using the M4 model, the striking difference being serum progesterone places nearly all IUP in the high-risk category. A two-step strategy combining single-visit and two-visit approaches should be investigated.
Half of families seeking IVF in the UAE want twins despite health risk, experts warn [2014]
5552
They say many prospective parents feel twins or triplets were more desirable, that they would complete their family more quickly, or, because of the high cost of fertility treatment, they want multiple births from one cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and so ask for the implantation of several embryos
Birth characteristics in a clinical sample of women seeking infertility treatment: a case–control study [2014]
5537
Conclusions Women born with LBW or SGA seem to suffer an increased risk of infertility due to a female factor. Thus, infants born with birth characteristics that deviate from the norm may be at greater risk of difficulties in childbearing later on in life. Since this study is the first of its kind, more studies are needed to verify the associations found in this study and to determine their nature.
Girls born small or underweight twice as likely to be infertile in adulthood [2014]
5536
Girls born unexpectedly small or underweight seem to be twice as likely to have fertility problems in adulthood as those of normal size at birth, suggests new research. "As medical research and care advances, more infants will be born [with low birthweight or small size] and survive, which in turn might influence future need of infertility treatment," the authors conclude.
Salpingotomy versus salpingectomy in women with tubal pregnancy (ESEP study): an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial [2014]
5534
Interpretation: In women with a tubal pregnancy and a healthy contralateral tube, salpingotomy does not significantly improve fertility prospects compared with salpingectomy.
Effects of assisted reproductive technologies on human sex ratio at birth [2014]
5528
Intrauterine insemination, IVF, and ICSI lead to different sex ratios, highest after IVF (proportion male = mean 0.521 ± confidence interval 0.0056) and lowest under ICSI embryo transfer (0.493 ± 0.0031). In addition, for both ICSI and IVF, transferring embryos at a later stage (blastocyst) results in approximately 6% more males than after early cleavage-stage ET.
Risk of stillbirth and infant deaths after assisted reproductive technology: a Nordic study from the CoNARTaS† group [2014]
5520
The risk of stillbirth in ART versus SC singletons was only increased for very early gestational ages (before 28 weeks). This might indicate that the current clinical management of ART pregnancies is sufficient regarding prevention of stillbirth during the third trimester.
Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and pubertal development among sons [2014]
5514
After excluding sons of underweight mothers in a subanalysis, we observed an inverse trend between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and age at regular shaving, acne and first nocturnal emission. In conclusion, maternal pre-pregnant obesity may be related to earlier timing of pubertal milestones among sons. More research, preferably based on prospectively collected information about pubertal development, is needed to draw firm conclusions.
Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to ADHD in children, researchers say [2014]
5508
[The report] show that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk in children of attention-deficity/hyperactivity disorder and hyperkinetic disorder. The data raises the question of whether the drug should be considered safe for use by pregnant women. [ed part of the pregnancy advice to IVF patients]
The danger of ignoring pregnancy and delivery rates in ART [2014]
5500
Belgium is probably the first country where colleagues and government made, what we consider a Faustian bargain, by mandating single embryo transfer (SET) for large percentages of infertile women undergoing ART in return for government coverage of ART expenses - The effort to present the Belgian experience as a successful example of reducing multiple pregnancies, however, mandates a response.
Neonatal outcomes among singleton births after blastocyst versus cleavage stage embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2014]
5484
Risk of PTB in IVF singleton pregnancies is significantly higher following blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage stage transfer. Risk of congenital anomalies may also be higher but further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to identify reasons for such outcomes.
Leading UK newspapers The Times and Daily Mail have this week both reported on a new IVF treatment breakthrough made by scientists, who have managed to discover the chemical signal which predicts whether an embryo will be accepted by the womb or not. The chemical given off by promising embryos called Trypsin has been proved to be responsible for preparing the womb for implantation, which will help to show Doctors if the womb will reject an embryo
Uterine Selection of Human Embryos at Implantation [2014]
5455
Human embryos frequently harbor large-scale complex chromosomal errors that impede normal development. Affected embryos may fail to implant although many first breach the endometrial epithelium and embed in the decidualizing stroma before being rejected via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here we show that developmentally impaired human embryos elicit an endoplasmic stress response in human decidual cells.
FOXL2 Is a Female Sex-Determining Gene in the Goat [2014]
5440
Our analysis demonstrates that FOXL2 loss of function dissociated from loss of lncRNA expression is sufficient to cause an XX female-to-male sex reversal in the goat model and, as in the mouse model, an agenesis of eyelids. Both developmental defects were reproduced in two newborn animals cloned from the XX FOXL2−:/−: fibroblasts. These results therefore identify FOXL2 as a bona fide female sex-determining gene in the goat. They also hi
Obesity reduces uterine receptivity: clinical experience from 9,587 first cycles of ovum donation with normal weight donors [2014]
4444
Result(s): In vitro fertilization laboratory parameters did not differ according to BMI. However, implantation, pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, twin pregnancy, and live-birth rates were significantly reduced as BMI increased. In the lean, normoweight, overweight, and obese groups, the implantation rate was 40.4%, 39.9%, 38.5%, and 30.9%, clinical pregnancy rate was 56.9%, 55.9%, 54.3%, and 45.3%, and live-birth rate was 38.6%, 37.9%, 34.9%, and 27
Additive effect of factors related to assisted conception on the reduction of maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A concentrations and [2014]
4443
Result(s):NT is unaffected by the mode of conception. Singleton pregnancies achieved by IVF and ICSI with nondonor oocytes have reduced maternal serum PAPP-A and increased FPR, which are significant only in ICSI cycles. Pregnancies from frozen embryos with hormone therapy also show decreased PAPP-A but without affecting the FPR. Elevated maternal serum fβ::hCG levels in oocyte donation do not influence the FPR. Conclusion(s):Among assisted co
Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may increase risk of severe preeclampsia [2014]
4432
Women who are deficient in vitamin D in the first 26 weeks of their pregnancy may be at risk of developing severe preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening disorder diagnosed by an increase in blood pressure and protein in the urine, according to research.
Obesity in Mothers Alters Babies Weight Through Brain Rewiring [2014]
4411
Obese mothers are more likely to have children with metabolic disorders such as diabetes compared with thin mothers, but the underlying molecular and cellular reasons for this effect have been unclear. A study published by Cell Press on January 23rd in the journal Cell reveals that the offspring of mouse mothers on a high-fat diet are predisposed to obesity and diabetes because of abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus - a key brain regio
Fathers' Diet, Bodyweight, Health at Conception May Contribute to Obesity in Offspring [2014]
4398
Research involving rats suggests that there is a biological link between paternal diet, bodyweight and health at the time of conception and the health of his offspring. In a new research report published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists show that if male rats ate a high fat diet, had diabetes and were obese, their offspring had altered gene expression in two important metabolic tissues - -pancreas and fat (even though they were not yet ob
Higher Risk of Birth Problems After Assisted Conception [2014]
4393
A University of Adelaide study has shown that the risk of serious complications such as stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight and neonatal death is around twice as high for babies conceived by assisted reproductive therapies compared with naturally conceived babies
Assisted conception leads to adverse outcomes [2014]
4391
Serious complications are twice as high for babies conceived by assisted reproductive therapies. Almost 40,000 live births occur in the U.S. each year using assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility treatment is associated with increased risk of major birth defects, which varies between in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and is significantly reduced by embryo freezing.
Dr. Michael Davies, MPH, PhD, prof
Perinatal Outcomes by Mode of Assisted Conception and Sub-Fertility in an Australian Data Linkage Cohort [2014]
4390
Births after assisted conception show an extensive range of compromised outcomes that vary by treatment modality, that are substantially reduced after embryo freezing, but which co-occur with an increased risk of macrosomia.
Effect of in vitro culture period on birthweight of singleton newborns [2014]
4381
Our study suggests that a prolonged (5–6 days) in vitro culture period has a significant effect on the mean absolute birthweight and Z scores of singleton newborns. The effect of prolonged in vitro culture on epigenetic changes in the embryo needs further study.-The absolute birthweight for singletons resulting from blastocyst transfer was significantly greater than singletons resulting from Day 3 transfer (3465.31 ± 51.36 versus 3319.82 ± 10.04
Large baby syndrome in singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET): is it due to maternal factors or the cryotechnique? [2014]
4380
Are singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) at increased risk of being born large for gestational age (LGA) and if so, is this caused by intrinsic maternal factors or related to the freezing/thawing procedures? - Hence, the increased risk of LGA in FET singletons cannot solely be explained by being the second born or by intrinsic maternal factors, but may also partly be related to freezing/thawing procedures per se.
Study highlights increased risks of stillbirth from assisted conception methods including IVF [2014]
4377
Babies conceived by assisted reproductive therapies including IVF are almost twice as likely to be stillborn than those who are conceived naturally, an Australian study has found. Researchers at the University of Adelaide's Robinson Institute compared more than 300,000 births in South Australia over 17 years.
'Exceptionally rare' conjoined gray whale calves found in Mexico's Ojo de Liebre lagoon [2014]
4376
Fishermen have found two "exceptionally rare" conjoined gray whale calves in a lagoon in Mexico. The four-metre Siamese whales were dead when they were discovered in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon, which opens into the Pacific Ocean in the Baja California peninsula.
Is Childbirth Over 60 OK? Oldest Woman from Spain Gave Birth to Twins at Age 66, Now a Chinese Woman at 60. [2014]
4374
Women try to do it all - juggle work, motherhood, all while trying to be of sound mind and body throughout the beautifully rewarding - yet sometimes taxing process. While women have proved that this monumental feat is indeed possible, when it comes to trying again later in life, when is a woman too old to bear children? And what should the cutoff age be when receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
60-year-old woman in China gives birth to twin girls [2014]
4373
A woman in China who gave birth to twin girls after an IVF treatment at the age of 60 in 2010 following the death of her only child has commented to the media on the birth. She may be the oldest person in the country to give birth. Fox News reported that because of China`s the birth is extremely unusual in the country because of the country's one child policy. She gave birth after the death of her only child.
Indian Woman Gives Birth to 10 Stillborn Babies [2013]
4346
A 28-year-old woman in Madhya Pradesh has given birth to ten stillborn babies at 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is thought to be the highest number of children conceived from a single pregnancy, ever reported in the Indian medical history. {ed And the rest of the world is arguing over SET or DET!!!)
Effects of embryo culture media do not persist after implantation: a histological study in mice [2013]
4337
Our data suggest that once implantation is achieved, subsequent post-implantation development unfolds normally, resulting in healthy fetuses. With mouse models, we gather information for the safety of human ART culture media. Our mouse study is reassuring for the safety of ART conditions on human embryonic development, given the lack of bold detrimental effects observed in the mouse model.
First pregnancy and live birth resulting from cryopreserved embryos obtained from in vitro matured oocytes after oophorectomy in an ovarian cancer pat [2013]
4335
The immature oocytes recovered after oophorectomy were fertilized after IVM. The embryos obtained were cryopreserved and later transferred to achieve a singleton healthy pregnancy leading to a live birth.
What ‘misguided campaign’ against single embryo transfer? [2013]
4334
A recent manuscript by Stillman et al. (2013) incorrectly accuses us of ‘a misguided campaign against the goal of SET and singleton birth in assisted reproduction (ART)’. They do so citing our repeatedly published opinion in various medical journals (including Human Reproduction: Gleicher and Barad, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2013: Gleicher, 2011, 2013a,b) that the currently almost indiscriminately propagated drive toward single embryo transfer (SET) is m
Mother at 64, woman delivers baby girl after trying for 41 years [2013]
4330
Sixty-four-year-old Sarala Srivastava had been waiting for long - 41 years to be precise - for the miracle. The long wait finally ended last month with Sarala delivering a baby girl, a feat that made her a proud member of a select 60-plus mothers club from across the world.
Single curettage endometrial biopsy injury in the proliferative phase improves reproductive outcome of subsequent in vitro fertilization-embryo transf [2013]
4296
The clinical pregnancy rate (37.5% vs 12.2%), embryo implantation rate (23.6% vs 6.3%), and ongoing pregnancy rate (25.0% vs 8.2%) were significantly higher in the EBI group than in the non-EBI group. No serious complaints and complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Single curettage EBI in the proliferative phase of the preceding cycle significantly improved IVF-ET outcome in infertile patients with repeated EIF
The impact of legally restricted embryo transfer and reimbursement policy on cumulative delivery rate after treatment with assisted reproduction techn [2013]
4291
The CDR within six cycles was 60 and 65.3% for study group and control group, respectively, for all ages, and 65.8 and 70.4%, respectively, in the subgroup younger than 36 years. In women ≥:36 years, CDR within six cycles was comparable in both groups (36–39 years, 43% in study versus 44.4% in control group, P = 0.730: 40–42 years, 21% in study versus 23% in control group, P = 0.786).
Delivery Rates Unaffected by Transferring Fewer Embryos, Reimbursing Six Cycles of Fertility Treatment [2013]
4290
Research from Belgium has shown that if governments legislate to restrict the numbers of embryos transferred during fertility treatment, but combine it with a policy of reimbursing six cycles of assisted reproduction technology (ART), there is no detrimental impact on pregnancy and delivery rates. However, there is a greatly reduced risk of multiple births, which have associated health risks for mother and babies and are an increased cost to the
Multiple births among mothers over 45 years old have increased by 16 per cent in the last year, partly fuelled by the use of IVF treatment by older women.
The rise comes despite official attempts to encourage clinics to reduce the number of embryos they use, to cut the numbers of multiple births, which come with higher health risks for both babies and mothers.
Semen quality and time to pregnancy: the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment Study [2013]
4279
In adjusted models, semen quality parameters were associated with significantly shorter TTP as measured by FORs >1: percent motility, strict and traditional morphology, sperm head width, elongation factor, and acrosome area. Significantly longer TTPs or FORs <1 were observed for morphologic categories amorphous and round sperm heads and neck/midpiece abnormalities.
Time to Pregnancy/TTP/Semen Profile/BMI/Age/Morphology/
Linked Activities:
Interventions to improve reproductive outcomes in women with elevated natural killer cells undergoing assisted reproduction techniques: a systematic r [2013]
4277
This review identified some data showing that adjuvant therapies (mainly IVIg) in this selected population seem to confer some benefit on ART outcome. However, overall, the review does not support the use of prednisolone, IVIg or any other adjuvant treatment in women undergoing ART who are found to have elevated absolute numbers or activity of NK cells, purely due to the paucity of, or poor quality of, the evidence.
Birthweight and placental weight: do changes in culture media used for IVF matter? Comparisons with spontaneous pregnancies in the corresponding time [2013]
4276
We found a significant effect of culture media used for IVF on birthweight and on placental weight in relation to birthweight. Also the population changes over time should encourage identification of factors in very early embryonic life that may influence birthweight and placental weight.
Limits lifted on number of twins and triplets born through IVF [2013]
4268
Limits on the number of twins and triplets that can be born as a result of IVF treatment have been lifted, following warnings from fertility experts that they harmed some women’s chances of becoming pregnant. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) announced that IVF clinics will no longer have to ensure as a condition of their licence that multiple births account for only 10 per cent of their successful cases.
HFEA loses legal battle on enforcement of multiple birth quotas [2013]
4267
The UK's High Court has ruled against the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority saying its actions towards two clinics over a licence condition to impose a maximum multiple birth rate were unlawful. The HFEA has now decided to withdraw the condition from all UK fertility clinics' licences.
A national strategy aimed at reducing the multiple birth rate in the UK came into force in 2009. In 2011, as part of an effort to reinforce the polic
Baby Boys at Higher Risk of Death, Disability in Preterm Births [2013]
4251
Groundbreaking global studies on preterm birth and disability carried out by almost 50 researchers at 35 institutions and launched in association with World Prematurity Day finds baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. These disabilities range from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems, including cerebral palsy.
Time-lapse parameters as predictors of blastocyst development and pregnancy outcome in embryos from good prognosis patients: a prospective cohort stud [2013]
4249
Duration of the first cytokinesis, duration of the 3-cell stage and direct cleavage to 3-cells predicted development to high-quality blastocyst. We found no difference in timing between implanted and non-implanted embryos.
External validation of models and simple scoring systems to predict miscarriage in intrauterine pregnancies of uncertain viability [2013]
4242
Both the model and the scoring system showed excellent performance on external validation confirming their generalizability and utility in prediction of viability beyond the first trimester in clinical practice. An advantage of the mathematical models original Mo and new Mn and scoring systems original SSo and new SSn is that they can provide women with an individualized probability of the viability of their pregnancy using only demographic info
IVF Surprise for Ind. Couple Expecting 2nd Set of Triplets [2013]
4234
An Indiana couple is expecting their second set of triplets – an IVF surprise they're still trying to wrap their heads around because they only had two embryos implanted. Sarah Imbierowicz and her husband Bill have four boys: 3-year-old Will and 15-month-old triplets Tommy, Sammy and Drew. And in two months, the Kokomo, Ind., couple will welcome three girls. [Ed Note: what a good example of recommending SET]
Health outcomes of children born after IVF/ICSI: a review of current expert opinion and literature [2013]
4225
Women undergoing assisted reproduction are often older, increasing the chances of obtaining abnormal gametes that may cause deviations in outcomes between assisted-conception and naturally conceived children. However, after taking into account these factors, it is not clear to what extent poorer outcomes are due to the assisted reproduction procedures themselves. Large-scale, multicentre, prospective epidemiological studies are needed to investig
Single pre-screened embryo transfer offers better neonatal outcomes after IVF [2013]
4222
Study Rundown: In this study, researchers found that IVF with a single, genetically pre-screened embryo resulted in similar delivery rates with fewer multiple births, preterm deliveries, and NICU admissions than with multiple embryo transfer. This study suggests that the addition of comprehensive chromosome screening to single embryo transfer can improve safety outcomes without altering success rates.
Fewer twins and triplets are being born in Australia despite the rising number of total births, prompting links with advancements in assisted fertility. The number of multiple births fell to 4480 nationally in 2012, down by just under two per cent from the year prior, and three per cent from 2010, when 4611 multiple births were recorded. The decline, shown in Australian Bureau of Statistics data released last week, comes despite the total number
NEWSLETTER - INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FERTILITY SOCIETIES AUTUMN 2013 [2013]
4182
Two articles on Human Reproductive Capacity and Environmental Exposures AND Birth Defects in Children Born Following Assisted Reproduction worth reading [ed]
Successful twin delivery following transmyometrial embryo transfer in a patient with a false uterine cavity [2013]
4177
Following a first cycle in which conventional transcervical embryo transfer was performed, a transmyometrial embryo transfer was carried out and the patient became pregnant with twins. In cases where transcervical embryo transfer is very difficult or impossible to perform, the value of transmyometrial transfer is self-evident.
Birthweight and placental weight: do changes in culture media used for IVF matter? Comparisons with spontaneous pregnancies in the corresponding time [2013]
4176
We found a significant effect of culture media used for IVF on birthweight and on placental weight in relation to birthweight. Also the population changes over time should encourage identification of factors in very early embryonic life that may influence birthweight and placental weight.
Womb scratching could improve IVF birth rate [2013]
4164
A procedure that uses a biopsy tool called a pipelle to 'scratch' the endometrial lining has been found to increase the chance of pregnancy and live birth as a result of IVF. Endometrial scratching, or injury, involves inserting a pipelle through the cervix and lightly scraping it against the womb lining. When performed seven to 14 days before reproductive treatment, scientists showed that it increased the odds of an embryo attaching to the linin
A couple who underwent IVF to have a baby is suing a prominent Queensland fertility clinic after the woman gave birth to triplets instead of twins. Fairfax reports the 35-year-old couple is seeking over half a million dollars in damages to cover the costs of raising their unexpected third child. The lawsuit is the second case of its kind in Australia, a similar claim was lodged by lesbian mothers of IVF twins in the ACT in 2005.The Queensland cou
IVF: New Treatment 'Boosts' Live Birth Rate [2013]
4139
Scientists say a technique called "endometrial scratching" can improve the live birth rate for women by around 20%. Scientists in Nottingham and Brazil claim the technique called "endometrial scratching" has improved the live birth rate by around 20%. It involves medically administering damage to the inner lining of the womb. While it is not a new procedure, the study looks into the optimal timing for giving the procedure to a patient, shortly be
Mom's Weight Gain During Pregnancy Tied to Childhood Obesity [2013]
4129
A study of 41,133 mothers and their children in Arkansas has shown that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in those children through age 12. The findings, published Oct. 1 in PLoS Medicine, suggest pregnancy may be an especially important time to prevent obesity in the next generation.
Refuting a misguided campaign against the goal of single-embryo transfer and singleton birth in assisted reproduction [2013]
4124
While a healthy singleton birth is widely considered to be the ideal outcome of such treatment, a vocal minority continues a campaign to advocate the benefits of multiple embryo transfer as treatment and twin pregnancy as outcome for most ART patients.
The triplets who were a 200 million-to-one chance: Couple beat the odds to give birth to identical set of girls [2013]
4099
When Karen Gilbert learned she was pregnant with extremely rare identical triplets, she was stunned and delighted. But, she said, doctors took a different view of her one-in-200million pregnancy and twice gave her an option to terminate it. They feared the three foetuses could take each other’s fluid and space and might not survive.
Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy Following Assisted Conception: A Case Report [2013]
4073
CONCLUSION: This case is an example of a complication of IVF. To the best of our knowledge and following a search of the Medline database, this is the only case of monochorionic twin pregnancy located within the cervical canal.
The 300-year-old fertility statistics still in use today [2013]
4059
Most women over the age of 25 will be familiar with those concerned looks from older relatives followed up by a whispered: "Isn't it about time you started thinking of having a baby?" But what if much of what we have been led to believe about the impact of age on fertility is not true?
'Crucial' new recurrent miscarriage insight [2013]
4058
Fertility scientists say they have made a "crucial breakthrough" in understanding why some women have repeated miscarriages. There has been debate about whether giving steroids would help women who have lost multiple pregnancies.
Oocyte efficiency: does live birth rate differ when analyzing cryopreserved and fresh oocytes on a per-oocyte basis? [2013]
4029
Our data suggest that while assisted reproductive technology remains an inefficient process, OC may be approaching fresh IVF when live birth is the primary consideration. However, OC may negatively impact the potential for blastocyst formation.
Pioneering ovarian tissue graft helps cancer survivor become pregnant [2013]
4024
A woman in Australia has become pregnant with her own eggs following an ovarian tissue transplant seven years after her ovaries were removed during cancer treatment. In a world first, the woman's ovarian tissue, which had been cryopreserved, was grafted onto her abdominal wall where it began to produce eggs. The eggs were then removed, fertilised, and transplanted back into her uterus.
New hope for treating ectopic pregnancies with drugs, not surgery [2013]
4023
Melbourne researchers have found a new way to treat life-threatening ectopic pregnancies, using a cancer treatment rather than surgery. About 5,000 women suffer ectopic pregnancies each year in Australia. In the condition, the embryo attaches inside the fallopian tube instead of the uterus and it can result in fatal internal bleeding.
Upper control limit of reactive oxygen species in follicular fluid beyond which viable embryo formation is not favorable [2013]
4017
The upper cut-off ROS level beyond which viable embryo formation is not favorable was found to be ∼:107 cps/400 μ:l FF. This level, determined in women with tubal factor infertility, was further validated in women with endometriosis and PCOS and correlated with fertilization and pregnancy rate and embryo quality. Summarizing, a threshold level in FF has been established for the first time beyond which ROS may be considered toxic for viab
Maternal Fructose and/or Salt Intake and Reproductive Outcome in the Rat: Effects on Growth, Fertility, Sex Ratio, and Birth Order [2013]
3997
We demonstrate that excess fructose consumption before and during pregnancy led to a marked skew in the secondary sex ratio (proportion males, 0.60: P < 0.006). The effect was not mediated by selective developmental arrest of female embryos, or influenced by fetal position in the uterine horn or sex-specific effects on sperm motility, suggesting a direct effect of glycolysable monosaccharides on the maternal ovary and/or ovulated oocyte.
Medical breakthrough gives cancer survivors hope of pregnancy [2013]
3993
Australian doctors have achieved the world's first pregnancy from ovarian tissue grown outside the pelvis. Melbourne mother-to-be, Vali, 23, is now 25 weeks pregnant with twins, after having both of her ovaries removed when she was being treated for cancer.
In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo–endometrium interactions [2013]
3990
Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem
Preimplantation human blastocysts release factors that differentially alter human endometrial epithelial cell adhesion and gene expression relative to [2013]
3981
Blastocysts that implanted released factors that differentially altered mRNA levels for six genes (>1.5 fold) compared with blastocysts that did not implant. A cohort of genes was validated at the protein level: SPARC and Jagged1 were down-regulated (P < 0.01), while SNAI2 and TGF-B1 were up-regulated (P < 0.05) by implanted compared with non-implanted BCM. Jagged-1 (P < 0.05) and Snai-2 protein (P < 0.01) showed cyclical changes in the endometri
Determining an anti-mullerian hormone cutoff level to predict clinical pregnancy following in vitro fertilization in women with severely diminished ov [2013]
3970
AMH of 0.2 ng/mL appears to be a meaningful threshold for predicting CPR in women with severe DOR at our practice. This information can be crucial during the pre-cycle counseling of these women.
Sex ratios among Canadian liveborn infants of mothers from different countries [2013]
3963
Interpretation: Our study of male:female ratios in Ontario showed that multiparous women born in India were significantly more likely than multiparous women born in Canada to have a male infant.
Gut microbiota of healthy Canadian infants: profiles by mode of delivery and infant diet at 4 months [2013]
3962
Compared with breastfed infants, formula-fed infants had increased richness of species, with overrepresentation of Clostridium difficile. Escherichia–Shigella and Bacteroides species were underrepresented in infants born by cesarean delivery. Infants born by elective cesarean delivery had particularly low bacterial richness and diversity.
The success of assisted reproduction technologies in relation to composition of the total regulatory T cell (Treg) pool and different Treg subsets [2013]
3954
Our findings suggest that Tregs, especially the naïve CD45RA+-Treg subset, may play a role in determining the probability of both becoming pregnant and maintenance of the pregnancy.
Length of human pregnancy and contributors to its natural variation [2013]
3953
Human gestational length varies considerably even when measured exactly (from ovulation). An individual woman's deliveries tend to occur at similar gestational ages. Events in the first 2 weeks after conception are predictive of subsequent pregnancy length, and may suggest pathways underlying the timing of delivery.
Children of Obese Mothers at Greater Risk of Early Heart Death as Adults [2013]
3947
Children of obese and overweight women have a higher risk of early cardiovascular death as adults, finds a new study. The findings highlight the urgent need for strategies to prevent obesity in women of childbearing age and the need to assess the offspring of obese mothers for their cardiovascular risk, say the authors.
Inducing and Augmenting Labor May Be Associated With Increased Risk of Autism [2013]
3943
regnant women whose labors are induced or augmented may have an increased risk of bearing children with autism, especially if the baby is male, according to a large, retrospective analysis by researchers at Duke Medicine and the University of Michigan.
Children of obese mothers 'have higher heart risk' [2013]
3939
Children born to obese and overweight mothers are more likely to die early of heart disease, a study has found. Scottish research showed a 35% higher risk of dying before the age of 55 in adults whose mothers were obese in pregnancy.
Adjunct low-molecular-weight heparin to improve live birth rate after recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2013]
3935
In women with ≥:3 RIF, the use of adjunct LMWH significantly improves LBR by 79% compared with the control group: however, this is to be considered with caution, since the overall number of participants in the studies was small. Further evidence from adequately powered multi-centered RCTs is required prior to recommending LMWH for routine clinical use. This review highlights the need for future basic science and clinical research in this imp
Antioxidants were not found to be effective for increasing rates of live birth or clinical pregnancy. Based on these results, we would expect that out of 100 subfertile women not taking antioxidants, 23 would become pregnant, compared with between 22 and 36 per 100 who would become pregnant if taking antioxidants to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. Antioxidants did not appear to be associated with the adverse events of miscarriage or m
Do Antioxidants Improve a Woman's Chances of Conceiving? [2013]
3927
There is no high quality evidence that antioxidant supplements help to increase a woman's chances of having a baby, according to the results of a new systematic review. The review, published in The Cochrane Library, found women were no more likely to conceive when taking oral antioxidants and that there was limited information about potential harms.
Expert reaction to fertility problems in women and cancer risk in their children [2013]
3925
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that the children of women who experienced fertility problems may have an increased risk of cancer in childhood and young adulthood.
Does culture medium influence offspring birth weight? [2013]
3922
Result(s) In the prospective study, the average z score was −::0.19 ± 0.85 in Cook and 0.08 ± 1.40 in Vitrolife. In the retrospective study, the z scores obtained in each group were as follows: Cook, −::0.14 ± 0.96: MediCult, 0.06 ± 1.13: and Vitrolife, 0.03 ± 1.05. No significant differences were observed regarding the birth weight of children born in the different groups in both studies.
Isolating sperm by selecting those with normal nuclear morphology prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) does not provide better pregnancy r [2013]
3920
Overall the live delivered pregnancy rates were similar in the high vs normal magnification groups (33.3% vs 36.3%). cONCLUSIONS: Isolation of sperm with normal nuclei with high magnification does not offer any advantage over conventional IVF for refractory cases where the male partner has a high DNA fragmentation index. [pubMed Only]
Sperm vacuoles negatively affect outcomes in intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection in terms of pregnancy, implantation, and live-b [2013]
3914
No statistically significant differences were observed between group A and B with regard to “early” assisted reproduction outcomes (fertilization rate and embryo quality). However, the “late” outcomes (pregnancy, implantation, and live-birth rates) were statistically significantly higher in group A.-
These results confirm a correlation between sperm vacuoles and a negative IMSI outcome, suggesting that sperm vacuoles are related to the late pate
To Transfer or Not to Transfer: The Case of Comprehensive Chromosome Screening of the In Vitro Embryo [2013]
3910
The screening of in vitro embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidies) has as a primary aim to help patients achieve a successful pregnancy. Most IVF centers will not transfer aneuploid embryos, as they have an enhanced risk of leading to implantation failure and miscarriage. However, some aneuploidies, such as trisomy-21, can lead to viable pregnancies and to children with a variable
It was an innocent question posed by my 4-year-old daughter, and it wasn’t until later that I realized I had inadvertently lied to her. I did, in fact, choose whether or not to have twins — it was one of several decisions my husband and I faced over the course of in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
IVF outcomes in obese donor oocyte recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2013]
3901
These data suggest obesity does not affect IVF outcomes in women using donor oocytes. Oocyte quality rather than endometrial receptivity may be the overriding factor influencing IVF outcomes in obese women using autologous oocytes.
Obesity doesn't reduce chance of getting pregnant with donor eggs [2013]
3900
In this analysis, obesity (defined as a BMI over 30) was not associated with a difference in pregnancy rates when compared with pregnancy rates in women with a normal BMI. The data from this study also indicates that obesity was not associated with differences in the rates of miscarriage or live birth among obese women who used donor eggs, when compared with women of normal weight. However, live births and miscarriages were not reported in all of
Number of embryos for transfer in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) Updated [2013]
3896
We found high quality evidence that the chances of live birth were higher after one cycle of fresh double embryo transfer than after one cycle of fresh single embryo transfer. For a woman with a 40% chance of live birth following a single cycle of double embryo transfer, the chance following a single cycle of single embryo transfer was between 22% and 30%. However, the risk of twins was about seven times higher after double embryo transfer.
An analysis of the impact of embryo transfer difficulty on live birth rates, using a standardised grading system. [2013]
3864
Conclusion: This study, which we believe to be the largest report using a standardised system for grading the difficulty of ET, demonstrates that difficult ETs are associated with lower live birth rates but not higher rates of ectopic or miscarriage. While the presence of blood may be an indicative of a relatively more traumatic and difficult transfer, it does not necessarily lead to a lower birth rate.
Macrophages regulate corpus luteum development during embryo implantation in mice [2013]
3831
These data indicate a critical role for macrophages in supporting the extensive vascular network required for corpus luteum integrity and production of progesterone essential for establishing pregnancy. Our findings raise the prospect that disruption of macrophage-endothelial cell interactions underpinning corpus luteum development contributes to infertility in women in whom luteal insufficiency is implicated.
Immune Cells Essential to Establishing Pregnancy [2013]
3830
New research from the University of Adelaide shows for the first time that immune cells known as macrophages are critical to fertility by creating a healthy hormone environment in the uterus.
Women Working Shifts Are at Greater Risk of Miscarriage, Menstrual Disruption and Subfertility [2013]
3829
Shift work, which encourages sleep deprivation and patterns of activity outside the circadian rhythm, has been associated with a greater risk of ill health and loss of well-being in some (but not all) studies. However, little is known about the effects of shift work on reproductive health and fertility.
Why Some Women Don't Have Enough Breastmilk for Baby: Important Role of Insulin in Making Breast Milk Identified [2013]
3827
Why do so many mothers have difficulty making enough milk to breastfeed? A new study by scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of California Davis adds to their previous research implicating insulin's role in lactation success.
Baby born using new IVF screening technique [2013]
3824
A baby has been born in the US using a new method for screening embryos during IVF which could dramatically reduce costs, researchers report. Connor Levy was born in May after the test, devised at Oxford University, helped doctors pick an embryo with the best chance of success.
Autism and Mental Retardation Among Offspring Born After In Vitro Fertilization [2013]
3822
Compared with spontaneous conception, IVF treatment overall was not associated with autistic disorder but was associated with a small but statistically significantly increased risk of mental retardation. For specific procedures, IVF with ICSI for paternal infertility was associated with a small increase in the RR for autistic disorder and mental retardation compared with IVF without ICSI. The prevalence of these disorders was low, and the increa
The most promising strategy at present is the combined evaluation of morphology and developmental kinetics using time-lapse imaging. This has brought new insights into certain characteristics that enable de-selection of embryos at an early stage of their development and to identify others with high potential for successful implantation. However there is still considerable room for improvement. Further strategies will most likely involve the combi
On November 19th 2012, the Academy of Medical Sciences and ScienceLondon joined forces to present the Great Mitochondria Transfer Debate, a public discussion on the science and ethics of mitochondria transfer.
Britain could create first 'three-parent baby' through IVF [2013]
3812
Britain will become the first country in the world to create babies with the DNA of three people under government plans which could see the procedure offered on the NHS by next year. Parents at high risk of having children with severe disabilities such as muscular dystrophy will be offered the controversial new IVF treatment after it was given the green light by ministers today.
Mother of triplets died eight days after their birth [2013]
3811
After giving birth to triplets, an apparently healthy Isabel Mason joked with hospital staff about having to buy a bigger car to fit them all in.Minutes later the 34-year-old mother had died of an undetected heart condition. Mrs Mason, who had undergone IVF treatment, had enjoyed just over a week with her babies before what a coroner called the “tragedy” that took her from her new family
Among 20 HMs, 3 showed the genotype PPPM: one with the sex chromosomes XXYY and two with XXXY, indicating that they originated in tetraploid zygotes. In 14 androgenetic, one likely androgenetic and two mosaics, the tetraploid cells likely developed by endoreduplications of diploid cells. One case did not fulfil the histopathological criteria for HM.
Reply: Extended culture and the risk of preterm delivery in singletons: confounding by indication? [2013]
3795
We read the above letter with interest and thank Drs Forman, Werner and Scott for their comments. We naturally agree that the goal of assisted reproduction techniques is a healthy baby, born at term, and that elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is the best way to avoid multiple pregnancy and its associated risk of preterm delivery and other complications.
Extended culture and the risk of preterm delivery in singletons: confounding by indication? [2013]
3794
We read with interest the recent article (Dar et al., 2013) suggesting that singletons born after extended culture may have a higher risk of preterm delivery than those born after Day 3 transfer. While the importance of optimizing embryo culture and improving obstetrical outcomes after in vitro fertilization should not be underestimated, we believe this study suffers from a serious methodological flaw, namely ‘confounding by indication’.
Increased risk of preterm birth in singleton pregnancies after blastocyst versus Day 3 embryo transfer: Canadian ART Register (CARTR) analysis [2013]
3793
Preterm birth rate <37 weeks (unadjusted by potential confounding factors) was higher with Day 5/6 versus Day 3 transfers (17.2 versus 14.1%, P < 0.001). Using logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors, preterm birth rate <37 weeks was the only outcome significantly increased after Day 5/6 compared with Day 3 transfer (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.49).
Fertility after ectopic pregnancy: first randomised trial finds reassuring evidence on the effect of different treatments [2013]
2794
The first randomised trial to compare treatments for ectopic pregnancies has found no significant differences in subsequent fertility between medical treatment and conservative surgery on one hand, and conservative or radical surgery on the other.
Maternal Obesity and Risk of Preterm Delivery [2013]
2785
In Sweden, maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy were associated with increased risks of preterm delivery, especially extremely preterm delivery. These associations should be assessed in other populations.
Overweight Women Risk Delivering Baby Early [2013]
2781
The risk of preterm delivery increased significantly in women who were overweight or obese at conception, a large retrospective cohort study showed. Obese and severely obese women had a two to three times greater risk of extreme preterm delivery (at 22 to 27 weeks of gestation) as compared with normal-weight women.
Thinking about kids? Men need to shed the kilos [2013]
2754
Reproductive experts from the University of Melbourne’s Department of Zoology have discovered that a father’s obesity negatively impacts sperm, resulting in smaller fetuses, poor pregnancy success and reduced placental development.
Extended culture of vitrified–warmed embryos in day-3 embryo transfer cycles: a randomized controlled pilot study [2013]
2739
The spontaneous reduction rate was lower in the extended culture group (10.04% versus 20.80%: P=0.032) In conclusion, extended culture of day-3 cleavage embryos for 16h would not influence the pregnancy outcome of day-3 cryopreserved embryo transfer cycles.
Anti-Müllerian hormone as an independent predictor of twin versus singleton pregnancy in fresh cycles [2013]
2738
In summary, random serum AMH is an independent predictor of twin gestation when more than one embryo is transferred in women aged 34. Considering a woman’s AMH before transferring more than one embryo may assist in reducing the incidence of twins.
Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked to Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes [2013]
2726
There is a link between vitamin D insufficiency and adverse health outcomes such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in mothers-to-be and low birth weight in newborns, suggests a new article.
Fertility after ectopic pregnancy: the DEMETER randomized trial [2013]
2715
cumulative fertility curves were not significantly different between medical treatment and conservative surgery. Cumulative fertility curves were not significantly different between conservative and radical surgery.
Fertility After Ectopic Pregnancy: First Randomised Trial Finds Reassuring Evidence On the Effect of Different Treatments [2013]
2714
The first randomised trial to compare treatments for ectopic pregnancies has found no significant differences in subsequent fertility between medical treatment and conservative surgery on one hand, and conservative or radical surgery on the other.
Cancer Doesn't Change Young Girls' Desire to Have Children, Study Shows [2013]
2706
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues have found that healthy adolescent females have predetermined expectations for becoming parents in the future, but have concerns about fertility and childbearing should they develop a life-threatening illness, such as cancer.
A new University of Iowa study confirms what many women have long suspected - that pregnancy permanently changes the size and shape of a woman's feet.Flat feet are a common problem for pregnant women. The arch of the foot flattens out, possibly due to the extra weight and increased looseness (laxity) of the joints associated with pregnancy. The new study, published in the March issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,
Caloric Restriction, Exercise Help Prevent Weight Gain, Other Complications in Obese Women [2013]
2685
Researchers will report findings that suggest that consistent physical activity and healthier lifestyle changes beginning in a woman's first trimester can prevent excessive weight gain in obese pregnant women (with a Body Mass Index greater than 30), helping to avoid preterm delivery, hypertension and gestational diabetes.
Better Outcome for Frozen Embryo Replacement Vs IVF [2013]
2684
In a study to be presented on February 14 at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting ™, in San Francisco, California, researchers will present findings showing perinatal outcomes of frozen/thawed embryo replacement (FER) have better outcomes compared to fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF), but worse outcomes compared to the non-IVF general population.
Do assisted-reproduction twin pregnancies require additional antenatal care? [2013]
2682
Overall, our review indicates that some antenatal complications are more frequent in assisted-conception twin pregnancies than in spontaneous twin pregnancies but their prevalence is low and thus their impact on the morbidity and mortality of an individual assisted-conception twin pregnancy is limited. Assisted reproduction treatment has become available to older women with pre-existing maternal medical conditions such as chronic hypertension an
Rapid policy change to single-embryo transfer while maintaining pregnancy rates per initiated cycle [2013]
2681
Public financing of IVF aims at increasing access to treatment while decreasing the expenses associated with multiple pregnancies. Critics argue that it is associated with lower pregnancy rates. This study compared cycles performed during 2009 (before implementation of Quebec’s public IVF programme: period I) to those performed in the year following implementation (period II) in a single IVF centre
'Induce older mums early to cut stillbirth risk' [2013]
2673
Pregnant women aged over 40 should be given the option of being induced early to reduce the risks of losing their baby, says a Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists paper. Inducing these women at 39 weeks instead of the normal 41 could prevent 17 stillbirths in the UK each year, the authors said.
Prenatal Inflammation Linked to Autism Risk [2013]
2665
Maternal inflammation during early pregnancy may be related to an increased risk of autism in children, according to new findings supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers found this in children of mothers with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-established marker of systemic inflammation.
Comparison of Naturally Conceived and IVF-DZ Twins in the Netherlands Twin Registry: A Developmental Study [2013]
2660
Results showed no differences in growth, in attainment of motor milestones, and in behavioral development between IVF and matched NC twins. It can be concluded that for nearly all aspects, development in IVF and NC children is similar.
Women Should Wait at Least 12 Months Before Trying for a Baby Following Weight Loss Surgery, Experts Say
[2013]
2640
Women should wait at least 12 months before trying for a baby following weight loss surgery and need further advice and information on reproductive issues, suggests a new evidence-based literature review published January 11 in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (TOG).
Delay pregnancy after obesity surgery, women warned [2013]
2639
Women who have had weight loss surgery should wait at least a year before trying for a baby, experts have warned. Having a baby after surgery is safer and associated with fewer complications than becoming pregnant when morbidly obese, say doctors.
Obese Moms Risk Having Babies With Low Vitamin D, Study Finds [2013]
2638
Women who are obese at the start of their pregnancy may be passing on insufficient levels of vitamin D to their babies, according to a new Northwestern Medicine® study. The study found that babies born to lean mothers had a third higher amount of vitamin D compared to babies born to obese moms.
Disordered IL-33/ST2 Activation in Decidualizing Stromal Cells Prolongs Uterine Receptivity in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss [2013]
2630
Signals from these cultures prolonged the implantation window but also caused subsequent pregnancy failure in mice. Thus, Il-33/ST2 activation in HESCS drives an autoinflammatory response that controls the temporal expression of receptivity genes. Failure to constrain this response predisposes to miscarriage by allowing out-of-phase implantation in an unsupportive uterine environment.
Repeated Miscarriage: Scientists Pinpoint Molecular Signals That Make Some Women Prone to Miscarriage [2013]
2629
Scientists have identified molecular signals that control whether embryos are accepted by the womb, and that appear to function abnormally in women who have suffered repeated miscarriages
Overweight Pregnant Women Not Getting Proper Weight-Gain Advice, Study Suggests [2012]
2618
Overweight women are not receiving proper advice on healthy weight gains or appropriate exercise levels during their pregnancies, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.
Genes Linked to Low Birth Weight, Adult Shortness and Later Diabetes Risk [2012]
2604
An international team of genetics researchers has discovered four new gene regions that contribute to low birth weight. Three of those regions influence adult metabolism, and appear to affect longer-term outcomes such as adult height, risk of type 2 diabetes and adult blood pressure.
New loci associated with birth weight identify genetic links between intrauterine growth and adult height and metabolism [2012]
2603
Birth weight within the normal range is associated with a variety of adult-onset diseases, but the mechanisms behind these associations are poorly understood1. Previous genome-wide association studies of birth weight identified a variant in the ADCY5 gene associated both with birth weight and type 2 diabetes and a second variant, near CCNL1, with no obvious link to adult traits2
Genes Link Growth in the Womb With Adult Metabolism and Disease [2012]
2602
Researchers have identified four new genetic regions that influence birth weight, providing further evidence that genes as well as maternal nutrition are important for growth in the womb. Three of the regions are also linked to adult metabolism, helping to explain why smaller babies have higher rates of chronic diseases later in life
Unhealthy Changes in Gut Microbes Benefit Pregnant Women [2012]
2590
In the context of pregnancy, these metabolic changes in the mother are healthy, because they promote energy storage in fat tissue and help support the fetus. Outside of pregnancy, however, these changes can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
High Vitamin D Levels in Pregnancy May Protect Mother More Than Baby Against Multiple Sclerosis [2012]
2589
Pregnant women who have higher levels of vitamin D in their blood may have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) than women with lower levels, while their babies may not see the same protective effect, according to a study published in the November 20, 2012, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Coitus to expedite the onset of labour: a randomised trial [2012]
2586
Objective: To evaluate the effect of suggesting coitus as a safe and effective means to expedite labour on pregnancy duration and requirement for labour induction.Conclusions: Labour onset and labour induction did not differ in the advise-coitus arm.
There is a widespread belief that sex during the later stages of pregnancy can jumpstart labour, but that doesn't appear to be so - at least according to a study from Malaysia.
Drinking one or two glasses of wine a week during pregnancy can have an impact on a child's IQ, a study says. Researchers from Oxford and Bristol universities looked at the IQ scores of 4,000 children as well as recording the alcohol intake of their mothers.
Herbal supplements in pregnancy: unexpected results from a multicentre study [2012]
2556
Almond oil users showed more pre-term birth (29 of 189) than non-users (51 of 511). After adjusting for multiple pregnancies, smoking, advanced age and drug intake, almond oil users maintained an increased risk to give birth <37th week (odds ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–4.08).
X Chromosome Inactivation Is Initiated in Human Preimplantation Embryos [2012]
2532
XIST RNA accumulates at the morula and blastocyst stages and is associated with transcriptional silencing of the XIST-coated chromosomal region. These findings indicate that XCI is initiated in female human preimplantation-stage embryos and suggest that preimplantation dosage compensation is evolutionarily conserved in placental mammals.
AN increasing number of women are having children later in life, with the number of women falling pregnant in their 40s nearly doubling in the past decade.New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Australian women continue to delay motherhood. A record number of 12,805 babies were born to mothers over 40 last year, compared with 7100 in 2001.
In Vitro Fertilization Linked to Increase Risk for Birth Defects [2012]
2523
In vitro fertilization (IVF) may significantly increase the risk of birth defects, particularly those of the eye, heart, reproductive organs and urinary systems, according to new research presented on Oct. 20, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.
Evaluation and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss: a committee opinion [2012]
2519
The majority of miscarriages are sporadic and most result from genetic causes that are greatly influenced by maternal age. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined by two or more failed clinical pregnancies, and up to 50% of cases of RPL will not have a clearly defined aetiology.
Ectopic pregnancy: how the diagnostic and therapeutic management has changed [2012]
2517
Nowadays ectopic pregnancy often can be diagnosed before the woman’s condition has deteriorated, which has altered the former clinical picture of a life-threatening disease into a more benign condition. This review describes the historical developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of ectopic pregnancy leading up to current clinical practice. The first attempts to diagnose ectopic pregnancy originate from the beginning of the 20th
Early pregnancy failure: beware of the pitfalls of modern management [2012]
2516
Over-interpretation of a single ultrasound, misunderstanding of the utility of serial hCG values, and inappropriate use of methotrexate can result in iatrogenic complications. Modern management has successfully improved the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy before rupture: it should now also focus on ensuring that an intrauterine pregnancy is not interrupted as a result of diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews some of the pitfalls of the mo
When is a pregnancy nonviable and what criteria should be used to define miscarriage? [2012]
2515
These new criteria state miscarriage be considered only when: an empty gestation sac has an MSD of ≥::25 mm (with no obvious yolk sac), or embryonic crown rump length ≥::7 mm (the latter without evidence of fetal heart activity). If in doubt, repeating scans at an interval is emphasized. It is axiomatic that decisions about embryonic viability must not be open to doubt. So it is surprising how little evidence exists to support previous
Is there a need to definitively diagnose the location of a pregnancy of unknown location? The case for 'no' [2012]
2514
However, the majority of women with a PUL at follow-up will either have an intra-uterine pregnancy or a spontaneously resolving PUL, and therefore represent low-risk PULs. Most of these low-risk PULs do not need intervention and expectant management has been shown to be safe and not associated with adverse outcomes.
Do you need to definitively diagnose the location of a pregnancy of unknown location? The case for “yes” [2012]
2513
We advocate use of uterine curettage in all cases of nonviable PUL because it limits exposure to a chemotherapeutic agent to only those who need it and it allows for the most accurate information for counseling the patient on prognosis of future pregnancies.
What serial hCG can tell you, and cannot tell you, about an early pregnancy [2012]
2512
The serial measurement of serum hCG concentrations is an important clinical tool used to differentiate normal from abnormal pregnancies. At hCG values below which ultrasonography can be diagnostic, the comparison of a patient's hCG dynamics to those of established expected curves of rise or fall can aid the clinician in determining when to follow expectantly and when to intervene. Still, this method has some limitations and should never supersede
Men's Views of Abortion Depend More On Social Class and Circumstances Than On Fixed Beliefs, Interviews Reveal [2012]
2509
A study of unmarried men living with female partners found that most would prefer to have input on decisions about terminating an unexpected pregnancy, and most men said their own views would depend more on personal circumstances than any religious or political stand.
Mom's Immune System Primed and Ready for Second Baby [2012]
2479
Fewer photos aside, sometimes there's an upside to being the second kid: Mom's body may be primed to tolerate you. For many moms, pregnancy gets easier the next time around—and now researchers know part of the reason why. A new study in mice shows that a mother's immune system calls on a special set of cells to protect her growing fetus—and these cells linger long after birth to ease the way for a subsequent pregnancy. The discovery could help re
Giving a whole new meaning to "pregnancy brain," a new study shows that male DNA—likely left over from pregnancy with a male fetus—can persist in a woman's brain throughout her life. Although the biological impact of this foreign DNA is unclear, the study also found that women with more male DNA in their brains were less likely to have suffered from Alzheimer's disease—hinting that the male DNA could help protect the mothers from the disease, the
World's first mother-to-daughter womb transplants [BioNews] [2012]
2456
Two women in Sweden received uterus transplants from their mothers, with hopes it will allow them to conceive children of their own. A team of ten surgeons completed the first mother-to-daughter womb transplants, which each took seven hours, at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
Previous abortion is a positive predictor for ongoing pregnancy in the next cycle in women with repeated IVF failures [2012]
2446
In conclusion, BP and/or SA in a previous cycle appears to be a positive marker for success in subsequent cycles in patients with repeated IVF failures. These results should be further investigated in this challenging group of patients.
