Cost Effectiveness Analysis for Induction of Ovulation in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Letrozole...
InfertilityTo evaluate cost effectiveness of Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate (CC) in induction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Using Cumulase for Denudation of Cycles With ≤ 8 Cumulus-oocytes Complexes
InfertilityThe cumulus-corona-oocyte complex (COCs) surrounds each oocyte and must be removed prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This is traditionally achieved with a bovine-derived hyaluronidase followed by mechanical denudation through pipetting. A human recombinant hyaluronidase (Cumulase) has been developed to circumvent the problems and concerns associated with the animal origin and lack of purity of the bovine-derived form of the enzyme. whether cumulase offers a higher chance for success after ICSI for women with 8 COCs or lower remains an open question.
Comparing HEPES-buffered With Bicarbonate-buffered as Handling Media During the ICSI Procedure on...
InfertilityThe pH stability during human gamete handling for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is physiologically sound. As the pH change for bicarbonate-buffered medium, scientists assumed whether the use of HEPES or MOPS buffered medium would provide more stable pH, thereby better outcomes. However, the oil use and time frame outside the incubators have not been accounted for. This study is to evaluate the use of HEPES buffered medium compared with the bicarbonate-buffered medium on ICSI outcomes.
Hyperprolactinaemia Management in Reproductive Services at University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire...
HyperprolactinemiaSubfertility1 moreHyperprolactinaemia and thyroid disorders can significantly reduce fertility by causing ovulatory dysfunction. There is no evidence to suggest treatment of hyperprolactinaemia in the presence of regular ovulatory menstruation will improve fertility. However, anecdotal observation of practice at UHCW NHS Trust suggested that dopamine agonists are often prescribed irrespective of whether symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia are present. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia and incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients undergoing subfertility investigations at UHCW NHS Trust. Also, to examine management of patients with hyperprolactinaemia and a normal pituitary MRI scan, and explore the trends in treatment; and finally, to explore how this could improve reproductive services. 107 patients were identified as having a high prolactin reading between January 2014 and January 2017. Hospital records were examined for patient demographics, relevant blood and scan results, medical history, any treatment, and treatment outcomes. The prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia was 23%. 20.6% of patients had suboptimal thyroid function and were started on levothyroxine. Prolactin levels, and presence of relevant symptoms, only had a partial bearing on whether dopamine agonists were used in those with normal pituitary MRI results (or where no scan was performed). The use of dopamine agonists appeared to correlate with assisted conception and a lower incidence of birth complications (inc. miscarriage, prematurity), though the significance of this was limited by the size of the dataset. Dopamine agonists often appeared to be used in more complex patients, rather than exclusively those with a higher prolactin reading and/or the presence of related symptomatology. Patients frequently underwent a pituitary MRI scan in the absence of symptoms, contrary to evidence. The findings suggest that less patients should be scanned and less treated with dopamine agonists. A health economics evaluation study would be useful to elucidate the potential cost saving this could represent. It may be better to prioritise optimisation of thyroid function, particularly when noting the similarities in the prevalence of suboptimal thyroid function and that of hyperprolactinaemia.
Infections and Unexplained Infertility
InfertilityFemaleBackground: In women, unexplained infertility has been associated with a range of cellular and molecular defects in the endometrium, adverse immune responses and immunological factors. Natural killer (NK) cells are included as they constitute the most abundant leukocyte population in the decidua. While decidua NK cells were extensively investigated, the study of endometrial eNK cells still lacks comprehensive researches. The reduction in eNK frequency has been associated with infertility status, in particular in the presence of a concomitant herpesvirus viremia. Since herpesviruses use as immune-escape HLA-G and HLA-E molecules, that are immune-inhibitory and important for a correct placentation, they could represent infertility co-factors. Aims: Since lack of an accurate diagnosis in reproductive medicine leads to treatment failure, this proposal focuses on eNK cell characterization as a diagnostic factor for unexplained women infertility. We will evaluate also co-factors, taking into consideration herpesvirus infection and HLA-G and HLA-E expression. Methods: Peripheral blood and endometrial NK cells will be immune-phenotyped and cell count and activation status (CD107a, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17) will be correlated with infertility condition. The implication of herpesvirus will be evaluated by DNA from peripheral blood and endometrial flushing samples analysis by HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, VZV and HHV-8 specific primers an PCR technique. HLA-G and HLA-E expression will be analyzed in peripheral blood and endometrial environment by flow cytometry and ELISA tests and correlated by NK cell expression of their receptors (KIRs, LILRB1/2, NKG2A). Expected results: On the basis of our preliminary results, we expect to identify NK cells as prognostic marker for primary unexplained infertility, with herpesvirus infection and HLA-G and HLA-E expression as co-factors. These data will be of importance in the management of infertile women.
Assessment of the Therapeutic Utility of r-FSH in Association With hMG-HP
SterilityTo assess the effectiveness of a protocol of ovarian hyperstimulation combining urinary gonadotrophins + recombinant gonadotrophins, to achieve clinical pregnancy in females undergoing IVF. Study hypothesis: to assess the effectiveness of protocols combining urinary gonadotrophins + recombinant gonadotrophins
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Menopur in Intrauterine Insemination
InfertilityThe purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Menopur to achieve clinical pregnancy in females undergoing intrauterine insemination in clinical practice.
Hysteroscopy Before in Vitro Fertilization - Does it Improve the Outcome?
SubfertilityInfertilityBy randomizing sub-fertile women to either control or office-hysteroscopy in the circle prior to IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmatic sperm injection ) treatment, we aim to enlighten whether hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy increases pregnancy rates in the intervention group.
Incidence of Non Receptive Endometrium in Obese Women
InfertilityThis study evaluates the incidence of Non Receptive endometrium in obese infertile women compared to infertile normal weight women using Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA) test, containing 238 genes, identifying the receptivity status of an endometrial sample and diagnosing the patient's Window of Implantation, regardless of the histological appearance of the sample. An endometrial biopsy is collected from the uterine fundus, either in a natural cycle or in a hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) cycle and the test is performed.
Cut-Off Progesterone Values Deleterious for In Vitro Fertilization and Fresh Embryo Transfer
ProgesteroneFertilization in Vitro2 moreAt which deleterious cut off value of progesterone on day of HCG (P-hCG) in our IVF program should fresh embryo transfer (ET) be cancelled?