Reduced Circulating Concentration of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor is Associated with Peri- and Post-implantation Failure following In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer.

Problem: We evaluated associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Method Of Study: Sera obtained on days 24 and 28 of an IVF cycle from women with a live birth, spontaneous abortion, biochemical pregnancy, not pregnant, or an ectopic pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed for BDNF and NT4 by ELISA.

Results: Median BDNF levels were higher in women with a live birth compared to women with an ectopic pregnancy (P < 0.

Elevated serum interleukin-1β levels and interleukin-1β-to-interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ratio 1 week after embryo transfer are associated with ectopic pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) serum levels in the early luteal phase differ in IVF cycles that result in an ectopic pregnancy (EP) when compared with other outcomes.

Design: Retrospective cohort.

Setting: Not applicable.

Liver dysfunction as a predictor of outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure requiring ventricular assist device support: Use of the Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) and MELD eXcluding INR (MELD-XI) scoring system.

Background: Liver dysfunction increases post-surgical morbidity and mortality. The Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) estimates liver function but can be inaccurate in patients receiving oral anti-coagulation. We evaluated the effect of liver dysfunction on outcomes after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation and the dynamic changes in liver dysfunction that occur during VAD support.