Nitric oxide metabolite production in the human preimplantation embryo and successful blastocyst formation.

Eleven patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation yielding 72 embryos for evaluation. Mean nitric oxide metabolite levels in the insemination media were 2.6 times higher in embryos that progressed to blastocysts by culture day 5 than in those that did not.

Variations in L-selectin ligand expression in the luteal-phase endometrium after final oocyte maturation with human chorionic gonadotropin compared with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

Final oocyte maturation was achieved by using hCG or two doses of leuprolide acetate in 16 oocyte donors after a GnRH antagonist protocol. Administration of hCG was associated with a statistical trend toward increased L-selectin ligand expression in the endometrium on postretrieval day 5, compared with the leuprolide acetate group.

Effect of luteal-phase support on endometrial L-selectin ligand expression after recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and ganirelix acetate for in vitro fertilization.

Context: The impact of different types of luteal phase support on endometrial receptivity after ovarian stimulation has not been investigated.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the impact of different luteal-phase support protocols on sex steroid levels and on endometrial expression of L-selectin ligand after ovarian hyperstimulation with a GnRH antagonist protocol.

Patients And Design: Seventeen oocyte donors who underwent ovarian stimulation with a recombinant FSH/ganirelix acetate protocol were randomized into three groups: group I had no luteal-phase support; group II had luteal support with micronized progesterone; and group III had luteal support with progesterone plus 17beta-estradiol.

Evaluating ventricular function with B-type natriuretic peptide in obstetric patients.

Objective: To determine if a rapid serum assay for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) provides information regarding ventricular function in obstetric patients with acute dyspnea.

Study Design: A review of 17 charts for 15 patients was undertaken. Seven patients had preeclampsia, 3 had preterm labor treated with aggressive tocolysis, and 5 had underlying cardiac and/or pulmonary disease.

Arteriovenous malformation in a bicornuate uterus leading to recurrent severe uterine bleeding: a case report.

Background: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare entities that have been documented in a wide age range. Several treatment modalities have been highlighted in the literature. Uterine artery embolization appears to be effective therapy for select cases.