Study Question: Is the probability of pregnancy different between women using biosimilars versus the originator of follitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in ART?
Summary Answer: Meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggests that live birth, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates are significantly lower with biosimilars of follitropin alfa compared to the originator.
What Is Known Already: All biosimilars of follitropin alfa have received regulatory approval by demonstrating non-inferiority in the number of retrieved oocytes compared to the originator. Nevertheless, the most clinically relevant outcome in ART for both clinicians and patients is live birth.
maturation of oocytes (IVM) represents an assisted reproductive technique that involves the minimal or absence of ovarian stimulation and is beneficial to specific groups of patients. These may include women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and/or patients who need a fertility preservation option before undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. However, when IVM is applied in cases where it is not recommended, it can be considered as an add-on technique, as described by the ESHRE Guideline Group on Female Fertility Preservation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFResearch Question: To evaluate the role of endometrial scratching performed prior to an embryo transfer cycle on the probability of pregnancy compared to placebo/sham or no intervention.
Design: A computerized literature (using a specific search strategy) search was performed across the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE CENTRAL, SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE up to June 2023 in order to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of endometrial scratching prior to an embryo transfer cycle on the probability of pregnancy, expressed either as live birth, ongoing pregnancy or clinical pregnancy (in order of significance) compared to placebo/sham or no intervention. Data were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the presence or not of heterogeneity.
Ectopic pregnancy in a previous caesarean scar is a rare, potentially life-threatening situation that can cause massive bleeding and uterine rupture. Clinical symptoms can range from vaginal bleeding with or without pain, to uterine rupture with hypovolemic shock. Early diagnosis is possible by ultrasound examination, and it is very important because it leads to prompt management, improving maternal morbidity and mortality as well as future fertility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudy Question: Does follicular flushing increase the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved compared to single aspiration?
Summary Answer: Follicular flushing significantly increases the number of COCs retrieved compared to single aspiration.
What Is Known Already: On the basis of published meta-analyses, follicular flushing does not seem to increase the number of oocytes retrieved, the probability of clinical pregnancy, or that of live birth and has been associated with an increase in the duration of oocyte retrieval. It should be noted, however, that all the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in these meta-analyses have randomized patients into either single aspiration or follicular flushing.