Endometrial Stromal Decidualization Responds Reversibly to Hormone Stimulation and Withdrawal.

Human endometrial stromal decidualization is required for embryo receptivity, angiogenesis, and placentation. Previous studies from our laboratories established that connexin (Cx)-43 critically regulates endometrial stromal cell (ESC) differentiation, whereas gap junction blockade prevents it. The current study evaluated the plasticity of ESC morphology and Cx43 expression, as well as other biochemical markers of cell differentiation, in response to decidualizing hormones.

Selection of first in vitro fertilization cycle stimulation protocol for good prognosis patients: gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist versus agonist protocols.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare outcome parameters in patients anticipated to have a good response to stimulation based upon baseline characteristics using either a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or antagonist protocol in their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review of all first-time IVF cycles performed during the time period 2005 through 2007 in an academic teaching center. Patients <40 years of age with a normal baseline follicle stimulating hormone (<10 mIU/mL) and normal antral follicle counts (> or = 3 in each ovary) were included.

The first case described: monozygotic twin sisters with the fragile X premutation but with a different phenotype for premature ovarian failure.

Objective: To describe the first case of monozygotic twin sisters with fragile X premutation and discordance for premature ovarian failure (POF).

Design: A descriptive case study.

Setting: Academic center.

Chronic endometritis is a frequent finding in women with recurrent implantation failure after in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To determine the role of endometrial sampling for identification and treatment of chronic endometritis (CE) in patients undergoing IVF-ET who repeatedly failed to conceive despite the transfer of good-quality embryos.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: University-based tertiary fertility center.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: is it time for a new critical value?

Objective: To identify the value for the 1-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) that would maintain 100%, 90% and 75% sensitivity for identifying abnormal 3-hour GTT results in prenatal patients from an East Coast, urban, university hospital setting.

Study Design: Two hundred forty-two women who underwent the 3-hour GTT during pregnancy between January 1, 2004, and February 1, 2005, at a university hospital laboratory and private laboratories were included. The preceding 1-hour GTT results were obtained from these women, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to identify a 1-hour GTT cutoff value that would maintain 100%, 90% and 75% sensitivity.