High-quality embryos maintain high pregnancy rates in passive smokers but not in active smokers.

This study assesses the effect of passive and active smoking on pregnancy rates after IVF with transfer of high-quality embryos. In a cohort study, women attending the IVF unit in 2006–2007 with favourable parameters for pregnancy (<38 years; less than three IVF cycles, transfer of two highest-grade embryos) grouped by smoking status were included. The cohort included 237 patients/cycles: 42 smokers, 195 non-smokers.

High-quality embryos retain their implantation capability in overweight women.

To assess the effect of obesity on implantation rate, pregnancy rate and course of pregnancy in young women undergoing IVF in whom only high-quality embryos were transferred, a cohort study included women attending the IVF unit in 2006-2007 with favourable parameters to achieve pregnancy (<38years, fewer than three IVF cycles, transfer of two high-quality embryos), grouped by body mass index (BMI). Of 230 women, 160 had a BMI ⩽25kg/m(2) (mean 21.6±2.

High serum oestradiol concentrations in IVF cycles increase the risk of pregnancy complications related to abnormal placentation.

The study was designed to evaluate the isolated effect of high serum oestradiol concentration on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day in IVF cycles on endometrial receptivity and placentation. A retrospective cohort included all women attending the IVF unit in 2006 and 2007, with the best prognosis to achieve pregnancy: age (<38 years), less than three IVF cycles, transfer of two highest grade embryos and no evidence of factors known to impair implantation or that are associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. The total included 280 patients were categorized into three groups according to their serum oestradiol concentration on HCG day: group 1, oestradiol <5000 pmol/l, group 2, oestradiol in the range 5000-10,000 pmol/l and group 3, oestradiol in the range of 10,000-15,000 pmol/l.

Ovarian stimulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: the role of body mass index.

In an attempt to examine whether body mass index (BMI) may influence IVF outcome in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with either gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist (agonist group) or antagonist (antagonist group), 100 IVF cycles were studied: 35 in the agonist and 65 in the antagonist groups. In both agonist and antagonist groups, patients with BMI < or = 25 kg/m(2) had a significantly higher fertilization rate compared with patients with BMI > 25 kg/m(2) (P < 0.02 and P < 0.

The influence of body mass index on in vitro fertilization outcome.

Objective: To examine whether body mass index (BMI) influences the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: We studied 516 IVF cycles, 438 undergone by nonobese (BMI < or = 30) and 78 by obese (BMI > 30) women who all had an a priori favorable prognosis (age < 40 years and first, second, or third IVF cycle).

Results: Pregnancy was achieved in 122 (27.

Repeated in vitro fertilization cycle attempts in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists.

To examine pregnancy rate in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with use of multidose GnRH antagonists in multiple repeated IVF cycle attempts, we conducted a survey in 785 consecutive IVF cycles in our unit. Although pregnancy rate significantly decreased beyond the second IVF cycle attempt, no significant decrease was noted between cycle attempts 3 and 4 and 5 to 8.

Follitropin-alpha (Gonal-F) versus follitropin-beta (Puregon) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization: is there any difference?

In an attempt to examine and compare the effect of the two commercially available recombinant FSH on ovarian stimulation characteristics and IVF cycle outcome, we studied 264 IVF cycles in patients with a favorable prognosis a priori, 198 in patients using follitropin-alpha, and 68 in patients using follitropin-beta. Although both groups achieved a comparable number of retrieved oocytes, the use of follitropin-beta was associated with a tendency toward a lower clinical pregnancy rate (PR), and with significantly higher E(2) levels despite the use of significantly lower total gonadotropin dose.

What is the preferred GnRH analogue for polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization?

In an attempt to evaluate the influence of the GnRH analogue used during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the outcome of IVF cycles of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, we studied 152 IVF cycles. The PCOS patients undergoing COH using the GnRH agonist protocol (n = 50) showed a significantly higher pregnancy rate (36% vs. 19.

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: does prolonged stimulation justify cancellation of in vitro fertilization cycles?

Background: In daily practice, assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles are often cancelled under the assumption that a prolonged stimulation period lowers the likelihood of an appropriate ovarian response. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a prolonged cycle has an adverse effect on achievement of pregnancy.

Methods: The study sample included consecutive women enrolled in our ART unit between 1999 and 2001 who were treated with the mid-luteal long suppressive gonadotropin-releasing hormone protocol.

Serum androgen levels in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization cycles.

Aim: To investigate androgen behavior during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Design: A prospective, observational study.

Setting: An IVF unit of an academic medical center.

Does intravaginal probiotic supplementation increase the pregnancy rate in IVF-embryo transfer cycles?

This study investigated the effect of intravaginal administration of probiotics immediately after oocyte retrieval on vaginal colonization and outcome of the IVF-embryo transfer cycle. One hundred and seventeen women who underwent ovarian stimulation and IVF were randomized immediately after oocyte retrieval into two groups: those who received intravaginal probiotics (study group, n = 50) and those who did not (control group, n = 67). Vaginal colonization with lactobacilli and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups.

Immediate ambulation after embryo transfer: a prospective study.

Objective: To assess whether bed rest following the embryo transfer (ET) procedure contributes to the implantation process and pregnancy rate.

Design: A prospective (patient-influenced) study.

Setting: An in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of an academic medical center.

Significance of increased endometrial thickness in assisted reproduction technology treatments.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between thick endometrium and both implantation and pregnancy rates in ART treatments.

Methods: The study group was composed of consecutive women undergoing ultrasonographic evaluation on the day of hCG administration in our ART unit. Endometrial thickness was measured at the thickest part of the midsagittal plane.

Serum P-selectin level during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation--a preliminary report.

Objective: To measure levels of serum P-selectin in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles and to determine their possible correlation to COH variables.

Setting: Large university-based infertility and in vitro fertilization unit.

Patients: Fourteen consecutive patients undergoing our routine COH protocol for unexplained infertility.

C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF cycle.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine serum and follicular fluid C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF-embryo transfer cycle, and their possible correlation to COH variables.

Patients And Methods: The subjects were 16 consecutive patients undergoing our routine IVF long GnRH agonist protocol. Blood was drawn three times during the COH cycle: (i) the day on which adequate suppression was obtained (Day-S); (ii) the day of, or prior to HCG administration (Day-HCG); and (iii) the day of (and before) oocyte pick-up (Day-OPU).

Comparison of leuprolide acetate and triptorelin in assisted reproductive technology cycles: a prospective, randomized study.

Objective: To compare the use of two depot GnRH-a, leuprolide and triptorelin, in long-suppression GnRH-a protocols.

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Setting: An IVF unit of an academic medical center.