Association of Fresh Embryo Transfers Compared With Cryopreserved-Thawed Embryo Transfers With Live Birth Rate Among Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Using Freshly Retrieved Donor Oocytes.

Importance: In in vitro fertilization cycles using autologous oocytes, data have demonstrated higher live birth rates following cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfers compared with fresh embryo transfers. It remains unknown if this association exists in cycles using freshly retrieved donor oocytes.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that in freshly retrieved donor oocyte cycles, a fresh embryo transfer is more likely to result in a live birth compared with a cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer.

Expanding Our Reach: the Value of Massage Therapists in Melanoma Identification.

Massage therapists are uniquely positioned to identify skin cancer. Seminal work in 2013 revealed that 40% of massage therapists do not receive any training in skin cancer identification (Campbell et al. J Cancer Educ 28:158-164, 2013).

Delta-9 THC can be detected and quantified in the semen of men who are chronic users of inhaled cannabis.

Purpose: The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC metabolites (11-OH THC and THC-COOH) can be detected in semen.

Methods: Twelve healthy men aged 18-45 years who identified as chronic and heavy users of inhaled cannabis were recruited. THC and THC metabolite levels were measured in serum, urine, and semen of the participants.

The cost of a euploid embryo identified from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): a counseling tool.

Purpose: To determine the expected out-of-pocket costs of IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) to attain a 50%, 75%, or 90% likelihood of a euploid blastocyst based on individual age and AMH, and develop a personalized counseling tool.

Methods: A cost analysis was performed and a counseling tool was developed using retrospective data from IVF cycles intended for PGT or blastocyst freeze-all between January 1, 2014 and August 31, 2017 (n = 330) and aggregate statistics on euploidy rates of > 149,000 embryos from CooperGenomics. Poisson regression was used to determine the number of biopsiable blastocysts obtained per cycle, based on age and AMH.

Abnormal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trends after transfer of multiple embryos resulting in viable singleton pregnancies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether abnormal hCG trends occur at a higher incidence among women conceiving singleton pregnancies following transfer of multiple (two or more) embryos (MET), as compared to those having a single embryo transfer (SET).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed of women who conceived singleton pregnancies following fresh or frozen autologous IVF/ICSI cycles with day 3 or day 5 embryo transfers between 2007 and 2014 at a single academic medical center. Cycles resulting in one gestational sac on ultrasound followed by singleton live birth beyond 24 weeks of gestation were included.

Factors Associated with the Success of In Vitro Fertilization in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: It is unknown whether certain factors are associated with the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim: This study assessed whether certain characteristics are associated with greater success of live birth following IVF.

Methods: In a cohort study of 8684 women with IBD seen at two tertiary care centers, we identified 121 women with IBD who underwent IVF.

In Vitro Fertilization in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is as Successful as in Women From the General Infertility Population.

Background & Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects women of reproductive age, so there are concerns about its effects on fertility. We investigated the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with IBD compared with the general (non-IBD) IVF population.

Methods: We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study of female patients with IBD who underwent IVF from 1998 through 2011 at 2 tertiary care centers.

In Vitro Fertilization Is Successful in Women With Ulcerative Colitis and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis.

Background: Women with ulcerative colitis (UC), who require ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), have up to a threefold increased incidence of infertility. To better counsel patients who require colectomy, we examined the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) among women who have undergone IPAA.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Secondary infertility and retained fetal bone fragments.

Background: Retained fetal bone fragments may be an underreported and underappreciated cause of secondary infertility among women with an antecedent spontaneous or induced abortion.

Cases: Three patients with a history of an antecedent induced abortion presented with secondary infertility. The infertility evaluation diagnosed retained intrauterine fetal bone fragments.

The association between severe obesity and characteristics of failed fertilized oocytes.

Study Question: Is the cytoskeletal and chromosomal organization of failed fertilized oocytes from severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) altered compared with that in patients with normal BMI (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²)?

Summary Answer: Compared with normal BMI patients, severe obesity was associated with a greater prevalence of spindle anomalies and non-aligned chromosomes in failed fertilized oocytes.

Cellular and genetic analysis of oocytes and embryos in a human case of spontaneous oocyte activation.

Unusual and consistent defects in infertility patients merit attention as these may indicate an underlying genetic abnormality, in turn necessitating tailored management strategies. We describe a case of repeated early pregnancy loss from in vivo conceptions, followed by cancelled embryo transfers after one IVF and one ICSI/PGD cycle. Following the unexpected presence of cleaved embryos at the fertilization check in the first IVF attempt, oocytes and embryos were subsequently analyzed in an ICSI/PGD case.

Diagnosing cellular defects in an unexplained case of total fertilization failure.

Despite the advent of ICSI, cases of total fertilization failure (TFF) often lead to cycle cancellation with limited diagnostic and therapeutic strategies currently available. We report on the case of an infertile couple who failed to conceive after repeated IVF and ICSI. Sperm of the husband were morphologically normal and passed a functional test assessing their ability to activate mouse oocytes.

In vitro fertilization outcomes after transfer of embryos contaminated with yeast.

In this retrospective, matched-paired study, yeast in the embryo culture medium was associated with a trend toward decreased developmental competency that was more pronounced when observed early in culture. Because live births occurred after transfer of embryos in the yeast-contaminated group, we concluded that yeast contamination is not a reason to cancel embryo transfer (ET).

Coasting vs. cryopreservation of all embryos for prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in in vitro fertilization.

In the patient at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, coasting will result in fewer eggs retrieved and embryos produced when compared with cryopreservation of all embryos. However, both strategies are associated with a similar incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, with achievement of comparable cumulative pregnancy rates.

The role of preparatory cycles in ovum donation recipients: a retrospective study.

Purpose: To determine whether preparatory cycles affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in ovum donation.

Methods: Medical records of 98 ovum donation recipients undergoing their first egg donation cycle were analyzed retrospectively. Preparatory cycles were performed in 50 patients with leuprolide acetate, estrogen, and progesterone.

Lesbian motherhood and genetic choices.

Rhonda, a physician, and Clara, a registered nurse, have been lovers for the past 7 years. Both women are in their 30s, in good health, and financially stable. Clara has contacted Dr.