Changes in the plasma microvesicle proteome during the ovarian hyperstimulation phase of assisted reproductive technology.

The incidence of pulmonary and venous thromboembolism is increased during the first trimester of pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to spontaneous conception. We previously found that haemostatic plasma variables changed but within normal limits during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) concomitant with a major increase in plasma microvesicles (MVs) and markers indicating cell activation. We now explored the proteome of these MVs.

Incidence of pulmonary and venous thromboembolism in pregnancies after in vitro fertilization with fresh respectively frozen-thawed embryo transfer: Nationwide cohort study.

Background: The assisted reproductive technique in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during the first trimester.

Objectives: To compare the incidence of VTE and PE during the first trimester of IVF pregnancies using fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer to that during natural pregnancies.

Patient/methods: Nationwide Swedish registry-based cohort study of women who gave birth (n = 902 891) at the age of 15-50 years to their first child from the 1st of January 1992 until the 31st of December 2012.

Microparticles reveal cell activation during IVF - a possible early marker of a prothrombotic state during the first trimester.

Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are known to be elevated in a number of diseases related to arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as acute myocardial infarction, VTE (deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and peripheral arterial disease. IVF-associated pregnancies have previously been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of VTE, mechanisms behind being unknown and sparsely studied. Our objective was to assess cell activation during IVF through analysis of MP levels and phenotype following ovarian stimulation.