Perinatal outcomes in siblings from different conception methods: in vitro fertilization with autologous oocyte or donor egg vs. unassisted medical conception.

Objective: To study the perinatal outcomes of children born from different conception methods: in vitro fertilization (IVF) with autologous oocytes or IVF with donor egg vs. those conceived without medical assistance by using a sibling analysis.

Design: Retrospective cohort study conducted using electronic medical record data from 2000 through 2018, of a national healthcare organization.

Perinatal Outcomes of Singleton, Twin and Triplet Gestations after Oocyte Donation: A Retrospective, Population-Based Cohort Analysis.

Background/objectives: Although high live birth rates are associated with oocyte donation (OD), these pregnancies are associated with increased obstetric and perinatal risks. This study evaluated maternal and neonatal risks after OD compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) with autologous oocytes, and to spontaneous pregnancies (SPs), among singletons, twins and triplets.

Methods: A retrospective, large, population-based cohort study was conducted based on electronic data from Maccabi Healthcare Services.

Obstetric and maternal outcomes of IVF and oocyte donation pregnancies among women ages 40-45-a large cohort study.

Purpose: To analyze the perinatal and maternal outcomes of women ranging in age from 40 to 45 years who gave birth after in vitro fertilization or oocyte donation, compared to spontaneous conception.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic data from a national healthcare service from 2000 through 2019. Three groups were compared: spontaneous pregnancy (SC), in vitro fertilization (IVF) utilizing autologous oocytes, and pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation (OD).

GnRH agonist-triggering ovulation in women with advanced age.

This study evaluates the effect of GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger for ovulation induction among women with advanced maternal age (AMA). This is a retrospective study performed at a single assisted reproductive technology centre, 2012 to 2020. A total of 306 patients with 515 IVF cycles who were triggered with GnRHa for Ovum Pick Up (OPU), were divided into two groups according to maternal age: age ≥ 40 and age < 40.

Thawing day 3 embryos and culturing to day 5 may be a better method for frozen embryo transfer.

Purpose: Does thawing cleavage embryos and culturing them for transfer as blastocysts improve pregnancy and perinatal outcomes compared to transferring thawed blastocysts?

Methods: Retrospective, observational cohort study performed at two assisted reproductive technology centers, 2014 to 2020. A total of 450 patients with 463 thawed embryo transfer cycles were divided into 2 groups according to the embryonic developmental stage at cryopreservation and transfer: 231 thawed blastocysts (day 5 group) and 232 thawed cleavage embryos that were cultured for 2 days and transferred as blastocysts (day 3-5 group). The two groups were compared for demographics, routine parameters of IVF treatment, pregnancy rates, and perinatal outcomes.

Repeated GnRH agonist doses for luteal support: a proof of concept.

Research Question: What are the safety and feasibility of repeated subcutaneous doses of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for luteal support in IVF cycles triggered by a GnRH agonist?

Design: In this prospective trial, patients exhibiting oestradiol concentrations of over 2500 pg/ml after use of a GnRH agonist for triggering ovulation were initially randomized to GnRH agonist luteal support (0.1 mg subcutaneously every other day, starting on day 3 after embryo transfer) or to a control group supported by 80 µg of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on day 3 after embryo transfer. All patients underwent a day 5 blastocyst transfer.

Physicians' lack of knowledge - a possible reason for red blood cell transfusion overuse?

Background: A significant percentage of red blood cell transfusions are inappropriately overused. This study investigated physicians from the western Galilee in terms of their knowledge of transfusion medicine as a potential reason for red blood cell overuse, and assessed the influence of personal background characteristics on their knowledge.

Methods: Data were collected via anonymous questionnaires.

Number of Oocytes Retrieved as a Criterion for "Freeze-All" Strategy versus a Single "Rescue" Bolus of Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Following GnRH Agonist for Ovulation Triggering: A Pilot Study.

Aim: To evaluate the number of oocytes retrieved as a criterion - when to use a "freeze-all" or low-dose "rescue human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)" strategy.

Methods: A retrospective study. Instead of the classic hCG trigger, an E2 level of ≥3,000 pg/mL was used to trigger ovulation with GnRH agonist.