Effect of randomized serum progesterone concentration on secretory endometrial histologic development and gene expression.

Study Question: What doses of secretory phase progesterone (P) in women are associated with altered endometrial structure and/or function?

Summary Answer: Consistently delayed histological maturation was seen at the lowest tested daily P dose (2.5 mg), whereas consistently altered functional response, as reflected by microarray analysis of gene expression was seen at both the 5 and 2.5 mg doses.

Fertility preservation consultation for women with cancer: are we helping patients make high-quality decisions?

To investigate the efficacy of the current fertility preservation consultation process in patients' decision-making and socio-demographic and cognitive factors that may affect patients' decision-making, a prospective pilot survey was conducted at university-based IVF centres and included women aged 18-43 years seen for fertility preservation between April 2009 and December 2010. Patients' views on consultation and decision-making about fertility preservation were measured. Among 52 women who completed the survey, more than half (52%) requested their consultation.

Robotic resection of adnexal masses during pregnancy.

Objective: To characterize the safety and feasibility of robotic adnexal surgery during pregnancy, and to compare surgical and obstetric outcomes for robotic versus laparoscopic treatment of adnexal masses during pregnancy.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study of all cases of robotic resection of adnexal masses in gravid patients performed at our institution between 2006 and 2009 compared with 50 consecutive historic laparoscopic controls performed between 1999 and 2007.

Results: During the study period, 19 parturients underwent planned robotic resection of adnexal masses, all of which were uncomplicated.

The current fertility preservation consultation model: are we adequately informing cancer patients of their options?

Background: There is very limited information about the amount of information that cancer patients retain after a fertility preservation (FP) consultation (FPC). Our objective was to assess patients' knowledge following FPC and to examine predictors of increased knowledge.

Methods: We conducted a multi-center, cross-sectional, web-based survey at academic IVF centers, including women aged 18-43 years seen for comprehensive FPC between April 2009 and December 2010.

Trends of socioeconomic disparities in referral patterns for fertility preservation consultation.

Background: While oncologists are aware that cancer treatments may impact fertility, referral rates for fertility preservation consultation (FPC) remain poor. The goal of this study was to identify predictors associated with FPC referral.

Methods: This is a retrospective, cohort study of women aged 18-42 years diagnosed with a new breast, gynecologic, hematologic or gastrointestinal cancer at our institution between January 2008 and May 2010.

Periconceptional changes in thyroid function: a longitudinal study.

Background: Limitations in our current knowledge of normative physiologic changes in thyroid function during the periconception window narrow our ability to establish an optimal approach to screening and diagnosis of thyroid disease in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in thyroid function during the transition from the pre-pregnant to pregnant state in normal fertile women.

Methods: Women (N = 60) ages 30-42 years without a history of thyroid disease, who were planning pregnancy, were observed prospectively before and during early pregnancy.

Management of a persistent adnexal mass in pregnancy: what is the ideal surgical approach?

Study Objective: To compare short-term and pregnancy-related outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for management of a persistent second-trimester adnexal mass.

Design: Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women at 14 weeks or more of gestation undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for management of an adnexal mass (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting: University hospital.

Fertility preservation: a pilot study to assess previsit patient knowledge quantitatively.

Objective: To provide a quantitative assessment of patient knowledge about fertility and fertility preservation treatment options before the initial fertility preservation consultation at a university-based fertility preservation center.

Design: Prospective pilot survey containing 13 items assessing patient knowledge about fertility preservation, including the available treatment options and their requirements, success rates, and associated risks.

Setting: University-based IVF center.