Thicker endometrial linings are associated with better IVF outcomes: a cohort of 6331 women.

Our objective was to determine if a correlation exists between endometrial thickness measured on the day of ovulation trigger during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and pregnancy outcomes among non-cancelled cycles. We performed a retrospective cohort study looking at 6331 women undergoing their first, fresh autologous IVF cycle from 1 May 2004 to 31 December 2012 at Boston IVF (Waltham, MA). Our primary outcome was the risk ratio (RR) of live birth and positive β-hCG.

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.

Effect of steroid and antibiotic treatment during assisted hatching on IVF outcomes.

There are limited data on the use of steroids and antibiotics in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of these treatments on the outcome of IVF cycles in which Assisted Hatching (AH) was performed. We studied a retrospective cohort in a large university-affiliated infertility centre.

The impact of length of second stage of labor on shoulder dystocia outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of vaginal deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia, according to the length of second stage of labor.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 177 shoulder dystocia cases that were divided into three categories according to second stage duration (1-20, 21-59, 60-180 min, respectively). The three categories were compared in terms of obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcomes.

Management of a cervical heterotopic pregnancy presenting with first-trimester bleeding: case report and review of the literature.

Objective: To report a rare case of a cervical heterotopic pregnancy resulting from intrauterine insemination (IUI) that presented with first-trimester bleeding.

Design: Case report and literature review.

Setting: Large university-affiliated infertility practice.

The effect of body mass index on the outcomes of first assisted reproductive technology cycles.

Objective: To provide assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome rates per body mass index (BMI) category after controlling for potential confounders.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Large university-affiliated infertility practice.

Improved overall delivery documentation following implementation of a standardized shoulder dystocia delivery form.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate whether using a standardized shoulder dystocia delivery form improved documentation. A standardized delivery form was added to our institution's obstetrical record in August 2003.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing 100 vaginal deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia before, and 81 after implementation of the standardized delivery form.

Short-term energy deprivation alters activin a and follistatin but not inhibin B levels of lean healthy women in a leptin-independent manner.

Context: Leptin is a potent modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis mediating the effect of energy deprivation on several hypothalamic-pituitary-peripheral axes. Activin A, inhibin B, and follistatin (FST) also regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in humans. It remains unknown whether energy deprivation affects these hormone levels in a leptin-dependent or -independent manner.

Risk factors associated with retained placenta after cesarean delivery.

Objectives: Retained placenta after cesarean delivery (RPAC) is a rare phenomenon that has not been previously studied in detail. The objective of our study was to identify potential risk factors that predispose to the development of this obstetrical complication.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study comparing 20 cases of RPAC with 40 matched controls, using logistic regression models to test likely risk factors.

Follicular fluid-specific distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms and sFlt-1 in patients undergoing IVF and their correlation with treatment outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms and soluble form of VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) in the follicular fluid (FF) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients in relationship to age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their correlation with IVF outcomes.

Design: Prospective study.

Main Outcome Measures: VEGF( 121) and VEGF(165) isoforms were detected using Western blotting and pixel density analysis.

Cumulative live-birth rates after assisted reproductive technology.

Purpose Of Review: Despite the promising success rates of IVF, many couples have to undergo several cycles before achieving live birth. In counseling patients faced with subfertility, it is important to provide cumulative live-birth rates. This review evaluates the current knowledge on cumulative rates, summarizing recently published evidence.

Outcomes of day-1, day-3, and blastocyst cryopreserved embryo transfers.

The optimal developmental stage for cryopreserving embryos in IVF-ET remains controversial. Our study demonstrates that besides an improvement in postthaw survival rate for day-1 and blastocyst cryopreserved ET over day-3, all three groups attained statistically similar implantation, clinical pregnancy, multiple, twinning, and male gender rates.

Effect of macroscopic or microscopic blood and mucus on the success rates of embryo transfers.

Objective: To assess the effect of microscopic and macroscopic contamination of embryo transfer (ET) catheters with blood or mucus on in vitro fertilization (IVF)-ET success rates.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Infertility practice in teaching community hospital.

Profound hypothyroidism-induced acute menorrhagia resulting in life-threatening anemia.

Background: Menorrhagia is a very common gynecologic entity with a broad differential diagnosis which includes both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Case: We present the case of a 31-year-old patient with acute menorrhagia causing life-threatening anemia that resulted from profound hypothyroidism. Despite timely institution of thyroid replacement, the patient required emergent embolization of a uterine arteriovenous malformation after dilatation and curettage failed to control her bleeding.