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RESEARCH QUESTION : What is the discontinuation rate among patients with remaining cryopreserved embryos in Belgium and what are the reasons for discontinuation? DESIGN : Multicenter, cross-sectional study performed in 11 Belgian fertility clinics (covering 80% of ART population). Patients were eligible (n=1917) in case they underwent an unsuccessful fresh embryo transfer (fresh group) or FET (in between group) and did not start a subsequent FET cycle within one year despite the presence of remaining cryopreserved embryos. Denominator were all patients with embryos cryopreserved during the same period (2012-2017) (n=21329). Data were collected through an online anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS : The discontinuation rate for patients with remaining cryopreserved embryos is 9% (1917/21329). For the final analysis, 304 completed questionnaires were included. The most important checked reasons for discontinuation of FET cycles were psychological (50%) and physical (43%) burden, impact on work (29%), woman's age (25%) and impact on relationship (25%). In 69% of the cases the patient her/himself made the decision to delay FET treatment. In 16% of the respondents, the decision to delay FET was determined by external factors: treating physician (9%), social environment (4%), close family (3%) and society (3%). Suggested improvements by the respondents were psychological support before (41%), during (51%) and after (51%) treatment, as well as lifestyle counseling (44%) and receiving digital information (43%). CONCLUSIONS : The discontinuation rate is remarkably high in patients with remaining cryopreserved embryos, who are considered to have a good prognosis. Respondents stressed the need to better integrate psychological and patient tailored care in our daily ART practice.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How do cumulative live birth rates (CLBR), cumulative multiple live birth rates (CMLBR) and dropout rates over six IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles change over time? DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort (n = 16,073 patients; 48,946 cycles) starting a first fresh assisted reproductive technology cycle between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016, with follow-up until 31 December 2017. Outcomes between the periods 2014-2017 and 2009-2012 were compared. RESULTS: Conservative estimates of CLBR after six complete cycles were significantly higher in women younger than 35 years after every cycle: one to three, adjusted P-value [p adj] < 0.0001; four, p = 0.01; five, p adj = 0.03; six, p adj = 0.04) and after the first cycle in women aged 35-37 years (p adj = 0.04) in 2014-2017 versus 2009-2012. For an optimal estimate, the CLBR was significantly higher after the first three cycles in women younger than 35 years (all p adj < 0.0001) and after the first cycle in women aged 35-37 years (p adj = 0.04). The CMLBR rate decreased from 5.1% ± 0.19 (SE) to 4.1% ± 0.16 for the conservative estimate and from 8.6% ±0.37 (SE) to 6.7% ± 0.30 for the optimal estimate after six complete cycles for the whole cohort. Dropout rates of complete cycles were 26.5% 29.4%, 33.4%, 38.9% and 47.3% after the first to fifth cycle, respectively. Compared with 2009-2012, the dropout rate in the current period was significantly higher for the first (P < 0.0001) and second (P = 0.0124) cycle. CONCLUSION: Over six complete IVF/ICSI cycles, CLBR and dropout rates increased and multiple live birth rates decreased when 2014-2017 was compared with 2009-2012. ispartof: REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE vol:42 issue:4 pages:717-724 ispartof: location:Netherlands status: published

Sperm quality at cancer diagnosis is often compromised by the disease and any given gonadotoxic treatment will further diminish fertility.Here, we aim to analyze the cryopreserved sperm quality according to the cancer types as well as the fertility outcomes.Our study included all cancer patients who cryopreserved sperm over 20 years at Erasme Hospital Brussels (from 1999 to 2019). First sperm samples from 111 hematologic, 104 testicular, 19 prostate, 28 gastrointestinal, and 16 neurological cancer patients were compared.Oligozoo-asthenozoospermia was observed in 30% of the samples, including 19.33% with severe oligozoospermia (5 million/ml). Our results showed a significant reduction in sperm concentration among testicular cancer (Our results confirm the negative impact of cancer on sperm quality without affecting assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rate, which is utterly important as a male reproductive health perspective. All cancer patients should be counselled and offered fertility preservation options as a gold standard.

Study question Can SARS-CoV-2 mRNA be detected in the reproductive tract of asymptomatic patients undergoing ART? Summary answer SARS-CoV-2 mRNA is not detectable in semen, follicular fluid, vaginal secretions or residual medulla from ovarian tissue cryopreservation procedures in asymptomatic patients who undergo ART, irrespective of the results of a triage questionnaire and a nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection test. What is known already The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a huge impact on the activities of fertility clinics. Although some studies reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in the reproductive system during or after acute COVID-19 symptomatic infections, uncertainties remain regarding the presence of viral mRNA in the reproductive material and follicular fluid of asymptomatic patients undergoing ART. Study design, size, duration An observational cohort trial of residual material samples including semen, follicular fluid, vaginal secretions and ovarian medulla was conducted during the second pandemic wave in Brussels, from September, 2020 to April, 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods All patients who underwent ART (IIU, IVF/ICSI, oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation) responded to a triage questionnaire at the beginning and end of the cycle and underwent nasopharyngeal swab collection for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by RT-PCR before the procedure according to standard recommendations. For semen analysis, only the questionnaire was requested the day before the sample collection. The ART cycles of patients with positive nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection tests and/or questionnaires were canceled except for those that could not be postponed. After providing informed consent, swabs on residual materials were collected the day of the oocyte, ovarian tissue or semen collection and were processed for RT-qPCR. Main results and the role of chance A total of 394 samples from 291 patients were analysed. Amongst them, 20 samples were obtained from patients with a positive questionnaire but negative nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 test and 20 others were from patients with a positive nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 test. The remaining samples were collected from patients with a negative or unknown nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 test and/or a negative or unknown triage questionnaire. Viral RNA for SARS-CoV-2 was undetectable in all of the samples. Limitations, reasons for caution Considering the cancellation policy, only a limited number of samples from patients with positive triage questionnaires or nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 tests were included in the analysis. Wider implications of the findings The study suggested that there was no risk of reproductive tract contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients, irrespective of the results from a triage questionnaire or nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 test. The results suggested that no additional measures to prevent staff or cross-patient contamination need to be implemented in the IVF and andrology laboratories. Study funding/competing interest(s) This study was funded by Université Libre de Bruxelles and by a grant from Ferring. AD and ID received a grant from Ferring for the study. The authors have no other conflict of interest to declare related to this study., info:eu-repo/semantics/published

We report on the results of array-CGH and Whole exome sequencing (WES) studies carried out in a Tunisian family with 46,XX premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This study has led to the identification of a familial Xp22.12 tandem duplication with a size of 559.4 kb, encompassing only three OMIM genes (RPS6KA3, SH3KBP1and EIF1AX), and a new heterozygous variant in SPIDR gene: NM_001080394.3:c.1845_1853delTATAATTGA (p.Ile616_Asp618del) segregating with POI. Increased mRNA expression levels were detected for SH3KBP1 and EIF1AX, while a normal transcript level for RPS6KA3 was detected in the three affected family members, explaining the absence of intellectual disability (ID). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first duplication involving the Xp22.12 region, reported in a family without ID, but rather with secondary amenorrhea (SA) and female infertility. As EIF1AX is a regulatory gene escaping X-inactivation, which has an extreme dosage sensitivity and highly expressed in the ovary, we suggest that this gene might be a candidate gene for ovarian function. Homozygous nonsense pathogenic variants of SPIDR gene have been reported in familial cases in POI. It has been suggested that chromosomal instability associated with SPIDR molecular defects supports the role of SPIDR protein in double-stranded DNA damage repair in vivo in humans and its causal role in POI. In this family, the variant (p.Ile616_Asp618del), present in a heterozygous state, is located in the domain that interacts with BLM and might disrupt the BLM binding ability of SPIDR protein. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that the additional effect of this variant could lead to POI in this family. Although the work represents the first evidence that EIF1AX duplication might be responsible for POI through its over-expression, further functional studies are needed to clarify and prove EIF1AX involvement in POI phenotype.

Purpose Ovarian stimulation for oocyte and embryo cryopreservation is the standard of care for fertility preservation in young breast cancer patients before gonadotoxic chemotherapy. The procedure should be started as soon as possible to avoid delay of treatment; thus, it is often performed concomitantly with tumor staging assessments. However, questions remain regarding the potential negative impact on oocyte quality that may occur due to exposure to scattered ionizing radiation from imaging techniques when staging assessment is conducted at the same time as ovarian stimulation. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on all breast cancer patients who received ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation at our center between November, 2012 and May, 2020. Results Gynecologic and oncologic characteristics were similar between patients exposed (n = 14) or not (n = 60) to ionizing radiation. Exposed patients started the ovarian stimulation sooner after diagnosis than non-exposed patients (11.5 vs 28 days, respectively, P

What is the functional relevance of decreased pulmonary vascular distensibility in adolescents conceived by IVF?, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Study question Is SARS-CoV–2 detected by RT-PCR in the reproductive materials and follicular fluid of asymptomatic patients undergoing fertility treatments? Summary answer No SARS-CoV–2 mRNA was detected in sperm, vaginal and follicular fluids samples of asymptomatic patients, irrespective of the nasopharyngeal swab or COVID–19 questionnaire results. What is known already: The COVID–19 pandemic had a huge impact on health care including on fertility clinics. While activities were interrupted during the first wave, ART cycles are currently performed but uncertainties remain regarding the presence of the virus in reproductive materials. The SARS-CoV–2 receptors were detected in reproductive organs but only few studies with limited number of cases reported the presence of SARS-CoV–2mRNA in semen of symptomatic patients. In women, the risk of SARS-CoV–2 contamination in follicular and vaginal fluids remains uncertain. Thus the risk of sexual transmission and the safety of the IVF laboratory procedures are unclear. Study design, size, duration This COVART study is an observational cohort prospective trial conducted at a Belgian academic hospital. Between September 2020 and January 2021, 208 asymptomatic adults patients (men and women) undergoing ART treatments (sperm analysis, IUI, ICSI/ICF cycles, oocyte cryopreservation) were included in the trial after informed consent. All patients followed standard procedures to evaluate COVID–19 risk (nasopharyngeal swab during ovarian stimulation and COVID–19 risk questionnaire). Participants were divided into two groups: COVID–19 positive and negative/unknown groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Swabs on the residual reproductive materials were done and stored in viral transport medium at 4 °C until processing. After addition of an internal control in each sample and virus inactivation with Trizol, mRNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed in duplicate following a previously validated protocol (45 cycles, Roche Light Cycler 480). Negative/positive controls were used to validate each run. The test was considered as positive when CT Main results and the role of chance A total of 399 samples (126 semen, 162 vaginal fluid, 111 follicular fluid samples) of reproductive residual materials from 208 participants were collected during the peak of the second wave of COVID–19 pandemic, when Belgium was considered as a red zone with a viral Rt of 1.516 and a 14-day COVID–19 cases notification rate above 630 per 100000. Although the policy of the fertility clinic was to cancel all cycles of patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab test except if specific medical raisons to continue the cycle, 14 samples from 9 non-cancelled patients diagnosed with COVID–19 before or just after the samples collection were analyzed (4 sperm, 5 follicular fluid and 5 vaginal secretion samples). For the 199 remaining patients, the COVID–19 status was negative or unknown. None of the samples were considered as positive after quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Limitations, reasons for caution All the patients were asymptomatic at the time of the samples collection and the large majority was negatively diagnosed for COVID–19 during the ART cycle. The results should be confirmed by including a larger cohort of positive patients. Data on the impact on ART outcomes will be evaluated. Wider implications of the findings: We showed that contaminations of sperm, follicular and vaginal fluids with SARS-CoV–2 are unlikely in asymptomatic patients, even when diagnosed positive, confirming the poor risk of sexual transmission. Moreover, no additional safety measures seems to be implemented in the IVF laboratory to ensure the safety of the staff. Trial registration number P2020/414

Study question Is Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level associated with the probability of obtaining an ongoing pregnancy (OP) and with time to pregnancy (TTP) in women undergoing d-IUI? Summary answer AMH is neither associated with the probability of obtaining an OP nor with time to pregnancy (TTP) in women undergoing d-IUI What is known already Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein produced by the granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles. While AMH has been widely recognized as a quantitative marker of ovarian reserve used to predict ovarian responsiveness to ovarian stimulation in IVF, its relationship with fecundability in spontaneous conceptions is still a matter of debate. There is currently no consensus on the role of AMH on time to pregnancy in unassisted conceptions. The question of whether AMH is a qualitative marker of oocyte quality is therefore still unanswered. Study design, size, duration This prospective cohort study was carried out between 9/1/2017 and 12/30/2020 on 592 women aged 19 to 44, who underwent d-IUI in a natural cycle (n = 1788) the day after LH peak. Patients were single, homosexual, or heterosexual with an infertile partner and underwent 1 to maximum 6 d-IUI. All patients had regular ovulatory cycles and bilateral tubal patency confirmed before starting d-IUI. AMH evaluation was performed within the previous 3 months of the first d-IUI. Participants/materials, setting, methods The primary outcomes were the likelihood of obtaining an OP (>14 weeks) and TTP calculated as the number of d-IIU up to an OP. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the probability of obtaining an OP according to age and AMH levels. Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test were used to assess the TTP stratified by age groups (≤35, >35 to ≤ 39, and > 39 years old) and AMH groups (< 1ng/mL and ≥ 1ng/mL). Main results and the role of chance AMH levels were negatively correlated with age (p 35 to ≤ 39 years old (n = 136) and > 39 years old (n = 118) (p Limitations, reasons for caution Our results concern d-IUI and can therefore not be extrapolated to natural conception. However, the study model is close to natural fecundity as there was no history of female infertility and as all IUI were performed on the day of ovulation with donor sperm proven to be fertile. Wider implications of the findings: While measuring AMH seems necessary for gonadotropin dose adjustment in ART, our data suggest that it cannot qualitatively assess fertility outcome and should therefore not be used routinely for preconception counseling in the absence of infertility history. Trial registration number P2017/396

STUDY QUESTION What is the risk of recurrence in young breast cancer survivors who undergo ARTs following completion of anticancer treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER ART in breast cancer survivors does not appear to have a negative impact on disease-free survival. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In healthy women, fertility treatment does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. At the time of breast cancer diagnosis and before starting anticancer treatments, several studies have shown the safety of performing ART. However, the safety of ART in breast cancer survivors following completion of anticancer treatment remains under-investigated. In general, breast cancer survivors are counselled to avoid any hormonal treatment but there are limited data available on the effect of short exposure to high oestradiol levels during ART. The largest study in this regard included 25 breast cancer survivors exposed to ART and did not show a detrimental effect of ART on patient survival. Hence, taking into account that pregnancy after breast cancer does not affect cancer prognosis, defining the safety of ART in breast cancer survivors remains a priority. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective multicentric matched cohort study including a cohort of breast cancer survivors who underwent ART (exposed patients) between January 2006 and December 2016. Exposed patients who were eligible for the study were matched according to known breast cancer prognostic factors. Matched breast cancer survivors did not undergo ART (non-exposed patients) and were disease-free for a minimum time that was not less than the time elapsed between breast cancer diagnosis and first ART for the matched ART-exposed patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were retrieved from all survivors who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in eight participating centres at an age of ≤40 years, without metastasis, ongoing pregnancy, pre-existing neoplasia or ovarian failure. ART included ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI, clomiphene citrate treatment and hormone replacement therapy for embryo transfer. Data were collected from an oncological database for the selection of breast cancer patients in the non-exposed group. Exposed patients were matched (1:2) for germline BRCA status, tumour stage, anticancer treatment and age, whenever feasible. Matched groups were compared at baseline according to characteristics using conditional logistic regression. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed to compare time to recurrence between groups, with the time of ART as starting point that has been adjusted in the non-exposed group. The analyses were performed using Stata IC/15.1. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 39 breast cancer patients in the ART group were eligible for the analysis and were matched with 73 controls. There was no statistical difference between the two groups for the presence of BRCA mutation, tumour characteristics, use of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Exposed patients were younger than non-exposed patients (mean age 31.8 vs 34.3 years, respectively; P, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

To assess the birthweight of neonates conceived after fresh and frozen embryo transfers (FET) and, if different, to investigate whether estradiol levels during the late follicular phase were associated with the observed difference.Singleton pregnancies from fresh and FET transfers between January 1990 and December 2013 were compared retrospectively. A total of 2885 singleton pregnancies after fresh embryo transfer and 746 after FET were analyzed. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between fresh and FET cycles.The singletons born after FET were found to have a significantly higher birth weight (3313 g), compared to those born after fresh embryo transfer (3143 g); p .001. The main predictor of this difference was found to be estradiol levels at the end of the follicular phase. The difference in birthweight was inversely correlated to estradiol levels considering all cycles together but also considering fresh and frozen cycles separately.Our study demonstrates a link between high estradiol levels and low birth weight of singletons after IVF both in fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. It provides additional support to the involvement of hyperestrogenemia in the process of implantation and on the subsequent fetal development.

Background: Fertility preservation (FP) protocols in case of breast cancer (BC) include mature oocyte cryopreservation following letrozole associated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (Let-COH). To date, the impact of Let-COH on the follicular microenvironment has been poorly investigated, although a high androgen/estrogen ratio was previously associated with low oocyte quality. Methods: In this prospective study, follicular fluid (FF) steroid levels (estradiol, testosterone, progesterone) and cumulus cell (CC) gene expression related to oocyte quality (HAS2, PTGS2, GREM1) were compared between 23 BC patients undergoing Let-COH for FP and 24 infertile patients undergoing conventional COH without letrozole. All patients underwent an antagonist COH cycle, and ovulation was triggered with hCG or GnRHa in both groups. Results: FF estradiol levels were significantly lower while testosterone levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to controls irrespective of the trigger method. However, estradiol levels increased significantly with GnRHa triggering compared to hCG in the study group (median = 194.5 (95.4-438) vs 64.4 (43.8-152.4) ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.001), but not in the control group (median = 335.5 (177.5-466.7) vs 354 (179-511) ng/ml, respectively). After hCG trigger, Cumulus cell (CC) gene expression was lower in the study group compared to the control group, and difference was significant for PTGS2. Conversely, CC gene expression of PTGS2 and GREM1 was significantly higher in the study group compared to controls when ovulation was triggered with GnRHa. Conclusions: Let-COH triggered with hCG may negatively impact oocyte quality. However, ovulation triggering with GnRHa may improve the oocyte microenvironment and cumulus cell genes expression in Let-COH, suggesting a positive impact on oocyte quality in breast cancer patients. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov - NCT02661932, registered 25 January 2016, retrospectively registered., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Objective: To find the genetic etiology of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in a patient with primary amenorrhea and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Design: Case report. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): A Belgian woman aged 32 years with POI at the age of 17, her parents, and her sister whose POI was diagnosed at age 29. Intervention(s): Analysis of a panel of 31 genes implicated in POI (POIGP) using next-generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and in vitro functional study. Main Outcome Measure(s): Gene variants, family mutational segregation, and in vitro functional impact of the mutant proteins. Result(s): The analysis of the gene panel using NGS identified the presence of two novel follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) missense mutations at a compound heterozygous state in the affected patient: c.646 G>A, p.Gly216Arg, and c.1313C>T, p.Thr438Ile. Sanger sequencing showed the presence of each mutation at heterozygous state in the patient's parents and at heterozygous compound state in the affected sister. Both substituted amino acids (Gly216 and Thr438) were conserved in FSHR of several vertebrate species as well as in other glycoproteins receptors (TSHR and LHCGHR), suggesting a potentially important role in glycoprotein receptor function. An in vitro functional study showed similar results for both variants with more than 90% reduction of their cell surface expression and a 55% reduction of their FSH-induced cyclic adenosine 3′:5′ monophosphate (cAMP) production compared with the wild-type FSHR. Conclusion(s): The analysis of a gene panel of 31 genes implicated in POI allowed us to identify two novel partially inactivating mutations of FSHR that are likely responsible for the POI phenotype of the proband and of her affected sister., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background Preclinical evidence suggests a possible negative impact of deleterious BRCA mutations on female fertility. However, limited and rather conflicting clinical data are available. This study assessed the reproductive potential and performance of fertility preservation strategies in BRCA-mutated breast cancer patients. Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of two prospective studies investigating oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients. In the current analysis, baseline anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and performance of cryopreservation strategies were compared between patients with or without germline deleterious BRCA mutations. Results Out of 156 patients included, 101 had known BRCA status of whom 29 (18.6%) were BRCA-mutated and 72 (46.1%) had no mutation. Median age in the entire cohort was 31 years [interquartile range (IQR) 28–33). Median AMH levels were 1.8 µg/l (IQR 1.0–2.7) and 2.6 µg/l (IQR 1.5–4.1) in the BRCA-positive and BRCA-negative cohorts, respectively (P = 0.109). Among patients who underwent oocyte cryopreservation (N = 29), women in the BRCA-positive cohort tended to retrieve (6.5 versus 9; P = 0.145) and to cryopreserve (3.5 versus 6; P = 0.121) less oocytes than those in the BRCA-negative cohort. Poor response rate (i.e. retrieval of ≤4 oocytes) was 40.0% and 11.1% in the BRCA-positive and BRCA-negative cohorts, respectively (P = 0.147). Among patients who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation (N = 72), women in the BRCA-positive cohort tended to have a numerically lower number of oocytes per fragment (0.08 versus 0.14; P = 0.193) and per square millimeter (0.33 versus 0.78; P = 0.153) than those in the BRCA-negative cohort. Two BRCA-mutated patients were transplanted after chemotherapy and one delivered at term a healthy baby. No difference between BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated patients was observed in any of the above-mentioned outcomes. Conclusion A consistent trend for reduced reproductive potential and performance of cryopreservation strategies was observed in BRCA-mutated breast cancer patients. Independent validation of these results is needed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation have a higher risk of preeclampsia compared with pregnancies after IVF using autologous oocytes. Propensity score matching on maternal age and parity was carried out on a one to one basis, and a total of 144 singleton pregnancies resulting in delivery beyond 22 gestational weeks, achieved by oocyte donation, were compared with 144 pregnancies achieved through IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with the use of autologous oocytes. All pregnancies were achieved after fresh embryo transfer. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared for each pregnancy. Singleton pregnancies after oocyte donation were associated with a significantly higher risk for preeclampsia (OR 2.4, CI 1.02 to 5.8; P = 0.046), as well as for pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 5.3, CI 1.1 to 25.2; P = 0.036), and caesarean delivery (OR 2.3, CI 1.4 to 3.7; P = 0.001) compared with pregnancies using autologous oocytes.

Gonadotropins have been available for clinical use for > 60 years for many conditions in the field of reproductive medicine. The article provides an overview of the pioneering work leading to the wide range of pharmaceutical gonadotropin preparations currently available. It underlines the major difference between ovulation induction intended to restore normal ovulation and promote monofollicular development in anovulatory patients and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation intended to induce a multi-follicular ovulation in infertile patients, often ovulatory, in order to increase their chance of conception. Different treatment regimens are addressed that are intended to avoid major side-effects, such as high-order multiple pregnancies and OHSS.

Sex differences are observed in the evolution of numerous inflammatory conditions. Women exhibit better clinical courses compared to men in acute inflammatory processes, yet worse prognosis in several chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory markers are significantly different between prepubertal boys and girls, whose sex steroid levels are very low, suggesting genetics play a role. To evaluate the potential influence of the X chromosome, we studied cytokine production and protein phosphorylation following Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation in whole blood and purified neutrophils and monocytes of healthy adults of both sexes as well as subjects with Klinefelter syndrome. We recorded higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in men compared to both women and patients with Klinefelter syndrome following whole blood stimulation. In purified monocytes, production of inflammatory cytokines was also higher in men compared to women, while Klinefelter subjects expressed the same pattern of cytokine production as males, in contrast with whole blood analyses. These differences remained after adjusting for sex steroid levels. Our study revealed higher cytokine inflammatory responses in men than women, yet also compared to subjects with Klinefelter syndrome, who carry two copies of the X chromosome, like women, and thus potentially benefit from the cellular mosaicism of X-linked genes., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

BACKGROUND Currently, there is no gold standard for monitored anaesthesia care during oocyte retrieval. OBJECTIVE In our institution, the standard is a conscious sedation technique using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil, titrated to maintain a visual analogue pain score less than 30 mm. This protocol is well accepted by patients but is associated with frequent episodes of respiratory depression. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine could reduce these episodes. DESIGN Controlled, randomised, prospective, double-blinded study. SETTING The current study was conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Brussels (Belgium) from December 2013 to June 2014. PATIENTS Of the 132 women undergoing oocyte retrieval included, 121 completed the study. INTERVENTION After randomisation, patients received either a ketamine infusion (40 μg kg min over 5 min followed by 2.5 μg kg min) or a 0.9% saline infusion in addition to the variable remifentanil TCI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the number of respiratory depression episodes. Effect site target remifentanil concentrations, side effects, pain score, patient satisfaction and incidence of pregnancy were also recorded. RESULTS No significant difference in the incidence of respiratory events was noted (pulse oximetry oxygen saturation

The purpose of the present study is to study what is the best predictor of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in IVF. This is a retrospective analysis of all consecutive IVF/intracytoplasmic injection cycles performed during a 5-year period (2009–2014) in a single university fertility centre. All fresh IVF cycles where ovarian stimulation was performed with gonadotrophins and GnRH agonists or antagonists and triggering of final oocyte maturation was induced with the administration of urinary or recombinant hCG were analyzed (2982 patients undergoing 5493 cycles). Because some patients contributed more than one cycle, the analysis of the data was performed with the use of generalized estimating equation (GEE). Severe OHSS was diagnosed in 20 cycles (0.36%, 95% CI 0.20–0.52). The number of follicles ≥10 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation represents the best predictor of severe OHSS in IVF cycles. The cutoff in the number of follicles ≥10 mm with the best capacity to discriminate between women that will and will not develop severe OHSS was ≥15. The presence of more than 15 follicles ≥10 mm on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation represents the best predictor of severe OHSS in IVF cycles.

STUDY QUESTION Do the benefits of ovarian tissue cryopreservation outweigh the risks for patients seeking to preserve fertility before gonadotoxic treatment in various indications? SUMMARY ANSWER In >90% of the patients undergoing cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, oncological treatment was associated with a reduced ovarian reserve and in 30% of patients, premature ovarian failure (POF) occurred within 5 years. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an effective fertility preservation option, especially for pre-pubertal patients and patients who have a short time between diagnosis of a disease and gonadotoxic treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, DURATION This study retrospectively analysed ovarian function and fertility recovery rates, as well as ovarian tissue characteristics, of patients who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation at Erasme Hospital between 1999 and 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS A total of 225 patients referred from 15 Belgian oncological units underwent cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before gonadotoxic therapy for malignant or benign diseases. There were 28 patients (12.4%) who died during follow-up due to recurrence of disease. One severe adverse event occurred during anaesthesia for ovarian tissue collection, leading to the death of the patient. Ovarian function and fertility outcomes were available for 114 patients including 13 girls who were pre-pubertal at the time of the procedure. Eight patients had undergone ovarian tissue transplantation in order to restore their fertility after remission of the disease. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Breast cancer and haematological disease were the most frequent indications for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Overall, 90% of post-pubertal patients were diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve (AMH 40 IU/ml). Breast cancer patients had a lower rate of POF than did post-pubertal patients with haematological diseases (11 versus 34.5%, respectively), despite the older age (mean 31 versus 23.5 years old, respectively) of the breast cancer patients. Ovarian function returned in 71 post-pubertal patients without the need for grafts of cryopreserved tissue. Spontaneous pregnancies were reported for 33 of them, leading to 34 live births. Among the 13 pre-pubertal patients who reached pubertal age during the follow-up, 10 had POF. Eight patients received cryopreserved ovarian grafts to reverse POF and three of them have already become pregnant. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is a retrospective analysis. The cohort was not compared with a control group of patients who did not undergo the procedure. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS After careful evaluation of the surgical risks, ovarian tissue cryopreservation can be proposed as an efficient option to preserve the fertility of children and young adults facing gonadotoxic therapies. However, alternative procedures such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation should be considered as first options especially for older patients or if there is high risk of neoplastic cells within the ovaries. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was supported by the Tele vie, FNRS-FRSM and Fondation Belge contre le cancer. There are no competing interests to report. © 2014 The Author.

Ovarian insufficiency is a major long-term adverse event, following the administration of a myeloablative conditioning regimen, and occurring in >80% of children and adolescents receiving such treatment for malignant or non-malignant disease. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is currently offered to preserve the fertility of these young patients. At least 35 live births have been reported after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in adult patients, but the procedure remains unproven for ovarian tissue harvested at a prepubertal or pubertal age. We report here the first live birth after autograft of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in a woman with primary ovarian failure after a myeloablative conditioning regimen as part of a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed for homozygous sickle-cell anemia at age 14 years. This first report of successful fertility restoration after the graft of ovarian tissue cryopreserved before menarche offers reassuring evidence for the feasibility of the procedure when performed during childhood.

To compare two different vitrification methods to slow freezing method for cryopreservation of human cleavage stage embryos. Design: Prospective randomised trial. Setting: University assisted reproduction centre. Patient(s): 568 patients (mean age 33.4 ± 5.2) from April 2009 to April 2011., JOURNAL ARTICLE, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Study question: What is the effect of a legal limitation of the number of embryos that can be transferred in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle on the multiple delivery rate? Summary answer: The Belgian national register shows that the introduction of reimbursement of ART laboratory costs in July 2003, and the imposition of a legal limitation of the number of embryos transferred in the same year, were associated with a >50% reduction of the multiple pregnancy rate from 27 to 11% between 2003 and the last assessment in 2010, without any reduction of the pregnancy rate per cycle. What is known already: Individual Belgian IVF centres have published their results since the implementation of the law, and these show a decrease in the multiple pregnancy rate on a centre by centre basis. However, the overall national picture remains unpublished. Study design, size, duration: Cohort study from 1990 to 2010 of all ART cycles in Belgium (2685 cycles in 1990 evolving to 19 110 cycles in 2010), with a retrospective analysis from 1990 to 2000 and prospective online data collection since 2001. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Registration evolved from paper written reports per centre to a compulsory online registration of all ART cycles. From 2001 up to mid-2009, data were collected from Excel spread sheets or MS Access files into an MS Access database. Since mid-2009, data collection is done via a remote and secured web-based system (www.belrap.be) where centres can upload their data and get immediate feedback about missing data, errors and inconsistencies. Main results and the role of chance: National Belgian registration data show that reimbursement of IVF laboratory costs in July 2003, coupled to a legal limitation in the number of embryos transferred in utero,were associated with a 50% reduction of the multiple pregnancy rate from 27 to 11% without reduction of the pregnancy rate per cycle, and with an increase in the number of fresh and frozen ART cycles due to improved access to treatment. Limitations, reasons for caution: There is potential underreporting of complications of ART treatment, pregnancy outcome and neonatal health. Wider implications of the findings: Over the 20 years of registration, the pregnancy rate has remained constant, despite the reduction in the number of embryos transferred, optimization of laboratory procedures and stimulation protocols, introduction of quality systems and implementation of the EU Tissue Directive over the period 2004–2010.

To analyse treatment outcomes after SET law enforcement and to evaluate the contribution of cryopreservation in a SET policy.Embryo transfer cycles performed after the law enforcement (SET period) was retrospectively compared to the cycles performed before the law enforcement (DET period).Pregnancy and delivery rates after fresh transfer of SET and DET periods were comparable (31.7% versus 33.3% and 24.5% versus 26.2%, respectively, NS). Overall twin delivery rate is significantly decreased after the law enforcement (11.3% versus 22.4%, p 0.001) but not in patients aged 36 to 39 years (20.3% versus 24%, NS). Frozen-thawed embryo cycles allowed similar cumulative pregnancy rate (30.6%, NS). Taking into account all frozen embryos still to be transferred, SET period offers a better overall pregnancy rate than the DET period (36.1% versus 32.3%, p 0.01).The Belgian law allowed a dramatic reduction of twin deliveries especially for patients under 39 years. Cryopreservation maintains a similar cumulative pregnancy rate.

Background Fertility expectations for patients with Turner's syndrome (TS) have clearly changed in the last three decades. However, medical risks during pregnancy are supposed to be highly increased. The aim of the study was to assess clinical outcome and obstetrical complications in a series of patients with TS in an oocyte donor programme. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on 24 women with TS seeking a pregnancy in the Fertility Clinic of the Erasme Hospital from 1992 up until March 2011. Results Twenty-three patients with TS were included in an oocyte donation cycle. Forty-nine oocyte donation cycles were performed, which led to 45 fresh and 10 frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Altogether, 18 pregnancies were obtained, 10 deliveries (9 singletons and 1 pair of twins), 3 miscarriages and 5 biochemical pregnancies. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was 24.4% in fresh cycles and 20% in frozen replacement cycles. Complications of pregnancy occurred in 5 of 10 pregnancies (50%), which led to three premature deliveries because of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. The mean birthweight (g) (±SD) for singletons and twins was 2728 ± 577 and 2335 ± 318, respectively. Four babies were below the 10th percentile. No cardiac complications were observed in any of the pregnant women. Conclusions Pregnancy rates after oocyte donation in patients with TS are comparable with those previously published but a high risk of pregnancy hypertensive disorders and a high risk of low birthweight can be highlighted from our study. Strict inclusion criteria and single embryo transfer are necessary to minimize complications during pregnancy in this high-risk group.

Aggressive chemotherapy generally results in the loss of both endocrine and reproductive functions. If the patient has not undergone previous oocyte, embryo or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, orthotopic allotransplantation of fresh ovarian tissue from a genetically non-identical sister may be considered. Here, we describe a case report. The patient, aged 15 years and presenting with homozygous sickle cell anemia, underwent chemotherapy (busulfan, cyclophosphamide) and total body irradiation before bone marrow transplantation, the donor being her HLA-compatible sister. HLA group analysis later revealed complete chimerism. When the patient was 32 years old, ovarian allografting was performed, with the ovarian tissue donor being the same sister who had already donated bone marrow. The goal was to restore ovarian activity and natural fertility. No immunosuppressive therapy was administered. No sign of rejection was observed. Restoration of ovarian function was achieved 3.5 months after transplantation, as proved by the first estradiol peak and follicular development detected by ultrasound. After 9 months of regular ovulatory cycles, IVF was attempted because proximal tubal stenosis (unknown at the time of grafting) could not be repaired by tubal reanastomosis. After stimulation, three oocytes were retrieved. Two embryos were obtained. One embryo was frozen and the other was transferred, resulting in an ongoing pregnancy. The patient delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 3.150 g at 37 2/7 weeks of gestation.

background: This study compares recipient couples’ and donors’ motivations towards the type of donation and attitudes concerning secrecy or disclosure of the mode of conception in three oocyte donation groups: couples and their donor for a known donation, couples and their donor for a permuted anonymous donation (known-anonymous) and couples without a donor, on a waiting list for a donation (anonymous). methods: Data collected by two psychologists through semi-structured interviews of 135 recipient couples and 90 donors before oocyte donation were analysed retrospectively. results: In known donation (42 couples), donors were preferentially family members with a blood tie (54.7%). Choosing their donor seemed mainly for the couple’s reassurance rather than to access the child’s origins as 50% wanted secrecy. On the other hand, in knownanonymous donation (48 couples), donors were more frequently chosen among friends (41.6%; P ¼ 0.038). These couples were either open to disclosure (45.8%; P ¼ 0.002) or remained hesitant (39.6%). In anonymous donation (45 couples), 49% chose not to seek a donor mostly in order to maintain secrecy towards the child (77.3%). Among the 51% who sought but could not find a donor, only 30.4% wanted secrecy. Recipients from North Africa and from Europe preferred anonymous or known-anonymous donation (83.3 and 75.6%), whereas subSaharan Africans opted more often for known donation (63%; P , 0.001). Among Europeans (90 couples), 50% were in favour of disclosure compared with only 8.9% of recipients from North or sub-Saharan Africa (45 couples; P , 0.001). conclusions: A diversity of attitudes and cultural differences exist among recipient couples and donors regarding oocyte donation; this pleads for maintaining access to different types of oocyte donation as well as for psychological counselling prior to treatment.

This study investigated whether failed maturation oocytes could be used to evaluate different cryopreservation procedures. A total of 289 failed maturation oocytes (GV and MI stages), obtained from 169 patients undergoing IVF treatment (mean age 33.84±5.0) were divided into two different slow-cooling groups (1.5 mol/l 1,2-propanediol+0.2 mol/l sucrose in either NaCl (group A) or choline chloride (ChCl) (group B) based cryopreservation solutions) and one vitrification group (15% ethylene glycol+15% dimethyl sulphoxide). Survival rate, in vitro maturation (IVM) rate, fertilization and developmental rate of cryopreserved oocytes were assessed. Regardless of the stage at which cryopreservation was performed (GV+MI), the slow cooling with ChCl based medium always gave significantly lower survival rate than the slow cooling in NaCl based medium (p=0.01) and vitrification (p0.001). An extended study also showed statistically reduced survival rate between slow-cooling NaCl based medium and vitrification (p0.05). Global results of in vitro maturation and fertilization showed worse results between both slow-cooling NaCl and ChCl based media versus vitrification. In conclusion, for oocytes that had failed to mature, vitrification gave better survival, maturation, fertilization and also cleavage rates than the slow-cooling protocols. Four cells embryos were obtained only from vitrified in vitro matured MI oocytes.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is an oocyte-derived growth factor acting as a major player in follicle differentiation in mammals. Mutations in the BMP15 gene, some of which lead to defective secretion of bioactive dimers, have been associated with premature ovarian failure (POF) in humans. METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with POF with a normal karyotype were included in the study. After DNA extraction and amplification by PCR, the entire coding sequence and intron-exon junctions of BMP15 gene were analysed in the cohort of POF patients and in a control group of 214 patients. RESULTS: Nine variants of the BMP15 gene including six missense substitutions and one insertion of three nucleotides were identified in the POF group. Three of them were previously described as single nucleotide polymorphisms and were also found in the control group. Two variants (H81R and G199R) have not been previously described and were not identified among controls but were not predicted to be deleterious. One variant (A180T) was identified among two POF cases, and also in two controls. One variant (F194S), predicted as potentially deleterious, was identified for the first time in a POF patient but also identified in one control. One variant (L148P), potentially deleterious, previously reported in POF patients, was identified for the first time among controls. The variant 788insTCT, previously identified among POF patients, probably has a low biological impact as it was also found in control patients and is a common polymorphism in sub-Saharan African populations. CONCLUSIONS: Various missense variants of the BMP15 gene were identified among patients with POF. For most variants, the impact of the amino-acid substitution on the protein structure and function was predicted to be low. The two variants predicted as potentially deleterious were also identified among controls and could be considered as rare polymorphisms. Although some of these variants could contribute to the development of POF in a complex manner, the demonstration of their role in the pathogenesis of POF requires additional functional studies.

Background Transplantation of ovarian tissue is, at present, the only clinical option available to restore fertility using cryopreserved ovarian tissue. More than 30 transplantations of cryopreserved tissue have been reported, and six babies have been born, worldwide, following this procedure. Despite these encouraging results, it is essential to optimize the procedure by improving the follicular survival, confirming safety and developing alternatives. Here, we review the different factors affecting follicular survival and growth after grafting. Methods Relevant studies were identified by searching Pubmed up to January 2009 with English language limitation. The following key words were used: (ovarian tissue or whole ovary) AND (transplantation) AND (cryopreservation or pregnancy). Using the literature and personal experience, we examined relevant data on the different exogenous and clinical factors affecting follicular development after grafting. Results Clinical factors such as the patient's age and the transplantation sites influenced the lifespan of the graft. A heterotopic transplantation site is not optimal but offers some advantages and it may also promote the hormonal environment after a combined heterotopic and orthotopic transplantation. Exogenous factors such as antioxidants, growth factors or hormones were tested to improve follicular survival; however, their efficiency regarding further follicular development and fertility potential remains to be established. Conclusion Additional evidence is required to define optimal conditions for ovarian tissue transplantation. Alternatives such as whole ovary or isolated follicles transplantations require further investigation but are likely to be successful in humans in the future.

Ovarian insufficiency is a major long-term adverse event, following the administration of a myeloablative conditioning regimen, and occurring in80% of children and adolescents receiving such treatment for malignant or non-malignant disease. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is currently offered to preserve the fertility of these young patients. At least 35 live births have been reported after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in adult patients, but the procedure remains unproven for ovarian tissue harvested at a prepubertal or pubertal age. We report here the first live birth after autograft of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in a woman with primary ovarian failure after a myeloablative conditioning regimen as part of a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed for homozygous sickle-cell anemia at age 14 years. This first report of successful fertility restoration after the graft of ovarian tissue cryopreserved before menarche offers reassuring evidence for the feasibility of the procedure when performed during childhood.

Follistatin (FST) and FST-like-3 (FSTL3) are activin-binding and neutralization proteins that also bind myostatin. Three FST isoforms have been described that differ in tissue distribution and cell-surface binding activity, suggesting that the FST isoforms and FSTL3 may have some nonoverlapping biological actions. We produced recombinant FST isoforms and FSTL3 and compared their biochemical and biological properties. Activin-binding affinities and kinetics were comparable between the isoforms and FSTL3, whereas cell-surface binding differed markedly (FST288 > FST303 > FST315 > FSTL3). Inhibition of endogenous activin bioactivity, whether the FST isoforms were administered endogenously or exogenously, correlated closely with surface binding activity, whereas neutralization of exogenous activin when FST and FSTL3 were also exogenous was consistent with their equivalent activin-binding affinities. This difference in activin inhibition was also evident in an in vitro bioassay because FST288 suppressed, whereas FST315 enhanced, activin-dependent TT cell proliferation. Moreover, when FSTL3, which does not associate with cell membranes, was expressed as a membrane-anchored protein, its endogenous activin inhibitory activity was dramatically increased. In competitive binding assays, myostatin was more potent than bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 6 and 7, and BMPs 2 and 4 were inactive in binding to FST isoforms, whereas none of the BMPs tested competed with activin for binding to FSTL3. Neutralization of exogenous BMP or myostatin bioactivity correlated with the relative abilities of the isoforms to bind cell-surface proteoglycans. These results indicate that the differential biological actions among the FST isoforms and FSTL3 are primarily dependent on their relative cell-surface binding ability and ligand specificity.

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of ovarian stimulation treatments. Severe forms are characterized by a massive ovarian enlargement with the formation of multiple ovarian cysts associated with extravascular fluid shifts resulting in the development of ascites, pleural and/or pericardial effusion. The pathophysiology of the syndrome has not been completely elucidated yet. The vascular fluid leakage is thought to result from an increased capillary permeability of mesothelial surfaces under the action of one or several vasoactive ovarian factor(s) produced by the multiple corpora lutea. The paper focuses on the recent identification of mutations in the FSH receptor gene that display an increased sensitivity to hCG and are responsible for the development of spontaneous OHSS occurring during pregnancy. These findings have shed light for the first time on the molecular basis of the pathophysiology of the spontaneous form of the syndrome. As spontaneous and iatrogenic OHSS share similar pathophysiological sequences including massive recruitment and growth of ovarian follicles, extensive luteinization provoked by hCG, and oversecretion of vasogenic molecules by the corpora lutea, they have also opened new research perspectives for the understanding of the much more frequent iatrogenic OHSS.

The embryo-maternal dialogue that starts very early in the life of the embryo is crucial for its own implantation. A disturbance in this dialogue is the major reason for which 60% of all pregnancies are terminated at the end of the periimplantation period. Many studies have been performed to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this dialogue. Both partners, the mother and the embryo, are equally involved in this exchange of signals. Much progress has been done in understanding the role of (i) chorionic gonadotrophin, (ii) growth factors and cytokines, and (iii) steroid hormones and other mediators, produced either by the embryo, by the mother, or by both, during the peri-implantation period. Today it is clear that their production dictates changes in the endometrium, in the immunological system of the mother and in embryo metabolism, that enable the embryo to implant. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the embryo-maternal interaction are reviewed in this article.

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of ovarian stimulation treatments for in vitro fertilization (i.v.f.). Recently, three different mutations of the FSH receptor (FSHr) have been identified in patients who presented recurrent spontaneous OHSS. This prompted us to study a possible association between coding polymorphisms of the FSHr and the occurrence of iatrogenic OHSS. We sequenced the region of the FSHr gene encompassing the A307T and S680N polymorphisms of exon 10 of FSHr in 37 Caucasian females who developed OHSS after an IVF cycle in our fertility clinic, 130 Caucasian female patients who were treated by i.v.f. but never developed OHSS, and 99 Caucasian female controls. The FSHr allele frequencies in the Caucasian control population were identical to what has already been published (39% S680 61% N680). The control i.v.f. population was enriched in the S680 allele compared with the Caucasian control population (51% S680; 49% N680; P = 0.016). The OHSS population had a even higher enrichment in the S680 allele compared with the Caucasian control population (57% S680; 43% N680; P = 0.010). These results were unexpected, because the frequency of the S680 allele was previously found to be increased among poor responders to FSH stimulation. In a second phase, we studied FSHr allele frequencies according to the severity of OHSS. Interestingly, a significant enrichment in the allele N680 was observed as the severity of OHSS increased (P = 0.034). Bearing in mind the limitations of the small number of patients studied and the possibility of sampling biases, these results suggest that the genotype in position 680 of the FSHr cannot predict which patients will develop OHSS, but could be a predictor of severity of symptoms among OHSS patients.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is involved in the regulation of ovarian follicular development and has been shown to potentiate the FSH responsiveness of granulosa cells from preantral follicles. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of IGF-I during preantral follicular culture on steroidogenesis, subsequent oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in mice. Preantral follicles were isolated mechanically and cultured for 12 days in a simplified culture medium supplemented with 1% fetal calf serum, recombinant human FSH, transferrin, and selenium. In these conditions, follicles were able to grow and produce oocytes that could be matured and fertilized. The first experiment analyzed the effect of different concentrations of IGF-I (0, 10, 50, or 100 ng/ml) added to the culture medium on the follicular survival, steroidogenesis, and the oocyte maturation process. The presence of IGF-I during follicular growth increased the secretion of estradiol but had no effect on the subsequent oocyte survival and maturation rates. In the second experiment, IGF-I (0 or 50 ng/ml) was added to the culture medium during follicular growth, oocyte maturation, or both, and subsequent oocyte fertilization and embryo development rates were evaluated. Oocyte fertilization rates were comparable in the presence or absence of IGF-I. However, the blastocyst development rate was enhanced after follicular culture in the presence of IGF-I. Moreover, the total cell number of the blastocysts observed after differential labeling staining was also higher when follicles were cultured or matured in the presence of IGF-I.

Teams practising medically assisted reproduction techniques try to avoid viruses as much as possible. Attitudes towards chronic carriers of viruses are rapidly changing, especially for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. We focus our attention on the legitimacy of systematic screening before assisted reproductive techniques and the need for specialized approaches including an adapted laboratory for viral hazards as well as the need for a multidisciplinary team. Specificities of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and the hypothesis of a reduced fertility potential are discussed. Are male HIV carriers a new indication for assisted reproductive techniques in order to prevent virus transmission? It is largely proven that sperm gradient preparation techniques efficiently decrease viral loads and therefore have a protective effect on contamination risk during assisted reproductive techniques. Although a few thousand assisted reproductive technique cycles were performed in the world for this indication without contamination, it is still too early to demonstrate that this technology is fully safe. Two examples of contaminations during insemination are examined. Many questions remain unresolved, such as the lack of standardized techniques for semen preparation or virus detection or the relative merits of intrauterine insemination or ICSI to prevent HIV contamination during assisted reproductive techniques. The authors plead for well-structured, separate programmes of care linked to research objectives.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs mainly after excessive stimulation of the ovaries by exogenous gonadotropins administrated in the context of in vitro fertilization procedures (iatrogenic OHSS). Recently, spontaneous and recurrent occurrence of the disease (spontaneous OHSS) was shown in two families to be caused by mutations affecting the follitropin receptor (FSHr). The two mutant FSHr (T449I, D567N) harbor aminoacid substitutions in the serpentine portion of the receptor and display abnormally high sensitivity to the pregnancy hormone hCG, thus providing a satisfactory explanation to the phenotype. In addition, mutant D567N showed also increased sensitivity to thyrotopin (TSH) and displayed increase in basal (ligand-independent) activity. In this report, we describe a new familial case of recurrent OHSS. The affected women were heterozygous for a different mutation involving codon 449, where an alanine was substituted for threonine. Similar to D567N, the T449A FSHr mutant shows an increase of its sensitivity to both hCG and TSH, together with an increase in basal activity. Together with the two previous studies, this report shows that inappropriate stimulation of the FSHr by hCG is a cause of spontaneous OHSS.

The overproduction of endogenous chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Yet the syndrome has been observed in women with normal levels of chorionic gonadotropin. This Brief Report defines a mutation in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor that is associated with recurrent, spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In this instance, the mutant receptor responded both to chorionic gonadotropin and to thyrotropin.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy induce premature ovarian failure in many patients treated for oncological or benign diseases. The present paper reviews the risk of developing premature ovarian failure according to the type of treatment and the different options to preserve fertility, focusing on the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. This technique constitutes a promising approach to preserve the fertility of young patients and offers the advantage of storing a large number of follicles that could be subsequently transplanted or cultured in vitro to obtain mature oocytes. Based on 34 requests, from which 19 were performed, the feasibility of the ovarian cryopreservation procedure is evaluated. The medical and ethical approaches of this protocol are also discussed. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue constitutes new hope for many patients, but must still be kept for selected cases, with a significant risk of premature ovarian failure after treatments such as bone marrow transplantation.

This paper reviews literature about oocyte donation for patients with Turner's syndrome and reports the experience of our center. Before contemplating pregnancy, it is essential to perform a careful evaluation of the cardiovascular system, the renal system, the thyroid status and the glucose tolerance. Different studies have reported a suboptimal response of the endometrium of women with Turner's syndrome to oestrogen therapy, and suggested that higher doses of estrogens may be necessary to achieve appropriate endometrial preparation. Pregnancy rate per transfer following oocyte donation is around 30% for patients with Turner's syndrome, comparable to the one observed for patients with other conditions requiring oocyte donation. Miscarriage rate is however higher (40-50%) after oocyte donation in Turner's syndrome, and could be related to the presence of a hypoplastic uterus along with hypovascularization. During pregnancy, cardiovascular complications are potentially the most severe, such as the exacerbation of a preexisting hypertension and the dissection of aortic aneurysms. There is a high rate of Caesarean section among Turner's syndrome patients, the main reason being fetopelvic disproportion. Regarding the increased obstetrical risks in Turner's syndrome patients, the selective transfer of one embryo should ideally be performed in order to avoid additional risks associated with multiple pregnancies. In our center, 9 patients with a Turner's syndrome had 15 cycles of oocyte donation. Five pregnancies were obtained among which three were evolutive. The outcome of oocyte donation cycles were comparable for patients with a Turner's syndrome and for patients with other indications of oocyte donation.

STUDY QUESTION Are progesterone levels after letrozole-associated controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients, lower than after standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER During the luteal phase of letrozole-associated COS cycles (triggered with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)) progesterone levels are similarly elevated to those obtained after standard COS without letrozole. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Current fertility preservation strategies for breast cancer patients include association of COS with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole to harvest several mature oocytes while maintaining low estradiol levels. Data on progesterone levels are however lacking despite growing evidence of the role of progesterone in breast tumorigenesis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective observational study comparing estradiol and progesterone levels of 21 breast cancer patients undergoing letrozole-associated COS with 21 infertile patients undergoing standard COS for IVF and/or intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All patients underwent COS with a GnRH antagonist protocol. In the fertility preservation group, ovulation induction was started in the follicular or luteal phase depending on the chemotherapy schedule and in 10 cases a GnRH antagonist was administered during luteal phase to induce luteolysis. Final oocyte maturation was induced by hCG in all patients. Estradiol and progesterone levels were measured on the day of hCG, at oocyte retrieval, and on days 3 and 8 after oocyte retrieval. Hormone levels in fertility preservation patients were compared with those observed in infertility patients. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE While estradiol levels were significantly lower in the fertility preservation group compared with the control group (P < 0.001), progesterone levels were similar at all times, including patients receiving a GnRH antagonist during the luteal phase. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The studied populations (breast cancer and infertile patients) are different, which may induce selection bias. The small sample size limits the study's statistical power and the possibility to perform multivariate analysis. Recruitment of the study and control patients was completed at the same time; however, enrollment of controls started at a later time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS While the use of letrozole in fertility preservation patients has a favorable effect on estrogen levels, no benefit is seen for progesterone levels which are high and comparable with progesterone levels after standard COS in IVF patients. As progesterone has been associated with tumor cell proliferation, caution is mandatory. Modified protocols including GnRH agonist triggering should be investigated.

[De Neubourg, D.; D'Hooghe, T.] Univ Hosp Leuven, Dept Obstet & Gynaecol, LUFC, Leuven, Belgium. [De Neubourg, D.; D'Hooghe, T.] Katholieke Univ Leuven, Dept Dev & Regenerat, Leuven, Belgium. [Bogaerts, K.] Katholieke Univ Leuven, I BioStat, Leuven, Belgium. [Bogaerts, K.] Univ Hasselt, Leuven, Belgium. [Wyns, C.] Catholic Univ Louvain, Clin Univ St Luc, Dept Gynaecol Androl, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium. [Camus, M.] Univ Libre Brussels, Ctr Reprod Med, Brussels, Belgium. [Delbaere, A.] Univ Libre Brussels, Hop Erasme, Dept Ob Gyn, Fertil Clin, Brussels, Belgium. [Delvigne, A.] Clin St Vincent, Ctr PMA, Liege, Belgium. [De Sutter, P.; Vandekerckhove, F.] Univ Hosp Gent, Dept Reprod Med, Ghent, Belgium. [Dubois, M.] Univ Liege, Ctr Procreat Medicalement Assistee, Liege, Belgium. [Gordts, S.] Leuven Inst Fertil & Embryol, Leuven, Belgium. [Lejeune, B.] Ctr Hosp Inter Reg Edith Cavell, Ctr Procreat Medicalement Assistee, Braine Lalleud, Belgium. [Leroy, F.] Univ Libre Brussels, Dept Obstet & Gynaecol, Brussels, Belgium.

Today, in developed countries, many HIV-infected people remain in good health thanks to antiviral medication. A growing number of them want to have children. Medical possibilities for preventing contamination of the partners of seropositive men through assisted reproduction and of children thanks to antiviral medicines during pregnancy are summarized. These changes result in ethical considerations which lead the authors to question the conventional systematic medical advise against pregnancy and has encouraged them to assist reproduction for a number of these couples. Today, the balance between the importance of the message of prevention and the benefit for patients of being assisted in their desire for a child has tilted towards medical intervention. It would seem legitimate today to intervene in the most favourable situations rather than see these couples take the risk of spontaneous conception outside health care structures. This implies to adapt medical structure (separate laboratory, appropriate procedure, precise protocols). This approach, which is coherent from the scientific point of view, respects both the autonomy of people carrying HIV as well as the essential interest for the child, in "being" born uninfected and also has the enormous advantage of allowing access to parenthood without destroying the consistency of the message of prevention of sexual contamination.