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Cognitive decline is a public health concern affecting about 50 million individuals worldwide. Neuroticism, defined as the trait disposition to experience intense and frequent negative emotions, has been associated with an increased risk of late-life cognitive decline. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of this association remain unknown. This study investigated the relationship between genetic predisposition to neuroticism, computed by polygenic risk score (PRS), and performance in cognitive domains of reasoning, processing speed, visual attention, and memory in individuals over age 60. The sample consisted of UK Biobank participants with genetic and cognitive data available (N = 10,737, 4686 females; mean age = 63.4 ± 2.71). The cognitive domains were assessed at baseline for all participants and seven years later for a subset (N = 645, 262 females; mean age = 62.9 ± 2.44). Neuroticism PRS was not associated cross-sectionally with cognitive measures (p > 0.05). However, the trajectory of change for processing speed (β = 0.020; 95% CI = [0.006, 0.035], adjusted p = 0.0148), visual attention (β = −0.077; 95% CI = [−0.0985, −0.0553], adjusted p = 1.412 × 10−11), and memory (β = −0.033; 95% CI = [−0.0535, −0.0131], adjusted p = 0.005) was significantly associated with neuroticism PRS. Specifically, a higher genetic predisposition to neuroticism was associated with less decline in these cognitive domains. This trend persisted after sensitivity analysis using complete cases, although it only remained nominally significant for visual attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: To evaluate fertility outcomes in infertile women with severe endometriosis who underwent Frozen embryo transfer (FET) after laparoscopic surgery and assess the optimal time interval between laparoscopy and FET. Materials & Methods: Number of 215 females with advanced-stage endometriosis were included in this retrospective cohort study. At first embryo were then laparoscopic surgery was performed. Patients received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist) for the next three months after the laparoscopic surgery. FET was scheduled during the next several time-points after the laparoscopic surgery. The results of treatment such as live birth, the interval between the operation and pregnancy, improved dysmenorrhea/dyspareunia, and post-operative complications were evaluated. Results: A total of 215 patients with a mean ± SD age of 34.33 ± 6.62 were included, among which, 143 cases (86.2%) had no past medical history. Ninety-three individuals (44%) were referred for the first IVF procedure. The mean ± SD of the infertility period was 4.71 ± 5.43 years. The mean ± SD number of frozen embryos was 2.53 ± 3.36 and the period between the laparoscopic intervention and IVF was 1.58 ± 2.65 months. Conclusion: Women with severe endometriosis may benefit from embryo freezing before laparoscopic surgery then FET. The optimal time between laparoscopy and embryo transfer is seemed to be between two and four months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Cesarean scar pregnancy cases who undergo hysteroscopic suction aspiration could be at higher risk of air emboli due to dilated, low‐resistant, high‐velocity blood vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A low progesterone level on the embryo transfer (ET) day significantly reduces the pregnancy rate. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of adding daily 50 mg intramuscular progesterone to a total of 800 mg progesterone suppository on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate in women with low progesterone levels. Materials and Methods: This parallel open-label clinical trial was performed on 218 IVF candidate infertile women who had <9.2 ng/ml progesterone levels on the ET day. These women were randomised to the intervention or control group using the randomisation allocation rule. In the intervention group, 50 mg progesterone was prescribed intramuscularly once daily in addition to 400 mg of progesterone suppository every 12 hours from the day of ET. The control group received only 400 mg of progesterone suppositories every 12 hours. In the case of pregnancy, the drugs above were continued until 12 weeks after the ET. Results: Clinical pregnancy occurred in 54 (50.0%) women in the intervention group and in 39 (36.8%) women in the control group, which was significantly different (P=0.035). Ongoing pregnancy occurred in 47 (43.5%) women in the intervention group, and 33 (31.1%) women in the control group, which was significantly different (P=0.042). There were no significant differences in terms of abortion and multiple pregnancy rates between the two groups. Conclusion: Intramuscular injection of 50 mg progesterone significantly increases the clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates (registration number: IRCT20150105020558N6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to measure the correlation of sperm DNA fragmentation with semen parameters, lifestyle, and fertility outcomes after intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI). Materials and methods: The partners who were candidates for ICSI with a history of one In vitro fertilization (IVF) failure or male factor were recruited in the study. Semen parameters including sperm count, motility, and morphology as well as DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (that were divided into 2 groups as high (>15%), and low (=15%) fragmentation scales) were evaluated either. The correlation of DFI with semen parameters, lifestyle, and clinical pregnancy after ICSI were compared between groups. Results: In 120 included couples, 59 men (49.2%) had DFIs = 15% and 61 (50.8%) cases had DFIs >15%. In the group with higher DFI, abnormal morphology (p=0.010) was higher whereas, progressive motility (p=0.001), total motility (p<0.001), and total count (p<0.001) of sperm were significantly lower. In addition, the DFI was significantly higher in the subgroup of male infertility (0.012). Logistic regression showed that a lower risk of DFI>15% was associated with higher values of progressive motility (OR=0.97, p=0.001), total motility (OR=0.96, p=<0.001), count (OR=0.96, p=<0.001) and even clinical pregnancy (OR=0.27, p=0.011). However, a history of testicular surgery was associated with a higher risk of DFI>15% (OR=3.37, p=0.046). Although no correlation was found between male age and lifestyle components with DFI, the number of embryos was lower in DFI=15% (p<0.001). Conclusion: DFI provide a clinically important measurement of sperm quality and have an impact on IVF outcomes; however, lifestyle components may not correlate with DFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) is a tool used to guide physicians in selecting an optimal medication for clients based on their genetic profile. The objective of this qualitative study is to understand patients' experiences with PGx testing as well as their opinions regarding the clinical adoption of such tests in psychiatry. A focus group was conducted to assess the needs of clients who had experience using a PGx test. Participants were recruited from a large study on PGx testing that offered physicians an opportunity to use PGx reports to guide psychotropic prescriptions. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo to identify core themes. A total of 11 people participated in the focus group. Our analysis revealed that many participants were in favour of implementing PGx testing in psychiatric practice, and all expressed important considerations for patient-centred optimization of PGx testing. The main themes captured were: education and awareness among clinicians, cost considerations, PGx results-sharing and accessibility, and prospective benefits. The results of this study suggest that patients are keen to see PGx testing in widespread clinical care, but they report important opportunities to improve knowledge mobilization of PGx testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor ovarian responder (POR) women, whose ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation has decreased, are at higher risk of unsuccessful in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Therefore, this study designed to evaluate the effect of intra-ovarian platelet rich plasma (PRP) on POR women. Methods: This single-arm trial research was done on 20 POR women referred to the IVF Unit, university-based hospital, Tehran, Iran between October 2020 and September 2021. For all participants, autologous PRP was injected into each ovary by transvaginal ultrasound guidance under spinal anesthesia between days 12 and 14 of the menstrual cycle. After 12 weeks of PRP injection, embryo transfers were carried out following our routine IVF department protocol. The study outcomes were the number of mature oocytes, and pregnancy rates. Results: The average age of the participants was 41.80±1.82 yr. The average infertility duration was 9.70±1.89 yrs., with 80% primary infertility type. After PRP injection, follicle-stimulating hormone levels dropped about 1% (P=0.499), anti-Mullerian hormone levels were on average 4.5% higher (P=0.356), and estradiol levels raised by 1.2% (P=0.681). The average number of oocytes and their quality increased after PRP injection, while these changes were not significant (p-value>0.05). Chemical pregnancy was detected in 3 (15%) women and clinical pregnancy was detected only in one person. Conclusion: This study revealed that PRP injection into ovaries of POR women is safe and had a tendency to improve ovarian reserve markers and serum levels of AMH, estradiol, number and quality of oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has been developed remarkably in these decades; however, the rate of unsuccessful embryo implantation especially in the frozenthawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles remains high and is reported up to 70%. The current study was designed to compare the effect of intramuscular injection of hCG on endometrium preparation and embryo implantation, in women undergoing FET compared to the control group. Methods: This clinical trial was done on 140 infertile women that underwent FET. The study sample was randomly allocated to the intervention group (two 5000 unit ampoules of hCG were injected intramuscularly before the first dose of progesterone administration) and the control group (without hCG injection). In both groups, 4 days after progesterone administration, the cleavage stage embryos were transferred. The study outcomes were biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and abortion rate. Results: The average age of intervention and control group was 32.65±6.05 and 33.11±5.36 years, respectively. The basic information between two study groups did not differ significantly. The chemical (30% vs. 17.1%, P=0.073, relative risk (RR)=0.57) and clinical (28.6% vs. 14.3%, P=0.039, RR=0.50) pregnancy rates were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group; these higher ratios were only significant in clinical pregnancy rate. Abortion rate was not significantly (P=0.620) different between the intervention and control groups (4.3% vs. 1.4%, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that intramuscular injection of 10000 IU hCG before the endometrial secretory transformation phase in cleavage-stage embryo, improves IVF cycle outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postpartum depression is a common mental health problem that is associated with maternal suffering. The aim of this double-blind clinical trial was to compare safety and efficacy of saffron and fluoxetine in treatment of mild to moderate postpartum depression. Methods: This was a 6-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Subjects were women aged 18-45 years with mild to moderate postpartum depression who had Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS 17-item) score = 18. Eligible participants were randomized to receive either a capsule of saffron (15 mg capsule) or fluoxetine (20 mg capsule) twice daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate efficacy of saffron compared to fluoxetine in improving depressive symptoms (HDRS score). Results: There was no significant effect for time × treatment interaction on HDRS score [F (4.90, 292.50) = 1.04, p = 0.37] between the 2 groups. 13 (40.60 %) patients in the saffron group experienced complete response (= 50 % reduction in HDRS score) compared with 16 (50 %) in the fluoxetine group and the difference between the 2 groups was not significant in this regard (p = 0.61). Frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the treatment groups. Discussion: The results of this study may suggest that saffron is a safe alternative medication for improving depressive symptoms of postpartum depression. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that the trial is not well powered and should be considered a preliminary study. Therefore, large clinical trials with longer treatment periods and comparison with placebo group would be appropriate for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol has been proposed as a potentially proper option for the patients with limited ovarian reserve. Nevertheless, there is no significant difference in terms of clinical pregnancy between the GnRH antagonist and agonist cycles. The use of aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole was suggested by some studies. Objective: The object of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of letrozole cotreatment with GnRH-antagonist protocol in ovarian stimulation of poor responder patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized control trial was conducted on 70 infertile women with poor ovarian response based on Bologna criteria in two groups: letrozole+GnRH-antagonist (LA) group and placebo+GnRH-antagonist (PA) group (n=35/each). The LA group involved at letrozole 2.5 mg daily over 5 days and recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone 225 IU/daily. The PA group received placebo over 5 days and recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone at the same starting day and dose, similar to LA group. GnRH-antagonist was introduced once one or more follicle reached ≥14 mm. The main outcome measures were the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, cycle cancellation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between groups. There were no significant differences between groups regarding the number of oocytes retrieved (p=0.81), number of embryos transferred (p=0.82), fertilization rate (p=0.225), implantation rate (p=0.72), total cycle cancelation rate (p=0.08), and clinical pregnancy rate (p=0.12). Conclusion: The use of letrozole in GnRH-antagonist cycles does not improve clinical outcomes in poor responder patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a heterogeneous syndrome with several causative factors. Autoimmune mechanisms are involved in pathogenesis of 4-30 % of POF cases. The present review focuses on the role of autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of POF. The evidences for an autoimmune etiology are: demonstration of ovarian autoantibodies, the presence of lymphocytic oophoritis, and association with other autoimmune disorders. Several ovarian antigenic targets have been identified in POF patients. The oocyte seems to be the most often targeted cell. Lymphocytic oophoritis is widely present in POF associated adrenal insufficiency. Addison? s disease is one of the most common autoimmune disorders associated with POF. Early detection of this potentially life threatening disease was recommended in several studies. The gold standard for detecting autoimmune POF is ovarian biopsy. This procedure is not recommended due to unknown clinical value, expense, and risks. Several immunoassays have been proposed as substitute diagnostic tools. Nevertheless, there is no clinically proven sensitive and specific serum test to confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune POF or to anticipate the patient's chance of developing POF or associated diseases. Some authors suggested the possible effects of immuno-modulating therapy on the resumption of ovarian function and fertility in a selected group of autoimmune POF patients. However, in most instances, this treatment fails to reverse the course of the disease. Numerous studies illustrated that standard treatment outcome for infertility is less effective in the presence of ovarian autoimmunity. The antibody-induced damage could be a pathogenic factor. Nevertheless, the precise cause remains obscure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare form of extra uterine pregnancy. Serous cyst adenoma is a benign variant of epithelial cell tumors of ovary. The coexistence of a cyst adenoma with an ovarian pregnancy in the same ovary is extremely rare. Some studies suggested that infertility or ovulation-inducing drugs can be involved in increased risk of ovarian tumors and ovarian pregnancies. A 28-year-old infertile woman presented with a ruptured ovarian pregnancy following ovulation induction with metformin. She had a concurrent benign serous cyst adenoma in the same ovary. Resection of both ovarian pregnancy and tumoral mass were performed. The ovary was preserved. Removal of gestational tissue and preservation of the involved ovary are the best options for management of ovarian pregnancy in young patient. Although there is an association between infertility/ovulation inducting medications and ovarian gestation, their connections with serous cyst adenoma are undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects 1% of young women. This condition has significant psychological sequelae and major health implications. POF seriously interferes with fertility and family planning. Diverse etiologies are associated with POF. Literature review related to the causes and pathogenesis of POF, cited between the year 1900 and May 2010. POF may be either spontaneous or induced. The known causes include:- Genetic disorders, which could involve the X chromosome or autosomes. However, the growing body of literature demonstrates a list of newly discovered mutations that may be responsible for causing POF. Most of these mutations are extremely rare, and most cases of POF are still considered to be idiopathic. - Autoimmune causes; there is some evidence of an association of POF with lymphocytic oophoritis and other autoimmune disorders. Antiovarian antibodies are reported in POF, but their specificity and pathogenic role are obscure. - Iatrogenic causes; chemotherapy, radiotherapy and pelvic surgery can lead to POF. - Infectious Causes; some viral and microbial infections can be followed by POF. - Environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoking are reported as risk factors of spontaneous POF. - Idiopathic; in most cases, no identifiable etiology can be recognized after complete evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common condition; its incidence is estimated to be as great as 1 in 100 by the age of 40 years. Physiologic replacement of ovarian steroid hormones seems rational until the age of normal menopause. Temporary return of ovarian function and pregnancy may occur rarely in women with POF. We report a case of POF who conceived during hormone replacement therapy. Case: A 30 years-old woman with confirmed POF after pelvic surgery and sever emotional stress conceived spontaneously. Conclusion: Return of ovarian function and achievement of pregnancy is possible in women with POF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle is an ideal protocol for some subfertile patients. So, we decided to try this therapeutic protocol for the patients with unilateral tubal blockage diagnosed by hysterosalpingography (HSG). Objective: To evaluate the effect of unilateral tubal blockage diagnosed by HSG on cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) of the stimulated IUI cycles. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed between October 2006 and October 2009 in an academic reproductive endocrinology and infertility center. Two groups of patients undergoing stimulated IUI cycles were compared. Sixty-four infertile couples with unilateral tubal blockage diagnosed by HSG as the sole cause of infertility in the group (?), and two hundred couples with unexplained infertility in the group (II). The patients underwent 3 consecutive ovarian hyperstimulation (Clomiphen citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin) and IUI cycles. The main outcome measurements were the CPRs per patients for 3 consecutive stimulated IUI cycles. Results: Cycle characteristics were found to be homogenous between the both groups. CPRs were similar in group ? (26.6%) and group II (28%) (p=0.87; OR=1.075; 95% CI: 0.57 -2.28). Conclusion: Unilateral tubal blockage (diagnosed on HSG) has no effect on success rate of stimulated IUI cycles, so COH and IUI could be recommended as the initial therapeutic protocol in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the efficacy of luteal phase support (LPS) with vaginal progesterone (P) on pregnancy rates of the stimulated intrauterine insemination (WI) cycles in couples with unexplained infertility (UEI). Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, blinded control trial undertaken at a tertiary care university fertility center between October 2007 and December 2008. A total of 200 couples with UEI underwent 511 consecutive stimulated JUT cycles. Clomiphene citrate (Cc) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) were used for ovulation induction. After IUI, patients were randomized into two groups. The study group (n=98) received intra-vaginal P (Cyclogest) for LPS. The patients randomized into the control group (n= 102) received no drug for LPS. The main outcome was the comparison of clinical pregnancy rate (PR) and live birth rate (BR) per cycle and patient between the control and study groups. Results: There were no differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. PR per patient and cycle were similar in the study group (30.6% and 11.5%, respectively) and in the control group [25.5% and 10.03%, respectively] (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant increases in BR per patient and cycle between the study group (19.4% and 7.5%, respectively) and the control group [14.7% and 5.7%, respectively] (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Administration of vaginal P (Cyclogest) for LPS does not improve the reproductive outcome of stimulated IUI cycles (Registeration Number: IRCT1389 01283737N1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, we evaluated post-natal growth and psychomotor development status of infants at 6 months of age based on their gestational age at elective cesarean sections. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study performed in 2014-2015 in Iran. The study population consisted of 6-month-old infants with gestational ages of 38-40 weeks delivered by elective cesarean section. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: Group A (neonates with gestational age of 380/7 weeks), group B (neonates with gestational age of 390/7 weeks), and group C (neonates with gestational age of 406/7 weeks). At the infant age of 6 months, the mothers were called for follow-up visits. Growth and psychomotor status of all subjects were assessed by expert pediatricians based on the Age and Stage Questionnaires. Recorded data related to outcomes in neonatal period and 6 months later were analyzed to determine associations between groups' variables. Results: A total of 952 subjects were found eligible for study participation. The mean birth weight, length and head circumference were significantly higher in group C compared with the other groups (P = 0.005). Regarding growth parameters, a significant association was found between gestational age at birth and all other growth indices at 6 months of age (P = 0.005). The mean weight at 6 months of age was higher in group B in comparison with group A (P = 0.001) and C (P = 0.007). Infants born at 380/7 weeks were shorter in comparison with those born at 390/7 (P = 0.002) and 406/7 weeks (P = 0.005). Head circumference was significantly lower in group A than group B (P = 0.02) and C (P = 0.05). Regarding psychomotor indices at 6 months, a significant association was found between gestational age at birth and problem-solving skills (P = 0.003). Delays in problem-solving skills were more frequent in neonates born at 380/7 weeks compared with those born at 390/7 (P = 0.005) or 406/7 weeks (P = 0.003). This difference was also significant between the two groups who were born at 390/7 and 406/7 weeks (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The results from this study demonstrated that postponing the time of planned elective cesareans beyond 39 weeks of gestation may improve infant's growth and psychomotor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor ovarian responder (POR) women, whose ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation has decreased, are at higher risk of unsuccessful in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Therefore, this study designed to evaluate the effect of intra-ovarian platelet rich plasma (PRP) on POR women., Methods: This single-arm trial research was done on 20 POR women referred to the IVF Unit, university-based hospital, Tehran, Iran between October 2020 and September 2021. For all participants, autologous PRP was injected into each ovary by transvaginal ultrasound guidance under spinal anesthesia between days 12 and 14 of the menstrual cycle. After 12 weeks of PRP injection, embryo transfers were carried out following our routine IVF department protocol. The study outcomes were the number of mature oocytes, and pregnancy rates., Results: The average age of the participants was 41.80±1.82 yr. The average infertility duration was 9.70±1.89 yrs., with 80% primary infertility type. After PRP injection, follicle-stimulating hormone levels dropped about 1% (P=0.499), anti-Mullerian hormone levels were on average 4.5% higher (P=0.356), and estradiol levels raised by 1.2% (P=0.681). The average number of oocytes and their quality increased after PRP injection, while these changes were not significant (p-value>0.05). Chemical pregnancy was detected in 3 (15%) women and clinical pregnancy was detected only in one person., Conclusion: This study revealed that PRP injection into ovaries of POR women is safe and had a tendency to improve ovarian reserve markers and serum levels of AMH, estradiol, number and quality of oocytes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Background: Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has been developed remarkably in these decades; however, the rate of unsuccessful embryo implantation especially in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles remains high and is reported up to 70%. The current study was designed to compare the effect of intramuscular injection of hCG on endometrium preparation and embryo implantation, in women undergoing FET compared to the control group., Methods: This clinical trial was done on 140 infertile women that underwent FET. The study sample was randomly allocated to the intervention group (two 5000 unit ampoules of hCG were injected intramuscularly before the first dose of progesterone administration) and the control group (without hCG injection). In both groups, 4 days after progesterone administration, the cleavage stage embryos were transferred. The study outcomes were biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and abortion rate., Results: The average age of intervention and control group was 32.65±6.05 and 33.11±5.36 years, respectively. The basic information between two study groups did not differ significantly. The chemical (30% vs. 17.1%, P=0.073, relative risk (RR)=0.57) and clinical (28.6% vs. 14.3%, P=0.039, RR=0.50) pregnancy rates were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group; these higher ratios were only significant in clinical pregnancy rate. Abortion rate was not significantly (P=0.620) different between the intervention and control groups (4.3% vs. 1.4%, respectively)., Conclusion: This study showed that intramuscular injection of 10000 IU hCG before the endometrial secretory transformation phase in cleavage-stage embryo, improves IVF cycle outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: The common causes of infertility in women with endometriosis are folliculogenesis alternation, steroidogenesis and fertilization impairment, oocyte and embryo quality reduction, and implantation defect., Objective: To compare in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle success rates of women with endometriosis who were treated with letrozole + gonadotropin (LA) vs. placebo + gonadotropin (PA)., Materials and Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted with 94 infertile women with endometriosis (47 in the LA group and 47 in the PA group) who were candidates for IVF, from April-June 2021. For all participants, the long agonist protocol was applied. In both groups, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was prescribed in the mid-luteal stage and from the third day of the cycle, and gonadotropin was started and its doses were regulated based on the patient's age, serum anti-Mullerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. From the third day of the menstrual cycle, 5 mg of letrozole daily for 5 days was prescribed for the LA group, while the placebo was prescribed for the PA group on the identical days and duration. After embryo transfer, biochemical and clinical pregnancy were measured in the 2 groups., Results: The gonadotropin dosage (p < 0.01) and estradiol level (p = 0.02) on the human chorionic gonadotropin administration day were significantly lower in the LA group compared with in the PA group. Fetus transfer was done for 32 women. No significant differences were detected between the study groups regarding biochemical or clinical pregnancy (p = 0.72 for both)., Conclusion: Letrozole as a co-treatment drug in the IVF cycle of women with endometriosis can significantly reduce the gonadotropin dosage and estradiol level with the same pregnancy rates., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ebrahimi et al.)

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is considered a main reproductive health challenge. According to the side effects of using methotrexate (MTX), it is rational to find safer drugs in the management of EP. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding letrozole to the single-dose MTX in the management of EPs. This study was conducted in an academic hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Women with EP and stable vital signs with β-hCG levels ≤3500 were assigned randomly to receive MTX + placebo or MTX + letrozole. The regression pattern of β-hCG, need for further surgery, and potential side effects were compared between groups. A total of 90 women were assigned equally to the study groups and were matched in age, body mass index (BMI), serum biochemistry, and primary levels of β-hCG. No drug-related side effects were observed in groups. The rates of further surgery (p = 0.614) and second dose of MTX (p = 0.809) were not significant between groups. In the MTX + placebo group, we observed a minor increase in β-hCG levels on day 4 followed by a decreasing pattern on days 7 and 14. But, in MTX + letrozole group, a decreasing pattern in β-hCG levels from day 1 through day 14 was perceived. The results support using MTX + letrozole to treat stable women diagnosed with tubal EP as a safe and efficient method. Further studies are required to evaluate letrozole alone as an alternative therapy in EPs.