This study aimed to assess whether basal hormonal levels can predict the levels of progesterone (P4) on the day of oocyte retrieval (OR) and examine the impact of P4 levels on the day of OR on the outcome of assisted reproduction. One hundred sixty-four patients that were enrolled in the assisted reproduction procedure were classified according to their P4 levels on the OR day (< 2 ng/ml vs. ≥ 2 ng/ml). Patients who had P4 levels < 2 ng/ml had significantly higher follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and significantly lower anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. More than half of patients with P4 levels < 2 ng/ml on the OR day got pregnant and delivered healthy infants. There was a significant correlation between lower FSH values and higher P4 values at OR and between higher AMH values and higher P4 values on the day of OR. Regression analysis showed that high FSH levels are the most important factor that can reliably imply lower P4 levels on OR day. Our study confirmed that lower basal FSH levels can predict the levels of P4 on the OR day. Moreover, lower levels of P4 on the day of OR are associated with a positive outcome in assisted reproduction.
Background/Objectives: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as a multifactorial chronic disease, can cause heterogeneous metabolic, physical, and psychological disorders as well as infertility in both obese and non-obese patients. Therefore, this review aimed to present differences in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapy in obese and non-obese patients with PCOS. Methods: A non-systematic review was conducted by searching papers published in English from 2010 to 2024 in MEDLINE. Results: Obesity in PCOS significantly contributes to IR and worsens metabolic dysfunction. Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, are the first line of treatment. Pharmacological therapies, such as metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, myoinositol, and resveratrol, are used to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate the hormonal milieu, and reduce hyperandrogenism. Metformin is widely used to improve glucose metabolism and reduce androgen levels, while myoinositol is effective in promoting ovarian function. GLP-1 receptor agonists and resveratrol improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes. For patients with severe obesity, bariatric surgery offers substantial improvements in body composition, metabolic function, and fertility. Combination therapies, such as metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, provide comprehensive treatment for both reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS. Conclusions: The first-line treatment for PCOS is a lifestyle-modifying strategy. PCOS patients with insulin resistance and obesity would mostly benefit from combination therapy with metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Background and Objectives: Severe hemoperitoneum of ovarian bleeding origin is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) procedure. The study aimed to present a case series of surgically managed patients from our clinic with hemoperitoneum caused by ovarian bleeding after TVOR, as well as to perform a comprehensive literature review in order to summarize and analyze all published cases with this condition and their management. Materials and Methods: The data of 2939 patients, who underwent TVOR procedures for IVF/ICSI (in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in our clinic between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Moreover, a systemic literature search was performed. Main outcome measures from the pooled analysis were incidence and risk factors, type of surgery, intraoperative finding and intervention leading to hemostasis. Results: In our Clinic 4 (0.136%), cases of hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding were surgically managed. Moreover, 39 cases from 18 studies reported in the literature were identified. No risk factors besides lean women with PCOS were identified. In the pooled analysis, the bleeding symptoms appeared in 58.1% of patients within eight hours after TVOR and cumulatively in 81.4% cases during the 24 h after TVOR. The average time from TVOR to surgery was 27.19 ± 53.25 h. Hemostasis was mostly established using electrocoagulation, although few cases of ovariectomy were also reported. Embryo transfer at 60% of cases was postponed and embryos cryopreserved. Conclusions: Severe hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding after TVOR is a rare event that should be treated by techniques of minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Protocols should be developed to enable optimal management strategies for infertility patients. Embryos obtained should be cryopreserved.
Background: There, we review the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), its influence on fetal physiology, and neonatal outcomes, as well as the usage of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACST) in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed search was performed for the years 1990–2022, using a combination of keywords on such topics. According to the aim of the investigation, appropriate articles were identified and included in this narrative review. Results: GDM is a multifactorial disease related to unwanted pregnancy course and outcomes. Although GDM has an influence on the fetal cardiovascular and nervous system, especially in preterm neonates, the usage of ACST in pregnancy must be considered taking into account maternal and fetal characteristics. Conclusions: GDM has no influence on neonatal outcomes after ACST introduction. The ACST usage must be personalized and considered according to its gestational age-specific effects on the developing fetus.
The data regarding the role of progesterone (P4) in reproductive events of endometriosis patients are limited. This prospective study aimed to examine the predictive value of basal P4 serum levels for successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with primary infertility and endometriosis. The study included 73 patients divided according to endometriosis treatment (surgery vs. control—no treatment). The general data, basal hormonal status, and pregnancy rates were determined for every patient. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 40.3% of patients, and more often in patients treated for endometriosis before IVF. The regression analysis showed that higher basal P4 serum levels were associated with achieving pregnancy through IVF. When regression was adjusted for the patient and IVF characteristics, higher basal P4 serum levels were associated with pregnancy achievement in both groups of women, along with the basal serum levels of FSH, LH, and AMH; EFI score; and stimulation protocol. The ROC analysis showed that the basal P4 serum level for successful IVF should be ≥0.7ng/mL. The basal P4 serum level cut-off for IVF success in endometriosis patients was determined for the first time. Constructed models for IVF success prediction emphasize the importance of determining the basal P4 serum levels for the personalized treatment of endometriosis-related infertility.