Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard Nauber, Sandhya R. Goudu, Maren Goeckenjan, Martin Bornhaeuser, Carla Ribeiro, Mariana Medina-Saenchez
Summary: Medical microrobotics is an emerging field that aims to achieve non-invasive diagnosis and therapy inside the human body through miniaturized sensors and actuators. This overview discusses the key challenges in assisted reproduction and explores how microrobotics can be used to assist fertilization and enhance embryo implantation. The authors also highlight the potential designs, translation to animal and human studies, and regulatory and ethical considerations for clinical adoption of this technology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lauren Lacey, Sibte Hassan, Sebastian Franik, Mourad W. Seif, M. Ahsan Akhtar
Summary: The effects of assisted hatching (AH) on live birth rates are uncertain and may increase the risk of multiple pregnancies. Although AH may offer a slightly increased chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy, the quality of data is low, and it is uncertain whether it influences miscarriage rates.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siri E. Haberg, Christian M. Page, Yunsung Lee, Haakon E. Nustad, Maria C. Magnus, Kristine L. Haftorn, Ellen O. Carlsen, William R. P. Denault, Jon Bohlin, Astanand Jugessur, Per Magnus, Hakon K. Gjessing, Robert Lyle
Summary: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) may affect fetal development through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to widespread differences in DNA methylation and variations in genes related to growth, neurodevelopment, and other health outcomes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zheng Wang, Astrid E. P. Cantineau, Annemieke Hoek, Rik van Eekelen, Ben W. Mol, Rui Wang
Summary: In assisted reproductive technology (ART) research, live birth is considered an important outcome but its interpretation can be misleading when solely focused on. This review presents an overview of the definitions of live birth and demonstrates through clinical examples the impact of variations in live birth on research findings, highlighting the importance of considering other outcomes such as multiple pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and maternal and offspring health outcomes. A holistic outcome assessment beyond live birth is necessary to inform evidence-based decision making in ART research.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuyue Zhang, Ning Yao, Yao Lu, Jingyi Ni, Xiaohui Liu, Ji Zhou, Wangsheng Wang, Ting Zhang, Yaqiong He, Jiaan Huang, Kang Sun, Yun Sun
Summary: This study reveals a negative association between air pollutant exposure before oocyte retrieval and livebirth rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The adverse impact is more evident in a one-year exposure window compared to the three-month refresh cycle. Women undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles, especially those with two embryos transferred, are more vulnerable to air pollutant exposure.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eliza C. C. Curnow, Bianca Vannucci, Charles H. H. Muller, Christopher N. N. Herndon
Summary: We report a rare case of successful live birth after assisted oocyte activation of failed fertilized oocytes. A woman with multi-factor infertility underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of frozen/thawed testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) sample. The oocytes showed failed fertilization, but the cycle was rescued using an assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocol. One genetically normal embryo resulting from the AOA was transferred and led to a normal pregnancy and live birth.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Li Ge, Yexing Li, Shengnan Guan, Linlin Cui, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different ovarian stimulation protocols on IVF/ICSI outcomes in infertile women with adenomyosis. The results showed that in fresh ET cycles, the short protocol had significantly lower implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate compared to ultra-long and long protocols. In FET cycles, the origin of embryos did not affect pregnancy outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Audrey J. Gaskins, Yujia Zhang, Jeani Chang, Dmitry M. Kissin
Summary: This study developed models to predict the probability of live birth in individuals considering in vitro fertilization based on demographic and reproductive characteristics. Female age showed the strongest association with live birth rate, while other factors such as lower body mass index and parity or gravidity >1 were also associated with higher live birth rates. Infertility diagnoses of diminished ovarian reserve, uterine factor, and other reasons were associated with a lower live birth rate, while male factor, tubal factor, ovulatory disorders, and unexplained infertility were associated with a higher live birth rate.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sughashini Murugesu, Lorraine S. Kasaven, Aviva Petrie, Anusiya Vaseekaran, Benjamin P. Jones, Timothy Bracewell-Milnes, Jennifer F. Barcroft, Karen J. Grewal, Natalie Getreu, Nicolas Galazis, Flavia Sorbi, Srdjan Saso, Jara Ben-Nagi
Summary: Infertility affects a significant proportion of couples, with male factor infertility accounting for 30% of cases. This meta-analysis study finds that paternal age has a notable impact on rates of pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage, emphasizing the need to consider both maternal and paternal age when planning a family.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Tove Wrande, Berglind Harper Kristjansdottir, Panagiotis Tsiartas, Nermin Hadziosmanovic, Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
Summary: This study compares the outcomes of ART treatments in single women and women in lesbian relationships. The results show that there is no significant difference in live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate between the two groups, when adjusted for age, regardless of whether using donor sperm for IVF or IUI treatments.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yu Tong, Qiang Sun, Xiaoguang Shao, Zhijian Wang
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between vaginal microbiota and pregnancy outcomes in women who underwent IVF in Northern China, and identified potential biomarkers for predicting the risk of preterm birth. The results showed that the diversity and abundance of vaginal bacteria were higher in women who delivered at term compared to those who delivered preterm, regardless of IVF or natural conception. Low abundance of vaginal bacteria was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Certain bacteria, such as Alloscardovia, Vobrio, and Sporosarcina, showed potential as predictive biomarkers for pregnancy outcomes in IVF pregnancies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elena Satorres-Perez, Alicia Martinez-Varea, Jose Morales-Rosello
Summary: A systematic review found no significant association between COVID-19 vaccination and assisted reproductive techniques. Studies showed no differences in fertility treatment response, embryo quality, implantation rates, or pregnancy outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Giulia Galati, Giovanna Esposito, Edgardo Somigliana, Ludovico Muzii, Matteo Franchi, Giovanni Corrao, Fabio Parazzini
Summary: A study conducted in Lombardy, Italy, revealed a decrease in the incidence of birth defects in children born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) from 2014 to 2020, suggesting that policy changes in ART may have contributed to this positive trend.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyun Joo Lee, Hye Kyung Noh, Jong Kil Joo
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the POSEIDON criteria can predict the prognosis of COS. The study found that ovarian reserve seems to outweigh patients' age when predicting the ART outcomes of low-responder infertile women. However, when there are no differences in ovarian reserve, younger women with low AMH have a higher probability of pregnancy than their AMH-matched older counterparts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Manish Banker, Silke Dyer, Georgina M. Chambers, Osamu Ishihara, Markus Kupka, Jacques de Mouzon, Fernando Zegers-Hochschild, G. David Adamson
Summary: The report provides data on the utilization, effectiveness, and safety of assisted reproductive technology (ART) globally in 2013, showing an increase in ART cycles and changes in trends such as a rise in the proportion of older women undergoing non-donor ART. Further efforts are needed to improve the quality and consistency of reporting ART data by registries.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Denise J. Jamieson, Sonja A. Rasmussen
Summary: Physiological, mechanical, and immunologic changes in pregnancy may affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe disease, with pregnant individuals more likely to experience adverse outcomes. Intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is rare, possibly due to low viral levels and reduced expression of necessary receptors in the placenta. COVID-19 and its impact on healthcare systems have also had negative effects on pregnancy outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
S. A. Rasmussen, D. J. Jamieson
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Kamini Doraivelu, Anjum Mandani, Anandi N. Sheth, Jennifer F. Kawwass, Sophia A. Hussen
JANAC-JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NURSES IN AIDS CARE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Kendra Piper, Peggy Goedken, Tatyana Johnson, Naima T. Joseph, Angeline Ti, Franklyn Geary, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: This study aimed to understand the perceived quality of obstetric care following changes to the structure of care in a safety-net institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a mixed-methods approach of a web-based survey and in-depth interviews, the results showed that reported quality was high for both in-person and phone visits, but respondents preferred in-person visits. Provider communication was identified as the key driver of quality. Despite the inconvenience of care changes, respondents found them acceptable.
JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Julie M. Shabto, Dattatraya Patil, Katherine Poulose, Mackenzie P. Bennett, Angel X. Xiao, Heather S. Hipp, Jennifer F. Kawwass, Akanksha Mehta
Summary: This study evaluated the management of male factor infertility in fertility clinics, including website educational content and factors related to referral for urologic evaluation and care. The findings showed that variability in patient-facing education, infertility practice setting, and size influenced access to urologic care for couples with male factor infertility.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Michelle Picon, Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Denise J. Jamieson, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: Obesity, gestational hypertension, multifetal gestations, and cesarean delivery are unique risk factors for late postpartum preeclampsia, and patients with these factors may benefit from additional follow-up in the early postpartum period to detect and manage the condition.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shae M. Boguslawski, Naima T. Joseph, Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Angeline J. Ti, Franklyn H. Geary, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare rates of prenatal care utilization before and after implementing a telehealth-supplemented prenatal care model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that pregnant persons receiving prenatal care during the pandemic entered care earlier and had higher utilization of certain antenatal screening services compared to those receiving prenatal care prior to the pandemic. However, there was no difference in the number of prenatal care visits between the two groups, and the proportion of patients with emergency department visits and rates of labor induction were higher in the pandemic-exposed cohort.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tatyana A. Johnson, Denise J. Jamieson, Franklyn H. Geary, Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of obstetric procedures and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) at an urban safety net institution. The results showed that the rates of obstetric interventions and SMM remained constant during the pandemic period, indicating that the rapid implementation of measures to reduce viral transmission did not significantly affect routine clinical management or rates of serious maternal complications.
WOMENS HEALTH ISSUES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alayna H. Feng, Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Denise J. Jamieson, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: Objective severe maternal morbidity (SMM) may be associated with an elevated risk of postpartum psychiatric morbidity. This study found that deliveries with SMM had a higher likelihood of postpartum hospitalization with a psychiatric diagnosis, particularly among individuals without previous psychiatric hospitalization. The findings support the screening and treatment of mild and moderate postpartum psychiatric disorders during the antenatal period.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anisha R. Chada, Sara Crawford, Heather S. Hipp, Jennifer F. Kawwass
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jamie M. Merkison, Jennifer F. Kawwass
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Anna Goebel, Monica Simmonds, Patience Timi, Sristi Das, Asha Immanuelle, Denise J. Jamieson, Sheree L. Boulet
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the clinical utility of screening for social determinants of health in clinical obstetric and gynecologic care. The findings suggest limited evidence on the benefits of screening in this setting, highlighting the need for innovative research to expand and improve screening practices.
JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sheree L. L. Boulet, Kaitlyn K. K. Stanhope, Carol DeSantis, Anna Goebel, Julia Dolak, Onyie Eze, Asmita Gathoo, Caroline Braun, Madeline Sutton, Denise J. J. Jamieson
Summary: The objective of this study was to estimate the uptake of influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and examine vaccine attitudes and beliefs in predominantly racial and ethnic minority individuals delivering at a publicly funded hospital. The study found low rates of vaccination in this population, possibly due to low perceived susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases. Obstetricians and midwives were trusted sources of vaccine information, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies to address maternal vaccine hesitancy, particularly in communities of color affected by medical mistrust.
WOMENS HEALTH REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sheree L. Boulet, Kaitlyn K. Stanhope, Nikkia Worrell, Denise J. Jamieson
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the risk of severe maternal morbidity recurrence among singleton births in a large, public hospital system. The results showed that women who experienced severe maternal morbidity in a previous birth had an increased risk of severe maternal morbidity in subsequent pregnancies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2022)