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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2000There may be an association between recurrent miscarriage and abnormal hormone function in the follicular phase. Human chorionic gonadotrophin may play a role in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There may be an association between recurrent miscarriage and abnormal hormone function in the follicular phase. Human chorionic gonadotrophin may play a role in preventing miscarriages.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration during early pregnancy on the risk of miscarriage in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched. Date of last search: 9 January 1998.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of human chorionic gonadotrophin compared with placebo or no treatment in women who have had two or more miscarriages.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by one reviewer.
MAIN RESULTS
Four trials involving 180 women were included. The trials were of variable quality. Human chorionic gonadotrophin was associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage for women with a history of recurrent miscarriage (odds ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.52). This result should be interpreted cautiously because the apparent effect is greatly influenced by the two methodologically weaker studies.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin during pregnancy in order to prevent miscarriage in women with a history of unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Female; Humans; Pregnancy
PubMed: 10796127
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000101 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2022Ovulation induction may impact endometrial receptivity due to insufficient progesterone secretion. Low progesterone is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ovulation induction may impact endometrial receptivity due to insufficient progesterone secretion. Low progesterone is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of luteal phase support (LPS) in infertile women trying to conceive by intrauterine insemination or by sexual intercourse.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS, trial registries for ongoing trials, and reference lists of articles (from inception to 25 August 2021).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of LPS using progestogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist supplementation in IUI or natural cycle.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were live birth rate/ongoing pregnancy rate (LBR/OPR) and miscarriage. MAIN RESULTS: We included 25 RCTs (5111 participants). Most studies were at unclear or high risk of bias. We graded the certainty of evidence as very low to low. The main limitations of the evidence were poor reporting and imprecision. 1. Progesterone supplement versus placebo or no treatment We are uncertain if vaginal progesterone increases LBR/OPR (risk ratio (RR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.48; 7 RCTs; 1792 participants; low-certainty evidence) or decreases miscarriage per pregnancy compared to placebo or no treatment (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.25; 5 RCTs; 261 participants). There were no data on LBR or miscarriage with oral stimulation. We are uncertain if progesterone increases LBR/OPR in women with gonadotropin stimulation (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.92; 4 RCTs; 1054 participants; low-certainty evidence) and oral stimulation (clomiphene citrate or letrozole) (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.64; 2 RCTs; 485 participants; low-certainty evidence). One study reported on OPR in women with gonadotropin plus oral stimulation; the evidence from this study was uncertain (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.42; 1 RCT; 253 participants; low-certainty evidence). Given the low certainty of the evidence, it is unclear if progesterone reduces miscarriage per clinical pregnancy in any stimulation protocol (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.91; 2 RCTs; 102 participants, with gonadotropin; RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.50; 2 RCTs; 123 participants, with gonadotropin plus oral stimulation; and RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.14; 2 RCTs; 119 participants, with oral stimulation). Low-certainty evidence suggests that progesterone in all types of ovarian stimulation may increase clinical pregnancy compared to placebo (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.74; 7 RCTs; 1437 participants, with gonadotropin; RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.90; 4 RCTs; 733 participants, with gonadotropin plus oral stimulation (clomiphene citrate or letrozole); and RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.98; 6 RCTs; 1073 participants, with oral stimulation). 2. Progesterone supplementation regimen We are uncertain if there is any difference between 300 mg and 600 mg of vaginal progesterone for OPR and multiple pregnancy (RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.81 to 3.09; 1 RCT; 200 participants; very low-certainty evidence; and RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.43; 1 RCT; 200 participants, very low-certainty evidence, respectively). No other outcomes were reported for this comparison. There were three different comparisons between progesterone regimens. For OPR, the evidence is very uncertain for intramuscular (IM) versus vaginal progesterone (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.02; 1 RCT; 225 participants; very low-certainty evidence); we are uncertain if there is any difference between oral and vaginal progesterone (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.22; 1 RCT; 150 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or between subcutaneous and vaginal progesterone (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.05; 1 RCT; 246 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if IM or oral progesterone reduces miscarriage per clinical pregnancy compared to vaginal progesterone (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.32; 1 RCT; 81 participants and RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.11 to 3.09; 1 RCT; 41 participants, respectively). Clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy were reported for all comparisons; the evidence for these outcomes was very uncertain. Only one RCT reported adverse effects. We are uncertain if IM route increases the risk of adverse effects when compared with the vaginal route (RR 9.25, 95% CI 2.21 to 38.78; 1 RCT; 225 participants; very low-certainty evidence). 3. GnRH agonist versus placebo or no treatment No trials reported live birth. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GnRH agonist in ongoing pregnancy (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.74; 1 RCT; 291 participants, very low-certainty evidence), miscarriage per clinical pregnancy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.10; 2 RCTs; 79 participants, very low-certainty evidence) and clinical pregnancy (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47; 2 RCTs; 340 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and multiple pregnancy (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.70; 2 RCTs; 126 participants). 4. GnRH agonist versus vaginal progesterone The evidence for the effect of GnRH agonist injection on clinical pregnancy is very uncertain (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.95; 1 RCT; 242 participants). 5. HCG injection versus no treatment The evidence for the effect of hCG injection on clinical pregnancy (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.40 to 2.13; 1 RCT; 130 participants) and multiple pregnancy rates (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.22 to 4.92; 1 RCT; 130 participants) is very uncertain. 6. Luteal support in natural cycle No study evaluated the effect of LPS in natural cycle. We could not perform sensitivity analyses, as there were no studies at low risk of selection bias and not at high risk in other domains.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We are uncertain if vaginal progesterone supplementation during luteal phase is associated with a higher live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate. Vaginal progesterone may increase clinical pregnancy rate; however, its effect on miscarriage rate and multiple pregnancy rate is uncertain. We are uncertain if IM progesterone improves ongoing pregnancy rates or decreases miscarriage rate when compared to vaginal progesterone. Regarding the other reported comparisons, neither oral progesterone nor any other medication appears to be associated with an improvement in pregnancy outcomes (very low-certainty evidence).
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Clomiphene; Coitus; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Insemination; Letrozole; Lipopolysaccharides; Live Birth; Luteal Phase; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Progesterone
PubMed: 36000704
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012396.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2004Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a severe form of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disease of pregnancy associated... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a severe form of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disease of pregnancy associated with an increase in blood pressure and increased perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Eighty per cent of women with HELLP syndrome present before term. There are suggestions from observational studies that steroid treatment in HELLP syndrome may improve disordered maternal hematological and biochemical features and perhaps perinatal mortality and morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
To summarise the evidence on the effects of corticosteroids on maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in women with HELLP syndrome.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (October 2003). We scanned lists of references from review articles and primary studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials evaluating the effects of adjunctive corticosteroids in patients diagnosed with HELLP syndrome were sought.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The two authors independently applied inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality and extracted relevant data.
MAIN RESULTS
Of the five studies reviewed (n = 170), three were conducted antepartum and two postpartum. Four of the studies randomised participants to standard therapy or dexamethasone. One study compared dexamethasone with betamethasone. DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS CONTROL: There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes of maternal mortality and morbidity due to placental abruption, pulmonary oedema and liver hematoma or rupture. Of the secondary maternal outcomes, there was a tendency to a greater platelet count increase over 48 hours, statistically significantly less mean number of hospital stay days (weighted mean difference (WMD) -4.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.13 to -1.87), mean interval (hours) to delivery (41 +/- 15) versus (15 +/- 4.5) (p = 0.0068) in favour of women allocated to dexamethasone. There were no significant differences in perinatal mortality or morbidity due to respiratory distress syndrome, need for ventilatory support, intracerebral hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and a five minute Apgar less than seven. The mean birthweight was significantly greater in the group allocated to dexamethasone (WMD 247.00, 95% CI 65.41 to 428.59). DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS BETAMETHASONE: There were no significant differences in all the maternal and perinatal mortality and in primary morbidity outcomes. Women randomised to dexamethasone fared significantly better for: oliguria, mean arterial pressure, mean increase in platelet count, mean increase in urinary output and liver enzyme elevations.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether adjunctive steroid use in HELLP syndrome decreases maternal and perinatal mortality, major maternal and perinatal morbidity.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Betamethasone; Dexamethasone; Female; HELLP Syndrome; Humans; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 14973983
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002076.pub2 -
Toxins May 2021Contamination of the world's food supply and animal feed with mycotoxins is a growing concern as global temperatures rise and promote the growth of fungus. Zearalenone...
Contamination of the world's food supply and animal feed with mycotoxins is a growing concern as global temperatures rise and promote the growth of fungus. Zearalenone (ZEN), an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by fungi, is a common contaminant of cereal grains and has also been detected at lower levels in meat, milk, and spices. ZEN's synthetic derivative, zeranol, is used as a growth promoter in United States (US) and Canadian beef production. Experimental research suggests that ZEN and zeranol disrupt the endocrine and reproductive systems, leading to infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome-like phenotypes, pregnancy loss, and low birth weight. With widespread human dietary exposure and growing experimental evidence of endocrine-disrupting properties, a comprehensive review of the impact of ZEN, zeranol, and their metabolites on the female reproductive system is warranted. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological literature and evaluate the potential impact of ZEN, zeranol, and their metabolites (commonly referred to as mycoestrogens) on female reproductive outcomes. We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42020166469) of the literature (2000-2020) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The data sources were primary literature published in English obtained from searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The ToxR tool was applied to assess risk of bias. In vitro and in vivo studies ( = 104) were identified and, overall, evidence consistently supported adverse effects of mycoestrogens on physiological processes, organs, and tissues associated with female reproduction. In non-pregnant animals, mycoestrogens alter follicular profiles in the ovary, disrupt estrus cycling, and increase myometrium thickness. Furthermore, during pregnancy, mycoestrogen exposure contributes to placental hemorrhage, stillbirth, and impaired fetal growth. No epidemiological studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Fetal Development; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Luteinizing Hormone; Placenta; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Uterus; Zearalenone; Zeranol
PubMed: 34073731
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060373 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Jun 2014To evaluate the effect of altering the timing of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of altering the timing of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using gonadotropic hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or antagonist.
METHODS
We systematically searched six databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effects of altering the timing of hCG administration on the clinical outcome of IVF and ICSI using GnRH agonist or antagonist were included. A meta-analysis was conducted following a quality evaluation performed with Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.0.2.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs and a total of 1295 participants were included. Significant difference was observed regarding estradiol and progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration and oocyte retrieval between early hCG and late hCG administration group and in favor of the latter. The fertilization rate was not statistically different between early and 24-h late hCG groups, but it is significantly higher in the 48-h late hCG group. The pooled results showed no significant differences in the ongoing pregnancy rate per oocyte pick-up, the miscarriage rate and the live birth rate.
CONCLUSION
The prolongation of follicular phase by delaying hCG administration could increase estradiol, progesterone levels and oocyte retrieval, which will not influence ongoing pregnancy rate per oocyte pick-up, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Postponing hCG may enable increased flexibility of cycle scheduling to avoid weekend procedures.
Topics: Chorionic Gonadotropin; Drug Administration Schedule; Embryo Transfer; Estradiol; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Fertility Agents, Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Infertility, Female; Oocyte Retrieval; Ovulation Induction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Progesterone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
PubMed: 24731070
DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.895984 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2022Various interventions have been proposed to improve embryo implantation in IVF. Among these, intrauterine injections of human chorionic gonadotropin seem to have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Various interventions have been proposed to improve embryo implantation in IVF. Among these, intrauterine injections of human chorionic gonadotropin seem to have promising results. Consequently, we conducted a review and meta-analysis to assess IVF outcomes by comparing couples who underwent intrauterine hCG injection transfer versus those who underwent embryo transfer with intrauterine injection of placebo, or without any additional intervention. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes were the implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model, while bias within studies was detected using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Ectopic pregnancies and stillbirths were also assessed. The clinical pregnancy (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.17−1.62, p < 0.0001) and implantation rate (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12−1.75, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in women who underwent hCG injection than in the control group. These significant effects persisted only in women who underwent cleavage-stage embryo transfer. No significant differences between groups were observed in the other secondary outcomes. In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that intrauterine injection of hCG could be a valuable approach in women who undergo cleavage-stage embryo transfer. Given the lack of data about the live birth rate, caution should be exercised in interpreting these data.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Embryo Transfer; Pregnancy Rate; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Embryo Implantation; Fertilization in Vitro
PubMed: 36293052
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012193 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2015Down's syndrome occurs when a person has three, rather than two copies of chromosome 21; or the specific area of chromosome 21 implicated in causing Down's syndrome. It... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Down's syndrome occurs when a person has three, rather than two copies of chromosome 21; or the specific area of chromosome 21 implicated in causing Down's syndrome. It is the commonest congenital cause of mental disability and also leads to numerous metabolic and structural problems. It can be life-threatening, or lead to considerable ill health, although some individuals have only mild problems and can lead relatively normal lives. Having a baby with Down's syndrome is likely to have a significant impact on family life.Noninvasive screening based on biochemical analysis of maternal serum or urine, or fetal ultrasound measurements, allows estimates of the risk of a pregnancy being affected and provides information to guide decisions about definitive testing. However, no test can predict the severity of problems a person with Down's syndrome will have.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to estimate and compare the accuracy of first trimester serum markers for the detection of Down's syndrome in the antenatal period, both as individual markers and as combinations of markers. Accuracy is described by the proportion of fetuses with Down's syndrome detected by screening before birth (sensitivity or detection rate) and the proportion of women with a low risk (normal) screening test result who subsequently had a baby unaffected by Down's syndrome (specificity).
SEARCH METHODS
We conducted a sensitive and comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE (1980 to 25 August 2011), Embase (1980 to 25 August 2011), BIOSIS via EDINA (1985 to 25 August 2011), CINAHL via OVID (1982 to 25 August 2011), The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (The Cochrane Library 25 August 2011), MEDION (25 August 2011), The Database of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Laboratory Medicine (25 August 2011), The National Research Register (Archived 2007), Health Services Research Projects in Progress database (25 August 2011). We did forward citation searching ISI citation indices, Google Scholar and PubMed 'related articles'. We did not apply a diagnostic test search filter. We also searched reference lists and published review articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies in which all women from a given population had one or more index test(s) compared to a reference standard (either chromosomal verification or macroscopic postnatal inspection). Both consecutive series and diagnostic case-control study designs were included. Randomised trials where individuals were randomised to different screening strategies and all verified using a reference standard were also eligible for inclusion. Studies in which test strategies were compared head-to-head either in the same women, or between randomised groups were identified for inclusion in separate comparisons of test strategies. We excluded studies if they included less than five Down's syndrome cases, or more than 20% of participants were not followed up.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We extracted data as test positive or test negative results for Down's and non-Down's pregnancies allowing estimation of detection rates (sensitivity) and false positive rates (1-specificity). We performed quality assessment according to QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) criteria. We used hierarchical summary ROC meta-analytical methods or random-effects logistic regression methods to analyse test performance and compare test accuracy as appropriate. Analyses of studies allowing direct and indirect comparisons between tests were undertaken.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 56 studies (reported in 68 publications) involving 204,759 pregnancies (including 2113 with Down's syndrome). Studies were generally of good quality, although differential verification was common with invasive testing of only high-risk pregnancies. We evaluated 78 test combinations formed from combinations of 18 different tests, with or without maternal age; ADAM12 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), inhibin, PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, ITA (invasive trophoblast antigen), free βhCG (beta human chorionic gonadotrophin), PlGF (placental growth factor), SP1 (Schwangerschafts protein 1), total hCG, progesterone, uE3 (unconjugated oestriol), GHBP (growth hormone binding protein), PGH (placental growth hormone), hyperglycosylated hCG, ProMBP (proform of eosinophil major basic protein), hPL (human placental lactogen), (free αhCG, and free ßhCG to AFP ratio. Direct comparisons between two or more tests were made in 27 studies.Meta-analysis of the nine best performing or frequently evaluated test combinations showed that a test strategy involving maternal age and a double marker combination of PAPP-A and free ßhCG significantly outperformed the individual markers (with or without maternal age) detecting about seven out of every 10 Down's syndrome pregnancies at a 5% false positive rate (FPR). Limited evidence suggested that marker combinations involving PAPP-A may be more sensitive than those without PAPP-A.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Tests involving two markers in combination with maternal age, specifically PAPP-A, free βhCG and maternal age are significantly better than those involving single markers with and without age. They detect seven out of 10 Down's affected pregnancies for a fixed 5% FPR. The addition of further markers (triple tests) has not been shown to be statistically superior; the studies included are small with limited power to detect a difference.The screening blood tests themselves have no adverse effects for the woman, over and above the risks of a routine blood test. However some women who have a 'high risk' screening test result, and are given amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) have a risk of miscarrying a baby unaffected by Down's. Parents will need to weigh up this risk when deciding whether or not to have an amniocentesis or CVS following a 'high risk' screening test result.
Topics: ADAM Proteins; ADAM12 Protein; Biomarkers; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Down Syndrome; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Membrane Proteins; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A; Prenatal Diagnosis; alpha-Fetoproteins
PubMed: 26617074
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011975 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2012To assess the efficacy and safety of hCG to induce follicular stimulation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of hCG to induce follicular stimulation.
DESIGN
Systematic literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and SciSearch databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using hCG in early or late follicular phases were included.
SETTING
Three reproductive medicine services of gynecology in Spain and two universities.
PATIENT(S)
A total of 1,068 women treated in 11 RCTs were included.
INTERVENTION(S)
Use of hCG versus other hormone treatments, no administration, or placebo during the period of follicular stimulation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Live birth, clinical pregnancy, mature oocytes, miscarriage, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and FSH doses.
RESULT(S)
No differences in live birth, miscarriage, and OHSS rates between hCG (given at either the early or late follicular phases) and different control regimens were found. Pooled analysis for clinical pregnancy showed significant differences in favor of hCG at the late follicular phase. The doses of FSH were lower in women treated with hCG at either the early or late follicular phase than in those treated with FSH alone.
CONCLUSION(S)
The use of hCG in the early and late follicular phase in controlled ovarian stimulation has the advantage of decreasing the doses of FSH.
Topics: Chorionic Gonadotropin; Female; Follicular Phase; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Reproductive Control Agents; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 22464087
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.02.049 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022To investigate the risk of preterm birth in women with a placenta previa or a low-lying placenta for different cut-offs of gestational age and to evaluate preventive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the risk of preterm birth in women with a placenta previa or a low-lying placenta for different cut-offs of gestational age and to evaluate preventive interventions.
SEARCH AND METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, WHO-ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov were searched until December 2021. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies assessing preterm birth in women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta with a placental edge within 2 cm of the internal os in the second or third trimester were eligible for inclusion. Pooled proportions and odds ratios for the risk of preterm birth before 37, 34, 32 and 28 weeks of gestation were calculated. Additionally, the results of the evaluation of preventive interventions for preterm birth in these women are described.
RESULTS
In total, 34 studies were included, 24 reporting on preterm birth and 9 on preventive interventions. The pooled proportions were 46% (95% CI [39 - 53%]), 17% (95% CI [11 - 25%]), 10% (95% CI [7 - 13%]) and 2% (95% CI [1 - 3%]), regarding preterm birth <37, <34, <32 and <28 weeks in women with placenta previa. For low-lying placentas the risk of preterm birth was 30% (95% CI [19 - 43%]) and 1% (95% CI [0 - 6%]) before 37 and 34 weeks, respectively. Women with a placenta previa were more likely to have a preterm birth compared to women with a low-lying placenta or women without a placenta previa for all gestational ages. The studies about preventive interventions all showed potential prolongation of pregnancy with the use of intramuscular progesterone, intramuscular progesterone + cerclage or pessary.
CONCLUSIONS
Both women with a placenta previa and a low-lying placenta have an increased risk of preterm birth. This increased risk is consistent across all severities of preterm birth between 28-37 weeks of gestation. Women with placenta previa have a higher risk of preterm birth than women with a low-lying placenta have. Cervical cerclage, pessary and intramuscular progesterone all might have benefit for both women with placenta previa and low-lying placenta, but data in this population are lacking and inconsistent, so that solid conclusions about their effectiveness cannot be drawn.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42019123675.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Progesterone
PubMed: 36120450
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.921220 -
Clinical Biochemistry Sep 2001To evaluate lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1 (LD-1) as a tumor marker of germ cell tumors. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1 (LD-1) as a tumor marker of germ cell tumors.
METHODS
A literature search included a CancerLit and Medline computer search of articles regarding germ cell tumors and LD-1 published between 1963 to 99 and a manual search of reference lists, theses, and textbooks. Forty articles, letters to the editor, and abstracts on testicular germ cell tumors and 10 articles on ovarian germ cell tumors fulfilled inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Of 696 patients with testicular germ cell tumors, 423 (61%) had a raised serum LD-1 catalytic concentration (S-LD-1). Patients with seminoma have a raised S-LD-1 more often (63%) than those with nonseminoma (60%). S-LD-1 was raised less often in patients with stage I (48%) than in those with stage II (50%) and stage III (67%). S-LD-1, serum alpha fetoprotein concentration (S-AFP), and serum human chorionic gonadotropin concentration (S-hCG) were discordant. S-LD-1 predicted outcome in four studies: one study regarding relapse in patients with nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors stage I, and three studies regarding survival of patients with metastatic testicular germ cell tumors. In two of three studies, S-LD-1 was a better prognostic predictor for patients with metastatic testicular germ cell tumors than S-LD. Of 40 patients with ovarian germ cell tumors, thirty-five (88%) had a raised S-LD-1.
CONCLUSIONS
S-LD-1 is a useful serum tumor marker of testicular germ cell tumors. For patients with ovarian germ cell tumors, S-LD-1 was raised more often than for patients with testicular germ cell tumors. Further studies are required for a general recommendation regarding the use of S-LD-1 for germ cell tumors.
Topics: Biomarkers; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Female; Germinoma; Humans; Isoenzymes; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Ovarian Neoplasms; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Testicular Neoplasms; alpha-Fetoproteins
PubMed: 11676973
DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9120(01)00236-3