Surrogacy: outcomes for surrogate mothers, children and the resulting families--a systematic review
CONCLUSIONS
Most studies reporting on surrogacy have serious methodological limitations. According to these studies, most surrogacy arrangements are successfully implemented and most surrogate mothers are well-motivated and have little difficulty separating from the children born as a result of the arrangement. The perinatal outcome of the children is comparable to standard IVF and oocyte donation and there is no evidence of harm to the children born as a result of surrogacy. However, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution. To date, there are no studies on children born after cross-border surrogacy or growing...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Söderström-Anttila, V., Wennerholm, U.-B., Loft, A., Pinborg, A., Aittomäki, K., Romundstad, L. B., Bergh, C. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
The clinical use of corticosteroids in pregnancy
CONCLUSIONS
New research to clarify the benefits and potential risks of antenatal corticosteroid therapy is urgently needed, especially with regard to corticosteroid use in low-resource environments. We conclude that there is both significant scope and an urgent need for further research-informed refinement to the use of antenatal corticosteroids in pregnancy. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Kemp, M. W., Newnham, J. P., Challis, J. G., Jobe, A. H., Stock, S. J. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Role of serum biomarkers in the prediction of outcome in women with threatened miscarriage: a systematic review and diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis
CONCLUSIONS
In women with threatened miscarriage, serum CA 125 has high predictive value in identifying pregnancies that are ‘likely to continue’, whereas the most commonly used biomarkers of serum hCG and progesterone are not useful in predicting outcome of a pregnancy with a viable fetus. Other markers such as inhibin A and a combination of markers need to be investigated to hopefully improve the prediction of outcome in women with threatened miscarriage. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Pillai, R. N., Konje, J. C., Tincello, D. G., Potdar, N. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
The ICSI procedure from past to future: a systematic review of the more controversial aspects
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides the current knowledge on some controversial technical aspects of the ICSI procedures in order to improve its efficacy in specific contexts. Notwithstanding that embryologists might benefit from the approaches presented herein in order to improve ICSI outcomes, this area of expertise still demands a greater number of well-designed studies, especially in order to solve open issues about the safety of these procedures. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Rubino, P., Vigano, P., Luddi, A., Piomboni, P. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Extracellular vesicles: roles in gamete maturation, fertilization and embryo implantation
CONCLUSIONS
A detailed understanding of the contributions of EVs in the series of events from gametogenesis to fertilization and then on to implantation, in both normal and pathological cases, may enable the development of valuable tools to advance reproductive health. Because of the early stage of the field, it is unsurprising that the current literature includes not only growing experimental evidence, but also as-yet unproven hypotheses pertaining to the roles of EVs in key reproductive processes. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of the rapidly expanding literature on this subject, highlighting both rele...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Machtinger, R., Laurent, L. C., Baccarelli, A. A. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
ATP-binding cassette transporters in reproduction: a new frontier
CONCLUSIONS
The ABC transporters have various roles across multiple reproductive tissues. Knowledge of efflux direction, tissue distribution, substrate specificity and regulation of the ABC transporters in the placenta and other reproductive tissues is rapidly expanding. This will allow better understanding of the disposition of specific substrates within reproductive tissues, and facilitate development of novel treatments for reproductive disorders as well as improved approaches to protecting the developing fetus. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Bloise, E., Ortiga-Carvalho, T. M., Reis, F. M., Lye, S. J., Gibb, W., Matthews, S. G. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells: the first 10 years
CONCLUSIONS
Much has been learnt about endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the 10 years since their discovery, although several unresolved issues remain. These include rationalizing the terminology and diagnostic characteristics used for distinguishing perivascular stem/progenitor cells from stromal fibroblasts, which also have considerable differentiation potential. The hierarchical relationship between clonogenic epithelial progenitor cells, endometrial and decidual SP cells, CD146+PDGFR-β+ and SUSD2+ cells and menstrual blood stromal fibroblasts still needs to be resolved. Developing more genetic animal models for...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Gargett, C. E., Schwab, K. E., Deane, J. A. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Thank you to our reviewers of 2015
(Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - February 16, 2016 Category: OBGYN Tags: Thank you to our reviewers Source Type: research
The role of infection in miscarriage
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is required to clarify whether certain infections do increase miscarriage risk and whether screening of newly pregnant women for treatable infections would improve reproductive outcomes. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Giakoumelou, S., Wheelhouse, N., Cuschieri, K., Entrican, G., Howie, S. E. M., Horne, A. W. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Infertility and reproductive disorders: impact of hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms on pregnancy outcome
CONCLUSIONS
Reproductive disorders are common in women of childbearing age and rarely occur in isolation. Inflammatory, endocrine and metabolic mechanisms associated with these disorders are responsible for an increased incidence of obstetric complications. These patients should be recognized as ‘high risk’ for poor pregnancy outcomes and monitored with specialized follow-up. There is a real need for development of evidence-based recommendations about clinical management and specific obstetric care pathways for the introduction of prompt preventative care measures. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Vannuccini, S., Clifton, V. L., Fraser, I. S., Taylor, H. S., Critchley, H., Giudice, L. C., Petraglia, F. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes
CONCLUSIONS
Complications of endometriosis during pregnancy are rare and there is no evidence that the disease has a major detrimental effect on pregnancy outcome. Therefore, pregnant women with endometriosis can be reassured on the course of their pregnancies although the physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of placenta previa. Current evidence does not support any modification of conventional monitoring of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Leone Roberti Maggiore, U., Ferrero, S., Mangili, G., Bergamini, A., Inversetti, A., Giorgione, V., Vigano, P., Candiani, M. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
The presentation and management of complex female genital malformations
CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the correct genitourinary embryology is essential for the understanding, study, diagnosis and subsequent treatment of genital malformations, especially complex ones and those that lead to gynaecological and reproductive problems, particularly in young patients. Some anomalies may require complex surgery involving multiple specialties, and patients should therefore be referred to centres that have experience in treating complex genital malformations. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Acien, P., Acien, M. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Oocyte activation deficiency: a role for an oocyte contribution?
CONCLUSIONS
The present review provides a general overview of how a combination of sperm and oocyte factors can underlie oocyte activation deficiency, but pays particular attention to the less appreciated role of the oocyte. Enhanced research within this realm is much warranted and may establish new approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Yeste, M., Jones, C., Amdani, S. N., Patel, S., Coward, K. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
The effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryo culture and their importance for the practice of assisted human reproduction
CONCLUSIONS
Development of the embryo outside the body means that it is constantly exposed to stresses that it would not experience in vivo. Sources of stress on the human embryo include identified factors such as pH and temperature shifts, exposure to atmospheric (20%) oxygen and the build-up of toxins in the media due to the static nature of culture. However, there are other sources of stress not typically considered, such as the act of pipetting itself, or the release of organic compounds from the very tissue culture ware upon which the embryo develops. Further, when more than one stress is present in the laboratory, th...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Wale, P. L., Gardner, D. K. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Human Reproduction Update: double digits and beyond
(Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 30, 2015 Category: OBGYN Authors: Petraglia, F. Tags: Editorial Source Type: research
