A new breakthrough study has reported the development of a simple, non-invasive, prenatal blood test based on the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique, which could help in the accurate detection of chromosomal aberrations in the developing fetus, and thereby avoid the risk of miscarriage associated with conventional invasive techniques such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. The findings of the study were also presented recently at the 26^th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), held at Rome from 27^th-30^th June, 2010. Continue Reading

A recent controlled clinical trial highlights that the underlying mechanism for the positive effect of endometrial biopsy on improved implantation rate in IVF cycles could be attributed to an injury-induced inflammatory response. The findings, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility further suggest that the increased expression of the macrophage inflammatory protein 1B (MIP-1B) could serve as a marker for predicting implantation competence. Continue Reading

There is substantial evidence to support the progressive decline in fertility in women with advancing age; however, this association has not been well established in men. Now, a recent study reports that semen volume, sperm motility, and the rate of fertilization reduces with age in men. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

Advancements in computer technology have opened new avenues in the field of 3D-ultrasound reconstructions. Virtual embryoscopy, which offers a natural and precise visualization of the embryonic stages and structures in the first 3 months of pregnancy, is an emerging non-invasive tool developed using such technology. A new longitudinal study published in Human Reproduction highlights the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in accurately detecting early-stage embryonic growth/developmental delay, and in particular aiding the management of early growth restriction and recurrent late miscarriage. Continue Reading

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is reported to be high in infertile women. Despite this, its management remains controversial owing to the lack of proven treatment benefits. Now, a recent prospective, randomized trial has highlighted the importance of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation for achieving clinical pregnancies in women with SH opting for IVF-ICSI. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of Endocrine Practice. Continue Reading

In a recent prospective cohort study, a team of Danish researchers have reported that singleton IVF/ICSI pregnancies have a >4-fold enhanced risk of stillbirths compared to spontaneous conceptions. The results have been published in the recent issue of Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

A recent study by a team of Swedish researchers reports that extended embryo culturing to blastocyst stage raises the risk of preterm birth and congenital malformations among singletons. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented that the birth weight of IVF-conceived newborns is lower than those conceived naturally, possibly attributable to factors such as multiple gestations and various causes of female infertility. A new study reports that the type of culture medium used for in vitro culturing of the preimplantation embryos could also influence the birthweight of babies born through IVF. The findings of the study are published in the latest issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

A recent prospective clinical study reports that a reduction in the proportion of CD4⁺CD25 (high) regulatory T cells (Treg) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression in the peripheral blood and decidua could play a role in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (URSA). The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Hypertensive disorders, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia (PE), are usually associated with several negative maternal and perinatal outcomes. Some researchers have suggested that low-dose aspirin could affect placentation and prevent or defer the development of these disorders. A recent prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial has provided further evidence that the incidence of hypertensive complications are substantially lower with the administration of low-dose aspirin during IVF procedure and the first trimester of pregnancy. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading