{"title":"A Baby at All Costs? Exploring the Use and Provision of Unproven Adjuvant Treatments in the Context of IVF.","authors":"Georgina L Jones, Victoria Lang, Nicky Hudson","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1731789","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1731789","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The year 2018 marked 40 years since the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born as a result of pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Since then, advances have seen a wide range of reproductive technologies emerge into clinical practice, including adjuvant treatments often referred to as IVF \"add-ons.\" However, these \"optional extras\" have faced growing criticism, especially when they have often come at additional financial cost to the patient and have little evidence supporting their efficacy to improve pregnancy or birth rates. Despite this, according to the latest national patient survey by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, three quarters of patients who had fertility treatment in the United Kingdom in the past two years had at least one type of treatment add-on highlighting the growing demand for these interventions. This article uses a psychosocial perspective to consider the motivations behind patient and clinician behavior along with the wider societal and economic factors that may be impacting upon the increase in the use of adjuvant treatments in fertility clinics more widely. It suggests the reasons fertility patients use unproven \"optional extras\" are complex, with interpersonal, psychological, and social factors intertwining to generate an increase in the use of IVF add-ons.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 5-06","pages":"220-226"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39398599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Current Role of Induced Endometrial Trauma (Endometrial Scratch) in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment.","authors":"Mostafa Metwally, Stephen Walters, Robin Chatters","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1739162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1739162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Induced endometrial trauma, otherwise known as endometrial scratch is a simple technique that has been rapidly adopted into clinical practice, mainly for women having IVF treatment, in an attempt to increase pregnancy rates. The introduction of endometrial scratch followed early reports of improved clinical pregnancy rates in women with repetitive implantation failure after having the procedure and follows on from evidence from animal models in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century suggesting that mechanical trauma to the endometrium can induce decidual changes. Due to the ease and low cost of the procedure, it has been rapidly adopted as an add-on to fertility treatments, in many cases where evidence is still lacking. Despite the initial publication of a large number of studies that demonstrated encouraging improvements in pregnancy rates in women who underwent this procedure, these studies were mainly limited by the small sample sizes and heterogeneity of their study populations, leading to limited validity of the evidence provided by these studies. More recently, three large randomized controlled studies have been published that paint a different picture regarding the value of this procedure. This article explores the evolution of the evidence and the current state of endometrial scratch as an adjuvant therapy for women undergoing IVF treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 5-06","pages":"e1-e4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39893581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kate Rassie, Aya Mousa, Anju Joham, Helena J Teede
{"title":"Metabolic Conditions Including Obesity, Diabetes, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implications for Breastfeeding and Breastmilk Composition.","authors":"Kate Rassie, Aya Mousa, Anju Joham, Helena J Teede","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1732365","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1732365","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breastfeeding is internationally recognized as the recommended standard for infant nutrition, informed by evidence of its multiple benefits for both mother and baby. In the context of common metabolic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes (type 1, type 2, and gestational), and obesity, breastfeeding may be particularly beneficial for both mother and infant. However, there is evidence of delayed lactogenesis and reduced breastfeeding rates and duration in women with these conditions, and the effects of altered maternal metabolic environments on breastmilk composition (and potentially infant outcomes) are incompletely understood. In this review, we explore the relationships between maternal metabolic conditions, lactogenesis, breastfeeding, and breastmilk composition. We examine relevant potential mechanisms, including the central role of insulin both in lactogenesis and as a milk-borne hormone. We also describe the bioactive and hormonal components of breastmilk and how these may link maternal and infant health.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"111-132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39343163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Prevalence of Clinical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Indigenous Women: A Systematic Search and Review of the Literature.","authors":"Emily Gilbert, Jodie Avery, Rebeccah Bartlett, Sandra Campbell, Anju Joham, Alice Rumbold, Jacqueline Boyle","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1730021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1730021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women; however, to date there has been no synthesis of the burden of PCOS specifically among indigenous women. We aimed to systematically identify and collate studies reporting prevalence and clinical features of PCOS among indigenous women worldwide. We performed a comprehensive search of six databases (Ovid MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, EBM reviews, CINAHL, and SCOPUS) supplemented by gray literature searches and the screening of reference lists. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria; however, one was excluded as it assessed only children and adolescents younger than 15 years, with limited clinical relevance. Studies examined indigenous women from Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the United States. Prevalence of PCOS was reported in only four studies and ranged from 3.05% for women in Sri Lanka to 26% for women in Australia. All included studies reported on at least one clinical feature of PCOS. Of the studies that reported on a comparison group from the same country, there was evidence of more severe features in indigenous women from New Zealand and the United States. The limited evidence available warrants further investigation of the burden of PCOS in indigenous women to build the knowledge base for effective and culturally relevant management of this condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"78-93"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39193485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chau Thien Tay, Stephanie Pirotta, Helena J Teede, Lisa J Moran, Tracy Robinson, Helen Skouteris, Anju E Joham, Siew S Lim
{"title":"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Models of Care: A Review and Qualitative Evaluation of a Guideline-Recommended Integrated Care.","authors":"Chau Thien Tay, Stephanie Pirotta, Helena J Teede, Lisa J Moran, Tracy Robinson, Helen Skouteris, Anju E Joham, Siew S Lim","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1727191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder and many women are dissatisfied with their healthcare under the current fragmented health services. Here, we review existing literature on PCOS healthcare services and qualitatively evaluate an integrated PCOS service based on experiences of women with PCOS. Limited prior PCOS-dedicated services have been studied and their quantitative and efficacy-focused evaluations are summarized. Here, we also provide a broader PCOS service evaluation via semistructured interviews and surveys, with thematic analysis based on a predetermined evaluation framework. Fifteen women completed interviews and surveys. Overall the integrated, evidence-based PCOS service was well-received and women were generally satisfied with appropriateness, effectiveness, and reported positive health impact resulting from the service. Integrated care, tailored treatments, education, lifestyle support, and laser therapy were highly valued. Patients reported improvements on symptoms, understanding and confidence in managing PCOS, and emotional well-being. Elements of efficiency in the initial stages, awareness and communication, and the need for service expansion and tensions between evidence-based treatments and patient preferences were also captured to guide improvement. Further research into models of care is recommended to meet the needs of women with PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"133-142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39039180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Natural History of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and New Advances in the Epidemiology.","authors":"Terhi T Piltonen, Riikka K Arffman, Anju E Joham","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1735211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women, affecting up to 15% of the female population. The natural history of the syndrome is complex, including both androgen exposure in early life and adiposity-driven dysfunction involving also dysregulated, also involving altered hypothalamus-ovarian crosstalk. The manifestations can arise as early as childhood or puberty onward, suggesting that genetic susceptibility is an important etiological factor. In adulthood, women with PCOS present with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health issues at a population-based level. Epidemiological studies on large datasets offer an excellent opportunity to evaluate health effects and costs related to the syndrome. Hospital or insurance-based datasets are also available; however, the results are not representative of the female population in the community. More longitudinal studies spanning from early childhood to late adulthood are needed to assess the long-term health impact and early manifestations of PCOS. Moreover, the identification of women with PCOS from large datasets can be expensive. Self-reported symptoms or PCOS diagnosis may offer a feasible approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"94-101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39370869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vijayanand A Ramasamy, Rhonda M Garad, Jacqueline A Boyle
{"title":"A Comprehensive PCOS Research and Guideline Translation Program to Improve Practice.","authors":"Vijayanand A Ramasamy, Rhonda M Garad, Jacqueline A Boyle","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1733916","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1733916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-age women with a reported prevalence of 8 to 13%. To address the knowledge, practice, consumer satisfaction, and research gaps, an international research collaboration was formed to develop the first \"International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2018).\" This article describes an effective research translation program to disseminate the guideline internationally to women and health providers. To date, this had led to 75,197 views and almost 36,000 downloads of the PCOS guideline, and 43,000 views and 10,600 downloads of a suite of PCOS resources. AskPCOS app, the first freely accessible, evidence-based PCOS app, has 9,910 users (between 400 and 800 users per month), 23,447 sessions, and 87,801 screen viewings. Fifty-four percent of returning users are from across 137 countries, with the most users in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and India. Extensive global uptake of the PCOS guideline and compendium of resources was augmented by extensive formative consumer and health professional consultation, end-user engagement across the evidence-creation spectrum, co-design, and quality improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"161-166"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39442896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sylvia Kiconco, Helena J Teede, Ricardo Azziz, Robert J Norman, Anju E Joham
{"title":"The Need to Reassess the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Review of Diagnostic Recommendations from the International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS.","authors":"Sylvia Kiconco, Helena J Teede, Ricardo Azziz, Robert J Norman, Anju E Joham","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1735259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is associated with negative metabolic, reproductive, endocrine, and psychological consequences among women of reproductive age. The diagnosis of PCOS remains challenging due to limited and conflicting evidence regarding definitions for each of the diagnostic features. This review of the recommended PCOS assessment criteria from the international evidence-based guideline highlights the crucial need to reassess, redefine, and optimize the diagnosis of PCOS. Notably, normal values and cut-offs need to be defined for each diagnostic feature across the lifespan and diverse ethnic groups. Understanding how these features cluster together and relate to short- and long-term health outcomes in PCOS is also vital. Ultimately, greater knowledge of the natural history of PCOS is needed through well-characterized, community-based longitudinal studies, which will inform future PCOS diagnosis guidelines and optimize women's health in reproductive life.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"71-77"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39320530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metabolomic Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of the Evidence.","authors":"Simon Alesi, Drishti Ghelani, Aya Mousa","doi":"10.1055/s-0041-1729841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1729841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinologic condition affecting one in five women of reproductive age. PCOS is often characterized by disruptions to the menstrual cycle, development of male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), and polycystic ovary morphology. Recently, PCOS has been linked to metabolic dysfunction, with 40 to 80% of women characterized as overweight or obese. Despite these well-known negative health effects of PCOS, 75% of sufferers remain undiagnosed. This is most likely due to the variability in symptom presentation and the lack of a definitive test for the condition. Metabolomics, which is a platform used to analyze and characterize a large number of metabolites, has recently been proposed as a potential tool for investigating the metabolic pathways that could be involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS. In doing so, novel biomarkers could be identified to improve diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. This review aims to summarize the findings of recent metabolomic studies that highlight metabolic-specific molecules which are deranged in PCOS, to identify potential biomarkers for the condition. Current limitations for metabolomic studies are discussed, as well as future directions to progress the field toward further validation and integration into clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"39 3-04","pages":"102-110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2021-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38947985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}