Frank Broekmans - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Frank Broekmans
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2008
Reproductive Sciences, 2007
Female patients with classical galactosemia (galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase [GALT] defic... more Female patients with classical galactosemia (galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase [GALT] deficiency) frequently suffer from premature ovarian failure, despite treatment with a galactose-restricted diet. Earlier research has suggested an association between heterozygosity for GALT mutations and early menopause. This study evaluates the effect of carriership for classical galactosemia on ovarian reserve and menopausal age. Proven female carriers of classical galactosemia were recruited via the Dutch Galactosemia Society. All 58 participants underwent a structured interview regarding fertility, smoking status, and menopause. To determine ovarian reserve, 42 premenopausal GALT carriers underwent ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) by transvaginal ultrasound and early follicular phase blood sampling for hormonal measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). These ovarian reserve parameters were compared with a cohort of proven fertile women (n = 166). The mean age at menopause in GALT carriers was 49.7 years, which is not different from the mean age at menopause in the general population in the Netherlands. There was no difference in FSH, inhibin B, and AMH levels or in the AFC (when corrected for age and smoking status) between 42 premenopausal GALT carriers and controls. The authors conclude that there is no evidence that GALT mutation carriership affects ovarian reserve or menopausal age.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2011
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 1996
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2009
Context: Ovarian dysfunction is classically categorized on the basis of cycle history, FSH, and e... more Context: Ovarian dysfunction is classically categorized on the basis of cycle history, FSH, and estradiol levels. Novel ovarian markers may provide a more direct insight into follicular quantity in hypergonadotropic women. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the distribution of novel ovarian markers in young hypergonadotropic women as compared with normogonadotropic regularly menstruating women. Design: This was a nationwide prospective cohort study. Setting: The study was conducted at 10 hospitals in The Netherlands. Patients: Women below age 40 yr with regular menses and normal FSH (controls; n ϭ 83), regular menstrual cycles and elevated FSH [incipient ovarian failure (IOF); n ϭ 68]; oligomenorrhea and elevated FSH [referred to as transitional ovarian failure (TOF); n ϭ 79]; or at least 4 months amenorrhea together with FSH levels exceeding 40 IU/liter [premature ovarian failure (POF); n ϭ 112]. Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of anti-Mü llerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and antral follicle count (AFC) was measured. Results: All POF patients showed AMH levels below the fifth percentile (p 5) of normoovulatory women. Normal AMH levels (Ͼp 5) could be identified in 75% of IOF, 33% of TOF patients, and 98% of controls. AFC and AMH levels changed with increasing age (P Ͻ 0.0001), whereas inhibin B did not (P ϭ 0.26). AMH levels were significantly different between TOF and IOF over the entire age range, whereas AFC became similar for TOF and IOF at higher ages. Conclusions: Compared with inhibin B and AFC, AMH was more consistently correlated with the clinical degree of follicle pool depletion in young women presenting with elevated FSH levels. AMH may provide a more accurate assessment of the follicle pool in young hypergonadotropic patients, especially in the clinically challenging subgroups of patients with elevated FSH and regular menses (i.e. IOF) and in hypergonadotropic women with cycle disturbances not fulfilling the POF diagnostic criteria (i.e. TOF).
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1996
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced partial pituitary suppression with low-grade estro... more Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced partial pituitary suppression with low-grade estrogen production may be useful in long-term treatment of uterine leiomyomas. Twenty-seven women with uterine leiomyomas were treated with a standard dose of triptorelin for 8 weeks. Patients were then randomized to use 100, 20, or 5 micrograms of triptorelin until week 26. Uterine and myoma size, pituitary-ovarian function, bone metabolism, and bone mineral density were monitored. During standard treatment uterine size was reduced to 67.1% of baseline. During randomized treatment uterine size was further reduced to 57.8% of baseline. There were no differences in overall volume reduction among the groups. Luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels were restored in a dose-dependent way. Bone mineral density decreased significantly in the highest-dose group at week 26. This study shows that the beneficial effects of initial high-dose agonist treatment on uterine leiomyomas can be preserved by continued low-dose treatment. Bone mineral density does not seem to change during reduced-dose agonist treatment.
Human Fertility
The anti-M€ ullerian hormone (AMH) test is increasingly being used to predict the age when women ... more The anti-M€ ullerian hormone (AMH) test is increasingly being used to predict the age when women will enter menopause, signalling the end of their reproductive life. However, the accuracy of the AMH test varies widely. In this qualitative study, we asked young women of three differing education levels about the possibility of predicting premature ovarian failure (POF), defined as menopause that occurs before the age of 40. A total of 15 face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted. The overarching theme was 'considering the possibility of predicting POF', and the three interpretive themes were (i) limited fertility knowledge, (ii) preconditions for pregnancy and (iii) desire to have children. The interview was their first awareness of the concept of POF. All the women who participated in this study wished to have children at some point later in life and tended to think more about fulfilling preconditions before getting pregnant than about their actual fertility. Most participants (n ¼ 8) were interested in the AMH test regardless of their education level. Five participants wanted to take the test in the future. This research provides some insight into young women's current thoughts about the possibility of predicting POF with an AMH test.
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
This non-interventional study aimed to validate a pre-specified anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) cuto... more This non-interventional study aimed to validate a pre-specified anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) cutoff of 15 pmol/L (2.10 ng/mL) for the prediction of hyper-response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) using the fully automated Elecsys 1 AMH immunoassay. Study design: One hundred and forty-nine women aged <44 years with regular menstrual cycles underwent COS with 150 IU/day follicle-stimulating hormone in a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. Response to COS (poor vs normal vs hyper-response) was defined by number of oocytes retrieved and occurrence of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). Results: Significant differences were seen between response classes for the number of follicles prior to follicle puncture (p < 0.001), the number of retrieved oocytes (p < 0.001) and the occurrence of OHSS (p < 0.001), which were all highest in hyper-responders. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AMH to predict hyper-response was 82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.5-91.7). When applying the AMH cutoff of 15.0 pmol/L, a sensitivity of 81.3% (95%CI: 54.4-96.0) to predict hyper-response and a specificity of 64.7% (95%CI: 55.9-72.8) to identify poor/normal responders was reached. Conclusion: The Elecsys 1 AMH assay can reliably predict hyper-response to COS in women undergoing a GnRH antagonist treatment protocol.
Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2017
Does an increased FSH dose result in higher cumulative live birth rates in women with a predicted... more Does an increased FSH dose result in higher cumulative live birth rates in women with a predicted poor ovarian response, apparent from a low antral follicle count (AFC), scheduled for IVF or ICSI? In women with a predicted poor ovarian response (AFC < 11) undergoing IVF/ICSI, an increased FSH dose (225/450 IU/day) does not improve cumulative live birth rates as compared to a standard dose (150 IU/day). In women scheduled for IVF/ICSI, an ovarian reserve test (ORT) can predict ovarian response to stimulation. The FSH starting dose is often adjusted based on the ORT from the belief that it will improve live birth rates. However, the existing RCTs on this topic, most of which show no benefit, are underpowered. Between May 2011 and May 2014, we performed an open-label multicentre RCT in women with an AFC < 11 (Dutch Trial Register NTR2657). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization and resulting in a live birth. We needed 300 women to ...
PloS one, 2018
Obesity in women of reproductive age has deleterious effects on reproductive and offspring health... more Obesity in women of reproductive age has deleterious effects on reproductive and offspring health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the magnitude of periconceptional body-mass index (BMI) change and maternal and neonatal outcomes in obese infertile women who participated in the LIFEstyle study. The LIFEstyle study was a randomized controlled trial, evaluating if a six-month lifestyle intervention program prior to infertility treatment in obese infertile women improved birth rates, compared to prompt infertility treatment. This is an exploratory post hoc analysis of the LIFEstyle study. We recorded periconceptional BMI change in women with an ongoing pregnancy, pooling data of all women, regardless of randomization arm. Periconceptional BMI change was calculated using weight at randomization and the periconceptional weight (measured in kilograms 12 weeks before or after conception and expressed as BMI change in units BMI (kg/m2)). Subsequently, women were c...
Human Reproduction
Is there a difference in live birth rate and/or cost-effectiveness between antral follicle count ... more Is there a difference in live birth rate and/or cost-effectiveness between antral follicle count (AFC)-based individualized FSH dosing or standard FSH dosing in women starting IVF or ICSI treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: In women initiating IVF/ICSI, AFC-based individualized FSH dosing does not improve live birth rates or reduce costs as compared to a standard FSH dose. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In IVF or ICSI, ovarian reserve testing is often used to adjust the FSH dose in order to normalize ovarian response and optimize live birth rates. However, no robust evidence for the (cost-)effectiveness of this practice exists. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Between May 2011 and May 2014 we performed a multicentre prospective cohort study with two embedded RCTs in women scheduled for IVF/ICSI. Based on the AFC, women entered into one of the two RCTs (RCT1: AFC < 11; RCT2: AFC > 15) or the cohort (AFC 11-15). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization † OPTIMIST study group:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Purpose We aim to evaluate the safety of PGD. We focus on the congenital malformation rate and ad... more Purpose We aim to evaluate the safety of PGD. We focus on the congenital malformation rate and additionally report on adverse perinatal outcome. Methods We collated data from a large group of singletons and multiples born after PGD between 1995 and 2014. Data on congenital malformation rates in live born children and terminated pregnancies, misdiagnosis rate, birth parameters, perinatal mortality, and hospital admissions were prospectively collected by questionnaires. Results Four hundred thirty-nine pregnancies in 381 women resulted in 364 live born children. Nine children (2.5%) had major malformations. This percentage is consistent with other PGD cohorts and comparable to the prevalence reported by the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT). We reported one misdiagnosis resulting in a spontaneous abortion of a fetus with an unbalanced chromosome pattern. 20% of the children were born premature (< 37 weeks) and less than 15% had a low birth weight. The incidence of hospital admissions is in line with prematurity and low birth weight rate. One child from a twin, one child from a triplet, and one singleton died at 23, 32, and 37 weeks of gestation respectively. Conclusions We found no evidence that PGD treatment increases the risk on congenital malformations or adverse perinatal outcome. Trial registration number NCT 2 149485
Human reproduction (Oxford, England), Jan 19, 2018
What is the recommended assessment and management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),... more What is the recommended assessment and management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise and consumer preference? International evidence-based guidelines, including 166 recommendations and practice points, addressed prioritized questions to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes of women with PCOS. Previous guidelines either lacked rigorous evidence-based processes, did not engage consumer and international multidisciplinary perspectives, or were outdated. Diagnosis of PCOS remains controversial, and assessment and management are inconsistent. The needs of women with PCOS are not being adequately met and evidence practice gaps persist. International evidence-based guideline development engaged professional societies and consumer organizations with multidisciplinary experts and women with PCOS directly involved at all stages. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evalu...
BMC women's health, Jan 9, 2018
Tubal pathology is a causative factor in 20% of subfertile couples. Traditionally, tubal testing ... more Tubal pathology is a causative factor in 20% of subfertile couples. Traditionally, tubal testing during fertility work-up is performed by hysterosalpingography (HSG). Hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) is a new technique that is thought to have comparable accuracy as HSG, while it is less expensive and more patient friendly. HyFoSy would be an acceptable alternative for HSG, provided it has similar effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes. We aim to compare the effectiveness and costs of management guided by HyFoSy or by HSG. Consenting women will undergo tubal testing by both HyFoSy and HSG in a randomized order during fertility work-up. The study group will consist of 1163 subfertile women between 18 and 41 years old who are scheduled for tubal patency testing during their fertility work-up. Women with anovulatory cycles not responding to ovulation induction, endometriosis, severe male subfertility or a known contrast (iodine) allergy will be excluded. We anticipate that 7...
![Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to ‘Hysteroscopy prior to a first IVF treatment cycle: the need for well-performed RCT’ [Reproductive BioMedicine Online 29 (2014) 142-142]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/73568495/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2008
Reproductive Sciences, 2007
Female patients with classical galactosemia (galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase [GALT] defic... more Female patients with classical galactosemia (galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase [GALT] deficiency) frequently suffer from premature ovarian failure, despite treatment with a galactose-restricted diet. Earlier research has suggested an association between heterozygosity for GALT mutations and early menopause. This study evaluates the effect of carriership for classical galactosemia on ovarian reserve and menopausal age. Proven female carriers of classical galactosemia were recruited via the Dutch Galactosemia Society. All 58 participants underwent a structured interview regarding fertility, smoking status, and menopause. To determine ovarian reserve, 42 premenopausal GALT carriers underwent ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) by transvaginal ultrasound and early follicular phase blood sampling for hormonal measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). These ovarian reserve parameters were compared with a cohort of proven fertile women (n = 166). The mean age at menopause in GALT carriers was 49.7 years, which is not different from the mean age at menopause in the general population in the Netherlands. There was no difference in FSH, inhibin B, and AMH levels or in the AFC (when corrected for age and smoking status) between 42 premenopausal GALT carriers and controls. The authors conclude that there is no evidence that GALT mutation carriership affects ovarian reserve or menopausal age.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2011
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 1996
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2009
Context: Ovarian dysfunction is classically categorized on the basis of cycle history, FSH, and e... more Context: Ovarian dysfunction is classically categorized on the basis of cycle history, FSH, and estradiol levels. Novel ovarian markers may provide a more direct insight into follicular quantity in hypergonadotropic women. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the distribution of novel ovarian markers in young hypergonadotropic women as compared with normogonadotropic regularly menstruating women. Design: This was a nationwide prospective cohort study. Setting: The study was conducted at 10 hospitals in The Netherlands. Patients: Women below age 40 yr with regular menses and normal FSH (controls; n ϭ 83), regular menstrual cycles and elevated FSH [incipient ovarian failure (IOF); n ϭ 68]; oligomenorrhea and elevated FSH [referred to as transitional ovarian failure (TOF); n ϭ 79]; or at least 4 months amenorrhea together with FSH levels exceeding 40 IU/liter [premature ovarian failure (POF); n ϭ 112]. Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of anti-Mü llerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and antral follicle count (AFC) was measured. Results: All POF patients showed AMH levels below the fifth percentile (p 5) of normoovulatory women. Normal AMH levels (Ͼp 5) could be identified in 75% of IOF, 33% of TOF patients, and 98% of controls. AFC and AMH levels changed with increasing age (P Ͻ 0.0001), whereas inhibin B did not (P ϭ 0.26). AMH levels were significantly different between TOF and IOF over the entire age range, whereas AFC became similar for TOF and IOF at higher ages. Conclusions: Compared with inhibin B and AFC, AMH was more consistently correlated with the clinical degree of follicle pool depletion in young women presenting with elevated FSH levels. AMH may provide a more accurate assessment of the follicle pool in young hypergonadotropic patients, especially in the clinically challenging subgroups of patients with elevated FSH and regular menses (i.e. IOF) and in hypergonadotropic women with cycle disturbances not fulfilling the POF diagnostic criteria (i.e. TOF).
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1996
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced partial pituitary suppression with low-grade estro... more Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced partial pituitary suppression with low-grade estrogen production may be useful in long-term treatment of uterine leiomyomas. Twenty-seven women with uterine leiomyomas were treated with a standard dose of triptorelin for 8 weeks. Patients were then randomized to use 100, 20, or 5 micrograms of triptorelin until week 26. Uterine and myoma size, pituitary-ovarian function, bone metabolism, and bone mineral density were monitored. During standard treatment uterine size was reduced to 67.1% of baseline. During randomized treatment uterine size was further reduced to 57.8% of baseline. There were no differences in overall volume reduction among the groups. Luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels were restored in a dose-dependent way. Bone mineral density decreased significantly in the highest-dose group at week 26. This study shows that the beneficial effects of initial high-dose agonist treatment on uterine leiomyomas can be preserved by continued low-dose treatment. Bone mineral density does not seem to change during reduced-dose agonist treatment.
Human Fertility
The anti-M€ ullerian hormone (AMH) test is increasingly being used to predict the age when women ... more The anti-M€ ullerian hormone (AMH) test is increasingly being used to predict the age when women will enter menopause, signalling the end of their reproductive life. However, the accuracy of the AMH test varies widely. In this qualitative study, we asked young women of three differing education levels about the possibility of predicting premature ovarian failure (POF), defined as menopause that occurs before the age of 40. A total of 15 face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted. The overarching theme was 'considering the possibility of predicting POF', and the three interpretive themes were (i) limited fertility knowledge, (ii) preconditions for pregnancy and (iii) desire to have children. The interview was their first awareness of the concept of POF. All the women who participated in this study wished to have children at some point later in life and tended to think more about fulfilling preconditions before getting pregnant than about their actual fertility. Most participants (n ¼ 8) were interested in the AMH test regardless of their education level. Five participants wanted to take the test in the future. This research provides some insight into young women's current thoughts about the possibility of predicting POF with an AMH test.
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
This non-interventional study aimed to validate a pre-specified anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) cuto... more This non-interventional study aimed to validate a pre-specified anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) cutoff of 15 pmol/L (2.10 ng/mL) for the prediction of hyper-response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) using the fully automated Elecsys 1 AMH immunoassay. Study design: One hundred and forty-nine women aged <44 years with regular menstrual cycles underwent COS with 150 IU/day follicle-stimulating hormone in a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. Response to COS (poor vs normal vs hyper-response) was defined by number of oocytes retrieved and occurrence of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). Results: Significant differences were seen between response classes for the number of follicles prior to follicle puncture (p < 0.001), the number of retrieved oocytes (p < 0.001) and the occurrence of OHSS (p < 0.001), which were all highest in hyper-responders. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AMH to predict hyper-response was 82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.5-91.7). When applying the AMH cutoff of 15.0 pmol/L, a sensitivity of 81.3% (95%CI: 54.4-96.0) to predict hyper-response and a specificity of 64.7% (95%CI: 55.9-72.8) to identify poor/normal responders was reached. Conclusion: The Elecsys 1 AMH assay can reliably predict hyper-response to COS in women undergoing a GnRH antagonist treatment protocol.
Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2017
Does an increased FSH dose result in higher cumulative live birth rates in women with a predicted... more Does an increased FSH dose result in higher cumulative live birth rates in women with a predicted poor ovarian response, apparent from a low antral follicle count (AFC), scheduled for IVF or ICSI? In women with a predicted poor ovarian response (AFC < 11) undergoing IVF/ICSI, an increased FSH dose (225/450 IU/day) does not improve cumulative live birth rates as compared to a standard dose (150 IU/day). In women scheduled for IVF/ICSI, an ovarian reserve test (ORT) can predict ovarian response to stimulation. The FSH starting dose is often adjusted based on the ORT from the belief that it will improve live birth rates. However, the existing RCTs on this topic, most of which show no benefit, are underpowered. Between May 2011 and May 2014, we performed an open-label multicentre RCT in women with an AFC < 11 (Dutch Trial Register NTR2657). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization and resulting in a live birth. We needed 300 women to ...
PloS one, 2018
Obesity in women of reproductive age has deleterious effects on reproductive and offspring health... more Obesity in women of reproductive age has deleterious effects on reproductive and offspring health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the magnitude of periconceptional body-mass index (BMI) change and maternal and neonatal outcomes in obese infertile women who participated in the LIFEstyle study. The LIFEstyle study was a randomized controlled trial, evaluating if a six-month lifestyle intervention program prior to infertility treatment in obese infertile women improved birth rates, compared to prompt infertility treatment. This is an exploratory post hoc analysis of the LIFEstyle study. We recorded periconceptional BMI change in women with an ongoing pregnancy, pooling data of all women, regardless of randomization arm. Periconceptional BMI change was calculated using weight at randomization and the periconceptional weight (measured in kilograms 12 weeks before or after conception and expressed as BMI change in units BMI (kg/m2)). Subsequently, women were c...
Human Reproduction
Is there a difference in live birth rate and/or cost-effectiveness between antral follicle count ... more Is there a difference in live birth rate and/or cost-effectiveness between antral follicle count (AFC)-based individualized FSH dosing or standard FSH dosing in women starting IVF or ICSI treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: In women initiating IVF/ICSI, AFC-based individualized FSH dosing does not improve live birth rates or reduce costs as compared to a standard FSH dose. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In IVF or ICSI, ovarian reserve testing is often used to adjust the FSH dose in order to normalize ovarian response and optimize live birth rates. However, no robust evidence for the (cost-)effectiveness of this practice exists. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Between May 2011 and May 2014 we performed a multicentre prospective cohort study with two embedded RCTs in women scheduled for IVF/ICSI. Based on the AFC, women entered into one of the two RCTs (RCT1: AFC < 11; RCT2: AFC > 15) or the cohort (AFC 11-15). The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy achieved within 18 months after randomization † OPTIMIST study group:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Purpose We aim to evaluate the safety of PGD. We focus on the congenital malformation rate and ad... more Purpose We aim to evaluate the safety of PGD. We focus on the congenital malformation rate and additionally report on adverse perinatal outcome. Methods We collated data from a large group of singletons and multiples born after PGD between 1995 and 2014. Data on congenital malformation rates in live born children and terminated pregnancies, misdiagnosis rate, birth parameters, perinatal mortality, and hospital admissions were prospectively collected by questionnaires. Results Four hundred thirty-nine pregnancies in 381 women resulted in 364 live born children. Nine children (2.5%) had major malformations. This percentage is consistent with other PGD cohorts and comparable to the prevalence reported by the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT). We reported one misdiagnosis resulting in a spontaneous abortion of a fetus with an unbalanced chromosome pattern. 20% of the children were born premature (< 37 weeks) and less than 15% had a low birth weight. The incidence of hospital admissions is in line with prematurity and low birth weight rate. One child from a twin, one child from a triplet, and one singleton died at 23, 32, and 37 weeks of gestation respectively. Conclusions We found no evidence that PGD treatment increases the risk on congenital malformations or adverse perinatal outcome. Trial registration number NCT 2 149485
Human reproduction (Oxford, England), Jan 19, 2018
What is the recommended assessment and management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),... more What is the recommended assessment and management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise and consumer preference? International evidence-based guidelines, including 166 recommendations and practice points, addressed prioritized questions to promote consistent, evidence-based care and improve the experience and health outcomes of women with PCOS. Previous guidelines either lacked rigorous evidence-based processes, did not engage consumer and international multidisciplinary perspectives, or were outdated. Diagnosis of PCOS remains controversial, and assessment and management are inconsistent. The needs of women with PCOS are not being adequately met and evidence practice gaps persist. International evidence-based guideline development engaged professional societies and consumer organizations with multidisciplinary experts and women with PCOS directly involved at all stages. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evalu...
BMC women's health, Jan 9, 2018
Tubal pathology is a causative factor in 20% of subfertile couples. Traditionally, tubal testing ... more Tubal pathology is a causative factor in 20% of subfertile couples. Traditionally, tubal testing during fertility work-up is performed by hysterosalpingography (HSG). Hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) is a new technique that is thought to have comparable accuracy as HSG, while it is less expensive and more patient friendly. HyFoSy would be an acceptable alternative for HSG, provided it has similar effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes. We aim to compare the effectiveness and costs of management guided by HyFoSy or by HSG. Consenting women will undergo tubal testing by both HyFoSy and HSG in a randomized order during fertility work-up. The study group will consist of 1163 subfertile women between 18 and 41 years old who are scheduled for tubal patency testing during their fertility work-up. Women with anovulatory cycles not responding to ovulation induction, endometriosis, severe male subfertility or a known contrast (iodine) allergy will be excluded. We anticipate that 7...
Reproductive BioMedicine Online