Objective:To evaluate the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and cost-effectiveness of fixed versus adjusted follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) dosages in infertile women with different ovarian responses during their first assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle.Methods:A retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted on 5 419 infertile women who underwent their first ART treatment at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2013 and December 2017. All patients received an individualized starting dosage of gonadotropin. Based on whether FSH dosages were adjusted during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), patients were divided into fixed-dosage group ( n=2 061) and adjusted-dosage group ( n=3 358). Clinical outcomes and FSH cost-effectiveness were compared between the two groups across different ovarian response groups, with CLBR as the primary outcome. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable logistic regression were used to adjust for potential confounders. Results:FSH dosage adjustments were found in 62.0% (3 358/5 419) of cycles during COS. After PSM, baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounders using multivariable logistic regression, FSH dosage adjustment was not significantly associated with CLBR ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 0.94-1.20, P=0.332). Compared with the adjusted-dosage group, the fixed-dosage group showed no significant differences in CLBR in poor-, normal-, and high-responder groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P>0.05). In poor-, normal-, and high-responder groups, the total FSH dosages in the fixed-dose group [1 350 (375, 1 825) U, 1 200 (375, 1 500) U and 525 (375, 1 128) U, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the adjusted-dose group [1 875 (1 425, 2 294) U, P=0.001; 1 425 (450, 1 875) U, P<0.001; 600 (375, 1 425) U, P=0.020]. Similarly, average FSH costs in different ovarian response groups in the fixed-dosage group [4 725.0 (1 312.5, 6 387.5) yuan, 4 200.0 (1 312.5, 5 250.0) yuan and 1 837.5 (1 312.5, 3 947.3) yuan, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the adjusted-dosage group [6 562.5 (4 987.5, 8 028.1) yuan, P=0.001; 4 987.5 (1 575.0, 6 562.5) yuan, P<0.001; 2 100.0 (1 312.5, 4 987.5) yuan, P=0.020]. For normal-responders, the FSH cost per high-quality embryo in the fixed-dosage group [1 365.0 (875.0, 2 537.5) yuan] was significantly lower than that in the adjusted-dosage group [2 056.3 (1 268.8, 3 412.5) yuan, P<0.001]. Conclusion:FSH dosage adjustment during COS is not associated with CLBR or the incidence of OHSS. However, the fixed-dose group exhibited lower total FSH dosages and costs across different ovarian response populations. In the context of ART being covered by medical insurance, fixed FSH dosage may represent a more cost-effective ovarian stimulation protocol.

Objective:To evaluate the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and cost-effectiveness of fixed versus adjusted follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) dosages in infertile women with different ovarian responses during their first assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle.Methods:A retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted on 5 419 infertile women who underwent their first ART treatment at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2013 and December 2017. All patients received an individualized starting dosage of gonadotropin. Based on whether FSH dosages were adjusted during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), patients were divided into fixed-dosage group ( n=2 061) and adjusted-dosage group ( n=3 358). Clinical outcomes and FSH cost-effectiveness were compared between the two groups across different ovarian response groups, with CLBR as the primary outcome. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable logistic regression were used to adjust for potential confounders. Results:FSH dosage adjustments were found in 62.0% (3 358/5 419) of cycles during COS. After PSM, baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounders using multivariable logistic regression, FSH dosage adjustment was not significantly associated with CLBR ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 0.94-1.20, P=0.332). Compared with the adjusted-dosage group, the fixed-dosage group showed no significant differences in CLBR in poor-, normal-, and high-responder groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P>0.05). In poor-, normal-, and high-responder groups, the total FSH dosages in the fixed-dose group [1 350 (375, 1 825) U, 1 200 (375, 1 500) U and 525 (375, 1 128) U, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the adjusted-dose group [1 875 (1 425, 2 294) U, P=0.001; 1 425 (450, 1 875) U, P<0.001; 600 (375, 1 425) U, P=0.020]. Similarly, average FSH costs in different ovarian response groups in the fixed-dosage group [4 725.0 (1 312.5, 6 387.5) yuan, 4 200.0 (1 312.5, 5 250.0) yuan and 1 837.5 (1 312.5, 3 947.3) yuan, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the adjusted-dosage group [6 562.5 (4 987.5, 8 028.1) yuan, P=0.001; 4 987.5 (1 575.0, 6 562.5) yuan, P<0.001; 2 100.0 (1 312.5, 4 987.5) yuan, P=0.020]. For normal-responders, the FSH cost per high-quality embryo in the fixed-dosage group [1 365.0 (875.0, 2 537.5) yuan] was significantly lower than that in the adjusted-dosage group [2 056.3 (1 268.8, 3 412.5) yuan, P<0.001]. Conclusion:FSH dosage adjustment during COS is not associated with CLBR or the incidence of OHSS. However, the fixed-dose group exhibited lower total FSH dosages and costs across different ovarian response populations. In the context of ART being covered by medical insurance, fixed FSH dosage may represent a more cost-effective ovarian stimulation protocol.

Objective To analyze the correlations between platelet-related parameters and the incidence of anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis(PD),and evaluate the efficacy of the pa-rameters in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients.Methods A total of 245 patients undergoing PD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from September 2022 to February 2023 were enrolled.The gener-alized anxiety scale(GAD-7)and the patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9)were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression of the patients,respectively.The personal information and biochemical indicators of the patients were col-lected,and the platelet count(PLT),mean platelet volume(MPV),and platelet distribution width(PDW)were measured.Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the relationships of platelet-related parameters with anxiety and depression in PD patients.Results Among the 245 patients undergoing PD,the incidences of anxiety and depression were 15.9% and 38.0% ,respectively.There were differences in the dialysis period(Z=-2.358,P =0.018;Z =-3.079,P=0.002),MPV(Z=-4.953,P<0.001;Z=-7.878,P<0.001),and PDW(Z =-4.587,P<0.001;Z=-7.367,P<0.001)between the anxiety group and the non-anxiety group as well as between the de-pression group and the non-depression group.The correlation analysis showed that MPV(r =0.358,P<0.001;r =0.489,P<0.001)and PDW(r =0.340,P<0.001;r =0.447,P<0.001)were positively correlated with anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.The Logistic regression model showed that MPV(P =0.022,P =0.011),PDW(P =0.041,P =0.018),and dialysis period(P =0.011,P =0.030)were independent risk factors for the anxiety and depressive state in PD patients.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MPV in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients were 0.750 and 0.800,respectively,and those of PDW were 0.732 and 0.780,respectively.Conclusion MPV and PDW have high efficacy in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression associated with PD and can be used as objective indicators to evaluate the anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of combining modified manipulative reduction with functional training for the treatment of acute anterior disc displacement without reduction.Methods:Sixty anterior disc displacement patients aged from 19 to 55 years were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 30. The experimental group was given modified manipulative reduction, while the control group was provided with traditional manipulative reduction. After the manipulative reduction, both groups received 3 months of functional training. Visual analog scale (VAS) ratings, maximum active mouth opening, a mandibular movement index and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were employed before and immediately after the reduction and after the functional training to evaluate their effectiveness. An oral health-related quality of life scale was also used. The number of attempts needed to achieve successful reduction and the overall success rate were compared between the two groups.Results:There was significant improvement in the average VAS ratings, maximum active mouth opening, mandibular movement index and oral health-related life quality of both groups after the experiment. Immediately after reduction, the maximum active mouth opening and mandible movement in the experimental group were significantly higher than in the control group, on average. Further improvement was observed after the treatment such that there was no significant difference between the two groups. After the functional training, however, the experimental group′s average VAS and oral health-related life quality scores were significantly better than the control group′s averages. According to MRI right after reduction, the success rate of the experimental group (96.7%) was significantly better than among the control group (80%). After the functional training the corresponding values were 86.7% and 73.3%. That difference was no longer significant. There was also no significant difference in the number of attempts needed to achieve successful reduction.Conclusion:The modified manipulative reduction not only has a higher success rate, but also can immediately improve mouth opening and mandible mobility. Combined with functional training, it can effectively reduce pain and improve life quality.

Objective:To explore the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) with different dosages on the endometrial factor, number of oocytes retrieved, pregnancy outcomes and other factors in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) patients with minimal stimulation/natural protocol.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. The patients who underwent minimal stimulation protocol of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) were divided into 4 groups. Group A: the patients had CC 50 mg/d from the third day of menstruation to the trigger day (1 457 cycles); group B: the patients had 50 mg/d from the third day of menstruation for 3 d (1 533 cycles); group C: the patients had CC 25 mg/d from the third day of menstruation to the trigger day (345 cycles); group D: the patients had CC 25 mg/d for 3 d (319 cycles). The general data, clinical results, pregnancy and delivery outcomes were compared between group A and group B, as well as group C and group D. Results:In the treatment of IVF/ICSI, the dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used, number of dominant follicles, estradiol level, luteinizing hormone level, progesterone level, number of oocytes retrieved, rate of oocytes retrieved, number of fertilizations, number of transplantable embryos and whole embryo freezing rate in patients of group A were significantly higher than those in group B (all P<0.05). The endometrial thickness [7.10 (5.40,8.65) mm] and the ratio of endometrial type (A/A-B) on trigger day [70.70% (888/1 256)] of group B were significantly better than those of group A [6.00 (4.70,8.00) mm, P<0.001; 63.62% (649/1 020), P<0.001], and the fresh embryo transfer rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A [20.00% (259/1 295) vs. 42.94% (584/1 360), P<0.001]. There were no statistical differences in the number of high-quality embryos and the rate of no embryo transfer between the two groups (both P>0.05). In group C and group D, the Gn used dosage, the number of dominant follicles, the estradiol level on trigger day, number of oocytes retrieved, embryos/cycles were significantly increased (all P<0.05), the endometrial thickness on trigger day of group D [7.00 (5.40, 8.60) mm] was significantly higher than that of group C [6.10 (5.00,7.93) mm, P<0.001], but there was no statistical difference of the ratio of endometrial type (A/A-B) between the two groups ( P=0.739). In addition, the luteinizing hormone and progesterone values on the trigger day in group C were significantly higher than those in group D ( P=0.014, P=0.005), but there were no significant differences in pre-ovulation rate and all embryos frozen rate between the two groups (all P<0.05), and the rate of fresh embryo transfer in group C [26.04% (75/288)] was significantly lower than that in group D [38.80% (97/250), P<0.001]. Finally, there were no significant differences in cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and fresh/frozen embryo transfer outcome between group A and group B as well as group C and group D (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The use of low-dose and short-time CC in minimal stimulation protocol does not change the final pregnancy outcome, while saving patients' economic and time costs, so it could be an appropriate project for DOR patients.

Objective:To explore the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) with different dosages on the endometrial factor, number of oocytes retrieved, pregnancy outcomes and other factors in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) patients with minimal stimulation/natural protocol.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. The patients who underwent minimal stimulation protocol of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) were divided into 4 groups. Group A: the patients had CC 50 mg/d from the third day of menstruation to the trigger day (1 457 cycles); group B: the patients had 50 mg/d from the third day of menstruation for 3 d (1 533 cycles); group C: the patients had CC 25 mg/d from the third day of menstruation to the trigger day (345 cycles); group D: the patients had CC 25 mg/d for 3 d (319 cycles). The general data, clinical results, pregnancy and delivery outcomes were compared between group A and group B, as well as group C and group D. Results:In the treatment of IVF/ICSI, the dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used, number of dominant follicles, estradiol level, luteinizing hormone level, progesterone level, number of oocytes retrieved, rate of oocytes retrieved, number of fertilizations, number of transplantable embryos and whole embryo freezing rate in patients of group A were significantly higher than those in group B (all P<0.05). The endometrial thickness [7.10 (5.40,8.65) mm] and the ratio of endometrial type (A/A-B) on trigger day [70.70% (888/1 256)] of group B were significantly better than those of group A [6.00 (4.70,8.00) mm, P<0.001; 63.62% (649/1 020), P<0.001], and the fresh embryo transfer rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A [20.00% (259/1 295) vs. 42.94% (584/1 360), P<0.001]. There were no statistical differences in the number of high-quality embryos and the rate of no embryo transfer between the two groups (both P>0.05). In group C and group D, the Gn used dosage, the number of dominant follicles, the estradiol level on trigger day, number of oocytes retrieved, embryos/cycles were significantly increased (all P<0.05), the endometrial thickness on trigger day of group D [7.00 (5.40, 8.60) mm] was significantly higher than that of group C [6.10 (5.00,7.93) mm, P<0.001], but there was no statistical difference of the ratio of endometrial type (A/A-B) between the two groups ( P=0.739). In addition, the luteinizing hormone and progesterone values on the trigger day in group C were significantly higher than those in group D ( P=0.014, P=0.005), but there were no significant differences in pre-ovulation rate and all embryos frozen rate between the two groups (all P<0.05), and the rate of fresh embryo transfer in group C [26.04% (75/288)] was significantly lower than that in group D [38.80% (97/250), P<0.001]. Finally, there were no significant differences in cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and fresh/frozen embryo transfer outcome between group A and group B as well as group C and group D (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The use of low-dose and short-time CC in minimal stimulation protocol does not change the final pregnancy outcome, while saving patients' economic and time costs, so it could be an appropriate project for DOR patients.

Objective:To explore the effect of dyslipidemia on the clinical outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) in infertility patients receiving donor eggs.Methods:A total of 118 patients were selected to receive egg donors and ICSI-ET at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between April 2007 and December 2020. According to the levels of triacylglycerol, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein, they were divided into dyslipidemia group (35 cases) and normal blood lipids group (83 cases). The influence of body mass index (BMI) and age was adjusted by 1∶1 propensity score matching, and the general condition and clinical outcome of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively. Finally, the relationship between lipid composition and clinical outcome was analyzed according to patients′ age and BMI.Results:(1) Comparing the pre-matching dyslipidemia group with the normal blood lipids group, the BMI of the dyslipidemia group was significantly higher than that of the normal blood lipids group [(23.5±2.4) vs (22.4±2.7) kg/m 2], and the embryo implantation rate was significantly lower than that of the normal blood lipids group [13.6% (8/59) vs 27.3% (36/132)], the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). (2) There were no significant differences in years of infertility, number of pregnancies, number of abortions, number of transplanted embryos, protocol of endometrial preparation, endometrial thickness on transplantation day and high quality embryo rate between the two groups, through propensity score matching (all P>0.05). The biochemical pregnancy rate [28.6% (10/35)], embryo implantation rate [13.6% (8/59)] and live birth rate [20.0% (7/35)] in dyslipidemia group were significantly lower than those in the normal blood lipids group ( P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was lower than that of the normal blood lipids group ( P>0.05). (3) The results of stratified analysis showed that the level of HDL in the clinically non-pregnant group was significantly lower than that in the pregnant group in patients ≤ 35 years old [(1.5±0.3) vs (1.8±0.5) mmol/L; P<0.05]. In the overweight recipient patients, the level of HDL of the clinically non-pregnant group was lower than that of the pregnant group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Dyslipidemia significantly reduces the biochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate in patients with receiving donor eggs. Especially in patients aged ≤35 years old, the reduction of HDL is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Using cryopreservation technology to store oocytes or ovarian cortex as an "egg bank" for female fertility preservation is one of the projects of assisted reproductive technology. Clinical applications of "egg bank" include fertility preservation for patients with malignant tumor, oocyte donation, fertility reserve for non-medical reasons, etc., which has important medical and social significances. This paper reviews the technologic development, clinical application and ethical issues of "egg bank", hoping to present expert suggestions for establishing a high quality, efficient, safety and legal "egg bank" in China.

Using cryopreservation technology to store oocytes or ovarian cortex as an "egg bank" for female fertility preservation is one of the projects of assisted reproductive technology. Clinical applications of "egg bank" include fertility preservation for patients with malignant tumor, oocyte donation, fertility reserve for non-medical reasons, etc., which has important medical and social significances. This paper reviews the technologic development, clinical application and ethical issues of "egg bank", hoping to present expert suggestions for establishing a high quality, efficient, safety and legal "egg bank" in China.

Objective:To investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on clinical effect and fresh cycle embryo transfer pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in patients with early follicular phase prolonged protocol.Methods:From January 1st, 2018 to July 1st, 2020, 2 257 cases of early follicular long-term protocol in IVF/ICSI and embryo transfer were collected using the clinical assisted reproductive technologies management system software database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Patients were divided into three groups according to the recommended Asian BMI cut-off points: low body mass group (BMI<18.5 kg/m 2), normal body mass group (18.5≤BMI<24.0 kg/m 2), and high body mass group (BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2). The ovarian stimulation characteristics among the groups were investigated. Then 1 741 fresh embryo transfer cycles were selected and divided into three groups as above, and then the ovulation induction and clinical outcomes were analyzed among the groups. Results:There were significant differences in the starting dosage of gonadotrophin (Gn), total dosage of Gn and days of Gn used among the low body mass group, normal body mass group, and high body mass group in the 2 257 IVF/ICSI cycles (all P<0.01). The high body mass group needed the most amount of Gn [(2 159±668) U] and longest Gn days [(12.3±2.5) days]. The estradiol and progesterone levels [(7 474±4 852) pmol/L, (3.4±1.9) nmol/L] on hCG trigger day in the high body mass group were lower than those in the low body mass group and normal body mass group (all P<0.01). The oocytes retrieved in high body mass group (8.4±4.1) were significantly lower than normal body mass group ( P<0.05). The normal fertilization number, the available embryo number and high quality embryo number were all lower in the high body mass group than other two groups, while no significant difference showed (all P>0.05). In 1 741 cycles of fresh embryo transfer, the average number of transplanted embryos in the low body mass group (1.2±0.4) was decreased compared with the other two groups ( P<0.05), while the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in the normal body mass group were higher compared with the other two groups, but the differences showed no statistically significance (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Increased BMI might affect ovulation induction response in early follicular phase prolonged protocol IVF/ICSI patients, leading to the increase of Gn dosage and the extension of Gn induction days. Although there is no significant difference in pregnancy outcome among different BMI groups, considering the increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes during subsequent pregnancy in overweight or obese patients, certain attention should still be paid to the control of BMI in patients receiving assisted reproduction treatment with early follicular phase prolonged protocol.