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PFC at ESHRE

PFC Staff Present Scientific Posters at ESHRE Annual Meeting

Coauthored by Carolyn Givens, MD, and Erin Fischer, Bs, one poster was entitled “Do Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Levels Predict Outcomes for IVF Patients Undergoing Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)?” Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by reproductive tissue that helps give an estimate of the remaining egg supply (ovarian reserve).

Looking at 288 IVF/PGS cycles from June 2010 to July 2013, the retrospective review found a good correlation between higher levels of AMH and higher numbers of chromosomally normal embryos. In addition, higher AMH levels also resulted in higher live birth rates per egg retrieval and per cycle, as well as low rates of pregnancy loss.

“This study reinforced previous data linking low levels of AMH and poorer outcomes,” said Dr. Givens, “but it provided new information about the relationship between AMH and live birth rates.” However, she said, low AMH responses can still be overcome if you can identify a chromosomally normal (euploid) embryo. With a euploid embryo, live birth rates were 53 percent per transfer, even when AMH levels were lower than 1.0 ng/mL.

Co-authored by Erin Fischer, Bs, Carolyn Givens, MD, and Joseph Conaghan, PhD, the second poster was entitled “IVF outcomes for patients that elect to undergo Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS).” Looking at the probability of producing euploid embryos based on age, this study analyzed outcomes for 433 IVF/PGS patient cycles. As expected, the number of euploid embryos decreased with age.

“Although we have previously counseled patients about this,” said Dr. Givens, “this study now provides specific data we can share with patients to help them set realistic expectations. For example, if a woman is 35 years old, she will, on average, have one normal embryo for every 6 eggs produced. However for women between 43 and 45 years old, she may need to produce as many as 42 eggs to find a normal embryo.”

Despite age limitations, cycles that produced at least one euploid embryo for a frozen embryo transfer produced an overall live birth rate of 72 percent, she said.

What Is ESHRE?

From laparoscopy to ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization (IVF), Europe has been the “birthplace” of many innovations in the field of reproductive medicine. To help support burgeoning study and research in the field, Professor Robert G. Edwards and Dr. Jean Cohen founded the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) In 1985.^1,2

Main aims. ESHRE’s primary purpose has been to promote an interest in and understanding of reproductive biology and medicine. The organization plays a leading role in disseminating research findings to the general public, scientists, clinicians, and patient associations. It also collaborates with politicians and policy makers throughout Europe.

Clinical guidance. In addition to promoting research, ESHRE enhances clinical and practice by organizing trainings, maintaining databases, and applying methods that promote the highest levels of safety and quality in clinical and laboratory procedures.

For example, it has developed guidelines for the management of women with endometriosis and the psychological care of patients at clinics. It is currently developing guidelines on the management of premature ovarian insufficiency and recurrent miscarriage.

Publications. In addition to educational guidelines and training materials, ESHRE publishes Human Reproduction, its official journal. This is where specialists can publish and read about the latest research findings. The journal is made up of three individual publications: Human Reproduction, Human Reproductive Update, and Molecular Human Reproduction.

Annual meeting. ESHRE’s Annual Meetings provide a forum for the exchange and discussion of new clinical and scientific ideas. Invited on more than one occasion to present research at ESHRE meetings, staff from Pacific Fertility Center were honored to present two posters at the most recent Annual Meeting of ESHRE, which was held in Lisbon, Portugal in June.

Education. ESHRE attracts the world’s leading specialists with ESHRE Campus events—workshops, courses, and symposia. Specialists also have access to lecture handouts and online webcasts and e-posters from past annual meetings. Twelve interest groups—focusing on areas from andrology to stem cells to reproductive genetics—further stimulate scientific inquiry in specialized areas of reproduction and embryology.

Together with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), ESHRE clearly provides an invaluable resource for a wide range of specialists in the field of reproduction and embryology.

Sources:

1. Brown, S. ESHRE: The First 21 Years. 2005.
2. ESHRE website.

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