Tarek Motan

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in laparoscopic myomectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to estimate the effects on surgical outcomes of pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist before laparoscopic myomectomy. The electronic bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, and reference lists from relevant articles were searched for English-language publications describing randomized controlled trials of GnRH agonist pretreatment vs placebo or no treatment before laparoscopic myomectomy. Three studies including 168 participants were identified. Pretreatment with GnRH agonist did not reduce operative time; however, intraoperative blood loss was statistically lowered (mean difference, 60 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39-82). Statistical difference was also observed in postoperative hemoglobin concentration (mean difference, 1.15 g/dL; 95% CI, 0.46-1.83]) and red blood cell count (mean difference, 0.65 × 10(6) cells/mL; 95% CI, 0.16-1.14]) but not serum iron concentration. None of the patients in the studies experienced any major intraoperative or postoperative complications, and only 1 patient in each group required blood transfusion. This study does not show a difference in operative time with GnRH agonist pretreatment, which clarifies the previous conflicting reports on the effect of GnRH agonist therapy on the duration of laparoscopic myomectomy. Furthermore, despite previously reported decreased bleeding conferred by the laparoscopic approach compared with laparotomy, this meta-analysis demonstrates a further reduction in intraoperative blood loss with GnRH agonist pretreatment in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Additional high-quality studies with appropriate power and follow-up are needed to corroborate these findings and to evaluate the treatment effects on short- and long-term outcomes such as perioperative complications and fertility.

Changes in fetal cardiac axis between 8 and 15 weeks' gestation

To document changes in the normal embryonic/fetal cardiac axis in the late first and early second trimesters of pregnancy.

The Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

OBJECTIVE To review the clinical aspects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and provide recommendations on its prevention. OPTIONS Preventative measures, early recognition, and prompt systematic supportive care will help avoid poor outcomes. OUTCOMES Establish guidelines to assist in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, early recognition of the condition when it occurs, and provision of appropriate supportive measures in the correct setting. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2011 to 2013 using appropriate controlled vocabulary ([OHSS] ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and: agonist IVF, antagonist IVF, metformin, HCG, gonadotropin, coasting, freeze all, agonist trigger, progesterone) and key words (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian stimulation, gonadotropin, human chorionic gonadotropin, prevention). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies published in English. There were no date restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to February 2013. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Summary Statements 1. The particular follicle-stimulating hormone formulation used for ovarian stimulation does not affect the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I) 2. Coasting may reduce the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III) 3. Coasting for longer than 3 days reduces in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2) 4. The use of either luteinizing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin for final oocyte maturation does not influence the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I) 5. There is no clear published evidence that lowering the human chorionic gonadotropin dose will result in a decrease in the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III) 6. Cabergoline starting from the day of human chorionic gonadotropin reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at higher risk and does not appear to lower in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2) 7. Avoiding pregnancy by freezing all embryos will prevent severe prolonged ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at high risk. (II-2) 8. Pregnancy rates are not affected when using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in GnRH antagonist protocols for final egg maturation when embryos are frozen by vitrification for later transfer. (II-2) Recommendations 1. The addition of metformin should be considered in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome who are undergoing in vitro fertilization because it may reduce the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-A) 2. Gonadotropin dosing should be carefully individualized, taking into account the patients age, body mass, antral follicle count, and previous response to gonadotropins. (II-3B) 3. Cycle cancellation before administration of human chorionic gonadatropin is an effective strategy for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but the emotional and financial burden it imposes on patients should be considered before the cycle is cancelled. (III-C) 4. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist stimulation protocols are recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The risk of severe OHSS in patients on GnRH antagonist protocols who have a very robust ovarian stimulation response can be reduced by using a GnRH agonist as a substitute for human chorionic gonadotropin to trigger final oocyte maturation. (I-B) 5. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with a GnRH agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation is recommended for donor oocyte and fertility preservation cycles. (III-C) 6. Albumin or other plasma expanders at the time of egg retrieval are not recommended for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-E) 7. Elective single embryo transfer is recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III-C) 8. Progesterone, rather than human chorionic gonadotropin, should be used for luteal phase support. (I-A) 9. Outpatient culdocentesis should be considered for the prevention of disease progression in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (II-2B).

No. 350-Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment

OBJECTIVES To review the etiology, evaluation, and treatment of hirsutism. EVALUATION A thorough history and physical examination plus selected laboratory evaluations will confirm the diagnosis and direct treatment. TREATMENT Pharmacologic interventions can suppress ovarian or adrenal androgen production and block androgen receptors in the hair follicle. Hair removal methods and lifestyle modifications may improve or hasten the therapeutic response. OUTCOMES At least 6 to 9 months of therapy are required to produce improvement in hirsutism. EVIDENCE The quality of evidence reported in this guideline has been determined using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination. RECOMMENDATIONS Hirsutism can be slowly but dramatically improved with a 3-pronged approach to treatment: mechanical hair removal, suppression of androgen production, and androgen receptor blockade. Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercise, will lower serum androgen levels and improve self-esteem in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The patient should be educated regarding the associated health problems or long-term medical consequences of hyperandrogenism, particularly in the context of polycystic ovary syndrome, including obesity, irregular menses, anovulation, infertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and heart disease. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.

EVOLUTION OF THE FETAL ATRIOVENTRICULAR (AV) INTERVAL FROM 6-40 WEEKS OF GESTATION

Fetal atrioventricular (AV) conduction can be indirectly assessed by measuring the Doppler-derived AV interval (AVI) at fetal echocardiography. Normal values have been published from 16-18 weeks gestational age (GA) to term. We sought to investigate the evolution of the AV interval from 6 to 40

Prévention du syndrome d’hyperstimulation ovarienne

Résultats : La littérature publiée a été récupérée par l’intermédiaire de recherches menées dans Medline, Embase et The Cochrane Library entre 2011 et 2013 au moyen d’un vocabulaire contrôlé (« ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome », « agonist IVF », « antagonist IVF », « metformin », « HCG », « gonadotropin », « coasting », « freeze all », « agonist trigger », « progesterone ») et de mots clés (« ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome », « ovarian stimulation », « gonadotropin », « human chorionic gonadotropin », « prevention ») appropriés. Les résultats ont été restreints aux analyses systématiques, aux études observationnelles et aux essais comparatifs randomisés / essais cliniques comparatifs publiés en anglais. Aucune restriction n’a été imposée en matière de date. Les recherches ont été mises à jour de façon régulière et ont été intégrées à la directive clinique jusqu’en février 2013.