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[Heterotopic pregnancy following ovulation induction by clomiphene citrate and prednisone. Report of a case].

Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a very rare pathologic event. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy has increased as the consequence of assisted reproduction and the wider use of ovulation induction agents. The diagnosis of HP is frequently done not as earlier as it should be, and it has serious repercussions. The concept of screening, to find relevant rise factors and the correct diagnosis of HP should be pursued as early as possible. In this report we describe an unusual case of a female patient with therapeutic failure to clomiphene citrate. She was treated with two cycles of combined clomiphene citrate and prednisone, and ovulation induction assent. The after she developed HP. Overall, we conclude that the possible association observed could be an accident. The land of investigation is open, to fill cover. The holes on understanding that we still have.

Adult↗

Ovulation induction with urinary follicle stimulating hormone versus human menopausal gonadotropin for clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The risks of multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are increased in women with clomiphene resistance WHO group 2 dysfunction undergoing ovulation induction as well as the risk of spontaneous abortion if conception takes place. Semi-purified preparations of FSH have been developed in an effort to reduce the impact of exogenous LH, relatively high levels of which are present in human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). Ovulation induction in women with clomiphene resistant WHO group 2 dysfunction who often have clinical features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a major challenge. The risks of multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are increased in this population. There also appears to be an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in those who conceive, perhaps associated with elevated LH levels. Semi-purified preparations of FSH have been developed in an effort to reduce the impact of exogenous LH, relatively high levels of which are present in human menopausal gonadotrophins. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of daily FSH versus daily hMG in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in terms of rates of pregnancy and moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Subfertility Review Group specialised register of controlled trials was searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: All RCTs relevant to the clinical question were selected. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A diverse search strategy was employed, including hand-search of 43 core journals from 1966 to the present, bibliographies of relevant trials, MEDLINE database, abstracts from North American and European meetings and contact with authors of relevant papers. Relevant data were extracted independently by two reviewers using the standardized data extraction sheet. Validity was assessed in terms of method of randomisation, completeness of follow-up, presence or absence of crossover and co-intervention. DATA SYNTHESIS: 2x2 tables were generated for all relevant outcomes. Odds ratios were generated using the Peto modified Mantel-Haenszel technique. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using x2. MAIN RESULTS: No significant benefit was demonstrated from semi-purified FSH versus hMG in terms of pregnancy rate: common odds ratio per patient 0.66 (95% CI 0.35-1.24) and per cycle 0.89 (95% CI 0.51-1.53). FSH appeared to be associated with a reduction in moderate to severe OHSS: common odds ratios 0.2 (95% CI 0.09-0.46). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In women with PCOS, no significant difference could be demonstrated between FSH and hMG, in terms of pregnancy rate. However, given similar cost, potential advantages in terms of purity and a possible reduction in OHSS risk, highly purified or recombinant FSH are likely to be widely adopted in the future. Further research should consider live birth as a primary clinical outcome, given concerns over the association between high androgen and LH levels with spontaneous abortion risk.

Clomiphene↗

[Effects of ovulation induction therapies on endometrial integrin alpha v beta 3 expression in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome related infertility].

OBJECTIVE: To study the endometrial integrins alpha v beta 3 expressions during mid-luteal(ML) phase in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) related infertile patients receiving ovulation induction therapies. METHODS: Immunohistochemical methods using monoclonal antibody against integrins alpha v beta 3 were performed on endometrium of ML phase obtained from 22 normal subjects and 40 PCOS related anovulatory patients who underwent ovulation induction therapy by one of the following regimens: clomiphene citrate (CC) + human chorionicgonadotropin (hCG), CC + human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) + hCG, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist + hMG + hCG. RESULTS: The expressions of endometrial integrin alpha v beta 3 during ML phase in GnRHa + hMG + hMG + hCG cycles were similar with those in normal natural cycles, but were weaker in CC + hCG, CC + hMG + hCG cycles as compared with controls. CONCLUSION: CC + hCG, CC + hMG + hCG regimens may induce decline of endometrial receptivity in ML phase.

Adult↗

Nafarelin versus leuprolide in ovulation induction for in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists vary in structure and route of administration. We performed this study to compare patient response to intranasal nafarelin acetate versus subcutaneous leuprolide acetate as adjuncts to ovulation induction for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Forty-two patients entering their first cycle of IVF were randomized to receive either nafarelin acetate or leuprolide acetate. Patient characteristics in the two groups did not differ significantly, nor did cycle cancellation rates or outcome. There was no significant difference in patient response as indicated by follicular phase serum levels of estradiol (E2), FSH, or LH, luteal phase E2, and progesterone. Luteal phase progesterone-dependent endometrial protein was significantly lower in those taking nafarelin acetate, though it remained in the normal range. However, those receiving nafarelin acetate required significantly less human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and had significantly more embryos frozen for later transfer than those receiving leuprolide acetate. Intranasal nafarelin acetate can be used successfully in ovulation induction regimens that include GnRH agonists. The use of nafarelin acetate may decrease a patient's hMG requirement and increase the number of frozen embryos available for later transfer as compared with leuprolide acetate. Further studies are needed to optimize the dosing regimen.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Surgical ovulation induction: the role of ovarian diathermy in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Notwithstanding the shortcomings of the available data, this review of the available literature strongly suggests some real benefits of laparoscopic treatment for carefully selected patients who fail clomiphene citrate therapy. While we very cautiously endorse a place for this procedure in the armamentarium of the clinician, we would like to state emphatically that this procedure has not been shown to be free of risks to the fertility status of women. The notion that this procedure is not associated with adhesion formation is false, and the reports of ovarian atrophy, while rare, are also of serious concern. These issues, as well as the cost and risk associated with any operative procedure, underscore the importance of performing this operation only when all other available options have been exhausted. It is, in our opinion, a great disservice to the patient to perform laparoscopic equivalents of ovarian wedge resection after only a cursory infertility evaluation and a brief attempt at clomiphene citrate ovulation induction. Until it can be conclusively shown that laparoscopic ovulation induction does no harm to fertility potential or to long-term health, these procedures should be used when all available non-invasive options have been explored.

Anovulation↗

A novel protocol of ovulation induction with delayed gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration combined with high-dose recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and clomiphene citrate for poor responders and women over 35 years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel protocol of ovulation induction for poor responders. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, clinical study. SETTING: Research institute's reproductive unit. PATIENT(S): One hundred forty-five infertile women, aged 27-39 years, candidates for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). INTERVENTION(S): Before undergoing ART, 85 patients received clomiphene citrate, high-dose recombinant human FSH, and a delayed, multidose GnRH antagonist, whereas 60 patients underwent a standard long protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Estradiol levels (pg/mL), cancellation rate, oocyte retrieval, embryo score, and fertilization and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): Patients undergoing the study protocol obtained lower cancellation rates (4.7% vs. 34%) and higher E(2) levels (945.88 +/- 173.2 pg/mL vs. 169.55 +/- 45.07 pg/mL), oocyte retrieval (5.56 +/- 1.13 vs. 3.36 +/- 1.3), and pregnancy (22.2% vs. 15.3%) and implantation rates (13.5% vs. 7.6%) compared with those receiving the long protocol. Age negatively correlated with ovarian response in the latter, whereas the ovarian outcome results were comparable in younger (<35 yrs) and older (>35 yrs) women treated with the study protocol. CONCLUSION(S): The proposed protocol of ovulation induction can be usefully administered in poor responders as well as in aged woman, probably because the delayed administration of GnRH antagonist prevents its adverse effects on ovarian paracrine activity and on oocyte maturation.

Adult↗

Sequential step-up and step-down dose regimen: an alternative method for ovulation induction with follicle-stimulating hormone in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This study was designed to compare both the effectiveness and safety of two low-dose gonadotrophin regimens (step-up versus sequential step-up and step-down) for ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. In all, 56 infertile clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients were included in this prospective randomized study. A total of 38 cycles were conducted with a classic step-up protocol, whereas for 35 cycles the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) threshold dose was reduced by half when the leading follicle reached 14 mm in diameter (sequential protocol). Serum oestradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations and follicular growth rate were evaluated during the cycle. At the time of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration, cycles treated with sequential protocol exhibited significantly lower oestradiol concentrations [434 +/- 45 versus 593 +/- 67 pg/ml (mean +/- SEM)] and the number of medium-sized (14-15 mm) follicles was significantly reduced (0.3 +/- 0.1 versus 0.8 +/- 0.2) compared with cycles treated with the classic step-up protocol. Moreover, in these cycles serum luteal oestradiol concentrations were decreased significantly (350 +/- 77 versus 657 +/- 104 pg/ ml) compared with the classic step-up protocol. A sequential step-up and step-down protocol seems to be a safe and effective regimen for ovulation induction in PCOS patients. Decreasing the FSH dose following step-up follicular selection may be an alternative method to avoid multifollicular development.

Adult↗

Sequential clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin for ovulation induction: comparison to clomiphene citrate alone and human menopausal gonadotrophin alone.

The need for frequent injections and monitoring, the possibility of multiple gestations, and the higher cost compared to clomiphene citrate, prevents many clinicians from using human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) for ovulation induction. A sequential medication regimen, in which HMG is taken after clomiphene, overcomes these problems. We retrospectively compared per cycle fecundity and birth rates in 119 cycles of clomiphene-HMG, 524 cycles of clomiphene alone, 57 cycles of HMG alone, and 79 cycles of concurrent HMG and clomiphene in patients receiving intra-uterine insemination (IUI), who were free of endometriosis or tubal disease. Per cycle fecundity for clomiphene-HMG was 22% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12-34%], double that of clomiphene alone (11%) (95% CI 8-14%) (P < 0.01), and equal to HMG alone (18%) (95% CI 7-29%) or HMG and clomiphene together (19%) (95% CI 10-28%). The multiple birth rate for clomiphene-HMG (7/21) equalled that for HMG alone (3/12) and HMG and clomiphene together (3/8). The average number of ampoules of HMG required [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 75 mIU, luteinizing hormone (LH) 75 mIU] was decreased by 65% from 24.5 +/- 1.0 for HMG or HMG and clomiphene together to 8.6 +/- 0.3 for clomiphene-HMG (P < 0.001). Per cycle fecundity was identical when one, two or three ampoules of HMG per day were administered after clomiphene. We conclude that ovulation induction with sequential clomiphene-HMG results in fecundity double that of clomiphene alone and equal to HMG alone or concurrent with clomiphene, thereby reducing the requirement for HMG.

Clomiphene↗

Management of pituitary gonadal function via gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, including ovulation induction by co-administration of either gonadotrophins or pulsatile GnRH.

GnRH agonists are now familiar clinical agents and are often the drugs of choice for suppression of the pituitary gonadal axis as part of various clinical indications. GnRH antagonists, which are likely to become clinically available soon, offer several advantages over the currently available GnRH agonists for many applications including ovulation induction. Here, we review the results from a series of pre-clinical studies designed to evaluate the potential clinical utility of this new class of compounds for ovulation induction protocols.

Female↗

Urinary 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha during ovulation induction.

To elucidate the role of the vasodilatory prostacyclin (PGI2) in human ovulation, urinary samples were collected from spontaneously ovulating women (n = 8) and from those undergoing ovulation induction with clomiphene (seven women, 9 cycles) and human gonadotropins (five women, 11 cycles). The samples were assayed for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), a breakdown product of PGI2, employing high-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. The urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was not consistently related to the menstrual cycle day at collection, the occurrence of spontaneous (n = 8) or induced (n = 11) ovulation, or the simultaneous concentration of estradiol in plasma. However, its concentrations both before and after the approximated time of ovulation during clomiphene (41.6 +/- 6.7 and 52.7 +/- 7.9 pmol/mmol creatinine, before/after, mean +/- standard error) or gonadotropin treatment (49.0 +/- 5.8 and 48.1 +/- 6.8 pmol/mmol creatinine) were higher (P less than 0.01) than those in spontaneously ovulating women (26.4 +/- 3.8 and 20.5 +/- 3.0 pmol/mmol creatinine, respectively). Multiple ovarian follicles, as assessed ultrasonographically, developed during four courses of the treatments with gonadotropins, and in three of them the urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was high. The data suggest that treatment with clomiphene and gonadotropin is accompanied by increased production of PGI2, perhaps in the ovaries and/or in the kidneys. This may perhaps play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Recombinant FSH versus urinary gonadotrophins or recombinant FSH for ovulation induction in subfertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Over the last four decades, various urinary FSH (uFSH) products of different purity have been developed. In 1988 recombinant FSH (rFSH ) was prepared by transfecting Chinese hamster ovary cell lines with both FSH subunit genes. Both rFSH and uFSH are known to be effective in inducing ovulation in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Ovulation induction with FSH bears the risk of multiple follicle development, multiple pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The dose regimen used can affect the incidence of these complications. OBJECTIVES: To compare in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) the safety and effectiveness in terms of ovulation, pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy rate and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) of 1) rFSH with uFSH and 2) different dose regimens of rFSH. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility review group was used to identify all relevant trials. Please see Review Group details. SELECTION CRITERIA: All relevant published RCT's were selected. Randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if treatment consisted of recombinant FSH versus urinary FSH or recombinant FSH in different dose regimens, to induce ovulation in subfertile women with PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A computerised MEDLINE and EMBASE search was used to identify randomised and non randomised controlled trials. The reference lists of all studies found were checked for relevant articles. Handsearching of bibliographies of relevant publications and reviews and abstracts of scientific meetings was performed. Serono Benelux BV and NV Organon, the manufacturers of follitropin alpha (Gonal F(R)) and follitropin beta (Puregon(R)) respectively, were asked for unpublished data and ongoing studies. Relevant data were extracted independently by two reviewers (NB, MW). Validity was assessed in terms of method of randomisation, completeness of follow-up, presence or absence of cross-over and co-intervention. All trials were screened and analysed according to predetermined quality criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS: 2X2 tables were generated for all the relevant outcomes. Odds ratios were generated using the Peto modified Mantel-Haenszel technique. MAIN RESULTS: Four randomised trials comparing rFSH versus uFSH were identified. No significant differences were demonstrated for the relevant outcomes. The odds ratio for ovulation rate was 1.19 (95% CI 0.78,1.80), for pregnancy rate 0.95 (95% CI 0.64,1.41), for miscarriage rate 1.26 (95% CI 0.59,2.70), for multiple pregnancy rate 0.44 (95% CI 0.16,1.21) and for OHSS 1.55 (95% CI 0.50,4.84). Similarly, in the only randomised trial that compared chronic low dose versus conventional regimen with rFSH no significant differences were found. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: At this moment there are not sufficient data to determine which of rFSH or uFSH is preferable for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.

Clomiphene↗

Does the absence or presence of seminal fluid matter in patients undergoing ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination?

Sperm preparations for intrauterine insemination (IUI) generally do not include seminal fluid, and it is not known whether the absence of this component affects pregnancy rates. Therefore we evaluated the effect of high intravaginal seminal fluid deposition on clinical pregnancy rates in patients undergoing ovulation induction and IUI therapy. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed for an infertile population in a university-based infertility practice. Patients were randomized to receive high vaginal deposition of either seminal fluid separated from the husband's ejaculate (study group) or normal saline solution (control group). Intercourse was restricted. A comparison of clinical pregnancy rates per cycle between study and control groups showed no significant difference between them [22/164 (13.4%) and 19/155 (12.3%) respectively]. Furthermore, in non-participants with unregulated intercourse, the pregnancy rate per cycle was not significantly different (40/307; 13.0%). Miscarriage rates between the study and control groups were similar. As high intravaginal deposition of seminal fluid at the time of IUI does not improve the clinical pregnancy rate in patients undergoing ovulation induction and IUI therapy, our study suggests that, after ejaculation, clinically significant biological contributions of seminal fluid to the achievement of pregnancy are bypassed by well-timed IUI.

Adult↗

Therapeutic strategies for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hirsutism, obesity, hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The syndrome is often accompanied by infertility because of anovulation. Many approaches have been proposed to solve this problem, with the most commonly used therapies being ovarian drilling and pharmacological ovulation induction. Ovarian drilling is a procedure in which a laser fiber or electro-surgical needle punctures the ovary four to ten times. Side-effects are rare and often related to surgery itself. Pharmacological strategies include administration of metformin and insulin-sensitizing agents, clomiphene citrate (CC), gonadotropins and aromatase inhibitors. Metformin appears valuable in increasing ovulation rate, menstrual cyclicity and pregnancy rate. CC is an oral estrogen antagonist that raises circulating concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and induces follicular growth in most women with PCOS and anovulation. Failure to respond is associated with high body mass index and high androgen levels. Aromatase inhibitors mimic the central reduction of negative feedback through which CC works. Ovulation induction with recombinant FSH has proved successful, but treatment requires skill and experience to avoid multiple pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The hypothetical deleterious effects of the high luteinizing hormone concentrations observed in PCOS patients seem to be related to the concomitant hyperinsulinemia (and/or insulin resistance). A thorough understanding of the syndrome and a careful assessment of each patient are the mainstays for choosing an appropriate treatment regimen.

Anovulation↗

Ovulation induction and ovarian tumours: the debate continues.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review the published literature regarding the proposed association of ovarian stimulation and increased risk of ovarian tumors. DESIGN: A medline search (1966-1997) was done to identify case reports and epidemiological studies relevant to the issue in question. Review articles and critical reappraisals in the form of comments on studies done were also used. RESULTS: Various case reports, studies and review articles were identified as most relevant. CONCLUSION: Despite a few studies showing an apparent association between ovulation induction and ovarian cancer, support for their results has not been forthcoming. From the available data a causal relationship is not substantiated. To settle this issue large prospective studies are needed. Meanwhile, close clinical surveillance of patients being treated with ovulation induction is required.

Female↗

Dexamethasone during ovulation induction for in-vitro fertilization: a pilot study

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adrenal androgen suppression with dexamethasone (DEX) during ovulation induction improves the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. A total of 25 patients with serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations >2.5 &mgr;/ml were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg DEX daily or placebo during ovulation induction with leuprolide acetate down-regulation plus human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG). Nine patients undergoing a subsequent IVF cycle were crossed over to the other treatment group. Ovarian responsiveness and IVF outcome variables analysed included number of follicles >12 mm in diameter, serum oestradiol concentrations on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration, number of ampoules of HMG administered, number of oocytes retrieved, percentage of oocytes fertilized, number of embryos transferred, implantation rate and numbers of clinical pregnancies and live birth pregnancies. The 31 randomized IVF cycles revealed a trend towards a higher implantation rate for the placebo-treated group compared to the DEX-treated group (24 versus 10%; P = 0.07). The remainder of the IVF cycle variables revealed no statistically significant differences. In conclusion, the suppression of adrenal androgens with DEX in women with DHEAS concentrations >2.5 &mgr;/ml appears to have no beneficial effects on ovarian responsiveness or clinical or live birth pregnancy rates. Key words: dexamethasone/IVF/ovulation induction

Journal Article↗

Induction of pre-ovulatory gonadotrophin surge with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist compared to pre-ovulatory injection of human chorionic gonadotrophins for ovulation induction in intrauterine insemination treatment cycles.

The clinical outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment cycles employing a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist [GnRHa, triptorelin (Decapeptyl)] or human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) for ovulation induction was compared. A group of 48 patients presenting with amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea or unexplained infertility were all treated with human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG) from day 5 of the cycle, on an individualized schedule. They were then randomly divided into two groups to receive either a single s.c. injection of 0.1 mg triptorelin or a single i.m. injection of 10,000 IU HCG after follicular maturation. IUI was performed approximately 24 and 48 h following the injection. A transitory increase in serum luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations was achieved following injection of GnRHa. A total of 24 patients received 72 treatment cycles with GnRHa, producing 11 conceptions (15.3%) and two abortions (18.2%), resulting in a term pregnancy rate of 13.6%. There were four cases of grade 3-4 ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), two of which were conception cycles. In all, 24 patients underwent 68 cycles treated with HCG, producing 18 conceptions (26.5%) and six abortions (33.3%), resulting in a term pregnancy rate of 19.0%. There were eight cycles of grade 3-4 OHSS, two of which were conception cycles. These results show that an s.c. injection of a relatively low dose of GnRHa can be as effective as HCG in producing pregnancy in IUI treatment cycles.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the effects of exogenous gonadotropins on follicular recruitment and ovulation induction in the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Transabdominal ultrasonography and serum steroid concentrations were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous gonadotropin administration on ovarian activity of two anestrous bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The gonadotropin used for follicular recruitment was PG600, which has 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) activity per 5 ml. Ovulation induction was attempted with hCG. PG600 was administered in two doses of 20 ml (1,600 IU eCG and 800 IU hCG) and 12.5 ml (1,000 IU eCG and 500 IU hCG), respectively, 48 hr apart on days 0 and 2. On day 6, 1,500 IU of hCG was administered. Progesterone and total immunoreactive estrogens were determined before and after the gonadotropin administration. Bilateral ovarian ultrasonographic exams were performed daily on days 4-9 and on day 22. Serum immunoreactive estrogen concentrations were greater than the pretreatment concentrations after day 4 for both dolphins and remained elevated for the rest of the study. Serum progesterone concentrations rose above 1 ng/ml 2 days after hCG treatment and remained elevated for the rest of the study. Small antral follicles (< 0.5 cm) were initially observed bilaterally in both dolphins on day 4. In both animals on day 9, there were > 12 follicles/ovary, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 cm. By day 22, the multiple follicles ranged from 0.5 to 4.5 cm in diameter. No ultrasonographic evidence of luteal formation was observed. The results indicate that 1) transabdominal ultrasonography can be used to detect and follow follicle growth in bottlenose dolphins; 2) bottlenose dolphins are sensitive to exogenous gonadotropins (multiple follicular recruitment of follicles occurred); and 3) until further ultrasonographic studies can be conducted to evaluate the effects of titrated doses of exogenous gonadotropins, these protocols should be considered unsuitable for ovulation induction.

Anestrus↗

Surgical approaches to ovulation induction.

This article provides a review of published data on surgical methods of ovulation induction for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Areas that were discussed include the historical background of these procedures, their outcome as reported in the literature and potential adverse effects.

Female↗