Category Archives: Embryology

Embryology

Fertility clinic is named the best performing across south east – Clacton and Frinton Gazette

A FERTILITY clinic has been recognised as the best performing practice in the south east of England.

Simply Fertility, which has clinics in Colchester, Chelmsford and Romford, achieved a 40 per cent live birth success rate - putting it top in the region and within the top three in the UK.

The figures come through fertility watchdog The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) which gave the Simply Fertility a five-star rating six months ago.

Sarah Walt, embryologist and centre manager, said: "The wait to independently confirm our success rates was tense - but the results have been worth it.

Were thrilled to hear that our results rank us so highly.

"There is no greater joy or privilege for us than helping people to fulfil their dreams.

Visit hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/clinic-search/results/9121.

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Fertility clinic is named the best performing across south east - Clacton and Frinton Gazette

Embryology

It’s time for Colorado voters to heed science and rein in late-term abortion – coloradopolitics.com

Initiative 120 would prohibit abortion after 22 weeks gestation except to save the life of the mother. After an ambitious, six-month grass roots effort to obtain the necessary signatures, it now appears headed for the ballot in November.

Abortion politics is always contentious. As Coloradans weigh the pros/cons of passing Initiative 120 in the coming months, the best way to debate such a controversial topic is to rely on science. We should vociferously avoid the manipulation of language to distort the facts and established science.

Abortion-rights activists would have you believe that science cant answer the question, When does human life begin? Human embryology long ago established the fact that human life begins at fertilization and that human development is a seamless process that continues for years after birth. This is standard teaching in every embryology textbook in medical schools across the country. It should be no surprise that in a recent survey of over 5,300 biology scientists (85% self-identifying as pro-choice), 96% affirmed the view that human life begins at fertilization.

Abortion-rights supporters and abortion clinics go to great lengths to obfuscate the fact that abortion is a violent procedure that kills a human life. They dont even like to use the term abortion and prefer termination of pregnancy as if the termination did not entail the destruction of a human being. The New York Times has referred to the fetus as a cluster of cells. When Planned Parenthood of the Rockies describes a second trimester dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure on their website, it reports that they gently take the pregnancy tissue out of your uterus." A more medically accurate description would reflect the fact that the cervix is dilated so that instruments to grasp the fetal limbs can be introduced. After the systematic disarticulation and dismemberment of the human fetus, they crush the head so that it can be easily extracted. They then reassemble the products of conception (fetal parts) to be sure they have not left an appendage in the uterus.

Abortion proponents cling to the fantasy that the abortion procedure is really a humane form of killing. They cite an outdated 2005 review by abortion-rights proponents that a fetus cant feel pain until the third trimester, when the human cortex is sufficiently developed to perceive pain. However, there is a growing international consensus using anatomical studies, observations of arousability, hormonal stress/pain responses, studies of fetal behavior, near-infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalography, and functional MRI, that a human fetus can not only react to, but also appreciate, pain by the 22nd to 24th week. It probably can feel pain more intensely than an infant or adult. This is because the pain neuroinhibitory pathways develop later in fetal life so there is nothing to damp down the pain experience. Even when the fetus is killed prior to the abortion procedure (which is more common the later the gestational age), the injection of the poison (potassium chloride or digoxin) can be anticipated to produce profound suffering before the fetus dies over a period of minutes to hours.

For Initiative 120, 22 weeks was selected because national polling would suggest that there is broad consensus that late abortion should be restricted. There is no meaningful biologic difference between a baby born at 22 weeks gestation and a 22-week fetus other than location. Our Constitution never predicated the fundamental right to life on location.

A 22-week fetus is a vital human being. Many people are unaware that a fetus as young as 21 weeks can survive with good neurodevelopmental outcomes. In some centers, 70% of fetuses born at 22 weeks survive. A mother can feel her 22-week fetus kick. The fetus can hear her mothers voice and respond to her touch. A 22-week fetus can undergo curative surgeries as an independent patient for anatomic congenital abnormalities.

Another fact that you wont hear from abortion providers is that late abortions are not safe. Although first trimester abortions pose minimal risks to women, late abortions are associated with substantial risk. For each additional week of gestational age past 20 weeks, the risk of death increases 38% 8.9/100,000. To put this in perspective, there is a much higher risk of death from late abortion than virtually every other out-patient surgical procedure.

As Coloradans assess Initiative 120, it is time we avoid spin and embrace science in the abortion debate. We believe that Coloradans of every age, sex, religion (or no religion), and party affiliation, can agree that late abortion should be restricted. We also think that we can find common ground in Colorado pursuing both private and governmental programs that decrease the demand for abortion making abortion unnecessary, if not unthinkable.

Thomas J. Perille, M.D., is president of the Colorado Chapter of Democrats for Life of America.

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It's time for Colorado voters to heed science and rein in late-term abortion - coloradopolitics.com

Embryology

Visiongain Launches Report Examining the Potential in the $118bn Translational Regenerative Medicine Market – PR Newswire UK

- Translational Regenerative Medicine Market Forecast 2020-2030

- Stem Cell Therapies, Tissue Engineered Products, Gene Therapies

LONDON, March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Translational Regenerative Medicine market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 24% in the first half of the forecast period. Stem cell therapies accounted for the majority of the revenue in the market with an estimated market share of 59% in 2019.

How this report will benefit youRead on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector.

In this brand-new report you will find338-page reportand you will receive116 tables, 104 figures and 3 interviews all unavailable elsewhere.

The 338-page Visiongain report provides clear detailed insight into the Global Translational Regenerative Medicine market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market.

By ordering and reading our brand-new report today you stay better informed and ready to act.

To request sample pages from this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.comor refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/report/translational-regenerative-medicine-market-forecast-2020-2030/#download_sampe_div

Report Scope

Global Translational Regenerative Medicine market forecastsfrom 2020-2030

Global Translational Regenerative Medicinesubmarket forecastsfrom 2020-2030 covering: Stem Cell Therapies Tissue Engineered Products Gene Therapies

This study discusses thelate-stage clinical trialsandpipelineas well asmarket driversandrestraintsof each submarket.

Translational Regenerative Medicineregional and nationalmarket forecastsfrom 2020-2030, covering: North America:US, Canada Europe:Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific:China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America:Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa:GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa

Each regional market is further segmented by sector.

Forecasts from 2020-2030 of the selectedleading productsin the Global Translational Regenerative Medicine market: Osteocel Plus Trinity ELITE TEMCELL /Prochymal Apligraf Dermagraft Epifix ReCell Neovasculgen IMLYGIC (talimogene laherparepvec)

Assessment of theleading companiesin the Global Translational Regenerative Medicine market: Astellas Pharma Athersys Avita Medical AxoGen, Inc. MEDIPOST Co., Ltd. NuVasive Organogenesis Holdings, Inc. Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Pharmicell Co., Ltd. Takeda uniQure N.V. Vericell Corporation

Information oncurrent developments, current advancementsandcurrent key approvalsin the field of translational regenerative medicine market.

SWOTandPorter's Five Force analysisof the translational regenerative medicine market

To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.comor refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/report/translational-regenerative-medicine-market-forecast-2020-2030/

Did you know that we also offer a report add-on service? Email sara.peerun@visiongain.comto discuss any customized research needs you may have.

Companies covered in the report include:

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.Abeona Therapeutics Inc.AdvantageneAgeless Regenerative InstituteAlliqua BioMedical, Inc.AlloSourceAlphaTecSpineAltrikaAndalusian Initiative for Advanced Therapies - Fundacin Pblica Andaluza Progreso y SaludAnGes MG/VicalAnterogenArizona Pain SpecialistsAssistance Publique Hopitaux De MarseilleAstellas PharmaAthersys, Inc.Avita MedicalAxiogenesis AGAxoGen, Inc.BaxterBellicum PharmaceuticalsBenda PharmaceuticalBiedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KGBioCardia, Inc.Bioheartbluebird bioBrainStorm Cell TherapeuticsBristol-Meyers SquibbCaladrius BiosciencesCapricorCardio3 BioSciencesCelgeneCell MedicaCellerant TherapeuticsCellular Dynamics International, Inc.CeregeneChiesi Farmaceutici SpACold GenesysCytori TherapeuticsDePuy MitekDimension Therapeutics, Inc.Fibrocell ScienceFUJIFILM CorporationGE HealthcareGenzymeHealeon Medical IncHEALIOS K.K.HemostemixHoffmann-La RocheHomology Medicines, Inc.Innovative Cellular Therapeutics (ICT)Integra LifeSciencesIntrexonInvetechIrvine ScientificJapan Regenerative Medicine Co., Ltd.Japan Tissue Engineering Co. LtdJCR Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.Jianwu DaiJohnson & JohnsonKinetic Concepts IncKite PharmaLonza Houston, Inc.MacroCureMedipostMediStemMedtronicMesoblast, Ltd.MidCap Financial Services (MidCap Financial)MiMedx Group, Inc.Nasser Aghdami MD., PhDNovartisNuVasiveOcata TherapeuticsOhioHealthOrchard TherapeuticsOrganogenesis Holdings Inc.OrthofixOsiris Therapeutics, Inc.Oxford BioMedicaPall CorporationParcell LaboratoriesPfizer, Inc.PharmaceuticalPharmicell Co., Ltd.Promethera Biosciences SARegen Lab SARegenerative Patch Technologies, LLCRegenerative Sciences, LLCRegenerys Ltd.RegeneusReNeuronRoyan InstituteSangamo BioSciencesSanofiSemma TherapeuticsServierShanghai SunwayShinya YamanakaSiemens HealthineersSilicon Valley BankSkye OrthobiologicsSobi PartnersSotex PharmFirmSpark TherapeuticsStemCells Inc.Stempeutics ResearchTakeda PharmaceuticalsTiGenixTissueGene, Inc.U.S. Stem Cell Inc.uniQure NVUniversal Cells, Inc.Vericell CorporationViaCyte IncXenetic BiosciencesZimmer

List of Organisations Mentioned in This ReportAcademy Military Medical Science, ChinaAmerican Diabetes AssociationAndalusian Initiative for Advanced TherapiesArthritis Research UKAustralian Regenerative Medicine InstituteAustralian Research CouncilBanc de Sang i TeixitsBeijing Cancer HospitalBrazil Ministry of Health, Ministry of EducationBrazilian Development Bank (BNDES)British Heart FoundationCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCatalan Institution for Research and Advanced StudiesCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)Centre Hospitalier Ren DubosCharit University ClinicChina Construction bankChinese Academy of SciencesCommittee for Advanced TherapiesCommittee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP)Department of Health and the Care Quality CommissionDrugs Controller General of IndiaEuropean CommissionEuropean Group for Blood and Marrow TransplantationEuropean Medicines AgencyEuropean Patent OfficeEuropean UnionFood and Drug Administration (FDA)Fourth Military Medical UniversityGerman National Registry of Blood Stem Cell DonorsHerlev HospitalHouse of Lords Science and Technology CommitteeHuman Fertilisation and Embryology AuthorityHuman Stem Cell InstituteInnovation in JapanInstitute for Biomedical ResearchKenneth HargreavesKing Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC)King Khaled UniversityKing Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU - HS)Korea Food and Drug AdministrationKuopio University HospitalMassachusetts General Hospital (MGH)Medical Research CouncilMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyMinistry of Public Health, Republic of BelarusMusculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF)Northwestern UniversityNursing Association for the Study of Cutaneous WoundsOregon Health and Science UniversityPharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)Regenerative Medicines in Europe Project (REMEDiE)Russian Academy of Medical SciencesRussian Ministry of Healthcare and Social DevelopmentServizio Sanitario Nazionale, ItalySidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer CenterSouth African GovernmentSouth China Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineStanford UniversityState Food and Drug AdministrationThe University of Texas Health Science Center, HoustonTherapeutics Goods AdministrationUniversity College LondonUniversity Hospital of Basel, SwitzerlandUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)University of LeedsUniversity of MassachusettsWenzhou Medical UniversityWorld BankYamaguchi University Hospital

To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongain.com

Related reports:

Global Stem Cell Technologies and Applications Market 2019-2029

Biobanking Market Forecasts 2019-2029

Global Precision Medicine Market Forecast 2019-2029

Global Rare Disease Drugs Market Forecast 2019-2029

Global Bioreactors Market 2020-2030

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Visiongain

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Visiongain Launches Report Examining the Potential in the $118bn Translational Regenerative Medicine Market - PR Newswire UK

Embryology

#ExtendTheLimit of what PET can do – BioNews

2 March 2020

Changing the law is a central part of what the Progress Educational Trust (PET) does. PET was born out of a campaign the Progress Campaign for Research into Human Reproduction and more than 30 years later, remains actively involved in several campaigns. It is in our DNA to campaign on your behalf.

I remember when I started at PET over a decade ago, I went to a meeting on my first day to discuss the reform of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act 1990. There in the Houses of Parliament with the Department of Health (as it was called then), the Wellcome Trust, the Royal Society and the Medical Research Council sat PET firmly in the centre of things.

PET has remained in the centre of things ever since: Campaigning for the law change to permit mitochondrial donation to give women the chance of avoiding passing on mitochondrial disease to their children Working with others to get surrogacy law reform on the Government's agenda Fighting for better access to NHS funded fertility treatment

The list goes on.

With our 2018 conference 'Make Do or Amend: Should We Update UK Fertility and Embryo Law?', a specific aim was to put reviewing the 1990 and 2008 HFE Acts on the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)'s agenda.

This objective was met, and PET and other organisations (including Wellcome) were contacted by DHSC to discuss what the priorities for change should be. These talks are on-going and if there is one thing I have learned when it comes to law reform, it is that persistence pays.

Our latest campaign, #ExtendTheLimit has had a huge impact. A year ago, the then Minister was not interested in even contemplating a change but undeterred we continued to push and launched our campaign in October 2019. Since then the DHSC has launched a consultation and just this week the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published a scientific impact paper entitled 'Elective Egg Freezing for Non-Medical Reasons' and together with the British Fertility Society have backed PET's calls for extending the time women can freeze their eggs to delay having a baby (see BioNews 1037).

PET's petition enabling you to show your support for #ExtendTheLimit will be relaunched just as soon as the Government's petitions committee is up and running. Patience is also an important part of campaigning as we can't always dictate the pace!

Our policy work is funded by donations and the Friends of PET scheme and we need your financial support if we are going to continue to fight to improve reproductive choice.

We need your help.

Please donate to our #ExtendTheLimit appeal here. Or better still become a Friend of PET so we can #ExtendTheLimit of what we can do.

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#ExtendTheLimit of what PET can do - BioNews

Embryology

In Vitro Fertilization Market 2020: Industry Analysis and Detailed Profiles of Top Industry Players AMP Center St Roch, AVA International Clinic…

Global In Vitro Fertilization Market,By Product (Reagents, Equipment),Type of Cycle (Fresh Non-Donor IVF Cycles, Frozen Non-Donor IVF Cycles, Frozen Donor IVF Cycles, Fresh Donor IVF Cycles), End User (Hospitals & Research Laboratories, Cryobanks ),Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2025

Global In Vitro Fertilization Market is expected to reach USD 847.8 billion by 2025, from USD 465.2 billion in 2017 growing at a CAGR of 10.0 % during the forecast period of 2018 to 2025. The upcoming market report contains data for the historic year 2016, the base year of calculation is 2017 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.

Major Market Competitors/Players:

Some of the major players operating in global in- vitro fertilization market are Groupe Clinique Ambroise Par, amedes MVZ Cologne GmbH, AMP Center St Roch, AVA International Clinic Scanfert, Bangkok IVF center, Betamedics, Biofertility Center, Bloom Healthcare, Bourn Hall Fertility Center, , Cardone & Associates Reproductive Medicine & Infertility, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cloudnine Fertility, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado, Cyprus IVF Centre, Dansk Fertilitetsklinik, EUVITRO S.L.U., , Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, Fertility First, IVF Centers Prof. Zech, Flinders Reproductive Medicine Pty Ltd, Genea Oxford Fertility Limited, IVF Spain, IVI Panama, KL Fertility & Gynaecology Centre, Lifesure Fertility and Gynaecology centre, Manipal Fertility, , Medfem Fertility Clinic, Monash IVF, OVA IVF Clinic Zurich, Procrea, RAPRUI S.r.l., SAFE FERTILITY CENTER, SANNO HOSPITAL, SIRM Fertility Clinics, Stork IVF Klinik, ARC-STER S.r.l., The Montreal Fertility Center, Thomson Medical Centre, TRIO Fertility, Virtus Health, VivaNeo, Die Kinderwunsch and among others.

Competitive Analysis:

The global In- Vitro Fertilization market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of In- Vitro Fertilization market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South America.

Market Definition:

In vitro fertilization is a procedure in which egg from women ovary are removed and after that the egg is fertilized with a sperm in a laboratory procedure, and then the fertilized egg is transfered into the women uterus. In vitro fertilization is used in the management of female infertility. In 2018, the Cooper Companies was announce that the Cooper Surgical acquired the assets of The Life Global Group and its affiliates which is a leading provider of invitrofertilization devices. In July 2018, Merck launched new product Geri Assess 2.0.This product is useful in automatic detection of embryo and blastocyst development, improving efficiency in assessment.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016, approximately 263,577 ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) cycle was performed in US. As per the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority in 2016, more than 68,000 IVF treatments were provided in U.K. In 2016 Birth rate from IVF has been increased to 85.0% in U.K. In 2016 around 20000 childrens were born by IVF. As per the published news IVF Success Rates For Fertility Clinics in the United States in 2016 and around 263,577 ART cycle was performed in U.S. Due to the increasing rate of infertility amongst the population, patients are opting the IVF Fertilization which is fuelling the growth of market.

Major Market Drivers and Restraints:

Market Segmentation:

The global In vitro fertilization market is segmented based on product, type of cycle, end user and geographical segments.

Based on product, the market is segmented into reagents, equipment.

Based on reagents, the market is further segmented into embryo culture media, cryopreservation media, sperm processing media, OVUM processing media.

Based on equipment, the market is further segmented into imaging systems, sperm separation systems, cabinets, OVUM aspiration pumps, incubators, micromanipulator systems, gas analysers, laser systems, accessories, cryo systems, anti-vibration tables, witness systems.

Based on type of cycle, the market is segmented into fresh non-donor IVF cycles, frozen non-donor IVF cycles, frozen donor IVF cycles, fresh donor IVF cycles.

Based on end user, the market is segmented into fertility clinics & surgical centers, hospitals & research laboratories, cryobanks.

Based on geography, the market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies namely North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and, Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and, Brazil among others

Key Developments in the Market:

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Data Bridge Market Researchset forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.

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In Vitro Fertilization Market 2020: Industry Analysis and Detailed Profiles of Top Industry Players AMP Center St Roch, AVA International Clinic...

Embryology

Sally Cheshire CBE appointed as Interim Chair of Cafcass – Mirage News

The Secretary of State has announced the appointment of Sally Cheshire CBE as Interim Chair of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass). Sallys term of office will run from 16 December until 30 June 2020 whilst a recruitment campaign is carried out to fill the position on a permanent basis.

The role of Cafcass Chair is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Cafcass is an independent (non-departmental) public body which has a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children going through family proceedings. It is independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.

Cafcass ensures that children and young people who are the subject of such proceedings are kept safe, their voices are properly heard, the decisions made about them by courts are in their best interests and that they and their families are supported throughout the process.

Sally Cheshire has been a member of Cafcass since May 2018, and was appointed as Deputy Chair in February 2019. Sally is Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UKs regulator of the fertility sector and embryo research, has held senior leadership roles across the health sector and is currently Chair of Health Education England (North). Sally was also a Board Member of the regional adoption agency Adoption Counts, and an independent member of adoption panels in the North West, which approve adopters and family matches in the best interests of children. She previously enjoyed a successful corporate career with Deloitte.

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Sally Cheshire CBE appointed as Interim Chair of Cafcass - Mirage News

Embryology

IVF experts warn against clinics selling ‘pointless’ add-on treatments – inews

NewsHealthExclusive: Some of these add-ons, which can cost as much as 2,500 each, could pose a 'significant risk' to patient safety

Friday, 28th February 2020, 9:50 pm

A British embryologist who trained under the father of IVF has expressed serious concerns over private fertility clinics in the UK selling pointless and potentially unsafe treatments to desperate patients.

Many British fertility patients are being seriously misled byIVF clinics which promote expensive and ineffective treatments known as add-ons which are said to improve chances of conceiving, Professor Peter Hollands has warned.

Some of these add-ons, which can cost as much as 2,500 each, could pose a significant risk to patient safety while the effectiveness of others has not been proven, he said.

Professor Hollands has decades of experience in the field and trained under the father of IVF, Professor Sir Bob Edwards, who was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2010 for pioneering the treatment.

'Pointless' extra treatments warning

i reported earlier this month that the Competition and Markets Authority was developing the first official guidelines for private fertility clinics, and said it would not rule out taking enforcement action in the future, because of the concern about add-ons.

In a paper written with fellow fertility expert Dr Nicolas Zech, Professor Hollands has cautioned against a host of add-ons, from endometrial scratching to time-lapse video monitoring of embryonic development.

Basic IVF...is clearly a safe procedure providing the option of a family to millions of people which would not otherwise be possible, the paper states.

Fertility patients might be under the impression that add-ons offered by private clinics are also safe and effective but the scientific evidence is strongly to the contrary or at best vague, it says.

Some clinics could be said to be capitalising on vulnerable patients desperation, including those experiencing depression.

The only add-on the specialists believe should be used are pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which tests for serious genetic diseases.

'Corporate greed'

The growing number of add-ons offered is driven by patient pressure, corporate greed and the need of clinics to optimise their income, while an apparent lack of clarity surrounding these pointless treatments is also a serious concern, the paper, published in the Journal of Fertilisation, says.

IVF patients are very vulnerable even when they are totally well, Professor Hollands told i.

They are very stressed, sometimes angry...and this may turn into depression which...makes them even more likely, in their desperation, to accept almost any type of add-on offered to them by clinics.

Gwenda Burns, chief executive of the charity Fertility Network UK said: "Clinics...have a duty of care to patients, many of whom will have experienced years of distress and may be extremely vulnerable. That...should include ensuring fertility patients are given all the information they need to make the best decision for them."

The UKs fertility clinic regulator, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said it was aware that many clinics offer optional treatments that have not been proven to increase the chances of having a baby, often at a high financial cost to the patient.

We are clear that patients should not be misled or asked to pay for treatments where there is no evidence that they will make a difference to their chances of success, it added.

The Department of Health and Social Care said: Doctors providing fertility treatment must act in the best interests of their patient and ensure the patient has consented.

The UK fertility market is worth an estimated 320m per year and is growing by around 3 per cent annually, according to a 2016 report by LaingBuisson.

Case study: 'You dont know if the treatments are valid or not'

Will*, 34, from Somerset, and his partner underwent three rounds of IVF, after which they ran out of money

The treatment plan we chose cost about 15,000. Once youre in with the clinic you end up in their system. You stop looking for any other clinics, then they say to have a monthly blood test for 180, and the drugs are on top of that.

We knew there would be extra costs, but you just dont have another option. To go somewhere else would be such a step back. You dont want to go back to square one, you just have to see it through.

You dont know if the treatments theyre suggesting are valid or not - it might be really important.

The process we went through was unbelievably gruelling. Youre just waiting and hoping the embryos will survive. Its totally crushing.

We had really lovely doctors who we felt were caring for us. Theyre telling you This 700 test could see if something else might be wrong with your sperm. Youre staring down the barrel of a life without children or paying 700.

It was an extremely isolating experience. We werent lucky on our third attempt and by that time we didnt have any money left.

Theres a huge amount of shame around IVF. The success rate is quite low but we hear so few stories about failure. The narrative is totally unbalanced - it feels like youre alone and somethings wrong with you. The language around infertility is horrible.

I dont know what wed do differently but there needs to be some kind of additional support for couples going through IVF to help them. The HFEA became somewhere we could turn to.

During IVF you have no one to talk to except the people at the clinic or your GP or some family friend who once had it five years ago. We would have paid for independent support.

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IVF experts warn against clinics selling 'pointless' add-on treatments - inews

Embryology

New IVF clinic for people living in Plymouth, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – Plymouth Live

A new IVF clinic is due to open in Plymouth in the coming months.

In April 2020, IVFservices will be transferred from Derriford Hospital to a 2.5M purpose-built centre.

The centre, which will provide treatment for people living in Plymouth, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will be run from a bespoke new building close to the hospital, on the Plymouth International Business Park.

The current provider, University Hospitals Plymouth, gave notice in August 2019 that it no longer intended to provide fertility services that require a licence from the regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

These services includeIVFtreatment, storage of embryos, sperm and eggs, male fertility testing and sperm preparation.

NHS clinical commissioning groups buy these services on behalf of the local population.

Following a procurement process, NHS Devon and NHS Kernow CCGs have appointed CRGW Plymouth as the new provider.

Jo Turl, director of commissioning at NHS Devon CCG said: Fertility services for NHS patients in the new clinic will continue to be provided to the high standards required both by this contract and the licence regulations imposed by the regulator, the HFEA.

We will continue to work with the new provider, NHS partners and the regulator, to ensure that people are kept informed and reassured that they will continue to be cared for by their existing NHS team.

GP referrals will not change and the new provider will continue to provide full access to these NHS services in Plymouth.

All those receiving treatment will be cared for by the same specialist team currently working in the Ocean Suite at Derriford Hospital.

Staff at Derriford Hospital will continue to provide outpatient services for people with recurrent miscarriage and specialist endocrinology clinics.

The transfer and storage of eggs, sperm and embryos is undertaken under strict HFEA rules. During the transfer of services, NHS teams will work with CRGW Plymouth to minimise any disruption and maintain the usual high quality service.

Anyone currently undergoingIVFtreatment at the hospital will not be affected.

Originally posted here:
New IVF clinic for people living in Plymouth, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly - Plymouth Live

Embryology

Effectiveness and safety assessment of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol tablet in treatment of PCOS patients: a single center, prospective,…

Study population

This single center, prospective observational study was conducted from August 2017 to December 2018. Among the 173 patients with PCOS who were enrolled from the Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, only 140 patients completed the study treatment protocol. The study was approved by Institutional ethical committee of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The study was conducted in accordance with the Good Clinical Practice guidelines and Declaration of Helsinki.

Considering that the prevalence of PCOS is 610%, a minimum sample size of 122 was required at a 1% level of significance with a power of 90%. However in order to account for any attrition, a total of 140 patients were enrolled.

Patients who qualified for PCOS as per the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine at the Rotterdam Conference in 2003 [4] were included. Additionally, patients with no contraindication to oral contraceptives, who were confident of being compliant to the drug and provided informed consent were also included. On the other hand, patients with any contraindications to oral contraceptives; desirous of conception within 6months of inclusion in the study; diagnosed with concomitant hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, diabetes mellitus, renal, or adrenal insufficiency; history of drug use for PCOS before inclusion in the study, and history of smoking and drug abuse were excluded from the study.

The patients at clinicians discretion received DRSP/EE tablets (Yousiyue, Bayer Medical and Health Company, Import Drug Registration No. H20140972). Each strip contained 28 tablets; 24 active tablets and 4 placebo tablets. Every active tablet contained 20g of EE and 3mg of DRSP. Patients were instructed to take oral DRSP/EE tablets (once daily before bedtime) on the 2nd day of menstruation or on the second day of withdrawal bleeding, for 28 consecutive days for 1cycle. There were 3 consecutive treatment cycles and patients were followed up for 3months of treatment.

Although, till date no established evidence exists whether a short- or a long-term usage of COC is beneficial in terms of efficacy and safety benefits, it is considered best to review the effects after 3months. Most studies show that unscheduled bleeding is more likely in the first cycle, and some show an improvement over the first 3months, with the incidence of unscheduled bleeding remaining constant from 4 to 12months for OC in Chinese women [15]. Thus, it is recommended that women experiencing unscheduled bleeding continue their method for at least 3months before seeking advice. With this background, we set up a 3month trial period to assess the effect of 3mg DRSP/20g EE in PCOS patients for 3months.

Baseline data were collected from the patients including demographic details such as age and presenting complaints (menstrual history, drug history, etc.). Patients weight was recorded using a digital scale, height using a stadiometer (Guangzhou Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau Guangzhou Institute of Metrology and Measurement Technology Measuring Instruments No. 794067), waist-hip ratio (WHR) was measured using a standard measuring tape and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Additionally, hormonal profile [leutinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), free androgen index (FAI), androgen] and biochemical parameters[fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hourblood glucose (oral glucose tolerance test using 83g glucose in 250300ml water), fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)] were measured using fasting blood samples followed by an overnight fast. Variation in Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also assessed at end of treatment regimen [16].Ovarian volume was measured by gynecological ultrasonography (Samsung, specification model: H60, host serial number: S10LM3HHB00009A). After 3months of medication, the above indicators were reviewed and compared. Similarly, bleeding pattern during medication and presence of adverse reactions (ADRs) were also recorded.

Menstrual bleeding volume was categorized into drip, small, normal and large amount of bleeding. Drip bleeding was defined when the need of sanitary napkin was not required. When the volume was lesser than the normal menstrual bleeding, it was considered as small amount of bleeding and normal was when the bleeding volume was similar to normal menstrual cycle. Large amount of bleeding was defined as volume more than the regular cycle. As recommended by WHO, the 90days was considered as a reference period to calculate the amount / number of days and times of drip bleeding.

All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS16.0 software. Missing data were excluded from the analysis. Continuous data were expressed as meanstandard deviation and categorical data were expressed as percentages (%).25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles were also calculated. If the normal distribution was not met for Students t-test, the signed rank sum test of the paired design data was used and the difference was considered statistically significant at p<0.05.

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Effectiveness and safety assessment of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol tablet in treatment of PCOS patients: a single center, prospective,...

Embryology

Legal Action Concerning Storage Of Dead Persons Gametes – Today’s Wills & Probate

A highly unusual claim is current being heard over the access to a fertility clinics private records concerning the storage of a dead persons sperm and/or embryos.

Lawyers have applied to court representing the estate of a dead individual, whos gender cannot be revealed, for permission to see the records held by a UK fertility clinic, under the Access to Health Records Acts 1990 (AHRA).

The AHRA was established for individuals to access and inspect their own health records. In some cases, representatives are given permission to also inspect the records. However, access to the records can be withheld if it would be likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of anyone or identify anyone other than the patient.

As the lawyers are acting for a deceased person in the application, this is entering into relatively new legal territory.

The case is being heard by Sir Andrew McFarlane, president of the family division of the High Court.

In a statement, the court stated:

The president of the family division has heard today in private an application concerning an application under the Access to Health Records Act 1990 to a fertility clinic by a personal representative of a deceaseds estate for access to health records regarding the posthumous storage and use of sperm and/or embryos.

The president made a reporting restrictions order and no further details, including the names of parties and individuals involved, can be reported at present. Judgment has been reserved.

As well as the reporting restriction, additional statutory restrictions apply regarding the disclosure of fertility treatment information. These restrictions stem from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Acts 1990 and 2008, whereby the information regarding fertility treatment cannot be included in a patients general medical records unless specifically consented by the patient.

There has been some debate regarding what happens to frozen gametes after death, which was described by the Guardian as a balance between the rights of the deceased and the rights of those who are not yet born.

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Legal Action Concerning Storage Of Dead Persons Gametes - Today's Wills & Probate