• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.11-24
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• 1996

The number of multifetal pregnancies has increased dramatically as a result of the widespread clinical use of ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technology(ART) in infertile patients. In multifetal pregnancies, the adverse outcome is directly proportional to the number of fetuses within the uterus, primarily because of an increased predisposition to premature delivery. It is extremely difficult to counsel patients about the expected outcome of pregnancies involving three or more fetuses. To increase the chances of delivering infants mature enough to survive without being irreversibly damaged by the sequelae of marked prematurity, selective fetal reduction(SFR) to the smaller number of fetuses should be considered in multifetal pregnancies. From January, 1991 to December, 1992, transabdominal SFR in multifetal pregnancies was performed in 22 patients including 13 triplet, 7 quadruplet, 1 quintuplet and 1 heptuplet pregnancies. Transabdominal SFR using intracardiac KCI injection and aspiration of amniotic fluid was carried out in 8-13 weeks of gestation. After procedure, 20 patients were remained as twin pregnancies, and 2 patients as triplet pregnancies. There have been 11 sets of twin delivery including 2 stillbirths, 2 sets of triplet delivery including 1 stillbirth, and 1 singleton delivery. Six cases were delivered after 37 weeks of gestation, 4 cases in 33 - 37 weeks, and 1 case in 30 weeks. Unfortunately, 3 stillbirths occurred in 20-24 weeks of gestation, and 4 cases were aborted. As 7 losses of pregnanancy including 1 case of septic abortion occurred, the delayed fetal loss rate was 38.9%(7/18) in transabdominal SFR. All babies born after 30 weeks of gestation were healthy, and no fetal anomaly directly related to the procedure was encountered. From July, 1993 to February, 1995, transvaginal SFR was performed in 20 patients including 15 triplet, 4 quadruplet and 1 quintuplet pregnancies. Transvaginal SFR using the same method as transabdominal SFR was carried out in 8-11 weeks of gestation. After procedure, 19 patients were remained as twin pregnancies, and 1 patient as singleton pregnancy. There have been 13 sets of twin delivery including 2 stillbirths, and 1 singleton delivery. Six cases were delivered after 37 weeks of gestation, 5 cases in 36-37 weeks, and 1 case in 30 weeks. Unfortunately, 2 still-births occurred in 20 weeks and 21 weeks of gestation, respectively, and 2 cases were aborted. As 4 losses of pregnancy including 1 case of septic abortion occurred, the delayed fetal loss rate was 25.0%(4/16) in transvaginal SFR. No fetal anomaly directly related to the procedure was encountered. It is suggested that transvaginal SFR could be performed more easily and earlier with the lower fetal loss rate as compared with transabdominal SFR. In conclusion, SFR is a rather safe and ethically justified procedure that may improve the outcome of multifetal pregnancies.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.210-214
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• 2004

This study was carried out to predict the value of serum ${\beta}$ subunit of humans chorionic gonadotropin(${\beta}$- hCG) in early pregnancy viability. This was performed among 85 women in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). The serum ${\beta}$-hCG levels were established for 30 normal singleton pregnancies, 10 twin and triplet pregnancies, 10 preclinical abortions, 10 clinical abortions, 20 biochemical abortions and 5 ectopic pregnancies. In comparison to normal singleton pregnancies, multiple pregnancies showed higher ${\beta}$-hCG. But clinical abortions, preclinical abortions and ectopic pregnancies showed lower ${\beta}$-hCG levels than singleton pregnancies. In conclusion, if we predict the value of serum ${\beta}$-hCG of variable early pregnancies and analyze it, we could predict the dilution protocol. Also, it can be useful in other ways.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.69-74
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion: By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.45-56
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• 1990

Maternal serum ${\beta}$-specific human chorionic gonadotropin(${\beta}$-hCG) and pregnancy-specific ${\beta}_1$-glycoprotein($SP_1$) levels were determined more than one per week during 11-41 days post embryo transfer(ET) in 21 consecutive pregnancies after in vitro fertilization(IVF), which included 8 normal singleton pregnancies, 3 twin pregnancies, 4 clinical abortions, 1 ectopic pregnancy, and 5 preclinical abortions. The sensitivity of serum ${\beta}$-hCG and $SP_1$ radioimmunoassays was 3mIU/ml and 0.7ng/ml relatively. At the 7th to 8th week of gestation, ultrasonographic confirmation of fetal pole and fetal heartbeat was performed. Both serm ${\beta}$-hCG and $SP_1$ levels showed logarithmic increase, but log[$SP_1$] had more steep rising curve and had wider variation than log[${\beta}$-hCG] in normal singleton pregnancies. In 3 twin pregnancies and one ectopic pregnancy, both serum ${\beta}$-hCG and $SP_1$ levels located within the 95% confidence interval of the mean levels of 8 normal singleton pregnancies(normal range). In 2 clinical abortions which had a fetal pole without heartbeat, serum ${\beta}$-hCG level showed lower limit of the normal range or just below, but all $SP_1$ levels showed within the normal range. In other 2 clinical abortions which were diagnosed as blighted ovum, both serum ${\beta}$-hCG levels from 11 days post-ET and serum $SP_1$ levels from later days compared with ${\beta}$-hCG were below the normal range. In 5 preclinical abortions, serum $SP_1$ levels were within the normal range but serum ${\beta}$-hCG levels were far below the normal range. In conclusion, both serum ${\beta}$-hCG and $SP_1$ levels increased exponentially with similar pattern in normally conceived pregancy after IVF-ET. Both serum ${\beta}$-hCG and $SP_1$ levels could predict outcome of early pregnancy to a certain degree, but log[${\beta}$-hCG] levels had more significant correlation with outcome of pregnancy compared with log[$SP_1$] levels. In addition, ultrasonographic examination of fetal poles and fetal heartbeats gives very important clinical information and prognosis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.135-139
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• 2018

There has been a significant increase in the number of multiple pregnancies that are associated with a high risk of preterm delivery among Korean women. However, to date, delayed-interval delivery in women with multiple pregnancy is rare. We report a case of delayed-interval delivery performed 128 days after the vaginal delivery of the first fetus in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. The patient presented with vaginal leakage of amniotic fluid at 16 weeks of gestation and was diagnosed with a preterm premature rupture of membranes. Three days later, the first twin was delivered, but the neonate died soon after. The second twin remained in utero, and we decided to retain the fetus in utero to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with a preterm birth. The patient was managed with antibiotics and tocolytics. Cervical cerclage was not performed. The second twin was delivered vaginally at 34 weeks and 5 days of gestation, 128 days after the delivery of the first-born fetus. This neonate was healthy and showed normal development during the 1-year follow-up period. Based on our experience with this case, we propose that delayed-interval delivery may improve perinatal survival and decrease morbidity in the second neonate in highly selected cases.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.261-266
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• 2010

병합임신은 자궁 외 임신으로 인한 증상이 정상 자궁 내 임신으로 인한 것으로 오인되어 진단이 늦어지기 쉽다. 이러한 병합임신은 배란 유도제의 사용 및 보조 생식술로 인해 최근 증가되는 추세이다. 저자들은 다낭성 난소 증후군 여성에서 클로미펜을 이용한 배란 유도 후 임신된 여성에서 자궁 내 쌍태아 및 양측 난관에 임신이 된 예를 경험하였기에 간단한 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제9권1_2호
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• pp.29-41
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• 1982

This retrospective clinical study was done based under the delivery records of 146 cases of twin pregnancies in Yonsei University, Severance Hospital and Wonju Christian Hospital from 1977 through 1980 with particular interest in the second twins. Clinical factors, Apgar scores related to neonatal prognosis, and perinatal mortality rate were statistically analyzed and the following results were obtained. The mean - birthweight for A (first) twins was 2,377 grams and for B (second) twins 2,296 grams. In comparison of the percentage of low-birth-weight (less than 2,500 grams) infants, there were more small B twins, but the difference was statistically not significant. Because there were no significant statistical differences in birth weight-grouping between A and B twins, they could be compared with the comprehensive Apgar scores, but this method was also shown to be statistically not significant. In comparison of the percentage of breech deliveries in A and B twins, the percentage was more than three times in B twin (A twin, 7.5 per cent; B twin, 24.0 per cent), and the difference was statistically very significant (p < 0.0005). There were no significant statistical differences between the Apgar scores of A and B twins in reference to the manner of delivery. According to the manner of delivery of B twins, spontaneous vertex delivery and total breech extraction revealed higher infant mortality rate than others. B twins presented by the vertex in 88 cases (61.0 per cent), by the breech in 55 cases (37.0 per cent), and by the shoulder in 3 cases (2.0 per cent). And this therefore disclosed no significant statistical differences in Apgar scores in relation to the presentation. The duration of labor appeared to have no clear correlation with the Apgar scores and the perinatal mortality of A and B twins. The delivery interval between A and B twins was 11.9 minutes on an. averge, varying from 3 to 65 minutes. The length of this interval was not found to have any significant effect on the Apgar scores and the perinatal mortality rate of B twin.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.145-151
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• 1990

This study was carried out to elevating the pregnancy rate in infertile patient by Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). The GIFT program was performed from July 1988 to June 1990. Of the 131 cycles, the mean age of patient was 31.6 years and the mean duration of infertility was 5.3 years. 41 patients became pregnant, for a pregnancy rate of 31.3%. 5 preclinical abortions and 6 clinincal abortion was occured. 2 ectopic pregnanices and 1 combined pregnancy were occured. 7 twin pregnancies and 1 triplet were occured (multiple pregnancy rate;22.2%). 11 pregnancies were term delivered, 17 are ongoing pregnancies. GIFT may be considered as an alternative to in vitro fertilazation in infertility cases in which at least one fallopian tube is patent.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.105-111
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• 2004

A total of 301 Thoroughbred mares were investigated the characteristics of breeding in the local areas in Jeju during the period from February 2000 to July 2001. The pregnancy rate and foaling rate in 143 mares were 93.0%, 72.0%, respectively, and mean gestational length was 339.3 days in 2000. The pregnancy rate in 158 mares was 86.7% in 2001. Mature follicles were ovulated in right(46.0%), left(45.2%), and bilateral(7.8%) ovary. The incidence of multiple pregnancies in 158 mares between 15 days and 45 days after mating were 89.3%(single), 10.1%(twin), and 0.6%(triple). The incidence of EED was 13.3%. Also uterine cyst and fluid had an bad influence on mare's pregnancy. These results suggest that regular monitoring of the pregnancies and maintaining of good uterine condition improve the pregnancy rates and foaling rates during breeding season.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제45권12호
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• pp.1512-1518
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• 2002

목 적 : 쌍태 임신에서 일측 태아가 자궁내 사망한 경우 생존아의 사망률이 높고 범발성 혈관내 응고병증, 패혈증 및 뇌손상 등을 증가시킨다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 일측 태아의 자궁내 사망 후 생존아들의 주산기 합병증 및 이와 연관된 위험 인자들에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 1995년 1월부터 2000년 12월까지 쌍태 임신 중 일측 태아가 자궁내 사망한 후 생존 출생한 15례의 의무 기록지를 후향적으로 분석하였다. 생존아에서는 말초 혈액과 혈액 응고계 검사, 두부 초음파 및 뇌 자기공영상 검사를, 그리고 산모에서는 말초 혈액과 혈액 응고계 검사 및 임신과 관련된 합병증에 대해 의무 기록지를 통하여 후향적으로 조사하였고, 생존아에서 주산기 합병증에 대한 위험 인자로 융모막 상태, 출생 체중, 재태 주령 및 일측 태아의 자궁내 사망 후 분만까지의 기간에 대해 관찰하였다. 결 과 : 1) 일측 태아의 자궁내 사망 후 생존 출생아 15례의 재태 주령은 $33.7{\pm}3.2$주, 출생 체중은 $1,992{\pm}592g$, 분만까지의 기간은 $32.4{\pm}29.5$일이었고, 조산아 11례(73.3%), 만삭아 4례(26.7%)로 조산의 원인은 조기 진통과 조기 양막 파수가 주였다. 2) 산모에서 시행한 혈액 검사상 범발성 혈관내 응고병증은 1례도 없었고, 산모의 말초 혈액 검사(백혈구수, 혈소판수, PT, aPTT, fibrongen, FDP) 소견과 생존아의 범발성 혈관내 응고병증 및 뇌연화증 발생과는 연관이 없었다. 3) 생존아 총 15례 중 6례(40.0%)는 정상이었고, 범발성 혈관내 응고병증 3례(20.0%), 뇌연화증 3례(20.0%), 자궁내 발육 지연 1례, 쌍태아간 수혈 증후군(recepient) 1례, 선천성 심장기형(심방 중격 결손 및 폐동맥 협착)이 동반된 경우 1례 있었다. 4) 생존 출생아에서 범발성 혈관내 응고장애 및 뇌연화증의 발생은 융모막 상태, 출생 체중, 재태 주령 및 일측 태아의 자궁내 사망 후 생존아 분만까지의 기간과 통계학적 유의성이 없었다. 결 론 : 본 연구에서는 자궁내에서 일측 태아가 사망한 경우 산모에서 혈액학적 이상은 발견할 수 없었고 생존아에서 주산기 합병증을 예측할 수 있는 의의 있는 위험 인자를 발견할 수 없었지만 약 20.0%에서 뇌연화증 및 범발성 혈관내 응고병증이 발생하였기에 쌍태 임신 중 임신 제2, 3기에 일측 태아가 자궁내 사망한 경우 생존 출생아에 대한 면밀한 혈액학적 및 신경학적 검사가 필요하다고 사료되었다.