• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.147-152
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support (LPS) on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in natural frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles via a meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies that met our selection criteria. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library) were searched between January 2017 and May 2017. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using R software version 2.14.2. The main outcome measure was CPR. Results: A total of 18 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. One RCT (n = 435) and three retrospective studies (n = 3,033) met the selection criteria. In a meta-analysis of the selected studies, we found no significant difference in the CPR (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-1.55) between the vaginal progesterone and control groups. An analysis of the two retrospective cohort studies that reported the live birth rate (LBR) following FET showed a significantly higher LBR in the vaginal progesterone group (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.46). A subgroup meta-analysis of FET conducted 5 days after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the CPR (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90-1.55) or miscarriage rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.36-1.47). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available literature suggest that LPS with vaginal progesterone in natural FET cycles does not improve the CPR.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.22-24
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• 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to asses the fetal loss rate after mid-trimester amniocentesis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnant women who underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis at Cheil General Hospital from January 2008 through December 2010. The procedure-related fetal loss was defined as miscarriage within 2 weeks after amniocentesis. We evaluated the fetal loss rate within 2 weeks after amniocentesis and fetal loss rate before 24 gestational weeks. Results: During the study period, a total of 4,356 singleton pregnant women underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis. A total of Five hundred ninety six women were excluded owing to follow up loss and termination of pregnancy due to abnormal karyotype or major anomaly. At our institute, the fetal loss rate within 2 weeks was 0.1% and before 24 gestational weeks was 0.3% after amniocentesis. Conclusion: The fetal loss rate after mid-trimester amniocentesis in our study is lower than previously reported rate. We suggest that amniocentesis is a safe procedure.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.217-222
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• 2005

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the clinical effect of low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in unexplained recurrent spontaneous aborters (RSA) with elevated peripheral CD56+ natural killer (NK) cell levels and to determine the pre-conceptional NK cell percentage predictive of subsequent successful pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: Sixty four cases of unexplained recurrent miscarriage with elevated peripheral NK cells (>15%) were received low dose IVIg infusion at the dosage of 400 mg/Kg/month after confirmation of gestational sac and continued until 20 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups according to the pregnancy outcome: Group I was success of treatment defined as live birth at or after 25 gestational weeks and Group II was failure of treatment. The preconceptional levels of the peripheral blood NK cells were compared between two groups. Results: Fifty-three pregnancies resulted in live births after 25 weeks and 11 resulted in abortion (Overall success rate of IVIG treatment was 82.8%). Preconceptional CD56+ NK cell percentage in group II ($27.4{\pm}1.9%$) was higher than those in group I ($22.3{\pm}0.8%$). By using ROC curve, optimal discrimination between success and failure of treatment was achieved with ${\leq}27%$ of preconceptional NK cell percentage. Conclusion: In RSA patients with elevated NK cells, we suggest that preconceptional peripheral blood CD56+ NK cell level could be a useful marker for predicting successful treatment outcome of low-dose IVIg infusion.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.129-134
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• 2018

Objective: In frozen and thawed embryos, the zona pellucida (ZP) can be damaged due to hardening. Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) of embryos can increase the pregnancy rate. This study compared thinning and drilling of the ZP before frozen embryo transfer (FET). Methods: Patients were randomly allocated into two groups for LAH using thinning or drilling on day 2 after thawing. Twenty-five percent of the ZP circumference and 50% of the ZP thickness was removed in the thinning group, and a hole $40{\mu}m$ in diameter was made in the drilling group. Results: A total of 171 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection FET cycles, including 85 cycles with drilling LAH and 86 cycles with thinning LAH, were carried out. The thinning group had a similar ${\beta}$-human chorionic gonadotropin-positive rate (38.4% vs. 29.4%), implantation rate (16.5% vs. 14.4%), clinical pregnancy rate (36.0% vs. 25.9%), miscarriage rate (5.8% vs. 2.4%), ongoing pregnancy rate (30.2% vs. 23.5%), and multiple pregnancy rate (7.0% vs. 10.6%) to the drilling LAH group. There were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between subgroups defined based on age (older or younger than 35 years) or ZP thickness (greater or less than $17{\mu}m$) according to the LAH method. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that partial ZP thinning or drilling resulted in similar outcomes in implantation and pregnancy rates using thawed embryos, irrespective of women's age or ZP thickness.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.43-52
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on pregnancy in cytokeratin-18 (K18)-hACE2 transgenic mice. Methods: To determine the expression of hACE2 mRNA in the female reproductive tract of K18-hACE2 mice, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the ovary, oviduct, uterus, umbilical cord, and placenta. SARS-CoV-2 was inoculated intranasally (30 μL/mouse, 1×10⁴ TCID₅₀/mL) to plug-checked K18-hACE2 homozygous female mice at the pre-and post-implantation stages at 2.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and 15.5 dpc, respectively. The number of implantation sites was checked at 7.5 dpc, and the number of normally born pups was investigated at 20.5 dpc. Pregnancy outcomes, including implantation and childbirth, were confirmed by comparison with the non-infected group. Tissues of infected mice were collected at 7.5 dpc and 19.5 dpc to confirm the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The infection was identified by performing RT-PCR on the infected tissues and comparing them to the non-infected tissues. Results: hACE2 mRNA expression was confirmed in the female reproductive tract of the K18-hACE2 mice. Compared to the non-infected group, no significant difference in the number of implantation sites or normally born pups was found in the infected group. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in the lungs but not in the female reproductive system of infected K18-hACE2 mice. Conclusion: In K18-hACE2 mice, intranasal infection with SARS-CoV-2 did not induce implantation failure, preterm labor, or miscarriage. Although the viral infection was not detected in the uterus, placenta, or fetus, the infection of the lungs could induce problems in the reproductive system. However, lung infections were not related to pregnancy outcomes.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.19-36
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• 2022

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the general public's perception of Korean Medicine (KM) treatment for traffic accident (TA) patients during pregnancy. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire was distributed to outpatients and inpatients between the ages of 19 and 70 at KM hospitals located in Bucheon. The subjects were asked whether they thought KM treatment could be applied to TA patients during pregnancy. The perceptions of acupuncture, pharmacupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chuna treatment during pregnancy were also investigated. Results: 87.50% answered that KM treatment could be applied to TA patients during pregnancy. Most respondents thought that musculoskeletal symptoms of TA could be treated with KM (85.71%). 93.75%, 87.50%, 56.25%, and 52.08% of the respondents said they were willing to recommend acupuncture, pharmacupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chuna treatment to patients after TA during pregnancy. The respondents answered that acupuncture (95.83%), pharmacupuncture (91.67%), herbal medicine (62.50%), and Chuna (66.67%) is effective for pain controlling during pregnancy, and acupuncture (8.33%), pharmacupuncture (12.50%), herbal medicine (45.83%), and Chuna (39.58%) could be affect the risk of premature birth, miscarriage or birth defects. Conclusions: Acupuncture and pharmacupunture treatment are perceived positively, whereas herbal medicine and Chuna treatment are perceived negatively by the general public for the TA patients during pregnancy. In order to establish the correct awareness of KM treatment for TA patients during pregnancy, more clinical studies and case reports on the efficacy and safety of KM treatment during pregnancy are required.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.78-95
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the results of the 2022 Gyeonggi-do Oriental Medicine Fertility Treatment Support Project, review the outcomes and satisfaction of Oriental Medicine fertility support initiatives, and propose progressive fertility treatment support strategies by comparing them with the results of the past three years. Methods: Total of 242 women and 205 spouses participated in the Korean Medicine fertility treatment support project, which encompassed herbal medicine, acupuncture, and counseling treatments over a 3-month period, followed by a 3-month post-treatment follow-up. Data pertaining to patients' general, demographic, and fertility-related characteristics were collected before treatment initiation. During treatment, information regarding the treatments administered by Korean medical doctors was recorded, along with post-treatment outcomes and satisfaction levels. Safety assessments included pre- and post-treatment blood tests and monitoring for adverse events. Results: Among the 242 female subjects, 209 successfully completed the treatment program. Of these, 35 (16.7%) achieved pregnancy, with 30 (15%) attaining pregnancy through herbal monotherapy. Out of the 35 pregnancies, 17 were maintained, while 10 resulted in miscarriage. Notably, 83.8% of patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. An analysis spanning three years revealed a continuous increase in the average age of patients, surpassing 38 years in 2022, a critical point in fertility decline age. Additionally, there was a notable rise in the prevalence of patients with a history of gynecological issues, advanced spouse age, and semen abnormalities, which is assumed to have contributed to the decrease in the pregnancy success rate. Conclusions: This study compares the clinical results of the 2022 Gyeonggi-do Korean Medicine Fertility Treatment Support Project with those of the past three years. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to enhance the project, including stricter age criteria for patient selection, enhanced specialized treatment tools for medical doctors, and combining Korean Medicine treatment and medical assisted reproductive technologies, all aimed at increasing pregnancy success rates. These results provide a foundation for the development of fertility support projects and related policies.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.275-281
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• 2009

목 적: 본 연구는 반복적으로 체외수정시술/난자세포질내 정자주입술을 실패했던 환자에서 배아 이식시 옥시토신 길항제의 투여가 임신율 및 착상율에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 2회 이상의 체외수정시술/난자세포질내 정자주입술을 실패했던 40명의 환자들을 대상으로 전향적 무작위 연구를 진행하였다. 과배란유도 방법으로 생식샘자극호르몬분비호르몬 길항제 다회투여법이 사용되었다. 실험군에서는 옥시토신 길항제로 atosiban (vasopressin $V_{1A}$/oxytocin antagonist)을 배아 이식 한 시간 전에 atosiban 6.25 mg을 일회 정주한 뒤, 18 mg/hour의 속도로 지속적 정맥 주입하였다. 배아 이식이 끝난 뒤 atosiban을 6 mg/hour로 감속하여 2시간 동안 추가로 정맥 주입하였다. 실험군과 대조군간의 체외수정시술 결과를 비교 분석하였다. 결 과: 실험군과 대조군간의 평균 나이, 불임 기간 및 체질량 지수와 기저 혈중 난포자극호르몬 및 에스트라디올 농도, 기저 난포강 난포의 수에 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 또한 투여된 재조합 인간 난포자극호르몬 (rhFSH)의 총 용량과 투여 기간, 발달된 난포의 개수 및 자궁내막의 두께 역시 통계학적 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 수집된 난자 및 성숙 난자의 수와 수정된 난자와 1등급 혹은 2등급의 배아 및 이식된 배아의 수에도 두 군간의 통계학적으로 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 착상율을 비교하였을 때 실험군은 16.9% (11/65), 대조군은 6.0% (4/67)로 나타났고, p=0.047로 두군 간에 통계학적으로 유의한 차이를 보였다. 임상적 임신율의 경우 실험군은 40.0%로 대조군의 20.0%에 비해 높게 나타나으나 통계학적 유의성엔 도달하지 못하였다. 또한 자궁외 임신 및 유산율에 있어서는 두 군 간에 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결 론: 체외수정시술/난자세포질내 정자주입술을 시행 받는 환자들에서 배아 이식 동안 옥시토신 길항제를 투여하는 것은 자궁의 수축을 감소시켜 착상율을 증가시킬 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• 과학기술학연구
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.93-123
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• 2005

이 글은 서로 층위가 다른 제 사회세력들이 시험관아기 시술을 매개로 어떤 방식으로 여성의 재생산권과 모성의 의미를 구성하는지를 밝히고, 시험관아기 시술을 통해 부상하게 된 기술과학주체(technoscientific subject)인 여성은 어떤 위치에 놓여있는지를 논의하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 연구방법은 문헌연구와 심층면접으로써, 과학기술 연구와 페미니즘 관련 문헌들과 심층면접 자료, 불임여성모임 단체와 입양단체의 문건과 회원들이 올린 글들, 언론매체의 기사와 칼럼들을 이용하였다. 불임여성의 경험을 가족 체계, 의료 체계, 그리고 국가 체계를 통해 본 결과는 다음과 같다. 가족의 공간에서 불임여성은 비정상의 범주에 속해질 뿐 아니라 스스로도 자신의 여성성에 의문을 갖지만, 다른 한편 "모성"에 대한 성찰과 확장된 인식을 갖게 되는 계기를 마련하기도 하였다. 의료 공간에서 불임여성은 자신의 몸이 자신 가족, 의료진에게 각기 달리 인식된다는 사실을 경험하게 된다. 몸을 소유한 것도, 소유된 것도 아닌 것으로 인식하는 이 시선은 교환과 거래가 주도하는 공간에 새로운 논리의 창출과 새로운 기술과학주체의 행위성을 예견하게 한다. 국가의 공간에서 배아복제 연구가 국가경쟁력의 기표로 부상함에 따라 난자제공자로서의 여성의 위치도 정치성을 띄게 됐다. 여성은 한편으론 국가발전에 참여할 국민으로 호명되지만 다른 한편으론 "생명"의 존엄성이라는 허구를 지키는 수호자의 역할을 할 것을 요구받는 모순된 위치에 놓여있다. 국가의 경제발전을 위한 기획에 호명되면서 경제적 보상의 범주에는 들지 못하는 국민이라는 정체성과, 생명을 파괴하는 것을 전제로 생명을 창조하는 것을 허락하는 배아복제에 참여하면서 "생명" 수호자의 정체성을 부여받는 것이 각기 내포하는 모순에 대해 여성이 어떻게 순을하고 타협하고 저항할지에 따라 배아복제 연구의 방향과 속도가 달라질 것이다.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.119-124
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• 2008

목 적: 다운증후군을 비롯한 염색체의 수적이상은 태아의 유산이나 정신박약의 가장 큰 요인으로 알려져 있다. 이에 본 연구에서는 엽산 대사에 관련된 효소의 다형성(MTHFR C677T, MTRR A66G)을 조사하여 태아의 염색체 수적이상과 유전적인 연관성을 알아보고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 염색체 수적이상이 확인된 태아를 임신한 37명의 산모와 유산이나 비정상적인 임신을 한 경험이 없고 2명 이상의 건강한 아이를 출산한 78명의 여성을 정상군으로 하여 혈액으로부터 DNA를 추출하고 PCR-RFLP를 이용하여 각 지역의 다형성 여부를 확인하였다. 결 과: MTHFR C677T 유전자형은 CC, CT, TT에 대해 각각 30.7%, 48.7%, 20.6%였으며, 환자군에서 각각 37.8%, 48.6%, 13.5% 였다. 정상군과 환자군 사이 모든 조합에서 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 대립유전자의 비율 역시 대조군과 환자군에서 각각 44.9%, 37.8%였으며, 통계적 유의한 차이는 없었다. MTRR A66G 유전자형은 대조군에서 AA, AG, GG에 대해 각각 50.0%, 46.1%, 3.9%였으며, 환자군에서는 각각 13.5%, 81.1%, 5.4%였다. MTRR의 정상 유전자형인 AA와 이형접합성 변이형인 AG 유전자형을 비교하였을 때 유의한 차이를 보였으며(OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 2.3-18.6, P<0.05), 정상이 아닌 모든 다른 유전자형(AG/GG)과 비교하였을 때에도 역시 유의한 차이를 보였다(OR: 6.4, 95% CI: 2.3-18.1, P<0.05). 결 론: 본 연구에서는 MTHFR 677번째 염기의 다형성은 염색체 비분리로 인한 태아 염색체의 수적이상과 연관성이 없는 것으로 확인하였으나, MTRR 66부위의 경우 염기의 다형성이 태아 염색체의 수적이상을 유발하는 유전적 요소로서의 가능성을 제시하고 있다.