This book was first published in 2008. Multiple pregnancies are the most frequent and serious complication of assisted reproduction. Both high-order multiple and twin pregnancies entail a number of medical and economic outcomes that affect the children, the mother, the parents, the families, and society as a whole. Limiting the number of embryos to transfer is the only method available to decrease the incidence of multiple pregnancies. Single Embryo Transfer reviews the advantages and limitations of this approach to assisted reproduction. The crucial issue of selecting the best embryo will be reviewed in detail. All clinical issues involved in setting up and running an SET programme will be covered, including important topics such as cryopreservation of embryos, embryo donation, and patient counselling. The final chapters on future SET trends in Europe and North America are written by leading figures in the IVF world. The book is of interest to physicians, embryologists, nurses, insurers, politicians, ethicists and patients.

Major advances have recently been made in our understanding of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): improving classification, recognizing primary and secondary risk-factors, manipulating and monitoring ovarian stimulation, handling risky situations, and elucidating the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of the syndrome. As such, all health care professionals working in reproductive medicine should be acquainted with the theoretical and practical aspects of how to deal with this syndrome, both from a prophylactic point of view and once it has developed. Focusing on the clinically relevant aspects of the syndrome, this text is built on acquired knowledge but minimizes speculative considerations in order to leave room for some 'intelligent ignorance' and contention. Well illustrated with appropriate diagrams showing biologic mechanisms, procedural algorithms, sonographs and radiological images, at the end of each clinical chapters there is also a list of frequently asked questions, with appropriate answers, to help expand and elaborate difficult practice problems. With its definitions, classifications and treatment algorithms, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome will be highly useful to general gynecologists, both in practice and training. Moreover, as there is a consistent view of OHSS in different parts of the world, the book will also have global appeal to all reproductive physicians and support personnel working in IVF/ICSI units. .

Worldwide, approximately 500,000 in vitro fertilization cycles are performed every year. Although the best possible result is a healthy child, the technology carries a number of varying risks and complications leading to a trade-off between the efficacy of these treatments and their quality and safety. Drawing on contributions from international experts with academic and clinical backgrounds, Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Quality and Safety presents an analysis of the medical risks and complications involved in reproductive medicine. Putting the intricacies of reproductive health in the spotlight, the book describes side-effects, risks, and complications related to ART treatments. It discusses ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, demonstrates the impact of judicious elective single embryo transfer, and focuses heavily on multiple pregnancy as the major risk factor of ART. The editors highlight the relatively less likely, but important risks of oncogenic complications, bleeding at the time of ovum retrieval, and the even smaller but still existing risk for maternal mortality. They include discussions of non-medical factors that can have a major impact on people's lives such as psychological, sexual, financial, moral, ethical, and philosophical dilemmas. In today's litigious climate, modern management of any clinic is all about minimizing risks and complications. Thoroughly addressing quality and safety issues in ART, this book provides succinct, up-to-date information on quality care in reproductive medicine.

Multiple pregnancies are the most frequent and serious complication of assisted reproduction. Both high-order multiple and twin pregnancies entail a number of medical and economic outcomes that affect the children, the mother, the parents, the families, and society as a whole. Limiting the number of embryos to transfer is the only method available to decrease the incidence of multiple pregnancies. Single Embryo Transfer reviews the advantages and limitations of this approach to assisted reproduction. The crucial issue of selecting the best embryo will be reviewed in detail. All clinical issues involved in setting up and running an SET programme will be covered, including important topics such as cryopreservation of embryos, embryo donation, and patient counselling. The final chapters on future SET trends in Europe and North America are written by leading figures in the IVF world. The book is of interest to physicians, embryologists, nurses, insurers, politicians, ethicists and patients.

Approximately five million children have been born worldwide as a result of assisted reproductive technology (ART). These techniques are now practised independently in most of the world's nations. Although the vast majority of ART parents and children are healthy following the procedures involved, there is an imperative to maintain a high standard of practice and monitor outcomes carefully. Interpretation of outcome data is difficult for a variety of reasons. As ART technologies evolve and new variants are established, the need for robust assessment of outcomes increases. This book gives a thorough review of potential complications of ART, with detailed analysis of outcome data for the various conditions described. A worldwide perspective is given throughout, with an international team of chapter authors.