The wonders of science find true meaning at Abington Reproductive Medicine. Our patients benefit from the latest in infertility research and techniques. Several of these advanced techniques have been pioneered and perfected through our ongoing research studies.
Bio-Marker Study:
In this trial, the presence of specific substances (called “biomarkers”), will be measured in the follicular fluid (fluid of the follicle –the protective sac that surrounds the growing egg in the ovary), cumulus or granulosa cells (cells within the follicle) or embryo culture media (gel designed to support the growth of the embryo cells) after the egg is removed. By examining the follicular fluid, cumulus/granulosa cells, and culture media for specific protein biomarkers, medical personnel may be able to better judge an “egg’s quality” or “potential for pregnancy” after fertilization and implantation. The egg itself will not be sampled and no harm to your removed eggs will occur during the sampling for biomarkers. Normally, these fluid, cells, and media are thrown away without being analyzed.
These trial results may help medical staff in the future pick eggs to fertilize and implant that will lead to a higher rate of pregnancy. Please note this trial will not benefit you during this IVF-ART treatment cycle, but may help to improve the effectiveness of future IVF-ART treatments. It is anticipated approximately 2,000 people will participate in this observational research trial. The trial will be conducted in approximately 50 medical centres across Latin America, Europe, and North America. Approximately 40 of these participants will be from Abington Reproductive Medicine. Enrollment in this clinical research trial may be available until April of 2012. Your physical participation in the trial will last only as long as it takes your doctor to perform one IVF-ART treatment cycle. Since all samples will be collected during your regular IVF-ART treatment, no additional time will be needed from you outside of your regular doctor’s IVF-ART appointments.
It will be required that you meet inclusion/exclusion criteria:
• Are you between that age of 18 and 37
• Have had no more than 1 previous cycle of IVF treatment
• Have unexplained infertility and do not have any of the common factors that predispose women to infertility including diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or male infertility
you may be eligible to participate in this Clinical Research Trial
For more information about our studies, please call Paula A. Nice, RN, BSN, Clinical Research Coordinator at: 267-620-1525.