I Bar-Hava

Publications (89)192.82 Total impact

• Article: Results of in vitrofertilization cycles in women aged 43–45 years

  R. Orvieto, I. Bar-Hava, R. Yoeli, J. Ashkenazi, D. Rabinerson, J. Barand, B. Fisch
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  ABSTRACT: Our objective was to evaluate the results of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the elderly (43–45 years old) female population. All consecutive women aged 43–45 years admitted to our IVF unit from January 1996 to December 2001 were enrolled in the study. Ovarian stimulation characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred and pregnancy rate were assessed. Seven hundred and eight consecutive IVF cycles in 276 patients were evaluated. Two hundred and seven cycles were cancelled (cancellation rate 29.2%). Forty-seven patients achieved a clinical pregnancy (pregnancy rate 6.6% per cycle and 9.4% embryo transfer) with a 30% live birth rate. In patients who underwent embryo transfer, there were no differences between conception and non-conception cycles in patient's age, number of gonadotropin ampules used, length of ovarian stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate or cleavage rate. However, the conception cycles were associated with a significantly lower peak estradiol level (p<0.04) and higher number of total (p<0.03) and good-quality (p<0.005) embryos transferred, in addition to a lower ratio of estradiol level/number of follicles > 14 mm on day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration and of estradiol level/number of oocytes retrieved. We conclude that, although older female age is a major contributor to IVF failure, successful IVF cycles can be expected in patients aged 43–45 years in the presence of low ratios of peak estradiol to either number of follicles > 14 mm on day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration or number of oocytes retrieved that reach the stage of embryo transfer with at least two good-quality embryos.
  07/2009; 18(2):75-78.
• Article: The possible influence of increased body mass index on the clinical efficacy of standard human chorionic gonadotropin dosage.

  J Ashkenazi, I Bar-Hava, S Meltcer, J Rabinson, E Y Anteby, R Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: To evaluate whether the efficacy of standard (10,000 IU) hCG dosage is BMI dependent. During the study period, body mass index (BMI) was recorded in 261 consecutive women enrolled in our ICSI program. Women in the 90th BMI percentile were compared with those in the 10th percentile. The number and percent of mature metaphase-II (M-II) oocytes were considered as the outcome measure. Mean BMI of the 10th and 90th percentile groups were 18.2 +/- 0.7 kg/m2 (n = 26) and 32.8 +/- 2.2 kg/m2 (n = 27), respectively. There were no differences between the groups in mean patients age, number of gonadotropin ampoules used, mean number of oocytes retrieved or the number and percentage of mature M-II oocytes. Standard (10,000 IU) hCG dosage is adequate to induce final oocyte maturation in IVF patients regardless of their BMI. This may imply that this hCG dosage is much higher than the dosage that is actually required.
  Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology 01/2009; 36(1):20-2. · 0.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Early endometrial changes following successful implantation: 2 and 3-dimensional ultrasound study.

  E Zohav, I Bar-Hava, S Meltcer, J Rabinson, E Y Anteby, R Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: To study of the possible role of ultrasound (US) measurements of the endometrium in the prediction of IVF outcome. 28 infertile women underwent US measurements of endometrial thickness and volume on day of ET and two weeks later. US measurements were compared between day of ET and two weeks later, and between those who conceived and those who did not. While in the group of patients who conceived (n = 7) endometrial thickness and volume rose significantly between day of hCG and two weeks later, no differences were observed in patients (n = 21) who did not. The dynamic changes in endometrial volume and thickness between day of ET and two weeks later may predict IVF treatment outcome.
  Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology 02/2008; 35(4):255-6. · 0.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Comparison of embryo quality between intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization in sibling oocytes.

  R Yoeli, R Orvieto, J Ashkenazi, M Shelef, Z Ben-Rafael, I Bar-Hava
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  ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to compare the quality of embryos derived from sibling oocytes by in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ICSI. Consecutive patients with a less than 40% fertilization rate in a previous standard IVF cycle or with relative male factor infertility were recruited for the study. The oocytes retrieved from each patient were divided into two groups for either conventional insemination (group A) or ICSI (group B). Power analysis showed that to detect a 25% difference in the rate of high-quality embryos between the groups with a power of 0.8, at least 1,200 oocytes were needed in each group. One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the study. Group A was comprised of 1,526 oocytes and group B of 1,480 sibling oocytes. As expected, the fertilization rate was significantly higher in group B than group A (67.1 vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in cleavage rate (92.7 and 89.7%, respectively) and the rate of either grade A embryos (22.6 and 23.9%, respectively) or grade A(1) embryos (37.3 and 33.5%, respectively). However, in the subgroup of patients with relative male-factor infertility (n = 36), the rate of grade A(1) embryos was significantly higher in the IVF than the ICSI group (46.4 vs. 29.0%, respectively, p = 0.02). Embryo quality does not seem to be influenced by the mode of fertilization (IVF or ICSI). We assume that embryo quality depends on intrinsic factors of the gametes involved rather than on the fertilization process per se.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 02/2008; 25(1):23-8. · 1.84 Impact Factor
• Article: P07.12: Early endometrial changes following successful implantation post embryo transfer, a three‐dimensional ultrasound study

  E. Zohav, S. Meltzer, O. Segal, J. Rabinson, E. Y. Anteby, I. Bar-Hava
  Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology 09/2005; 26(4):425 - 425. · 3.01 Impact Factor
• Article: Emergency hysteroscopic treatment of acute severe uterine bleeding.

  J Shalev, T Levi, R Orvieto, I Bar-Hava, D Dicker
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  ABSTRACT: The aim of this pilot feasibility study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of acute severe uterine bleeding. Forty-one women (mean age, 54 years) who underwent emergency hysteroscopy were assessed. In 40 women, a benign organic cause was found. In one postmenopausal patient, endometrial carcinoma was detected in endometrial chips and was managed with hysterectomy. None of the women with benign lesions required further surgery within the first postoperative year. One underwent hysterectomy at 18 months for new-onset fibromyomas. Hysteroscopy was found to be an effective tool for treating heavy uterine bleeding. It also prevented future episodes of severe bleeding in more than half the patients during 20 months of follow-up.
  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 03/2004; 24(2):152-4. · 0.54 Impact Factor
• Article: Results of in vitro fertilization cycles in women aged 43-45 years.

  R Orvieto, I Bar-Hava, R Yoeli, J Ashkenazi, D Rabinerson, J Bar, B Fisch
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Our objective was to evaluate the results of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the elderly (43-45 years old) female population. All consecutive women aged 43-45 years admitted to our IVF unit from January 1996 to December 2001 were enrolled in the study. Ovarian stimulation characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred and pregnancy rate were assessed. Seven hundred and eight consecutive IVF cycles in 276 patients were evaluated. Two hundred and seven cycles were cancelled (cancellation rate 29.2%). Forty-seven patients achieved a clinical pregnancy (pregnancy rate 6.6% per cycle and 9.4% embryo transfer) with a 30% live birth rate. In patients who underwent embryo transfer, there were no differences between conception and non-conception cycles in patient's age, number of gonadotropin ampules used, length of ovarian stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate or cleavage rate. However, the conception cycles were associated with a significantly lower peak estradiol level (p < 0.04) and higher number of total (p < 0.03) and good-quality (p < 0.005) embryos transferred, in addition to a lower ratio of estradiol level/number of follicles > 14 mm on day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration and of estradiol level/number of oocytes retrieved. We conclude that, although older female age is a major contributor to IVF failure, successful IVF cycles can be expected in patients aged 43-45 years in the presence of low ratios of peak estradiol to either number of follicles > 14 mm on day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration or number of oocytes retrieved that reach the stage of embryo transfer with at least two good-quality embryos.
  Gynecological Endocrinology 02/2004; 18(2):75-8. · 1.58 Impact Factor
• Article: Effect of contaminated preprocessed semen on fertilization rate and embryo quality in assisted reproductive techniques.

  H Krissi, R Orvieto, J Ashkenazi, Y Gilboa, J Shalev, I Moscovitch, I Bar-Hava
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  ABSTRACT: We aimed to identify the sources and prevalence of semen contamination from mastrubation and determine the effect of bacterospermia on fertilization rate and embryo quality in standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This was a prospective controlled study, in an IVF unit of a university teaching hospital, of 93 consecutive couples undergoing IVF-embryo transfer cycles. We evaluated handwashing; semen collection and processing; and assisted reproductive technology using semen provided by masturbation. The main outcome measures were presence and type of micro-organisms in the semen samples and embryo culture medium; the effect of hand washing on rate of contamination; and the effect of semen contamination on fertilization rate and embryo quality. The first consecutive 52 men of the 93 couples were not instructed to wash their hands before masturbation, and the remainder were so instructed. Forty-nine semen cultures (94.2%) in the first group were contaminated compared to only 16 (39%) in the second (p < 0.016); 27 of the 65 positive cultures (41.5%) were contaminated by more than one organism. The most common contaminators were bacteria usually found on the skin. All but four embryo medium cultures were negative. There was no significant difference in fertilization rate and embryo quality by culture findings in either the IVF or the ICSI procedures. We found that a high percentage of manually obtained semen for standard IVF or ICSI procedures was contaminated, but this had no effect on fertilization rate and embryo quality.
  Gynecological Endocrinology 02/2004; 18(2):63-7. · 1.58 Impact Factor
• Article: Pregnancy rate fluctuations during routine work in an assisted reproduction technology unit.

  L Gindes, R Yoeli, R Orvieto, M Shelef, Z Ben-Rafael, I Bar-Hava
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  ABSTRACT: Fluctuations in spontaneous pregnancy rates have been observed in the general population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether pregnancy rates fluctuate over time in a homogeneous assisted reproduction treatment unit. The study sample consisted of 3522 consecutive assisted reproduction cycles conducted from January 1996 to December 1999. Only fresh cycles in women <41 years old were included. All pertinent clinical data were prospectively collected on a computerized database and analysed at the end of the study. Throughout the 4 years of the study, monthly pregnancy rates fluctuated between 10.5 and 34.1% (mean 21.4%) per cycle, and between 13.6 and 41% (mean 27.26%) per transfer. These fluctuations did not follow any specific seasonal pattern. During routine work in an assisted reproduction treatment unit, there are random fluctuations in the pregnancy rate. This factor should be considered in studies performed in a specific time-period.
  Human Reproduction 11/2003; 18(11):2485-8. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Raoul Orvieto

  Article: Spectrum of normal intrauterine cavity sonographic findings after first-trimester abortion.

  I Bar-Hava, S Aschkenazi, R Orvieto, T Perri, J Shalev, D Dicker, Z Ben-Rafael, A Dekel
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  ABSTRACT: To characterize the sonographic appearance of the uterine cavity after uncomplicated first-trimester abortion. Women who underwent uterine evacuation for first-trimester abortion were referred for endovaginal sonographic examination within the week after the procedure. Special attention was directed to characterizing the intrauterine cavity. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected. A repeated postmenstrual examination was carried out in selected cases. In all, 57, 10, and 7 sonographic examinations were performed after termination of pregnancy, incomplete (spontaneous) abortion, and missed abortion, respectively. Fifty-seven (77%) of the 74 examinations showed considerable amounts of intrauterine content with various echogenicities (anteroposterior thickness range, 7-61 mm). No association could be documented between the pattern of appearance and gravidity, parity, gestational age, or type of abortion procedure. All postmenstrual reevaluations of patients with excessive amounts of intrauterine material at the initial examination (n = 7) showed empty intrauterine cavities. Within the week after first-trimester abortion, the uterine cavity is seldom empty. Thick heterogeneous material is an expected finding after examination. By being familiar with this normal range of appearances, clinicians can avoid unnecessary repeated invasive evacuation procedures. A follow-up sonographic evaluation during the follicular phase of the next menstrual cycle is recommended to confirm the absence of retained products of pregnancy.
  Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 01/2002; 20(12):1277-81. · 1.25 Impact Factor
• Article: A survey of physicians' attitude and approach to hormone replacement therapy during menopuase.

  B Kaplan, D Rabinerson, Y Yogev, I Bar-Hava, J Bar, R Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: A major problem with postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is its relatively low long-term continuation rate. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of physicians to the low long-term continuation rate by surveying their attitude and approach to the use of HRT in postmenopausal women. A questionnaire was sent to registered members of the North American Menopause Society. Data were collected on demographics, medical education and affiliation, attitude to the use of HRT and its contraindications, and follow-up, strategies. The response rate was 21% (n = 218). Sixty-six percent of the physicians recommended HRT for every postmenopausal woman with no contraindications. and 11% also took age and/or time since menopause into consideration. Eighty-six percent claimed they would try to persuade symptom-free women not interested in HRT into changing their minds. There was no correlation between the time since completion of residency or affiliation with a medical school and physicians' attitude to prescribing HRT or contraindication to HRT, or management strategy. However, type of specialty was significantly correlated with physicians' tendency to recommend HRT. Specialists in menopause showed a lower tendency to unconditionally recommend HRT (in the absence of contraindications) (67%) than specialists in reproductive endocrinology (90%), infertility (90%). gynecology (83%), and perinatology (84%) (p < 0.006, C-measure = 0.25). The attitude toward HRT and the management strategies of members of the North American Menopause Society correlate with contemporary recommendations in the literature, indicating good training of young physicians and adequate updating of older ones. Thus, to increase the continuation rate of HRT, educational efforts should be directed primarily to the public rather than to medical professionals.
  Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology 01/2002; 29(1):31-3. · 0.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Treatment of the twisted cystic ovary with normal blood flow by simple aspiration.

  J Shalev, I Bar-Hava, R Orvieto, T Levi, J Bar, D Dicker
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  ABSTRACT: Simple aspiration was performed in eight patients to correct torsion of cystic ovaries with normal blood flow, imaged by the colour Doppler technique. Abdominal pain resolved spontaneously following aspiration. Symptoms recurred in three patients, necessitating detorsion by laparoscopy. Normal follicular growth was assessed within 3 months in the non-pregnant patients.
  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 10/2001; 21(5):525-7. · 0.54 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: jultrasoundmed.org

  Article: Sonographic diagnosis of pelvic adhesions in patients after ovum pickup.

  J Shalev, R Mashiach, B Fisch, M Royburt, I Bar-Hava, H Krissi, I Meizner
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  ABSTRACT: To evaluate the use of transvaginal sonography for the detection of pelvic adhesions by using clear free fluid in the pouch of Douglas found after ovum pickup. A prospective clinical study was performed in an infertility unit of an academic research facility. Sonography was performed in 50 women with infertility 3 days after ovum pickup, and the visceral peritoneum of the uterus, the ovaries, and the fallopian tubes was scanned for possible pelvic adhesions. The serosal surfaces of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes were successfully observed for the presence of adhesions in 86%, 68%, and 20% of the patients, respectively. Improved visualization was associated with an increased amount of pelvic fluid for the uterus (P = .01) but not for the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The amount of fluid in the pelvis correlated with an increased number of retrieved oocytes (P = .07) and a decreased need for manual manipulation to achieve proper imaging of the uterus (P = .001). Transvaginal sonography performed in the presence of fluid in the pelvis may show adhesions mainly attached to the uterus and ovaries. Assessment of possible mechanical factors is important in planning treatment of patients with infertility.
  Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 09/2001; 20(8):869-75. · 1.25 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: jultrasoundmed.org

  Article: Subtorsion of the ovary: sonographic features and clinical management.

  J Shalev, R Mashiach, I Bar-Hava, O Girtler, J Bar, D Dicker, I Meizner
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  ABSTRACT: To define the sonographic imaging criteria of ovarian subtorsion. Fourteen women 16 to 35 years of age with suspected unilateral twisted ovaries were sonographically evaluated in a tertiary care center before laparoscopy. Transvaginal sonography was performed to determine the longest ovarian dimension, diameter of the periovarian vessels, and degree of intraovarian blood flow and to evaluate ovarian morphology. Laparoscopy was performed to verify the sonographic findings and to perform detorsion. All ovaries with subtorsion were of normal size, although still significantly longer than the contralateral, normal ovaries (47.5 and 29.6 mm, respectively; P = .001). The mean diameter of the periovarian vessels was significantly greater for the ovaries with subtorsion than the normal ovaries (29.9 and 19.2 mm, respectively; P= .0001). At laparoscopy, the ovary was twisted less than 180 degrees in 9 patients and 180 degrees to 360 degrees in 5. The degree of twisting correlated significantly with the size of the ovary (P = .016) and diameter of the periovarian vessels (P = .046). The 3-month sonographic follow-up after detorsion revealed bilateral normal ovarian dimensions with proper follicular growth. Congestion of the periovarian vessels with normal ovarian morphology and persistent blood flow on sonography, combined with the presence of appropriate clinical signs, may be indicative of ovarian subtorsion.
  Journal of ultrasound in medicine: official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine 09/2001; 20(8):849-54; quiz 856. · 1.25 Impact Factor
• Article: Influence of hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal pelvic organs.

  I Bar-Hava, T Perri, Z Zahavi, A Brzezinski, D Dicker, Z Ben-Rafael, R Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: To assess the influence of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the pelvic organs of postmenopausal women by vaginal ultrasonography. The study (case-control) included 753 consecutive, postmenopausal women who were referred for routine transvaginal ultrasound examination. A total of 290 women who were using HRT at the time of examination (study group) were compared with 463 who were not treated (control group). The women using HRT were younger and had been menopausal for a shorter period, compared with those who had not been treated. Mean uterine volume, endometrial thickness and ovarian area were all increased in the HRT group, compared to the control group. A negative correlation was found between menopausal age and uterine volume, and ovarian area in both treated and untreated groups. However, endometrial thickness was negatively correlated with menopausal age in the untreated group only. After controlling for various parameters, a multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that endometrial thickness was treatment status-dependent only. Uterine volume was also treatment status-dependent, but was also negatively correlated with menopausal age. As expected, the endometrium was thicker and the uterine volume was larger in the treated group. Ovarian area was not found to be treatment-dependent for all menopausal ages. Postmenopausal women treated with HRT have a larger uterus and thicker endometrium than those of non-treated matched controls. There is a negative correlation between menopausal age and uterine and ovarian size. Endometrial thickness was found to be negatively correlated with menopausal age in only the untreated group, and is almost entirely HRT-dependent. In contrast to the uterus and the endometrium, the ovaries are not influenced by HRT.
  Climacteric 07/2001; 4(2):160-5. · 1.99 Impact Factor
• Article: Are singleton assisted reproductive technology pregnancies at risk of prematurity?

  T Perri, R Chen, R Yoeli, P Merlob, R Orvieto, Y Shalev, Z Ben-Rafael, I Bar-Hava
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  ABSTRACT: Our purpose was to determine the risk of premature delivery among singleton pregnancies derived from assisted reproduction technology (ART). Ninety-five singleton ART pregnancies and 190 matched spontaneous pregnancies were assessed for preterm delivery rates, pregnancy complications, and cesarean section rates in a retrospective study at an academic medical center. Among the ART singleton deliveries group (n = 95), 19 (20%) were preterm, which was statistically significantly higher than the 4% (8 of 190) found in the control group. Among the pregnancies achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the severe male-factor infertility subgroup (n = 22), only one preterm delivery occurred (4.5%). Singleton ART pregnancies are at an increased risk of preterm delivery compared to singleton pregnancies after spontaneous conception. The higher rate may be attributed to various infertility cofactors, such as uterine malformations, previous operative procedures that involved cervical dilatation, and a history of pelvic infection. This is supported by the finding that ICSI-derived pregnancies in couples with strict male-factor infertility are not at an increased risk of preterm delivery.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 06/2001; 18(5):245-9. · 1.84 Impact Factor
• Article: Triple-test screening in in vitro fertilization pregnancies.

  I Bar-Hava, M Yitzhak, H Krissi, M Shohat, J Shalev, B Czitron, Z Ben-Rafael, R Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: To determine whether the results of triple-test analysis differ between spontaneous and IVF pregnancies. The study population consisted of 140 women with singleton pregnancies, 70 by IVF, and 70 by spontaneous conception. The groups were matched for maternal age, gestational week, and laboratory batch. The levels of all triple-test markers--alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and unconjugated estriol (u-E3)--were compared between the groups. Significantly higher HCG levels were detected in the patients with IVF pregnancies than in the control group (1.31 +/- 0.8 vs. 0.95 +/- 0.5 multiple of the medians, respectively, (p < 0.006), but there were no significant differences in AFP or u-E3 levels. Overall, 18.5% of the IVF group were found to be screen-positive as compared with 11.4% of the control group (difference not statistically significant). Only 8 IVF pregnancies (11.4%) reached the lowest calculated risk possible (1:9999) compared with 17 (24.2%) in the control group (p < 0.05). Our findings support previous data demonstrating elevated maternal serum HCG in IVF patients in comparison with spontaneous ones.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2001; 18(4):226-9. · 1.84 Impact Factor
• Article: Soluble L-selectin levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

  R Orvieto, Z Ben-Rafael, A Schwartz, R Abir, B Fisch, A La-Marca, I Bar-Hava
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  ABSTRACT: We sought to determine whether neutrophil activation, as reflected by soluble L-selectin levels, plays a role in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the possible correlation between soluble L-selectin and serum sex steroid levels. The study population consisted of 14 consecutive patients undergoing our routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) long gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog protocol. Blood was drawn three times during the COH cycle: (1) on the day when adequate suppression was obtained (Day-S); (2) on the day of, or the day prior to, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (Day-hCG); and (3) on the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Levels of sex steroids and plasma soluble leukocyte selectin (L-selectin) were compared among the three time points. Soluble L-selectin was measured with a commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed significantly higher levels of soluble L-selectin on Day-OPU than on Day-S and Day-hCG, and significantly lower levels on Day-hCG than Day-S. Though no significant correlations were found between soluble L-selectin and serum estradiol or hCG levels, soluble L-selectin positively correlated with serum progesterone levels. We conclude that hCG administration leads to neutrophil activation, which correlates with the degree of luteinization. Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between the immune system and COH. These may lead to new strategies for predicting and preventing complications of COH.
  Gynecological Endocrinology 03/2001; 15(1):29-33. · 1.58 Impact Factor
• Article: Real-time intraoperative ultrasound guidance: the transrectal approach.

  I Bar-Hava, D Rabinerson, B Kaplan, R Orvieto, T Levy, Y Shalev, Z Ben-Rafael, A Dekel
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  ABSTRACT: To assess the role of real-time transrectal ultrasound guidance in complicated gynecologic procedures. In 1998-99, real-time guidance with transrectal ultrasound was utilized in our department to assist the gynecologic surgeon in two procedures: completing the evacuation of the uterine cavity after identification of uterine wall perforation during first trimester termination of pregnancy, and drainage of infected vaginal vault hematoma following hysterectomy. The technique was applied for 11 patients, six abortions and five infected hematomas. All the procedures were completed without any further complications and the patients were discharged on the following day. Follow-up was uneventful. On-line intraoperative transrectal ultrasound can effectively provide real-time assistance to the gynecologic surgeon during complicated pelvic procedures.
  Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology 03/2001; 17(2):150-2. · 3.01 Impact Factor
• Article: PREGNANCY: Triple-Test Screening in In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies

  I. Bar-Hava, M. Yitzhak, H. Krissi, M. Shohat, J. Shalev, B. Czitron, Z. Ben-Rafael, R. Orvieto
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  ABSTRACT: Purpose: To determine whether the results of triple-test analysis differ between spontaneous and IVF pregnancies.Methods: The study population consisted of 140 women with singleton pregnancies, 70 by IVF, and 70 by spontaneous conception. The groups were matched for maternal age, gestational week, and laboratory batch. The levels of all triple-test markers—alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and unconjugated estriol (u-E3)—were compared between the groups.Results: Significantly higher HCG levels were detected in the patients with IVF pregnancies than in the control group (1.31 0.8 vs. 0.95 0.5 multiple of the medians, respectively, (p < 0.006),="" but="" there="" were="" no="" significant="" differences="" in="" afp="" or="">3 levels. Overall, 18.5% of the IVF group were found to be screen-positive as compared with 11.4% of the control group (difference not statistically significant). Only 8 IVF pregnancies (11.4%) reached the lowest calculated risk possible (1:9999) compared with 17 (24.2%) in the control group (p Conclusions: Our findings support previous data demonstrating elevated maternal serum HCG in IVF patients in comparison with spontaneous ones.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 01/2001; 18(4):228-231. · 1.84 Impact Factor