RMA of New York, Continuing to Lead the Way in Reproductive Medicine, Presents Research Findings at ESHRE 2010 Annual Meeting

NEW YORK, NY, August 18, 2010 (Press-News.org) Physicians and embryologists from Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of New York) were invited to lecture and present scientific findings to a distinguished group of colleagues at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting in Rome, Italy on June 27-30, 2010. ESHRE is an international society of physicians and researchers that aims to promote the understanding of reproductive medicine and improve clinical practice and laboratory procedures.

Jason Barritt, PhD, ELD, HCLD, the Scientific Director of RMA of New York, gave a well received lecture at The EMD Serono Symposium International Foundation on the topic of pre-implantation embryo selection. Dr. Barritt discussed the current methods used by embryologists in selecting human embryos for implantation as well as innovative identification techniques being used to select the highest quality embryos. "Selecting the embryo for transfer that will implant and result in a healthy birth is the key in embryo transfer. We are encouraged by the results of the research we are doing that combines advanced optical microscopic evaluation, genetic testing, such as Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), and protein analysis of discarded culture media for embryo selection," stated Dr. Barritt. His lecture addressed how this combination of advanced laboratory testing techniques is currently leading the advances in the field of human embryo selection. The invitation to lecture on this topic is a great honor for both Dr. Barritt and RMA of New York.

The results of RMA of New York's independent research studies were also presented at ESHRE's annual meeting. Dr. Alan Copperman, Co-Medical Director of RMA of New York, presented findings in the areas of ovum donation (egg donation) and ovarian stimulation protocols.

Dr. Copperman presented an RMA of New York research study on the topic of shared ovum donation cycles; whereby two recipients (a primary and secondary) share the oocytes (eggs) of a donor in attempt to achieve pregnancy. The study, co-authored by Dr. Copperman and Dr. Gerardo Vela of RMA of New York, looked at shared cycles where the secondary recipient's cycle is cancelled due to low oocyte yield by a donor. "The study found that cancellation of the secondary recipient due to a low oocyte yield is a rare event. Yet when the situation arises, primary recipients can be reassured that their anticipated treatment outcome will not differ from those of both shared and non-shared ovum donation cycles," stated Dr. Copperman.

RMA of New York presented another research study that evaluated the effectiveness of micro or mini-IVF as compared to traditional treatments. The study, co-authored by Dr. Martha Luna of RMA of New York, International, examined the correlation between ovarian response to fertility medication and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) outcomes. Traditional IVF protocols use more fertility medication to stimulate the ovary and typically allow more oocytes to be retrieved. Micro-IVF uses lower doses of fertility medication and in turn stimulates fewer oocytes for retrieval. "Our study found that clinical pregnancy rates were higher in all age groups as the number of oocytes obtained at retrieval increased. Having more embryos for the embryologist to choose from may be responsible for this phenomenon, especially in older patients. This suggests that traditional IVF methods of ovarian stimulation may be optimal and that micro-IVF techniques offering mild stimulation warrant further evaluation prior to being validated as a clinical therapeutic option" stated Dr. Copperman, co-author of the study.

RMA of New York is excited to share this research insight with both the professional community and patients who are the ultimate beneficiaries of clinical improvements to care.

About RMA of New York
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and has been caring for patients in its midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long Island, New York. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center, specializing in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), egg donation, egg freezing, reproductive surgeries and male reproductive medicine.

Highly individualized patient care is offered through seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team consisting of a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and nutritionist, as well as a highly qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit http://www.rmany.com.