Royale Hayat Hospital was proud and honored to host the 1st International IVF Conference in Kuwait on the 31st of March 2011 under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, the Minister of Health. In association with the University of Brussels (UZ Brussels) and Kuwait University the conference was held at the Sheraton Kuwait Hotel, with MSD, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Actavis as the main sponsors.
The main topic of the conference was the latest remarks and developments on ovarian stimulation protocols and the impact on endometrial receptivity entitled Ovarian Stimulation - Ovary & Endometrium, which brought together doctors and specialists from all over the GCC featuring over 10 internationally acclaimed experts in the field of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) from the world-leading University of Brussels (UZ Brussels). Most notable among the speakers were Prof. Paul Devreoy - Medical & Scientific Director, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussels, Prof. Klaus Deidrich - Director, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein and Prof. Human Fatemi - Medical Director, Center for Reproductive Medicine in Brussels & Consultant at Royale Hayat Hospital Kuwait.
Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, Minister of Health, observed that the main objective and need of this conference is the urgent necessity for guidance and protocols of IVF programs in Kuwait, as there are many complications that arise such as premature and early births in both the public and private health sectors. He also pointed out that the Neonatal Care units at the Ministry of Health hold a majority of babies born through IVF practices.
Prof. Marc Noppen, CEO of UZ Brussels opened the conference by congratulating the success of the Reproductive Medicine & IVF Clinic at the Royale Hayat Hospital, a collaboration between the Royale Hayat Hospital and UZ Brussels, which opened in 2009.
A special part of the conference featured Prof. Paul Devreoy - Medical & Scientific Director, Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussels, who pioneered the use of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). In his lecture he specified, "Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) aim to increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, but in most IVF Cycles more than one embryo is transferred, resulting in an increased chance for multiple pregnancies. Developed societies have witnessed a large rise in prevalence of twin, triplet, and higher order multiple births, mainly resulting from ARTs". Therefore, Prof. Devroey stressed the importance of increasing the awareness of multiple birth implications. The background of Ovarian Hyperstimulation trends supports current good practice, and strategies to reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies.
Prof. Klaus Diedrich - Director, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, observed that 1 to 4% of all children in developed countries are born as a result of Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART) and it is therefore vital to follow up on such cases. He noted: "It is known that the main risks for the future well being of ART children remain multiple pregnancies and low birth weight. It is essential to shed light on their health as they progress through adolescence and into adulthood. In recent years, there has been considerable work in this field encompassing neonatal outcomes, the risk of congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental outcomes, physical health, psychosocial well being, and the risk of cancer".
Prof. Stratis Kolibianakis from Greece, followed with a comparison study of the use of certain types of drugs to support pregnancy. Prof. Georg Griesenger from Germany then outlined the effects of such drugs on the Uterine and their role during pregnancy. In addition, Dr. Stoop from UZ Brussels discussed the best time and methods of IVF freezing techniques.
In closing, Prof. Paul Devreoy, commented on the advancements made in the field of IVF, he said "IVF has come a long way since the first pregnancy achieved by In Vitro Fertilization reported in 1978. Scientists still aim at increasing the success rate of these techniques to its maximum, via the development of protocol, and moving toward an almost complication free IVF clinic."
Prof. Human Fatemi, Director of Reproductive Medicine & IVF Clinic at the Royale Hayat Hospital, wrapped up the days lecture by stressing that IVF has become the final solution for most fertility problems, moving from tubal disease to male factor, idiopathic fertility, endometriosis, advanced maternal age, and none responding ovaries.
He also made observations on the impact of Pre-ovulatory progesterone rise on pregnancy rates, and the practice of taking Progesterone supplements in IVF-stimulated cycles due to the association of Luteal Phase Defects (LPDs). Prof. Fatemi conducted research on the assessment of stopping such Progesterone supplements during early pregnancy and in his findings discovered that it was not inferior to its continuation in pregnancy beyond the first trimester. He also discussed on endocrine mechanisms involved in embryonic loss or survival and how better understanding of those mechanisms has been developed.
Prof. Fatemi expressed his pleasure on Royale Hayat Hospital and Kuwait hosting this International Conference, and thanked Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, Minister of Health, Participating Speakers and the Official Sponsors for making the conference a huge success and hoped to have many similar activities in the future.
-Ends-About Royale Hayat:
Royale Hayat Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital delivering the highest quality care combining hospitality and healthcare services to optimize efficiency and quality of life to all.
Located in Jabriya, facing the 4th Ring Road, the Royal Hayat Hospital features exceptional maternity and post-natal programs, and also noted for Cardiology, ENT, Nutrition Services, Cosmetic Surgery, Obesity Surgery, IVF, Neonatology, Pediatrics, Dentistry, and Imaging & Laboratory Services. Since our beginnings as a women and children hospital in 2006, we have grown to become Kuwait's leading multi-specialty healthcare provider delivering the highest quality care through all of your life stages.
We realize that your health encompasses the entire spectrum of care so we remain sensitive to your needs for a pleasant hospital experience - one where you receive impeccable service and enjoy the warmth of compassionate care in a healing and luxurious environment.
That is why we have assembled a world-class team of physicians, nurses and clinicians armed with the resources and leading edge technology to provide comprehensive care to all ages - from newborns and young children to adolescents, adults and the elderly.
Contact: Sevana Minasian, Media Specialist, Marketing Dept, enquiries@royalehayat.com
© Press Release 2011
