Oocyte cryopreservation in the setting of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-producing paraneoplastic syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Background Many reproductive aged women with new oncologic diagnoses choose to undergo emergency oocyte or embryo cryopreservation prior to initiating potentially gonadal toxic oncologic therapies. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potential complication of these treatments and can be particularly dangerous in these patients due to their underlying medical illness and by delaying lifesaving oncology treatment. This case report details a multipronged approach to OHSS prevention in a patient with a paraneoplastic syndrome defined by overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is also primarily responsible for OHSS. Case presentation A 29 year old nulligravid woman was diagnosed with a rare multisystem paraneoplastic syndrome (Polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder and skin changes, known as POEMS) and presented for fertility preservation consultation prior to autologous stem cell transplant. She successfully underwent oocyte cryopreservation without complications due to aggressive OHSS prophylaxis with both a dopamine agonist and aromatase inhibitor during and after stimulation and a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A) for final oocyte maturation, without delay in her subsequent oncology treatment. Conclusions This is the first report of a patient with POEMS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Oocyte cryopreservation was successful and without complications due to a combination of prophylactic measures against OHSS (cabergoline, letrozole and GnRH-A trigger) and close collaboration between reproductive endocrinology and oncology. This case demonstrates the use of combined measures in targeting VEGF overproduction and OHSS risk during COH

Mate Preferences and Big Five

Abstract The purpose of our study is to see how individual’s personalities are related to their attraction to profiles that demonstrate different levels of Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness. We know from past literature that individuals are attracted to those with similar personalities (Markey & Markey, 2007). Individuals also tend to seek out people who score higher in extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness than themselves (Figuerodo, A. et. al, 2006). Our study consisted of 40 participants that took an online survey, within the survey there were 8 different profiles, each varying on high and low levels of extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness. Once participants finished that portion of the survey, they were then asked to take the Big 5 personality test. We hypothesized to find that those who tend to score high on extraversion will seek out partners that score high on openness and vice versa. Our second hypothesis is that personal conscientiousness will be positively correlated to ideal partner conscientiousness. The last hypothesis is personal neuroticism will be negatively correlated to ideal partner neuroticism. From this study we hope to expand the gap in literature and see if an individual’s own Big five traits is correlated with their selected mate’s Big five traits. Keywords: Big 5 personality test, extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and mate preferenc