Effect of Embryo Developmental Stage, Morphological Grading, and Ploidy Status on Live Birth Rate in Frozen Cycles of Single Blastocyst Transfer

Abstract Study question Is double blastocysts transfer (DET) better than sequential single blastocyst transfer (seq-SET) in freeze all cycles? Summary answer Sequential single blastocyst transfer provides a higher live birth rate (LBR) per cycle initiated and eliminates multiple births in freeze-all cycles. What is known already Improvements in cryopreservation technology helped freeze-all strategy gain much popularity. The new debate is whether guidance for single embryo transfer should also be applied to frozen-thawed embryo transfers in freeze-all cycles. Study design, size, duration We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 860 women in whom the entire cohort of embryos frozen at the blastocyst stage for various indications. All women aged 19–43 years, who had at least two blastocysts frozen and subsequently thawed and transferred were included. Preimplantation genetic testing cycles were excluded.The study period ranged from January 2016 to May 2019. Participants/materials, setting, methods Data regarding female age, number of embryos transferred, multiple pregnancy and live birth rates (LBR) were extracted from the electronic database. Women were categorized based on their age and the mode of embryo transfer. Primary outcome was live birth rate LBR per cycle initiated. Secondary outcomes were LBR per embryo transfer and multiple birth rate. Groups were compared using Fisher’s test, generalized estimating equation model and logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors. Main results and the role of chance The study group comprised of 666 women (371 Seq-SET and 295 DET) who underwent 837 embryo transfer cycles. Second embryo transfer was affected in 46.1% of women in the Seq-SET group. Age, indication for freeze-all, and mode of transfer were related with the LBR. For women ≤ 35 (n = 370), LBRs per embryo transfer were similar in single and double embryo transfers (53.9% versus 64.2% respectively, p = 0.006, aOR=0.65, 95% CI:0.41–1.01). However, LBR per cycle initiated was significantly higher in Seq-SET group (78.9% versus 64.2% respectively, p = 0.004, aHR=2.09, 95% CI:1.28–3.41). While only one monochorionic twin delivery was observed with Seq-SET (0.5%), 19 out of 70 (27.1%) live births after DET were twins. For women >35 of age (n = 296) the likelihood of a live birth per embryo transfer was lower in single compared to double embryo transfers (33.2% versus 46.2%, respectively, p = 0.012, aOR=0.58 95% CI:0.38–0.88). Although LBR per cycle initiated was higher in Seq-SET (58.2%) than DET (46.2%), the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.054, aHR=1.62, 95% CI:1.00–2.60). While no twin delivery was observed with Seq-SET, 8 out of 86 (9.3%) live births with DET were twins. Limitations, reasons for caution This was a retrospective study with small sample size performed at a single fertility center, which may limit the generalizability of our findings. Cost-efficiency was not studied. Wider implications of the findings: Seq-SET is associated with a comparable or higher likelihood of live birth per cycle initiated and a very low risk of twins when compared to DET. However, half of SET cases had to undergo two transfer cycles. Trial registration number NA

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The effect of air bubble position on ART outcome in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1059586/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tingting Yang ◽

Bo Chen ◽

Xiaoyan Sun ◽

Qingyang Li ◽

Qiumei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnancy Rate ◽

Live Birth ◽

Birth Rate ◽

Live Birth Rate ◽

Clinical Pregnancy ◽

Clinical Pregnancy Rate ◽

Blastocyst Transfer ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Air Bubble ◽

Art Outcome

Abstract Background So far, only few literatures have studied the relationship between blastocyst transfer position and ART outcomes, and the conclusions are still controversial. Our study is to evaluate the effect of air bubble position on ART outcome and to find the optimal embryo transfer position in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Methods This study included a retrospective cohort analysis of 399 frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers ultrasound-guided performed between June 1, 2017 and November 30, 2020. All of the women scheduled for frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers ultrasound-guided. The primary outcome is clinical pregnancy rate and the secondary outcome is live birth rate. Statistical analyses were conducted using One-way Anova, Kruscal Whallis H test, chi-square test and Smooth curve fitting. Results When BFD was less than 19 mm, there was no significant change in clinical pregnancy rate as BFD increased (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.02, P = 0.1373); when BFD was more than 19 mm, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased by 16% for every 1 mm increase in BFD (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.98, P = 0.0363). The effect of BFD on live birth rate were similar to that on clinical pregnancy rate, the inflection point was 19mm, when BFD was more than 19 mm, the live birth rate decreases by 58% for every 1 mm increase in BFD (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.86, P = 0.0174) Conclusions The ideal pregnancy outcome can be achieved within 19mm from uterus fundus after single blastocyst transfer, The clinical pregnancy and live birth at a distance of more 19mm from the uterus fundus have a cliff-like downward trend.

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P–304 The endometrial preparation protocol does not affect the live-birth-rate after vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfers: an analysis of 1884 procedures

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.303 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Petriglia ◽

A Vaiarelli ◽

D Cimadomo ◽

C Gentile ◽

F Fiorini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Live Birth ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Birth Rate ◽

Live Birth Rate ◽

Blastocyst Transfer ◽

Workload Management ◽

Endometrial Preparation ◽

Blastocyst Quality ◽

The Impact ◽

Micronized Progesterone

Abstract Study question Is the live-birth-rate (LBR) different when comparing artificial (AC) and modified-natural (M-NC) cycle for endometrial preparation to vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer? Summary answer The LBR after vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer seem independent of the endometrial preparation administered. What is known already Only the transfer of a competent embryo on a receptive endometrium might result in successful implantation. Three main protocols for endometrial preparation to vitrified-warmed embryo transfer exist: NC, M-NC, and AC. None among them, though, has been shown more appropriate than the others to date, especially since, only in a few studies, the analysis was restricted to single euploid blastocyst transfers to limit the impact of embryonic issues on implantation. In conclusion, no clear consensus exists and the choice is still largely based on menstrual/ovarian cycle characteristics and patient’s needs. Study design, size, duration All first vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfers performed between April–2013 and March–2020 were included in the analysis. Endometrial preparation was conducted with either an AC (N = 1211) or a M-NC (N = 673). The protocol was chosen based on patients’ logistical reasons. The primary outcome was the LBR per transfer. Sub-analyses based on blastocyst quality and day of development were conducted. Birthweight, gestational age, gestational and perinatal issues were secondary outcomes. Participants/materials, setting, methods AC: oral estradiol-valerate 3-times/day from day2–3 of the cycle until the endometrial thickness reached ≥7mm, then 600 mg/day of micronized progesterone. The transfer was conducted on day6 of progesterone administration. M-NC: an intramuscular dose of 10,000IU hCG was administrated when the leading follicle was >17 mm and the endometrium was thicker than 7mm and trilaminar, plus 400 mg/day of micronized-progesterone as luteal phase support starting 36–40hr post-hCG. The transfer was conducted on day7 after trigger. Main results and the role of chance The two groups were similar for maternal age at retrieval (38.0±3.3yr) and transfer (38.3±3.3yr), reproductive history, embryological outcomes of the IVF cycle, body-mass-index, basal hormonal levels, and blastocyst features (Gardner’s classification: AA = 73%, AB/BA=11%, BB/AC/CA=8%, CC/BC/CB=8%; day5=48%, day6=47%, day7=5%). The LBR was 46.7% (N = 565/1211) and 49.9% (N = 336/673) after AC and M-NC, respectively, resulting in an odds-ratio 1.14, 95%CI:0.94–1.37. The absence of significant differences was confirmed also when adjusted for blastocyst quality and day of full-development (1.16, 95%CI:0.96–1.41). Among the 565 and 336 deliveries, the birthweight was similar (3290.3±470.7 versus 3251.7±521.5 g, Mann-Whitney-U-test=0.5), the gestational age was similar (38.5±1.7 versus 38.4±1.9 weeks, Mann-Whitney-U-test=0.5). Also, the rates of newborns who were normal (81% versus 82%), large (8% versus 9%), and small (11% versus 9%) for gestational age were similar (Chi-squared-test=0.5). The rates of patients experiencing gestational (6% versus 7%) and/or perinatal issues (3% versus 3%) were also similar (Fisher’s-exact-tests=0.4). Limitations, reasons for caution This is a retrospective study conducted in poor prognosis patients indicated to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies. Future randomized controlled trials and cost-effectiveness analysis are desirable, as well as studies in different patient populations. Lastly, each gestational/perinatal issue shall be analyzed per se (e.g. different placentation disorders). Wider implications of the findings: The absence of clinical and perinatal differences between the two protocols for endometrial preparation supports the adoption, whenever needed, of AC. This approach, in fact, allows a higher flexibility in patients’ and daily workload management. Trial registration number None

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