P–756 Predictive factors influencing multiple live births in cumulative IVF cycles: retrospective analysis of over 265000 embryo transfer procedures from the national French registry

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Nogueira ◽  
B Keppi ◽  
G Regnier-Vigouroux ◽  
E Scalici ◽  
S Cens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Multiple Pregnancies ◽  
Perinatal Complications ◽  
Fertilisation Rate ◽  
Frozen Embryos

Abstract Study question What are the factors that could predict the number of embryos to be transferred in order to diminish risk of multiple pregnancies? Summary answer Single embryo transfer (SET) is advisable for <38 year-old women in fresh cycles and for <35 year-old women in FET whatever the IVF number attempts. What is known already Multiple pregnancies are associated to increased maternal and perinatal complications. Risks associated to multiple implantations are significantly reduced with SET policy. However, while SET is more assertive with a lesser negative impact in younger patients (<35 years), its feasibility is less evident for the older population, whom oocyte quality is likely compromised. A double embryo transfer (DET) could improve chances of implantation and shorten their time to pregnancy. Identification of risk factors for multiple pregnancies could help in decision making for a double or SET and reduce chances for multiple gestations without reducing the chances to achieve pregnancy. Study design, size, duration A retrospective study from the national French data registry provided and approved by the Agence de la Biomédecine was performed. A total of 196530 fresh and 68913 frozen cycles from women aged 18–43 year-old were included (2014–2017). Risk factors assessed included women’s age, number of attempts, number of oocytes, fertilization rate, embryo stage, number of embryos transferred, number of supernumerary embryos frozen. Secondary infertility, oocyte donor, oocyte freezing, PGT, freeze-all and IVM cycles were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cumulative cycles derived from 65% of ICSI, 32% of IVF and 3,2% IVF/ICSI. The distribution of patients age at oocyte retrieval was 60% < 35, 21% < 38, 11% < 40, and 8% ≥ 40 years old. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to calculate adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for live birth chance and multiple live birth risk associated with each risk factor. Main results and the role of chance The chances of obtaining a cumulative live birth decreases with increased patients age (OR 0.71 for 35–38 years and 0.47 for 38–40 years, p < 0.00001), with increased number of attempts (from OR 0.87 for attempt = 2 to OR 0.74 for attempt ≥ 4, p < 0.00001), and for frozen embryos transferred (OR 0.14, p < 0.00001). The chances of live birth increases with the increased number of oocytes (from OR 1.33 for 4–12 to OR 1.52 for > 18, p < 0.00001 in all cases), with a fertilisation rate >40% (OR 1.29, p < 0.00001), with blastocyst transfer (OR 1.29, p < 0.00001), with the increase on the number of frozen embryos (OR 7.37 for >1, OR 13.08 for >2, and OR 16.92 for >6, p < 0.00001 in all cases) and number of embryos transferred (OR 1.42 for 2 embryos and OR 1.39 for >2 embryos, p < 0.00001 in all cases). In case of live birth, the risks of multiple births when two embryos were transferred decreases in patients aged >38 years (OR 0.50, p < 0.00001) and for frozen embryos transferred (OR 0.65, p < 0.00001). The risk increases with a fertilisation rate >60% (OR 1.30, p < 0.00001), with blastocysts transfer (OR 1.34, p < 0.00001) and when at least one supernumerary embryo is frozen (OR > 1.30, p < 0.00001). Limitations, reasons for caution This study is limited in only providing a risk-benefit balance for multiples on the choice of transferring one or two embryos. Clinical data such as stimulation protocols and doses of gonadotropins were not considered in this evaluation. Wider implications of the findings: This study provides help to develop a strategy for the medical staff in the decision making for the number of embryos to be transferred. It may also serve as a patient’s information aid and help to improve their chances of achieving a health singleton if pregnant. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Comparing the cumulative live birth rate of cleavage-stage versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfers between IVF cycles: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled superiority trial (the ToF trial)

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e042395
Author(s):  
Simone Cornelisse ◽  
Liliana Ramos ◽  
Brigitte Arends ◽  
Janneke J Brink-van der Vlugt ◽  
Jan Peter de Bruin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Cleavage Stage ◽  
Cumulative Live Birth Rate ◽  
Cumulative Live Birth ◽  
Superiority Trial

IntroductionIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) has evolved as an intervention of choice to help couples with infertility to conceive. In the last decade, a strategy change in the day of embryo transfer has been developed. Many IVF centres choose nowadays to transfer at later stages of embryo development, for example, transferring embryos at blastocyst stage instead of cleavage stage. However, it still is not known which embryo transfer policy in IVF is more efficient in terms of cumulative live birth rate (cLBR), following a fresh and the subsequent frozen–thawed transfers after one oocyte retrieval. Furthermore, studies reporting on obstetric and neonatal outcomes from both transfer policies are limited.Methods and analysisWe have set up a multicentre randomised superiority trial in the Netherlands, named the Three or Fivetrial. We plan to include 1200 women with an indication for IVF with at least four embryos available on day 2 after the oocyte retrieval. Women are randomly allocated to either (1) control group: embryo transfer on day 3 and cryopreservation of supernumerary good-quality embryos on day 3 or 4, or (2) intervention group: embryo transfer on day 5 and cryopreservation of supernumerary good-quality embryos on day 5 or 6. The primary outcome is the cLBR per oocyte retrieval. Secondary outcomes include LBR following fresh transfer, multiple pregnancy rate and time until pregnancy leading a live birth. We will also assess the obstetric and neonatal outcomes, costs and patients’ treatment burden.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects in the Netherlands in June 2018 (CCMO NL 64060.000.18). The results of this trial will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed and in open access journals.Trial registration numberNetherlands Trial Register (NL 6857).

scholarly journals The impact of follicle-flushing during oocyte collection on embryo development of in-vitro fertilization

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-hua Zhu ◽  
Xiao-bei Ni ◽  
Fei Lin ◽  
Zhi-peng Xu ◽  
Jun-shun Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oocyte Collection ◽  
Good Quality Embryo ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background To evaluate the impact of follicle-flushing during oocyte collection on embryo development potential retrospectively. Methods A total of 1714 cases, including 133 who experienced retrieval difficulty (repeated follicle-flushing) on the day of oocyte retrieval (difficulty group) and the control 1581 cases (control group), were assessed in this retrospective study. The number of oocytes recovered, two pro-nuclei fertilization (2PN-fertilization), day 3 good-quality embryo and day 5/6 blastocyst utilization rates were compared between the difficulty group and control group correspondingly. Embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were further analyzed between the two groups in the fresh day− 3 embryo transfer cycles. Results The number of oocytes recovered in the difficulty group (9.08 ± 4.65) were significantly reduced compared with the control group (12.13 ± 5.27),P < 0.001; The 2PN-fertilization, day 3 good-quality embryo and blastocyst utilization rates were significantly lower in the difficulty group compared with controls (71.7% vs. 75.7%; 52.7% vs. 56.5%; 31.9% vs. 37.0%, all P < 0.05). Embryo implantation in the difficulty group was 53.2%, which was lower than the control value of 58.7%, although not reaching statistical significance. The rate of fresh embryo transfer cycles in the difficulty group was lower than normal ones (51.88% vs. 61.99%, P = 0.026). The pregnancy and live birth rates were similar between the two groups. But the rate of spontaneous miscarriages of the difficulty group was higher than the control group, although not reaching statistical significance. The neonatal outcomes had no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusions Oocyte retrieval difficulty, which include repeated flushing and the corresponded extending time required for oocyte recovery, significantly reduced day 3 good-quality embryo and blastocyst utilization rates of these patients. But the live birth rate had no difference between the difficulty group and the normal ones.

scholarly journals A Predictive Model of Live Birth Based on Obesity and Metabolic Parameters in Patients With PCOS Undergoing Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Jiang ◽  
Ruijun Liu ◽  
Ting Liao ◽  
Ye He ◽  
Caihua Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Validation Cohort ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Training Cohort ◽  
Frozen Thawed Embryo Transfer ◽  
Thawed Embryo Transfer

AimsTo determine the clinical predictors of live birth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (F-ET), and to determine whether these parameters can be used to develop a clinical nomogram model capable of predicting live birth outcomes for these women.MethodsIn total, 1158 PCOS patients that were clinically pregnant following F-ET treatment were retrospectively enrolled in this study and randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 928) and the validation cohort (n = 230) at an 8:2 ratio. Relevant risk factors were selected via a logistic regression analysis approach based on the data from patients in the training cohort, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. A nomogram was constructed based on relevant risk factors, and its performance was assessed based on its calibration and discriminative ability.ResultsIn total, 20 variables were analyzed in the present study, of which five were found to be independently associated with the odds of live birth in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, including advanced age, obesity, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and insulin resistance (IR). Having advanced age (OR:0.499, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.257 – 967), being obese (OR:0.506, 95% CI: 0.306 - 0.837), having higher TC levels (OR: 0.528, 95% CI: 0.423 - 0.660), having higher TG levels (OR: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.465 - 737), and exhibiting IR (OR:0.611, 95% CI: 0.416 - 0.896) were all independently associated with a reduced chance of achieving a live birth. A predictive nomogram incorporating these five variables was found to be well-calibrated and to exhibit good discriminatory capabilities, with an area under the curve (AUC) for the training group of 0.750 (95% CI, 0.709 - 0.788). In the independent validation cohort, this model also exhibited satisfactory goodness-of-fit and discriminative capabilities, with an AUC of 0.708 (95% CI, 0.615 - 0.781).ConclusionsThe nomogram developed in this study may be of value as a tool for predicting the odds of live birth for PCOS patients undergoing F-ET, and has the potential to improve the efficiency of pre-transfer management.

scholarly journals Delay in IVF treatment up to 180 days does not affect pregnancy outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1630-1636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip A Romanski ◽  
Pietro Bortoletto ◽  
Zev Rosenwaks ◽  
Glenn L Schattman
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Ovarian Reserve ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Diminished Ovarian Reserve ◽  
Short Term Treatment

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Will a delay in initiating IVF treatment affect pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve? SUMMARY ANSWER A delay in IVF treatment up to 180 days does not affect the live birth rate for women with diminished ovarian reserve when compared to women who initiate IVF treatment within 90 days of presentation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In clinical practice, treatment delays can occur due to medical, logistical or financial reasons. Over a period of years, a gradual decline in ovarian reserve occurs which can result in declining outcomes in response to IVF treatment over time. There is disagreement among reproductive endocrinologists about whether delaying IVF treatment for a few months can negatively affect patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective cohort study of infertile patients in an academic hospital setting with diminished ovarian reserve who started an IVF cycle within 180 days of their initial consultation and underwent an oocyte retrieval with planned fresh embryo transfer between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Diminished ovarian reserve was defined as an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) &lt;1.1 ng/ml. In total, 1790 patients met inclusion criteria (1115 immediate and 675 delayed treatment). Each patient had one included cycle and no subsequent data from additional frozen embryo transfer cycles were included. Since all cycle outcomes evaluated were from fresh embryo transfers, no genetically tested embryos were included. Patients were grouped by whether their cycle started 1–90 days after presentation (immediate) or 91–180 days (delayed). The primary outcome was live birth (≥24 weeks of gestation). A subgroup analysis of more severe forms of diminished ovarian reserve was performed to evaluate outcomes for patients with an AMH &lt;0.5 and for patients &gt;40 years old with an AMH &lt;1.1 ng/ml (Bologna criteria for diminished ovarian reserve). Logistic regression analysis, adjusted a priori for patient age, was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI. All pregnancy outcomes were additionally adjusted for the number of embryos transferred. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean ± SD number of days from presentation to IVF start was 50.5 ± 21.9 (immediate) and 128.8 ± 25.9 (delayed). After embryo transfer, the live birth rate was similar between groups (immediate: 23.9%; delayed: 25.6%; OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.85–1.38). Additionally, a similar live birth rate was observed in a subgroup analysis of patients with an AMH &lt;0.5 ng/ml (immediate: 18.8%; delayed: 19.1%; OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65–1.51) and in patients &gt;40 years old with an AMH &lt;1.1 ng/ml (immediate: 12.3%; delayed: 14.7%; OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.77–1.91). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There is the potential for selection bias with regard to the patients who started their IVF cycle within 90 days compared to 91–180 days after initial consultation. In addition, we did not include patients who were seen for initial evaluation but did not progress to IVF treatment with oocyte retrieval; therefore, our results should only be applied to patients with diminished ovarian reserve who complete an IVF cycle. Finally, since we excluded patients who started their IVF cycle greater than 180 days from their first visit, it is not known how such a delay in treatment affects pregnancy outcomes in IVF cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A delay in initiating IVF treatment in patients with diminished ovarian reserve up to 180 days from the initial visit does not affect pregnancy outcomes. This observation remains true for patients who are in the high-risk categories for poor response to ovarian stimulation. Providers and patients should be reassured that when a short-term treatment delay is deemed necessary for medical, logistic or financial reasons, treatment outcomes will not be affected. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No financial support, funding or services were obtained for this study. The authors do not report any potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.

scholarly journals Ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 2036-2043 ◽  
Author(s):  
S L Boulet ◽  
Y Zhou ◽  
J Shriber ◽  
D M Kissin ◽  
H Strosnider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA? SUMMARY ANSWER We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We linked 2010–2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004–1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.

scholarly journals A decision-making algorithm for performing or cancelling embryo transfer in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after triggering final oocyte maturation with hCG

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
GT Lainas ◽  
TG Lainas ◽  
IA Sfontouris ◽  
CA Venetis ◽  
MA Kyprianou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Final Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Severe Ohss ◽  
Hcg Trigger

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Can the grade of ascites, haematocrit (Ht), white blood cell (WBC) count and maximal ovarian diameter (MOD) measured on Day 3 be used to construct a decision-making algorithm for performing or cancelling embryo transfer in patients at high risk for severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after an hCG trigger? SUMMARY ANSWER Using cut-offs of ascites grade&gt;2, Ht&gt;39.2%, WBC&gt;12 900/mm3 and MOD&gt;85 mm on Day 3, a decision-making algorithm was constructed that could predict subsequent development of severe OHSS on Day 5 with an AUC of 0.93, a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 84.2% in high-risk patients triggered with hCG. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite the increasing popularity of GnRH agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation as a way to prevent OHSS, ≥75% of IVF cycles still involve an hCG trigger. Numerous risk factors and predictive models of OHSS have been proposed, but the measurement of these early predictors is restricted either prior to or during the controlled ovarian stimulation. In high-risk patients triggered with hCG, the identification of luteal-phase predictors assessed post-oocyte retrieval, which reflect the pathophysiological changes leading to severe early OHSS, is currently lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective study of 321 patients at high risk for severe OHSS following hCG triggering of final oocyte maturation. High risk for OHSS was defined as the presence of at least 19 follicles ≥11 mm on the day of triggering of final oocyte maturation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study includes IVF/ICSI patients at high risk for developing severe OHSS, who administered hCG to trigger final oocyte maturation. Ascites grade, MOD, Ht and WBC were assessed in the luteal phase starting from the day of oocyte retrieval. Outcome measures were the optimal thresholds of ascites grade, MOD, Ht and WBC measured on Day 3 post-oocyte retrieval to predict subsequent severe OHSS development on Day 5. These criteria were used to construct a decision-making algorithm for embryo transfer, based on the estimated probability of severe OHSS development on Day 5. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The optimal Day 3 cutoffs for severe OHSS prediction on Day 5 were ascites grade&gt;2, Ht&gt;39.2%, WBC&gt;12 900/mm3 and MOD&gt;85 mm. The probability of severe OHSS with no criteria fulfilled on Day 3 is 0% (95% CI: 0–5.5); with one criterion, 0.8% (95% CI: 0.15–4.6); with two criteria, 13.3% (95% CI: 7.4–22.8); with three criteria, 37.2% (95% CI: 24.4–52.1); and with four criteria, 88.9% (95% CI, 67.2–98.1). The predictive model of severe OHSS had an AUC of 0.93 with a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 84.2%. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective study, and therefore, it cannot be excluded that non-apparent sources of bias might be present. In addition, we acknowledge the lack of external validation of our model. We have created a web-based calculator (http://ohsspredict.org), for wider access and usage of our tool. By inserting the values of ascites grade, MOD, Ht and WBC of high-risk patients on Day 3 after oocyte retrieval, the clinician instantly receives the predicted probability of severe OHSS development on Day 5. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study describes a novel decision-making algorithm for embryo transfer based on ascites, Ht, WBC and MOD measurements on Day 3. The algorithm may be useful for the management of high-risk patients triggered with hCG and for helping the clinician’s decision to proceed with, or to cancel, embryo transfer. It must be emphasized that the availability of the present decision-making algorithm should in no way encourage the use of hCG trigger in patients at high risk for OHSS. In these patients, the recommended approach is the use of GnRH antagonist protocols, GnRH agonist trigger and elective embryo cryopreservation. In addition, in patients triggered with hCG, freezing all embryos and luteal-phase GnRH antagonist administration should be considered for the outpatient management of severe early OHSS and prevention of late OHSS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (GNT1147154) to C.A.V. No conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

scholarly journals Cumulative live birth rates following blastocyst- versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in the first complete cycle of IVF: a population-based retrospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2365-2374
Author(s):  
N J Cameron ◽  
S Bhattacharya ◽  
D J McLernon
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Blastocyst Transfer ◽  
Cleavage Stage ◽  
Complete Cycle ◽  
Cumulative Live Birth ◽  
Cleavage Stage Embryo ◽  
Stage Embryo

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is there a difference in the odds of a live birth following blastocyst- versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in the first complete cycle of IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER After adjusting for indication bias, there was not enough evidence to suggest a difference in the odds of live birth following blastocyst- versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in the first complete cycle of IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Replacement of blastocyst-stage embryos has become the dominant practice in IVF but there is uncertainty about whether this technique offers an improved chance of cumulative live birth over all fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer attempts associated with a single oocyte retrieval. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION National population-based retrospective cohort study of 100 610 couples who began their first IVF/ICSI treatment at a licenced UK clinic between 1 January 1999 and 30 July 2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) register on IVF/ICSI treatments using autologous gametes between 1999 and 2010 were analysed. The primary outcome was the live birth rate over the first complete cycle of IVF. Cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) were compared for couples who underwent blastocyst and cleavage transfer, and the adjusted odds of live birth over the first complete cycle were estimated for each group using binary logistic regression. This analysis was repeated within groups of female age, oocytes collected and primary versus secondary infertility. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for the imbalance in couple characteristics between treatment groups. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 94 294 (93.7%) couples had a cleavage-stage embryo transfer while 6316 (6.3%) received blastocysts. Over the first complete cycle of IVF/ICSI (incorporating all fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers associated with the first oocyte retrieval), the CLBR was increased in those who underwent blastocyst transfer (56.5%) compared to cleavage-stage embryo transfer (34.8%). However, after accounting for the imbalance between exposures, blastocyst transfer did not significantly influence the odds of live birth over the first complete cycle (adjusted odds ratio: 1.03 (0.96, 1.10)). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations of our study include the retrospective nature of the HFEA dataset and availability of linked data up until 2010. We were unable to adjust for some confounders, such as smoking status, BMI and embryo quality, as these data are not collected at national level by the HFEA. Similarly, there may be unknown couple, treatment or clinic variables that may influence our results. We were unable to assess the intended stage of embryo transfer for women who did not have an embryo replaced, and therefore excluded them from our study. Perinatal outcomes were not included in our analyses and would be a useful basis for future study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings show that blastocyst-stage embryo transfer may offer an improved chance of live birth in both the first fresh and the first complete cycle of IVF/ICSI compared to cleavage-stage transfer, even in couples with typically poorer prognoses. Where possible, offering blastocyst transfer to a wider range of couples may increase cumulative success rates. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) N.J.C. received a Wolfson Foundation Intercalated Degree Research Fellowship funded by the Wolfson Foundation, through the Royal College of Physicians. This work was supported by a Chief Scientist Office Postdoctoral Training Fellowship in Health Services Research and Health of the Public Research (Ref PDF/12/06) held by D.J.M. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Chief Scientist Office or the Wolfson Foundation. The funders did not have any role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; nor in the decision to submit the paper for publication. None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A

scholarly journals Comparison of pregnancy outcomes following preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using a matched propensity score design

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2356-2364
Author(s):  
Miriam J Haviland ◽  
Lauren A Murphy ◽  
Anna M Modest ◽  
Matthew P Fox ◽  
Lauren A Wise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Oocyte Retrieval ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Confounding By Indication ◽  
Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) increase the likelihood of live birth among women undergoing autologous IVF who have fertilized embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER PGT-A is associated with a greater probability of live birth among women 35 years old and older who are undergoing IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies evaluating the association between PGT-A and the incidence of live birth may be prone to confounding by indication, as women whose embryos undergo PGT-A may have a lower probability of live birth due to other factors associated with their increased risk of aneuploidy (e.g. advancing age, history of miscarriage). Propensity score matching can reduce bias where strong confounding by indication is expected. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from women who underwent autologous IVF treatment, had their first oocyte retrieval at our institution from 1 January 2011 through 31 October 2017 and had fertilized embryos from this retrieval. If a woman elected to use PGT-A, all good quality embryos (defined as an embryo between Stages 3 and 6 with Grade A or B inner or outer cell mass) were tested. We only evaluated cycles associated with the first oocyte retrieval in this analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our analytic cohort included 8227 women. We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate a propensity score for PGT-A based on relevant demographic and clinical factors available to the IVF provider at the time of PGT-A or embryo transfer. We used the propensity score to match women who did and did not utilize PGT-A in a 1:1 ratio. We then used log-binomial regression to compare the cumulative incidence of embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth between women who did and did not utilize PGT-A. Because the risk of aneuploidy increases with age, we repeated these analyses among women &lt;35, 35–37 and ≥38 years old based on the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology’s standards. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, women with fertilized embryos who used PGT-A were significantly less likely to have an embryo transfer (risk ratios (RR): 0.78; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.82) but were more likely to have a cycle that resulted in a clinical pregnancy (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28) and live birth (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.35) than women who did not use PGT-A. Among women aged ≥38 years, those who used PGT-A were 67% (RR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.13) more likely to have a live birth than women who did not use PGT-A. Among women aged 35–37 years, those who used PGT-A were also more likely to have a live birth (RR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.54) than women who did not use PGT-A. In contrast, women &lt;35 years old who used PGT-A were as likely to have a live birth (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.78, 1.06) as women &lt;35 years old who did not use PGT-A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We were unable to abstract several potential confounding variables from patients’ records (e.g. anti-Mullerian hormone levels and prior IVF treatment), which may have resulted in residual confounding. Additionally, by restricting our analyses to cycles associated with the first oocyte retrieval, we were unable to estimate the cumulative incidence of live birth over multiple oocyte retrieval cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Women aged 35 years or older are likely to benefit from PGT-A. Larger studies might identify additional subgroups of women who might benefit from PGT-A. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was received for this study. D.S. reports that he is a member of the Cooper Surgical Advisory Board. The other authors report no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document