Does IVF cleavage stage embryo quality affect pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes in singleton gestations after double embryo transfers?

Does growth hormone supplementation of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection improve cumulative live birth rates in women with poor embryonic development in the previous cycle?

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) has been proposed as an adjunct in in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, especially in women with poor ovarian response. However, it is unclear whether GH supplementation is effective in women with poor embryonic development in the previous IVF cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of GH supplementation in IVF/ICSI cycles in women with poor embryonic development in the previous cycle.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study from a public fertility center in China, in which we performed propensity score-matching (PSM) for female age and AFC in a ratio of 1:1. We compared the cumulative live birth rate per started cycle, as well as a series of secondary outcomes. We included 3,043 women with poor embryonic development in the previous IVF/ICSI cycle, of which 1,326 had GH as adjuvant therapy and 1,717 had not. After PSM, there were 694 women in each group.

RESULTS

After PSM, multivariate analyses showed the cumulative live birth rate to be significantly higher in the GH group than the control group [N = 694, 34.7% vs. N = 694, 27.5%, risk ratio (RR): 1.4 (95%CI: 1.1-1.8)]. Endometrial thickness, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos available, and number of good-quality embryos were significantly higher in the GH group compared to controls. Pregnancy outcomes in terms of birth weight, gestational age, fetal sex, preterm birth rate, and type of delivery were comparable. When we evaluated the impact of GH on different categories of female age, the observed benefit in the GH group did not appear to be significant. When we assessed the effect of GH in different AFC categories, the effect of GH was strongest in women with an AFC5-6 (32.2% versus 19.5%; RR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with poor embryonic quality in the previous IVF/ICSI cycles have higher rates of cumulative live birth with GH supplementation.

Embryo Transfer Procedural Parameters Do Not Predict IVF Cycle Outcome

BACKGROUND

this study aims to assess the effect of embryo transfer (ET) performance parameters of a technical nature on IVF outcome.

METHODS

A total of 1417 ETs from a single IVF center were included in this prospective observational study. The parameters investigated were as follows: the presence of cervical mucus post catheter withdrawal, the presence of blood, catheter reload, the employment of a tenaculum and stylet, catheter resistance as experienced by the physician and patient discomfort.

RESULTS

When ET performance parameters were associated with clinical outcomes on a singular level, none of the ET parameters presented with any statistical significance. The evaluation of covariates indicated that the number and the quality of transferred embryos, as well as maternal age, exerted a statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes. In a multivariate analysis, only the presence of mucus along with significant catheter resistance presented with statistical significance; however, when adjusting for covariates, this combination showed no statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

the results indicate that the time-consuming process of recording and analyzing ET performance parameters fails to offer any additional value in predicting the cycle's outcome, while factors like embryo quality and number, as well as maternal age, seem to be the sole robust predictive factors of an IVF cycle.

Effects of Melatonin, GM-CSF, IGF-1, and LIF in Culture Media on Embryonic Development: Potential Benefits of Individualization

The implantation of good-quality embryos to the receptive endometrium is essential for successful live birth through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The higher the quality of embryos, the higher the live birth rate per cycle, and so efforts have been made to obtain as many high-quality embryos as possible after fertilization. In addition to an effective controlled ovarian stimulation process to obtain high-quality embryos, the composition of the embryo culture medium in direct contact with embryos in vitro is also important. During embryonic development, under the control of female sex hormones, the fallopian tubes and endometrium create a microenvironment that supplies the nutrients and substances necessary for embryos at each stage. During this process, the development of the embryo is finely regulated by signaling molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines secreted from the epithelial cells of the fallopian tube and uterine endometrium. The development of embryo culture media has continued since the first successful human birth through IVF in 1978. However, there are still limitations to mimicking a microenvironment similar to the reproductive organs of women suitable for embryo development in vitro. Efforts have been made to overcome the harsh in vitro culture environment and obtain high-quality embryos by adding various supplements, such as antioxidants and growth factors, to the embryo culture medium. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies on the effect of supplementation in different clinical situations such as old age, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and unexplained infertility; in addition, anticipation of the potential benefits from individuation is rising. This article reviews the effects of representative supplements in culture media on embryo development.

Impact of having surplus blastocysts cryopreserved on the ongoing pregnancy rate following a fresh transfer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate whether a surplus of vitrified blastocysts correlated with ongoing pregnancy by analyzing the clinical outcomes of fresh transfer cycles with/without a surplus of vitrified blastocysts.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis carried out in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Guizhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. Overall, 2482 fresh embryo transfer cycles were included in this study, including 1731 cycles with a surplus of vitrified blastocysts (group A) and 751 cycles with no surplus of vitrified blastocysts (group B). The clinical outcomes of fresh embryo transfer cycles were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In total, the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) after fresh transfer in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (59% vs. 34.1%, p < .001; 51.9% vs. 27.8%, p < .001, respectively). Moreover, the miscarriage rate was significantly lower in group A when compared to that in group B (10.8% vs. 16.8%, p = .008). When grouped by either female age or the number of good-quality embryos transferred, the same trends for CPR and OPR were seen in all subgroups. After adjusting for potential confounding factors in multivariate analysis, a surplus of vitrified blastocysts remained significantly associated with a higher OPR (OR: 1.52; 95% CI:1.21-1.92).

CONCLUSION

Ongoing pregnancy outcome increases significantly in fresh transfer cycle with a surplus of vitrified blastocysts.

Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes after Poor-Quality Embryo Transfer and Prognostic Parameters

We aimed to investigate the clinical results following poor-quality embryo transfer and the parameters to foresee the prognosis. In this study, 2123 cycles that had day 3 and day 5 single-fresh embryo with poor-quality embryo transfers and good-quality embryo transfers were compared. The cycles according to transfer day were evaluated by conducting a subgroup analysis. The correlation between all the obtained demographic characteristics, controlled ovarian stimulation parameters, and cycle results were analysed. Clinical pregnancy was established in 53 patients that underwent transfer in the poor-quality embryo group (14.9%). Of these patients, 36 had live birth (live birth rate per clinical pregnancy 67.9%). In cleavage-stage embryos, live birth rates per clinical pregnancy were higher in poor-quality blastocyst transfer. When analysing the factors affecting live births in the poor-quality embryo group, as the total gonadotropin dose increases, the probability of live birth decreases, as in the probability of hCG positivity. In conclusion, although the probability of pregnancy is low, when clinical pregnancy is established, there is a high chance of having a live birth after poor-quality embryo transfers. This could be regarded as an acceptable option in cycles when only poor-quality embryos are available.

Microbiological and Cytokine Profiling of Menstrual Blood for the Assessment of Endometrial Receptivity: A Pilot Study

Endometrial receptivity (ER) is a key factor required for the successful implantation of the embryo. However, the evaluation of ER is challenging, as a nondisruptive sampling of endometrial biomaterial by conventional methods is only possible outside of the embryo transfer (ET) cycle. We propose a novel approach for the assessment of ER-microbiological and cytokine profiling of menstrual blood aspirated directly from the uterine cavity at the beginning of the cryo-ET cycle. The aim of the pilot study was to evaluate its prognostic potential regarding the outcome of the in vitro fertilization procedure. Samples collected from a cohort of 42 patients undergoing cryo-ET were analyzed by a multiplex immunoassay (48 various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) and a real-time PCR assay (28 relevant microbial taxa and 3 members of the Herpesviridae family). Significant differences between groups of patients who achieved and did not achieve pregnancy were observed for G-CSF, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-9, MCP-1, M-CSF, SDF-1α, TNF-β, TRAIL, SCF, IP-10, and MIG (p < 0.05), whereas microbial profiles were not associated with the outcome of cryo-ET. It appeared that levels of IP-10 and SCGF-β were significantly lower (p < 0.05), in patients with endometriosis. Menstrual blood may provide great opportunities to noninvasively investigate various parameters of the endometrium.

Calcium ionophore improves embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous developmental problems in ICSI cycles

BACKGROUND

Calcium (Ca²⁺) ionophores are now mainly considered as efficient treatments for fertilization failure. Recently, its application for rescuing poor embryo development was proposed but still non-routine. This study aimed to explore whether Ca²⁺ ionophore improves embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor embryo development in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

METHODS

This study included 97 patients undergoing assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with Ca²⁺ ionophore (calcimycin, A23187) treatment. Preimplantation embryonic development and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI-AOA cycles (AOA group) and previous ICSI cycles of the same patients in which poor embryo developmental potential was present (non-AOA group). Subgroups stratified by maternal age (< 35, 35-40, ≥ 40 years, respectively) were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

A total of 642 MII oocytes were collected in AOA group, and 689 in non-AOA group. Significantly higher day 3 good quality embryo rate (P = 0.034), good quality blastocyst formation rate (P <  0.001), and utilization rate (P <  0.001) were seen in AOA group. Similar results were seen in each subgroup. For pregnancy outcomes, there were significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.039) and live birth rate (P = 0.045) in total group. In subgroup aged < 35 years, biochemical (P = 0.038), clinical (P = 0.041), and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.037) in AOA group were significantly higher than that in non-AOA group. No significant improvement for clinical outcomes for subgroups aged 35-40 and aged ≥40.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that calcimycin could improve preimplantation development and pregnancy outcomes in patients aged < 35 years with embryo developmental problems in previous ICSI cycles.

Association between embryo morphological quality and birth weight for singletons conceived via autologous fresh embryo transfer: an analysis using Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Outcomes Reporting System

OBJECTIVE

To determine if morphologically suboptimal embryo quality is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort.

SETTING

SART CORS database.

PATIENT(S)

Singletons conceived from autologous in vitro fertilization fresh cycles.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Birth weight (gram), birth weight z-score, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA).

RESULT(S)

Among 5,869 in vitro fertilization fresh cycles, 71.1% transferred morphologically good embryos, and 27.0% and 1.9% transferred fair and poor embryo(s), respectively. Compared with singletons conceived from good embryos, singletons from poor embryos had a higher birth weight (3,415.8 ± 562.0 vs. 3,202.7 ± 639.9). Proportions of LBW, SGA, and LGA were comparable across embryo quality groups. Multivariate regression analysis comparing perinatal outcomes from fair vs. good embryos showed no association for birth weight (0.69-gram difference; 95% CI, -24.30-25.68), birth weight z-score (Coefficient, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.07-0.08), LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.63-1.11), SGA (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78-1.11), and LGA (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86-1.33). Stratified analysis, considering cleaved and blastocyst embryo transfers separately, confirmed these findings. Sensitivity analysis revealed increased odds of LGA (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.24) with fair-quality embryos only among single embryo transfer cycles.

CONCLUSION(S)

Once a singleton live birth from fresh embryo transfer is achieved, fair morphological embryo quality is not associated with a reduction in birth weight or increased risks of LBW, SGA, and LGA.

The Clinical Application of Growth Hormone and Its Biological and Molecular Mechanisms in Assisted Reproduction

Growth hormone (GH) has been used as a co-gonadotrophin in assisted reproduction, particularly in poor ovarian responders. The application of GH has been alleged to activate primordial follicles and improve oocyte quality, embryo quality, and steroidogenesis. However, the effects of GH on the live birth rate among women is controversial. Additionally, although the basic biological mechanisms that lead to the above clinical differences have been investigated, they are not yet well understood. The actions of GH are mediated by GH receptors (GHRs) or insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). GH regulates the vital signal transduction pathways that are involved in primordial follicular activation, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation. However, the therapeutic windows and duration of GH administration during assisted reproductive technology require further investigation. The review aimed to clarify the role of GH in human fertility from a molecular and biological point of view to provide evidence for proper GH administration.

Embryo morphologic quality in relation to the metabolic and cognitive development of singletons conceived by in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Embryos with higher morphologic quality grading may have a greater potential to achieve clinical pregnancy that leads to a live birth regardless of the type of cleavage-stage embryos or blastocysts. Few studies have investigated the impacts of embryo grading on the long-term health of the offspring.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed to examine the associations between embryo morphologic quality and the physical, metabolic, and cognitive development of singletons conceived by in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection at preschool age.

STUDY DESIGN

This matched cohort study included singletons born to infertile couples who underwent fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles with good- or poor-quality embryos from 2014 to 2016 at the reproductive center of the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. A total of 144 children, aged 4 to 6 years, participated in the follow-up assessment from 2020 to 2021, and the response rate of poor-quality embryo offspring was 39%. Singletons in the good-quality embryo group were matched with singletons in the poor-quality embryo group at a 2:1 ratio according to the fertilization method and the children's age (±1 year). We measured the offspring's height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, thyroid hormone levels, and metabolic indicators. Neurodevelopmental assessments were performed using the Chinese version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition, and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition. We also collected data from the medical records. A linear regression model was used to analyze the association between embryo morphologic quality and offspring health outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 48 singletons conceived with poor-quality embryo transfer and 96 matched singletons conceived with good-quality embryo transfer were included in the final analysis. Age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, thyroid function, and metabolic indicators were comparable between the 2 groups. After adjustment for potential risk factors by linear regression model 1 and model 2, poor-quality embryo offspring exhibited a tendency toward higher free thyroxine levels than offspring of good-quality embryo transfers (beta, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.90; beta, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.91, respectively), but this difference was not clinically significant. Regarding neurodevelopmental assessments, there was no difference in the full-scale intelligence quotient based on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (109.96±12.42 vs 109.60±14.46; P=.88) or the general adaptive index based on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (108.26±11.70 vs 108.08±13.44; P=.94) between the 2 groups. The subindices of the 2 tests were also comparable. These findings remained after linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

At 4 to 6 years of age, singletons born from poor-quality embryo transfers have comparable metabolic and cognitive development as those born from good-quality embryo transfers using fresh cleavage-stage embryos. The results of this pilot study indicate that poor-quality embryos that can survive implantation and end in live birth are likely to have a developmental potential comparable to that of good-quality embryos.

High normal sized CGG repeat on the FMR1 gene reduces live birth rates after in vitro fertilization in Han Chinese

Substantial evidence now suggests an association between the FMR1 genotype and female fertility. The aim of this study was to determine whether a high normal FMR1 allele (35-54 repeats) affects in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in Chinese women. A total of 120 women with 210 IVF cycles were retrospectively recruited in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the FMR1 repeat lengths at allele 2 (normal repeat group: <35 repeats; high repeat group: 35-54 repeats). The observed primary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. No associations were observed between the high normal FMR1 allele and lower clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate after adjusting for maternal age, education, work status, duration of infertility and number of embryos transferred (aOR 0.633, 95% CI 0.249-1.601, p = 0.337; aOR 0.325, 95% CI 0.094-1.118, p = 0.075; respectively). However, after additionally adjusting for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, there was a weak but significant association between high normal sized CGG repeats and a lower live birth rate (aOR 0.218, 95% CI 0.057-0.836, p = 0.026). The rate of available embryos showed a decreasing trend in patients with a high normal FMR1 allele, although the difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for maternal age, education, work status, duration of infertility and AMH level (aOR 0.905, 95% CI 0.810-1.011, p = 0.078). Furthermore, the number of CGG repeats in either allele was not associated with the live birth rate after adjusting for all confounding factors (aOR 0.832, 95% CI 0.677-1.023, p = 0.081; aOR 0.865, 95% CI 0.651-1.148, p = 0.315; respectively). In addition, no significant differences were found in the rates of good-quality embryos (p = 0.263), miscarriage (p = 0.861) or cycle cancellation (p = 0.295) between the groups. Taken together, in the Chinese population, individuals with high normal sized CGG repeats on the FMR1 gene have a higher risk of reduced live birth rates in childbearing age. Therefore, we recommend enhanced screening for fragile X syndrome in women of childbearing age in China. This study also suggests that the association between the FMR1 genotype and fertility in Chinese women merits further research.

Impact of growth hormone supplementation on improving oocyte competence in unexplained poor embryonic development patients of various ages

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of Growth hormone (GH) co-treatment during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in women of different ages who manifest unexplained poor embryonic development.

METHOD

This cohort study included a total of 2647 patients with unexplained poor embryonic development in their previous IVF procedures: 872 women received GH co-treatment and 1775 untreated women served as a control group. Patients were divided into 6 groups according to treatment and stratified by age (<35 years of age, A-GH group and A-control group; 35-40 years, B-GH group and B-control group; and ≥40 years, C-GH group and C-control group). The primary outcome was the oocyte-cleavage rate and the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR).

RESULTS

The oocyte-cleavage rates among the three age groups were significantly higher in the GH group compared to the same-aged control group. In both group A and group B, there was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate between the GH group and controls. However, in patients ≥40 years of age, the clinical pregnancy rate in the GH group was significantly higher than in the control group (31.8% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.019). In the three age groups, there was no significant difference in the live birth rate between the GH group and controls. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis model, in both group A and group B, the number of cleaved embryos was independent predictors for CPR (OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.311-1.634; respectively, OR = 1.336, 95% CI: 1.126-1.586); Besides, in both group B and group C, age was independent predictors for CPR (OR = 0.657, 95%CI: 0.555-0.778; respectively, OR = 0.622, 95%CI: 0.391-0.989). However, only in group C, supplementation GH increased CPR as compared with not supplementation GH (OR = 2.339, 95%CI: 1.182-6.670).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with unexplained poor embryonic development, supplementation with GH increased the oocyte-cleavage rates in all three age groups, and the clinical pregnancy rate gradually improved commensurate with increasing age. There was no difference in the clinical pregnancy rate in group A and group B, but group C improved significantly. Therefore, compared with patients under 40 years of age, patients ≥40 may benefit more from GH supplementation.

Blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes of frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of blastocyst quality and morphological grade on the perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 2648 singleton neonates resulting from frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers performed between January 2017 and September 2021. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate perinatal outcomes for their association with blastocyst quality and morphological parameters.

RESULT

Transfer of a good-quality blastocyst in a frozen-thawed cycle was associated with a lower rate of preterm delivery (PTD, adjusted OR =0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9; P=0.020) and a higher likelihood of a male neonate (adjusted OR =1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.5; P=0.048). Compared with grade C inner cell mass (ICM) blastocyst transfer, grade B ICM (adjusted OR =0.5, 95%CI 0.2-0.9; P=0.027) and grade A ICM (adjusted OR =0.6, 95%CI 0.3-1.5; P=0.290) blastocyst transfers were associated with a lower rate of PTD, which was more evident for grade B ICM. After adjusting for confounders, the likelihood of a male neonate (grade B TE, OR =1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.5, P=0.037; grade A TE OR =1.9, 95%CI 1.3-28, P=0.002) increased with increasing trophectoderm (TE) quality. Compared with expansion stage 4, the likelihood of a male neonate was 1.5 times greater with transfer of a stage 6 blastocyst (OR =1.5, 95%CI 1.0-2.3; P=0.06), and the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) was greater with transfer of a stage 5 blastocyst (adjusted OR =3.5, 95%CI 1.5-8.0; P=0.004). The overall grading of the blastocyst, expansion stage, ICM grade, and TE grade were not associated with length at birth, birthweight, large for gestational age (LGA), or birth defects (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles, transfer of a good-quality blastocyst was associated with a lower rate of PTD and a greater likelihood of a male neonate. Transfer of grade B ICM blastocysts decreased the rate of PTD, and TE quality was positively correlated with the likelihood of a male neonate.

Growth hormone in fertility and infertility: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications

Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, growth hormone (GH) is a peptide that plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, development, and metabolism in multiple targeted tissues. Studies have shown that GH and its functional receptor are also expressed in the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and uterus. The experimental data suggest putative roles for GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, induced by GH activity) signaling in the direct control of multiple reproductive functions, including activation of primordial follicles, folliculogenesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo implantation. In addition, GH enhances granulosa cell responsiveness to gonadotropin by upregulating the expression of gonadotropin receptors (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor), indicating crosstalk between this ovarian regulator and the endocrine signaling system. Notably, natural gene mutation of GH and the age-related decline in GH levels may have a detrimental effect on female reproductive function, leading to several reproductive pathologies, such as diminished ovarian reserve, poor ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology (ART), and implantation failure. Association studies using clinical samples showed that mature GH peptide is present in human follicular fluid, and the concentration of GH in this fluid is positively correlated with oocyte quality and the subsequent embryo morphology and cleavage rate. Furthermore, the results obtained from animal experiments and human samples indicate that supplementation with GH in the in vitro culture system increases steroid hormone production, prevents cell apoptosis, and enhances oocyte maturation and embryo quality. The uterine endometrium is another GH target site, as GH promotes endometrial receptivity and pregnancy by facilitating the implantation process, and the targeted depletion of GH receptors in mice results in fewer uterine implantation sites. Although still controversial, the administration of GH during ovarian stimulation alleviates age-related decreases in ART efficiency, including the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo quality, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, especially in patients with poor ovarian response and recurrent implantation failure.

Day-3-embryo fragmentation is associated with singleton birth weight following fresh single blastocyst transfer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have arguably associated poor embryo morphology with low birth weight in singletons following single embryo transfer. However, the association between birth weight and specific morphological features in the cleavage stage remains less known. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether morphological features of embryos at the cleavage stage affect birth weight following blastocyst transfer.

METHODS

The single-center retrospective cohort study included 4,226 singletons derived from fresh single cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET; n = 1,185), fresh single blastocyst transfer (BT; n = 787), or frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer (FBT; n = 2,254) between 2016 and 2019. Morphological parameters including early cleavage, day-3 fragmentation, symmetry, blastomere number, and blastocyst morphology were associated with neonatal birth weight and birth weight z-score in multivariate regression models. The models were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), parity, peak estradiol level, endometrial thickness, insemination protocol, female etiologies, order of transfer, mode of delivery, and year of treatment.

RESULTS

Adjusted for confounders, day-3 fragmentation was the only morphological feature associated with birth weight and birth weight z-score, while early cleavage, symmetry, blastomere number, and blastocyst morphology were not. Day-3 fragmentation increased the birth weight in both the ET (115.4 g, 95% CI: 26.6-204.2) and BT groups (168.8 g, 95% CI: 48.8-288.8) but not in the FBT group (7.47 g, 95% CI: -46.4 to 61.3). The associations between birth weight and these morphological parameters were confirmed through birth weight z-score analyses. The adjusted odds of large for gestational age (LGA) and high birth weight were also significantly greater in singletons following the transfer of fragmented embryos in the BT group [odds ratio (OR) 3, 95% CI: 1.2-7.51 and OR 3.65, 95% CI: 1.33-10, respectively]. The presence of fragmentation at the cleavage stage also affected the association between the blastocyst morphology and birth weight. Inner cell mass grades were negatively associated with birth weight in blastocysts with day-3 fragmentation but not in blastocysts without.

CONCLUSIONS

The birth weight following blastocyst transfer was found to be positively associated with fragmentation at the cleavage stage. The data did not support the argument that transferring a poor-looking embryo may increase the risks of low birth weight. However, concerns for LGA infants remain.

Mucosal biomarkers for endometrial receptivity: A promising yet underexplored aspect of reproductive medicine

Annually, approximately 2 million assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures are performed worldwide, of which, only ~25% lead to successful delivery. There are two major factors contributing to successful implantation: embryo quality and endometrial receptivity (ER). Although embryo quality might be assessed through morphological and genetic testing, no clinically approved techniques are available to evaluate ER. Mucus in different parts of the female reproductive tract contains many cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and nucleic acids, which influence and reflect various implantation-related processes. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to summarize available data regarding noninvasively obtained mucosal biomarkers for ER and to investigate their ability to predict the outcome of ART procedures. A broad literature search was performed to define studies related to noninvasive ER assessments. More than 50 biomarkers detectable in endometrial fluid, embryo transfer cannula leftover cells and mucus, menstrual blood, cervicovaginal washings are discussed herein. The remarkable methodological heterogeneity of the reviewed studies complicates the comparison of their results. Nevertheless, certain promising analytical targets may already be identified, such as urocortin, activin A, IL-1β, TNF-α, IP-10, MCP-1, and several oxidative stress biomarkers. The present review contains a collection of currently available mucosal biomarker-related data, which may provide insights for future studies.Abbreviations: ART: assisted reproductive technology; ER: endometrial receptivity; IVF: in vitro fertilization; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IUI: intrauterine insemination; MeSH: Medical Subject Headings; hDP 200: human decidua-associated protein 200; ET: embryo transfer; IL-18: Interleukin-18; LRG: leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein; ROC: receiver operating characteristic; AUC: area under the ROC-curve; LH: luteinizing hormone; LIF: leukemia inhibitory factor; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor alpha; IFN-γ: interferon γ; MCP-1: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; SOD: superoxide dismutase; CAT: catalase; LPO: lipid peroxidation; TTG: total thiol groups; TAP: total antioxidant power; CE: chronic endometritis.

Influence of cleavage-stage embryo quality on the in-vitro fertilization outcome after single embryo transfer in fresh cycles

OBJECTIVE

Embryo quality is crucial for determining the outcome of embryo implantation. This study aimed to assess the impact of embryo quality on the outcome of in vitro fertilization/single-embryo transfer (IVF-SET).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 2531 fresh IVF-SET cycles, including 277 poor-quality and 2254 top-quality embryos. The clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth, implantation rate, pregnancy outcome and complication were analyzed and compared. Risk factors associated with miscarriage rate and pregnancy complication were identified using logistics regression analysis.

RESULTS

Top-quality embryos resulted in higher clinical pregnancy rate (30.5% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001) and live birth rate (23.9% vs. 9.7%, P < 0.001) compared with poor-quality embryos. Logistics regression analysis revealed that embryo quality was not correlated with miscarriage rate (95% CI 0.33-1.89) and pregnancy complications (95% CI 0.12-7.84). Maternal age and body mass index was a risk factor for miscarriage rate (95% CI 1.05-1.22) and pregnancy complication (95% CI 1.01-1.29), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Clinical miscarriage rate and pregnancy complication were embryo quality independent. Maternal age was the risk factor for miscarriage rate. Embryo quality did not affect miscarriage once a clinical pregnancy is achieved.

The effect of Day 3 cell number on pregnancy outcomes in vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles

STUDY QUESTION

Does cell number on Day 3 have an impact on pregnancy outcomes in vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER

A low Day 3 cell number (≤5 cells) was independently associated with decreased live birth rate (LBR) during single blastocyst transfer cycles in young women.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Day 3 cell number is an effective predictor of IVF success rates when transferring cleavage stage embryos. However, the association between Day 3 blastomere number and pregnancy outcomes after blastocyst transfer is still unknown.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A retrospective cohort study of 3543 patients who underwent frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers from January 2013 to June 2018 at a tertiary-care academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Patients were grouped into six groups according to the Day 3 cell number: ≤4 cells, 5 cells, 6 cells, 7 cells, 8 cells and >8 cells. The primary outcome measure was LBR. A logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the independent association between Day 3 blastomere number and LBR after adjustment for some potential confounders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In women <35 years old, the LBR varied significantly according to Day 3 cell number, with the rate of 31.2%, 34.4%, 41.9%, 45.1%, 48.1% and 48.2% for the ≤4-cell, 5-cell, 6-cell, 7-cell, 8-cell and >8-cell groups, respectively (P < 0.001). This significant difference was also observed in the high- and low-quality blastocyst subgroups of young women. However, for women ≥35 years old, the rate of live birth was similar between groups. Furthermore, after accounting for confounding factors, the LBR was significantly decreased in the ≤4-cell (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48-0.80, P < 0.001) and 5-cell (aOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.92, P = 0.009) groups as compared to the 8-cell group. Likewise, the blastocysts arising from ≤4-cell (aOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57-0.93, P = 0.010) or 5-cell (aOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.97, P = 0.024) embryos were associated with lower clinical pregnancy rate than those from 8-cell embryos. No significant differences were observed in biochemical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

A limitation of the current study was its retrospective design. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our observations suggested that a low Day 3 cell number was related to decreased LBR after blastocyst transfer in young women, which provided vital information for clinicians in selecting blastocyst during IVF treatment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (31770989 to Y.W.; 81671520 to Q.C.) and the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Foundation of China (JYLJ030 to Y.W.). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

The Impact of Down-Regulation on Obstetrics and Perinatal Outcomes in Singleton Pregnancies After In Vitro Fertilization

BACKGROUND

down-regulation has been widely used in IVF treatment; however, it lacks reports on the impact of down-regulation on obstetrics and perinatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the obstetrics and perinatal outcomes among different down-regulation conditions.

METHODS

this is a retrospective cohort study on 3578 patients achieving cumulative singleton clinical pregnancy after their first oocytes retrieval cycle. Patients were grouped according to the serum estradiol after down-regulation (E2D) into three groups: <30, 30-55, >55 pg/ml. The obstetrics and perinatal outcomes, and live-birth rate per clinical pregnancy were main outcome measures. In the subgroup analysis, patients were further divided according to the mode of transfer. ANOVA, chi-square test, multivariate logistic regression, and multivariate general linear model were performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

the patients with E2D <30, 30-55, >55 pg/ml had similar live-birth rates. The patients with E2D <30 pg/ml had a lower risk of hypertension disorders than those with E2D 30-55 pg/ml. No difference was found in the risks of placenta previa, placenta abruption, premature rupture of membrane, hemorrhage, gestational diabetes mellitus, or intrauterine growth restriction. The newborns in the group with E2D <30 pg/ml had a lower risk of PICU admission than those in the group with E2D >55 pg/ml. There was no difference in the risks of congenital anomalies or mortality among the three groups. No differences were found in the gestational week, percentages of preterm birth and very preterm birth, birth weight, percentages of low birth weight and very low birth weight, delivery mode, or sex of newborn. Subgroup analysis showed that E2D 30-55 pg/ml was associated with a higher risk of low birth weight in patients with one fresh transfer + frozen transfer(s).

CONCLUSION

Down-regulation has no effect on the live-birth rate per clinical pregnancy. Patients with E2D <30 pg/ml may have advantages regarding lower risks of both maternal hypertension and newborn PICU admission. E2D 30-55 pg/ml may be associated with low birth weight in patients with relatively low quality embryos.

What Are the Live Birth and Multiple Pregnancy Rates When 1 Versus 2 Low-Quality Blastocysts Are Transferred in a Cryopreserved Cycle? a Retrospective Cohort Study, Stratified for Age, Embryo Quality, and Oocyte Donor Cycles

Outcomes among women who transferred only Gardner's grade BB or lower quality frozen embryos transferred (FET) are not well known. Our objective is to study whether transferring 2 versus 1 frozen low-quality blastocysts will increase the live birth rate (LBR) and the multiple pregnancy rate (MPR). This is a retrospective cohort study including 1104 FET cycles. Only day 5-6 blastocysts of grade BB or lower quality were included. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), MPR, and LBR per cycle were compared between single embryo transfer (SET) (n = 969) and double embryo transfer (DET) (n = 135). CPR and MPR were compared between SET and DET in grade BB, BC, CB, and CC individually. Among SET, BB blastocysts had higher CPR 34% (P = 0.0001) and a sub-significant increase in LBR 19% (P = 0.059) in comparison to other grade SET. Among all BB, MPR was significantly higher when transferring two versus one (5.9 vs. 1.9, P = 0.009). If age at egg collection ≥ 40 years (n = 97), no difference was found in CPR (11.1 vs. 11.7, P = 0.9), MPR (0 vs. 0), and LBR (6.3 vs. 0,P = 0.13) when SET or DET was performed. If age was < 40 years (n = 818), the MPR was significantly higher in DET than SET (6.7 vs. 1.63, P = 0.004). In egg donor cycles (n = 189), there was no difference in CPR, MPR, and LBR between SET and DET. Single embryo transfer should be offered even in women ≥ 40 years of age or transferring lower quality embryos since transferring more did not increase outcomes in this group, and SET is likely the safest path.

Live birth rate and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of frozen transferred blastocyst in patients requiring whole embryo freezing stratified by age

Background

Multiple pregnancies are associated with significant complications and health risks for both mothers and infants. Single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is a logical and effective measure to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Whether it is suitable for everyone undergoing SBT was inconclusive, in view of the consideration of embryo quality and patients’ age. Therefore, this study aimed to explore live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of blastocysts in patients stratified by age, using a cutoff of 35 years, who required whole embryo freezing and underwent a subsequent frozen thawed transfer (FET) cycle.

Methods

Atotal of 3,362 patients were divided into five groups: group A (n=1569) received a single good-quality blastocyst, group B (n=1113) received two good-quality blastocysts, group C (n=313) received one good-and one average-quality blastocyst, group D (n=222) received two average-quality blastocysts, and group E (n=145) received one average-quality blastocyst.

Results

For patients who received good-quality blastocysts, irrespective of age, the LBR of double blastocyst transfer (DBT) was about 50–65% and the multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) was 40–60%; however, the LBR of SBT was 40–55%, and the MPR was 3.5–6.3%. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, the MPR of double average-quality blastocyst transfer was as high as 30–50%. Moreover, about 70–90% of preterm births resulted from multiple pregnancies, and about 85–95% of low birth weight babies come from multiple pregnancies. The neonatal outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and birth height) of DBT were significantly lower than those of SBT regardless of age, and this statistical difference disappeared if the patients were subgrouped by singleton or twin. There is no significant difference in neonatal outcomes between single good-quality blastocyst and single average-quality blastocyst transfer.

Conclusions

SBT is a preferable option for patients regardless of age when good-quality blastocysts are available. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, they should be informed that DBT was associated with higher multiple pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes when compared with SBT regardless of age, suggesting that the practice of SBT is also feasible for these patients.

Can Ratios Between Prognostic Factors Predict the Clinical Pregnancy Rate in an IVF/ICSI Program with a GnRH Agonist-FSH/hMG Protocol? An Assessment of 2421 Embryo Transfers, and a Review of the Literature

None of the models developed in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) is sufficiently good predictors of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine whether ratios between prognostic factors could predict the clinical pregnancy rate in IVF/ICSI. We analyzed IVF/ICSI cycles (based on long GnRH agonist-FSH protocols) at two ART centers (the second to validate externally the data). The ratios studied were (i) the total FSH dose divided by the serum estradiol level on the hCG trigger day, (ii) the total FSH dose divided by the number of mature oocytes, (iii) the serum estradiol level on the trigger day divided by the number of mature oocytes, (iv) the serum estradiol level on the trigger day divided by the endometrial thickness on the trigger day, (v) the serum estradiol level on the trigger day divided by the number of mature oocytes and then by the number of grade 1 or 2 embryos obtained, and (vi) the serum estradiol level on the trigger day divided by the endometrial thickness on the trigger day and then by the number of grade 1 or 2 embryos obtained. The analysis covered 2421 IVF/ICSI cycles with an embryo transfer, leading to 753 clinical pregnancies (31.1% per transfer). Four ratios were significantly predictive in both centers; their discriminant power remained moderate (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between 0.574 and 0.610). In contrast, the models' calibration was excellent (coefficients: 0.943-0.978; p < 0.001). Our ratios were no better than existing models in IVF/ICSI programs. In fact, a strongly discriminant predictive model will be probably never be obtained, given the many factors that influence the occurrence of a pregnancy.

Impact of Transferring a Poor Quality Embryo Along with a Good Quality Embryo on Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF/ICSI Cycles: a Retrospective Study

Background The number and the quality of embryos transferred are important predictors of success in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In the presence of more than one good quality embryo on the transfer day, double-embryo transfer (DET) can be performed with these embryos, but generally, different quality embryos are present in the available transfer cohort. We aimed to investigate the effect of transferring a poor quality embryo along with a good quality embryo on IVF outcomes. Methods In this study, 2298 fresh IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with two good quality embryos (group A), one good and one poor quality embryo (group B), and single good quality embryo (group C) transfers were examined. All groups were divided into two subgroups according to the transfer day as cleavage or blastocyst stage. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the primary outcomes. Results In the cleavage stage transfer subgroups, the clinical pregnancy rates were lower in the single-embryo transfer (SET) subgroup compared with DET subgroups, but the difference was not statistically significant compared with DET with mixed quality embryos. The live birth rates were comparable between the three groups. In the blastocyst transfer subgroups, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in DET with two good quality embryos than DET with mixed quality embryos and SET groups. Multiple pregnancy rates were higher in both DET groups in terms of transfer day (p = 0.001). Conclusion DET with mixed quality embryos results with lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with DET with two good quality embryos at the blastocyst stage. At cleavage stage transfer, there is no difference in live birth rates between the two groups.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of morphologically grade CC blastocysts: are they of clinical value?

PURPOSE

To study if the transfer of morphological grade-CC blastocyst is effective and safe.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 2585 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles with grade-BB blastocysts and 102 FET cycles with grade-CC blastocysts during the period from January 2006 to December 2017. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of couples in two groups were analyzed before and after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Pregnancy outcomes showed no significant difference in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple gestation, gestational age (P > 0.05). However, the rates of intrauterine implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth were significantly lower in the grade-CC blastocyst transfer group than those in the grade-BB blastocyst transfer group (18.9% vs 46.0%, 21.6% vs 51.3%, 16.7% vs 41.4%, all P < 0.001, respectively) before and after propensity score matching. The assessment of neonatal outcomes showed no statistically significant differences in the birth weight, low birth weight, early-neonatal death, and birth defect, etc., similar results were also observed in the two matched cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Morphologically grade-CC blastocysts should be transferred rather than discarded, resulting in acceptable pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, which is beneficial to infertile patients suffering from repeated poor-quality embryos.

Does growth hormone supplementation improve oocyte competence and IVF outcomes in patients with poor embryonic development? A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of the addition of growth hormone (GH) to the controlled ovarian stimulation protocol in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in poor-respond patients, but the effect of GH on patients with poor embryonic development remain unclear. This paper was designed to investigate the efficacy of GH co-treatment during IVF for the patients with poor embryonic development.

METHOD

A randomized controlled trial including 158 patients with poor embryo development was conducted between July 2017 and February 2019. One hundred and seven patients were randomized for GH treatment (GH group) and 51 patients for untreated (control group). The primary end-points were the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the two groups. The oocyte competence were assessed through calculating the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in corresponding cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs). Quantitative PCR were used for calculation of mtDNA copy number.

RESULTS

Relative to the control group, GH co-treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (10.29 ± 5.92 versus 8.16 ± 4.17, P = 0.023) and cleaved embryos (6.73 ± 4.25 versus 5.29 ± 3.23, P = 0.036). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rates per cycle, and live birth rate per cycle were higher in the GH group than in the control group (36.00% versus 17.86%, P = 0.005; 43.93% versus 19.61%, P = 0.005; 41.12% versus 17.65%, P = 0.006). CGCs of the GH group had significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers than CGCs of the control group (252 versus 204, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These data provided further evidence to indicate that GH supplementation may support more live births during IVF, in patients with poor embryonic development. It also appears that oocytes generated under GH co-treatment have a better developmental competence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1900021992 posted March 19, 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Poor Embryo Quality Is Associated With A Higher Risk of Low Birthweight in Vitrified-Warmed Single Embryo Transfer Cycles

Background

Previous studies have reported the association between embryo quality and perinatal outcomes in fresh cycles, after cleavage-stage or blastocyst embryo transfer, and found no significant difference. However, in terms of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer cycles, the impact of embryo quality on neonatal and maternal outcomes has not been evaluated.

Objectives

To explore the association between the quality of a single vitrified-warmed embryo and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 2403 live-born singletons derived from single vitrified-warmed embryo transfer cycles during January 2006 and July 2018. Neonatal and maternal outcomes were compared between singletons resulting from the use of single good quality embryo (GQE) (n = 1854) and single poor quality embryo (PQE) (n = 549) and analyzed in the group of cleavage-stage embryo transfer and the group of blastocyst transfer, respectively.

Results

A significantly higher risk of low birthweight (LBW, birthweight <2500 g) was observed in the singletons derived from the transfer of single PQE compared with those derived from the transfer of single GQE both in cleavage and blastocyst stages (cleavage-stage, AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.27-5.37; blastocyst stage, AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.06-3.70). An increased risk of preterm birth (PTB, gestational age <37 weeks) was also observed in singletons born after transfer of a PQE of cleavage-stage compared with those after a GQE of cleavage-stage (AOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.28-4.49). The transfer of single poor quality blastocyst was associated with a higher risk of placenta previa compared with the transfer of single good quality blastocyst (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.26-5.57). Other maternal complications, neonatal malformations, and neonatal complications were similar between compared groups.

Conclusion

In vitrified-warmed cycles with single embryo transfer, poor embryo quality would result in a significantly higher risk of LBW, regardless of cleavage-stage or blastocyst embryo transfer. Meanwhile, the transfer of poor cleavage-stage embryo was also associated with an increased incidence of PTB.

Effect of levothyroxine supplementation on pregnancy loss and preterm birth in women with subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pregnancy loss and preterm birth. However, the ability of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation to attenuate the risks of these outcomes remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of LT4 supplementation on pregnancy loss rate (PLR) and preterm birth rate (PBR) among pregnant women with SCH and TAI.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed to identify all relevant English studies published up to April 2018. The following terms were used for the search: [subclinical hypothyroidism OR thyroid autoimmunity OR thyroperoxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) OR thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab)] AND (levothyroxine OR euthyrox) AND [pregnancy outcome OR miscarriage OR abortion OR pregnancy loss OR preterm birth OR premature delivery OR early labo(u)r]. The reference lists of the relevant publications were also manually searched for related studies. Published manuscripts were included if they reported data on pregnancy loss, preterm birth or both. We separately analysed the pooled effects of LT4 supplementation on PLR and PBR in women with SCH and TAI.

OUTCOMES

Overall, 13 eligible studies including 7970 women were included in the meta-analysis. Eight and five of these studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies, respectively. The pooled results indicated that LT4 supplementation significantly decreased the PLR [relative risk (RR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.75, I2 = 1%, 12 studies] and PBR (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.91, I2 = 21%, eight studies) in women with SCH and/or TAI. We further found that LT4 supplementation significantly decreased the risk of pregnancy loss (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26-0.72, P = 0.001, I2 = 0%) but not of preterm birth (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.41-1.12, P = 0.13, I2 = 0%) in women with SCH. Furthermore, LT4 supplementation significantly decreased the risks of both pregnancy loss (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.89, P = 0.009, I2 = 0%) and preterm birth (RR = 0.68 95% CI: 0.48-0.98, P = 0.04, I2 = 46%) in women with TAI. These results were consistent when only RCTs were included in the analysis. Further, in women with SCH, LT4 supplementation reduced the risk of pregnancy loss in pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14-0.52, P < 0.001, I2 = 14%) but not in naturally conceived pregnancies (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.28-1.30, P = 0.13, I2 = 0%). By contrast, in women with TAI, LT4 supplementation reduced the risks of both pregnancy loss (RR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39-0.96, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%) and preterm birth (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.79, P = 0.003, I2 = 0%) in naturally conceived pregnancies but not in pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.40-1.15, P = 0.15, I2 = 0% for pregnancy loss and RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.68-2.13, P = 0.53, I2 not applicable for preterm birth).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This meta-analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of LT4 supplementation, namely the reduced risks of pregnancy loss and preterm birth, among pregnant women with SCH and/or TAI. The different effects of LT4 supplementation on naturally conceived pregnancies and pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction in women with SCH and/or TAI suggest that these women should be managed separately. Due to the limited number of studies included in this meta-analysis, especially in the subgroup analysis, further large RCTs and fundamental studies are warranted to confirm the conclusions and better clarify the molecular mechanism underlying these associations.

The impact of embryo quality on singleton birthweight in vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles

STUDY QUESTION

Does the quality of a single transferred blastocyst affect singleton birthweight in frozen-embryo transfer (FET) cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The transfer of a poor-quality blastocyst was associated with lower mean birthweight and gestation-adjusted birthweight (Z-scores) when compared with the transfer of an excellent-quality blastocyst during FET cycles.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Embryo quality is a strong predictor of IVF success rates. However, very few studies have examined the effect of embryo quality on singleton birthweight.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This retrospective study involved singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers during the period from January 2010 to December 2017 at a tertiary care centre.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 1207 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included and were grouped into four groups depending on the blastocyst quality: excellent, good, average and poor. The primary outcome measure was singleton birthweight. The Z-score was employed to calculate the birthweight adjusted for gestational age and newborn gender. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between embryo quality and neonatal birthweight after adjustment for some potential confounders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In the primary multivariable model, singletons from the poor-quality blastocyst group weighed 183.5 g less than those from the excellent-quality blastocyst group (95% CI: −295.1 to −71.9 g, P = 0.001) in terms of mean birthweight after accounting for patient characteristics, IVF treatment parameters, the year of treatment and newborn gender. Likewise, poor-quality blastocyst transfer was associated with lower gestation-adjusted Z-scores than the transfer of excellent-quality blastocysts (β = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.12, P = 0.003).

LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION

The current study was limited by its retrospective design and the fact that our analysis was restricted to women with singleton births from single blastocyst transfers. Future prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings provide new insight into the relationship between embryo quality and neonatal outcomes by showing that poor-quality blastocyst transfer was associated with a decrease in singleton birthweight.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (grant no. 2018YFC1003000), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 81771533, 81571397 and 31770989), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant no. 2018M630456). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Growth Hormone Supplementation May Not Improve Live Birth Rate in Poor Responders

Backgrounds: Growth hormone (GH) was used for many years to increase ovarian response in poor ovarian responders (PORs). Although meta-analysis suggested that GH therapy improve early clinical outcomes, the benefit of GH usage on chance of live birth was still widely debated. This study was to determine whether or not GH supplementation influences the live birth rate (LBR). Methods: A total of 3,080 expected PORs receiving and not receiving (control) GH adjuvant therapy at Peking University Third Hospital from January 2017 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The basal characteristics of patients were compared using analysis of variance (continuous variables) and categorical variables were evaluated with a chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential associations of LBR with GH treatment while adjusting other confounding factors. Results: No statistically significant differences existed in miscarriage rate (5.3 vs. 12.5%; p = 0.076) and LBR (37.7 vs. 34.5%; p = 0.426) in young expected PORs (< 35 years of age). Moreover, no significant differences existed in the miscarriage rate (25.6 vs. 23.3%; p = 0.681), and LBR (17.8 vs. 17.9%; p = 0.977) in the old expected PORs (≥35 years of age). Logistic regression suggested that GH adjuvant therapy did not improve the LBR in young (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.88-1.85; p = 0.203) and elderly expected PORs (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.82-1.76; p = 0.342), while GH was not associated with risk of miscarriage in young (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.11-1.24; p = 0.108) and elderly expected PORs (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.43-1.93; p = 0.813). In subgroup analysis, GH treatment significantly increased the day 3 embryos available rate in the subgroup of young PORs with the long down-regulation (63.11 vs. 49.35%; p = 0.004), while significantly reduced the risk of miscarriage in the subgroup of young PORs with GnRH antagonist protocol (0.00 vs. 12. %; p = 0.023). There was no significant difference for LBR in PORs with GnRH antagonist (<35 years [35.19 vs. 28.45%; p = 0.183]; ≥35 years [12.96 vs. 14.03%; p = 0.707]), GnRH-a long (<35 years [33.33 vs. 36.99%; p = 0.597]; ≥35 years [17.44 vs. 20.28%; p = 0.574]) and long down-regulation (<35 years [58.82 vs. 41.90%; p = 0.193]; ≥35 years [43.33 vs. 25.30%; p = 0.065]). Conclusions: Growth hormone treatment may not improve live birth rate in expected poor responders.

Live Birth Rate After Transfer of Fresh or Frozen Poor Quality Day-3 Embryos Only

Background: Embryo quality is an important predictor of successful outcome in in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, current knowledge on the live birth rate after transfer of poor quality embryos is limited. This study investigated the live birth rate after transfer of only poor quality day-3 embryos in women undergoing IVF.

Methods: This retrospective study included 153 couples who underwent IVF at IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between June 2014 and January 2017 and had only poor quality day-3 embryos available for fresh (n [Formula: see text] 102) or frozen (n [Formula: see text] 51) transfer. The control group included patients who had transfer of one good embryo (n [Formula: see text] 64). Embryos were rated using the Istanbul criteria.

Results: In the poor quality embryo group, the mean number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos were 7.5 ± 4.4 and 1.8 ± 0.9, respectively. Mean number of embryos transferred was 1.6 ± 0.5 in the fresh transfer group and 2.0 ± 0.2 in the freeze-only group. Live births did occur after transfer of poor quality embryos, but the implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly lower than after fresh or frozen transfer of a single good quality embryo (9.5 vs. 26.6%, p < 0.001; 13.7 vs. 26.6%, p < 0.001; and 7.2 vs. 18.8%, p [Formula: see text] 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions: Live birth was achieved after transfer of only poor quality embryos in women undergoing IVF. This suggests that transfer of poor quality embryos could be an option when higher grade embryos are not available, after the chances of live birth have been discussed with the patient.

Comparative study of obstetric and neonatal outcomes of live births between poor- and good-quality embryo transfers

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of embryo quality on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 80 live singleton births, resulting from morphologically good-quality embryo transfers, and 25 live singleton births that resulted from morphologically poor-quality embryo transfers between January, 2008 and December, 2014. Cleavage embryos that were graded as ≥2, according to the Veeck classification system, and blastocysts that were graded as ≥3BB, according to the Gardner classification system, were defined as good quality. The obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between the poor- and good-quality embryo transfer groups.

Results

The mean maternal age between the groups was similar. The blastocyst transfer rate was higher in the good-quality, than in the poor-quality, embryo transfer group. Other characteristics, including parity, infertility duration, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection rate, frozen-thawed embryo transfer rate, endometrial thickness, and hormone values before the embryo transfer, were similar between the groups. The obstetric and neonatal outcomes of live births between the two groups were not different in terms of preterm delivery, birthweight, small or large size for gestational age, malformation, umbilical artery cord pH of <7.20, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, placenta previa, and placental abruption.

Conclusion

The obstetric and neonatal outcomes of live births between the poor- and good-quality embryo transfers were equivalent.

Determinants of The Grade A Embryos in Infertile Women; Zero-Inflated Regression Model

OBJECTIVES

In assisted reproductive technology, it is important to choose high quality embryos for embryo transfer. The aim of the present study was to determine the grade A embryo count and factors related to it in infertile women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This historical cohort study included 996 infertile women. The main outcome was the number of grade A embryos. Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) regression were used to model the count data as it contained excessive zeros. Stata software, version 13 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, results from the ZINB model show that for each unit increase in the number 2 pronuclear (2PN) zygotes, we get an increase of 1.45 times as incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.69, P=0.001) in the expected grade A embryo count number, and for each increase in the cleavage day we get a decrease 0.35 times (95% CI: 0.20-0.61, P=0.001) in expected grade A embryo count.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant association between both the number of 2PN zygotes and cleavage day with the number of grade A embryos in both ZINB and ZIP regression models. The estimated coefficients are more plausible than values found in earlier studies using less relevant models.

Does the transfer of a poor quality embryo together with a good quality embryo affect the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcome?

Background

IVF cycles which result in only one good quality embryo, and a second poor quality embryo present a dilemma when the decision involves transferring two embryos. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a poor quality embryo has a negative effect on a good quality embryo when transferred along with a good quality embryo.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles involving single embryo transfers (SET) and double embryo transfers (DET). Embryo quality was divided into poor “P” and good “G” quality. The main outcome measures were: live birth, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, clinical pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy ratio.

Results

Six hundred three women were included. The study group consisted of 180 (29.9%) patients who had a double embryo transfer (DET) with one poor quality embryo and one good quality embryo (P + G). Control 1 group included 303 (50.2%) patients who had DET with two good quality embryos (G + G), and control 2 group consisted of 120 (19.9%) patients who had a single embryo transfer (SET) with one good quality embryo (G). Live birth rates were not significantly different when compared between study groups: 30.8% in the SET group (G), 27.2% in the (G + P) group and 33.7% in the (G + G) group. The SET group had the highest implantation rate (33.9%) compared to the DET groups (21.8% (G + P), 25.4% (G + G)) (P =0.022). The clinical pregnancy rate was 33.3% in the SET group (G), 33.3% in the (G + P) group, and 39.3% in the (G + G) group (P =0.39). The miscarriage rate was comparable in all groups.

Conclusion

A poor quality embryo does not negatively affect a good quality embryo, when transferred together in a double embryo transfer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13048-016-0297-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Do We Pay Enough Attention to Culture Conditions in Context of Perinatal Outcome after In Vitro Fertilization? Up-to-Date Literature Review

Adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton IVF pregnancies have been most often explained by parental underlying diseases and so far laboratory conditions during embryo culture are still not explored well. The following review discusses the current state of knowledge on the influence of IVF laboratory procedures on the possible perinatal outcome. The role of improved media for human embryo culture is unquestionable. Addition of certain components to culture media and their effect on embryo survival and implantation rates have been taken into consideration recently and studied on animal model. Impact of media on perinatal outcome in IVF offspring has also been studied. It has been discovered that epigenetic changes and neonatal birth weight are probably associated with the use of specific culture media, as is the relation between placental size and its influence on perinatal outcome. There are still questions in the discussion about duration of embryo culture (cleavage stage versus blastocyst transfer). Some of the IVF methods, such as in vitro maturation of oocytes and freezing/thawing procedures, also require well-powered randomized controlled trials in order to define their exact impact on perinatal outcome. Constant further research is needed to assess the impact of laboratory environment on fetal and postnatal development.