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Tocariu R, Niculae LE, Niculae AȘ, Carp-Velișcu A, Brătilă E. Fresh versus Frozen Embryo Transfer in In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Neonatal Outcomes. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1373. [PMID: 39202656 PMCID: PMC11356234 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although considerable research has been devoted to examining the distinctions between fresh and frozen embryo transfer regarding obstetric outcomes and rates of pregnancy success, there is still a scarcity of thorough analyses that specifically examine neonatal outcomes. The objective of our study was to provide an in-depth analysis of neonatal outcomes that occur after the transfer of fresh and frozen embryos (ET vs. FET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wiley, Scopus, Ovid and Science Direct) were searched from January 1980 to February 2024. Two reviewers conducted the article identification and data extraction, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) or the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results: Twenty studies, including 171,481 participants in total, were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses. A significant increase in preterm birth rates was noted with fresh embryo transfer compared to FET in the overall IVF/ICSI population (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.35, p < 0.00001), as well as greater odds of a low birth weight (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.27-1.48, p < 0.00001) and small-for-gestational-age infants in this group (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.63-2.00, p < 0.00001). In contrast, frozen embryo transfer can result in macrosomic (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.54-0.65, p < 0.00001) or large-for-gestational-age infants (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.60-0.69, p < 0.00001). No significant difference was observed regarding congenital malformations or neonatal death rates. Conclusions: This systematic review confirmed that singleton babies conceived by frozen embryo transfer are at lower risk of preterm delivery, low birthweight and being small for gestational age than their counterparts conceived by fresh embryo transfer. The data support embryo cryopreservation but suggest that elective freezing should be limited to cases with a proven indication or within the framework of a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Tocariu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.-V.); (E.B.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. Panait Sârbu”, 060251 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucia Elena Niculae
- Mother and Child Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu”, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Ștefan Niculae
- Mother and Child Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu”, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Andreea Carp-Velișcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.-V.); (E.B.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. Panait Sârbu”, 060251 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elvira Brătilă
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.C.-V.); (E.B.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. Panait Sârbu”, 060251 Bucharest, Romania
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Singh S, Bortoletto P, Wylie BJ, Melnick AP, Prabhu M. The impact of reference growth standards on small- and large-for-gestational age outcomes among pregnancies conceived by fresh and frozen embryo transfers. F S Rep 2024; 5:164-169. [PMID: 38983739 PMCID: PMC11228793 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe differences in the frequency of small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA) driven by different birth weight curves in assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived pregnancies. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Single academic medical center. Patients Singleton live births between the gestational ages of 36 weeks and 0 days and 42 weeks and 6 days from fresh or frozen embryo transfer (ET). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures SGA (<10th percentile) and LGA (>90th percentile) classified by Fenton, INTERGROWTH-21, World Health Organization, Duryea, and Oken curves. Results The median birth weight and gestational age at birth among fresh ET pregnancies were 3,289g (interquartile range [IQR], 2,977-3,600g) and 39.4 (IQR, 38.6-40.3) weeks, respectively, and those among frozen ET pregnancies were 3,399g (IQR, 3,065-3,685g) and 39.4 (IQR, 38.7-40.1) weeks, respectively. The frequencies of SGA neonates using each birth weight standard ranged from 5.8% to 13.4% for fresh ET and from 3.5% to 8.7% for frozen ET. Those of LGA neonates ranged from 5.3% to 14.3% for fresh ET and from 6.6% to 21.2% for frozen ET. Conclusion The frequency of SGA and LGA neonates among ART-conceived gestations is partially driven by the birth weight standard. Selecting an appropriate standard that best reflects the patient population is critical to quantifying the risk of ART-conceived pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunidhi Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Pietro Bortoletto
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Blair J Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Alexis P Melnick
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Malavika Prabhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Campos G, Greco PF, Mondrone G, Surbone A, Greco E, Talevi R, Pluchino N, Fleming S. Vitrification of human blastocysts for couples undergoing assisted reproduction: an updated review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1398049. [PMID: 38827525 PMCID: PMC11140474 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1398049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 40 years there has been a worldwide critical change in the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART), leading to the increased application of single blastocyst transfer, which is extremely important to avoid the risks of multiple pregnancy and associated complications for both mother and babies. Indeed, advancements in ART over the last few decades have been obtained thanks to several improvements, including ovarian stimulation, embryo culture conditions and, of course, progress in cryopreservation methods, especially with the application of vitrification. The ability to cryopreserve human embryos has improved significantly with vitrification compared to the initially adopted slow-freezing procedures. Since the introduction of vitrification, it has become the gold standard method to effectively cryopreserve human blastocysts. However, some new protocols are now being explored, such as the short warming procedure and even shorter exposure to the equilibration solution before vitrification, which seem to provide optimal results. Therefore, the main aim of the current narrative review, will be to illustrate the benefit of vitrification as an effective method to cryopreserve the human blastocyst and to illustrate new protocols and variations which in future may increase the performance of vitrification protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gerard Campos
- Fertility Geisinger Medical Center, Women’s Health Fertility Clinic, Danville, PA, United States
- GIREXX Fertility Clinics, Girona-Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Anna Surbone
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus, International Medical University, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Universita’ di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Complesso Universitario di Monte S, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Yang H, Miao H, Yin M, Wang Y, Zhao D, Yang M, Zou J, Zhang W, Zhang L, Liu C, Wang Y, Wang Z, Yu Y, Wei D. The difference in early trimester fetal growth between singletons after frozen embryo transfer and fresh embryo transfer. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100334. [PMID: 38584796 PMCID: PMC10998200 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frozen embryo transfer resulted in a higher birthweight and an increased risk of macrosomia than fresh embryo transfer. However, the mechanism was still unclear. When the impact of frozen embryo transfer on fetal growth began was unknown. Crown-rump length at 11-13 weeks had been regarded as a good indicator of fetal growth in the first trimester and had been used for gestational age calculation in women with uncertain last menstrual periods. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between frozen embryo transfer and early fetal growth, particularly the crown-rump length, then fresh embryo transfer. The secondary objective was to investigate the potential correlation between crown-rump length and birthweight. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Reproductive Medical Center of Shandong University. A total of 4949 patients who obtained singleton pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer and 1793 patients who got singleton pregnancy after fresh embryo transfer between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022 were included. The primary outcome was the crown-rump length measured via ultrasound at 11-13 weeks gestation. The secondary outcomes were perinatal outcomes, including birthweight and the risk of large for gestational age, small for gestational age, macrosomia, low birthweight, and premature delivery. Multivariable linear regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders of crown-rump length. RESULTS A total of 6742 live singleton births after frozen embryo transfer or fresh embryo transfer were included in this study. In the univariable analysis, the frozen embryo transfer group had a larger crown-rump length (5.75±0.53 cm vs 5.57±0.48 cm, P<.001) and an increased risk of larger-than-expected crown-rump length (13.5% vs11.2%, P=.013) than the fresh embryo transfer group. After adjusting for confounders in multivariable linear regression models, frozen embryo transfer was still associated with a larger crown-rump length (regression coefficient, 3.809 [95% confidence intervals, 3.621-3.997], P<.001). When subgrouped by fetal gender, the crown-rump length of the frozen embryo transfer group was larger than the fresh embryo transfer group in both male and female fetuses. In addition, the crown-rump length was consistently larger in the frozen embryo transfer group than the fresh embryo transfer group in subgroups of the peak estradiol levels. The comparisons among different crown-rump length groups showed that smaller-than-expected crown-rump length was associated with increased risks of small for gestational age (6.3% vs 3.0%, P<.001) and preterm delivery (9.6% vs 6.7%, P=.004) than normal crown-rump length. CONCLUSION Frozen embryo transfer was associated with a larger crown-rump length than fresh embryo transfer, suggesting that the effect of frozen embryo transfer on fetal growth may begin in the early trimester. Suboptimal fetal growth in the first trimester may be associated with low birthweight and premature delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Haozhe Miao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Mengfei Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Dingying Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Min Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Jialin Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Chendan Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Yue Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
| | - Ze Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
| | - Yunhai Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Dr Yu)
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, Z Wang, and Wei)
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Drs H Yang, Miao, Yin, Yi Wang, Zhao, M Yang, Zou, W Zhang, L Zhang, Liu, Yu Wang, and Wei)
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Burks CA, Purdue-Smithe A, DeVilbiss E, Mumford S, Weinerman R. Frozen autologous and donor oocytes are associated with differences in clinical and neonatal outcomes compared with fresh oocytes: a Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System Analysis. F S Rep 2024; 5:40-46. [PMID: 38524209 PMCID: PMC10958684 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the clinical and neonatal outcomes of embryos derived from frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes in both autologous and donor oocyte cycles after fresh embryo transfer (ET). Design This is a retrospective cohort study using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database between 2014 and 2015. Setting The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database was used to identify autologous and donor oocyte cycles that resulted in a fresh ET during 2014 and 2015. Patients There were 154,706 total cycles identified that used embryos derived from fresh or frozen oocytes and resulted in a fresh ET, including 139,734 autologous oocyte cycles and 14,972 donor oocyte cycles. Interventions Generalized linear regression models were used to compare the clinical and neonatal outcomes of frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes. Models were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, smoking status, parity, infertility diagnosis, number of embryos transferred, and preimplantation genetic testing. An additional sensitivity analysis was performed to examine singleton pregnancies separately. Main Outcome Measures The live birth (LB) rate was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy and birthweight outcomes. Results Differences in clinical and neonatal outcomes between fresh and frozen-thawed oocytes after fresh ET were observed. Specifically, our study found a higher incidence of high-birthweight infants after the use of frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes in both autologous oocytes (12.5% [frozen] vs. 4.5% [fresh], adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-4.3) and donor oocyte cycles (6.2% [frozen] vs. 4.6% [fresh], aRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.1-1.83). This finding remained true when the analysis was restricted to singleton gestations only for both groups: autologous (17.3% [frozen] vs. 7.1% [fresh], aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.74-4.42) and donor oocytes (9.4% [frozen] vs. 7.8% [fresh], aRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.77). Additionally, we observed a decrease in LB (aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77-0.85); clinical pregnancy (aRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.8-0.87); and an increase in biochemical pregnancy loss (aRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.43) after the use of frozen oocytes in donors, but not autologous cycles. Conclusions Our findings of an increased incidence of high-birthweight infants after the transfer of embryos derived from frozen oocytes in both autologous and donor oocyte cycles raise questions about oocyte vitrification and deserve further study. Additionally, the finding of a decreased likelihood of LB with frozen-donor oocytes compared with fresh donor oocytes is an important finding, especially because more patients are seeking to use frozen oocytes in their donor egg cycles. Future research should be directed toward these findings to optimize the use of frozen oocytes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Purdue-Smithe
- Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth DeVilbiss
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sunni Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Chen Q, Zhou D, Wang C, Ye M, Jia Y, Liu B, Bukulmez O, Norman RJ, Hu H, Yeung SB, Teng X, Liu W, Chen M. The adverse effects of vitrification on mouse embryo development and metabolic phenotype in offspring. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23372. [PMID: 38102977 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301774rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryo vitrification is a standard procedure in assisted reproductive technology. Previous studies have shown that frozen embryo transfer is associated with an elevated risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to explore the effects of mouse blastocyst vitrification on the phenotype of vitrified-warmed blastocysts, their intrauterine and postnatal development, and the long-term metabolic health of the derived offspring. The vitrified-warmed blastocysts (IVF + VT group) exhibited reduced mitochondrial activity, increased apoptotic levels, and decreased cell numbers when compared to the fresh blastocysts (IVF group). Implantation rates, live pup rates, and crown-rump length at E18.5 were not different between the two groups. However, there was a significant decrease in fetal weight and fetal/placental weight ratio in the IVF + VT group. Furthermore, the offspring of the IVF + VT group at an age of 36 weeks had reduced whole energy consumption, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism when compared with the IVF group. Notably, RNA-seq results unveiled disturbed hepatic gene expression in the offspring from vitrified-warmed blastocysts. This study revealed the short-term negative impacts of vitrification on embryo and fetal development and the long-term influence on glucose and lipid metabolism that persist from the prenatal stage into adulthood in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan Zhou
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changxin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Ye
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binya Liu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hanxin Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Shah JS, Figueras F, Blàzquez A, Brazal S, Buratini J, Buscà R, Canto MD, Iemmello R, Jacobs CK, Lorenzon AR, Renzini MM, Ripero M, Sakkas D. Perinatal outcomes in 6640 singleton pregnancies after donor oocyte IVF across three continents over 7 years. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2903-2911. [PMID: 37819553 PMCID: PMC10656373 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02965-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Are trends in singleton donor oocyte IVF perinatal outcomes consistent over time among four international ethnically diverse infertility centers? METHODS This retrospective cohort consisted of an infertility network of four international IVF centers across three continents. Singleton live births resulting from fresh and frozen donor oocyte embryo transfers from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018 were included. The main outcome measures were birth weight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA) and gestational age (GA) at delivery. RESULTS The entire cohort (n = 6640) consisted of 4753 fresh and 1887 frozen donor oocyte embryo transfers. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, neonatal sex and GA at delivery were similar for fresh and frozen donor oocyte embryo transfers in the entire cohort and within each infertility center. All four centers had a trend of decreased BW and rates of PTB before 32 weeks annually, although significance was not reached. Three of the four centers had annual increased trends of PTB before 37 weeks and LGA newborns, although significance was not reached. BWs for the entire cohort for fresh and frozen donor embryo transfers were 3166 g ± 601 g and 3137 g ± 626 g, respectively. CONCLUSION Similar trends in perinatal outcomes were present across four international infertility centers over 7 years. The overall perinatal trends in donor oocyte IVF may be applicable to centers worldwide, but further studies in more geographic regions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimin S Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston IVF-Eugin Group, 130 Second Ave., Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.
- Present Address: Shady Grove Fertility, 2255 E Mossy Oaks Rd, Suite 620, Spring, Houston, TX, 77389, USA.
| | - Francesc Figueras
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Iemmello
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Aline R Lorenzon
- Huntington Medicina Reproductiva-Eugin Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF-Eugin Group, 130 Second Ave., Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.
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Sciorio R, Pluchino N, Fuller BJ. Review of human oocyte cryopreservation in ART programs: Current challenges and opportunities. Cryobiology 2023; 113:104590. [PMID: 37804949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation has notably increased in recent times, to become an essential part of clinical infertility treatment. Since the 1980s, many improvements in oocyte cryopreservation (OC) have been adopted, including the great advance with the application of vitrification. The commonly used vitrification protocol applies different cryoprotectants (Ethylene glycol and/or DMSO and/or PROH and sucrose and/or Trehalose) and two different steps: firstly, exposure in equilibration solution for 5-15 min, followed by a vitrification solution for 60-90 s at room temperature. The warming method includes a first step for 1 min at 37 °C and 3 subsequent steps at room temperature to remove the cryoprotectant for a total of 9-12 min. In addition, biosafety is a critical aspect to mention, and it is related to devices used during the vitrification, mainly in terms of whether the biological vitrified material comes in direct contact with liquid nitrogen (open vitrification) or not (closed vitrification), where LN2 may contain potentially contaminating viruses or pathogens. Furthermore, during early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming take place. Recent literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, including osmotic shock, temperature, rapid changes of pH and toxicity of cryoprotectants. It is, therefore, important to better understand the potential perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may be associated with the globally used vitrification methods. Therefore, we here discuss the benefits and efficiency of human oocyte vitrification; we also review the evidence surrounding oocyte cryopreservation-related epigenetic modifications and potential epigenetic dysregulations, together with long-term consequences for offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, CHUV-Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, CHUV-Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barry J Fuller
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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9
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Shah JS, Figueras F, Blàzquez A, Brazal S, Buratini J, Buscà R, Canto MD, Iemmello R, Jacobs CK, Lorenzon AR, Renzini MM, Ripero M, Sakkas D. Perinatal outcomes in 13,626 singleton pregnancies after autologous IVF across three continents over 7 years. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2649-2657. [PMID: 37700077 PMCID: PMC10643744 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Are trends in singleton autologous IVF perinatal outcomes consistent over time among five international infertility centers? METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. This study was performed through a large infertility network at five international infertility centers in which patients who had a singleton live birth resulting from fresh and frozen autologous IVF cycles were included. The primary outcome was live birth weight (BW) with secondary outcomes of preterm birth (PTB), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and gestational age at delivery. RESULTS The entire cohort (n = 13,626) consisted of 6941 fresh and 6685 frozen autologous IVF cycles leading to singleton deliveries. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, neonatal sex, and GA at delivery were similar for fresh and frozen IVF cycles in the entire cohort and within each infertility center. Four centers had a trend of decreased BW and three centers had decreased rates of PTB before 32 and 28 weeks and LGA newborns annually, although significance was not reached. Three IVF centers had annual increased trends of PTB before 37 weeks and four centers had increased rates of SGA newborns, although significance was not reached. CONCLUSION Similar trends in perinatal outcomes were present across five international infertility centers over 7 years. Additional studies are crucial to further assess and optimize perinatal outcomes at an international level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimin S Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston IVF - Eugin Group, 130 Second Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.
- Current address: Shady Grove Fertility, 2255 E Mossy Oaks Rd, Suite 620, Spring, Houston, TX, 77389, USA.
| | - Francesc Figueras
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberta Iemmello
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Aline R Lorenzon
- Huntington Medicina Reproductiva - Eugin Group, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Gruppo Eugin, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF - Eugin Group, 130 Second Ave, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA.
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10
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Sciorio R, Campos G, Tramontano L, Bulletti FM, Baldini GM, Vinciguerra M. Exploring the effect of cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology and potential epigenetic risk. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:420-432. [PMID: 37409505 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first baby by in vitro fertilization in 1978, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using medically assisted reproductive treatments. Fertilization naturally takes place in the maternal oviduct where unique physiological conditions enable the early healthy development of the embryo. During this dynamic period of early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Increasingly, over the past 20 years concerns relating to the increased incidence of epigenetic anomalies in general, and genomic-imprinting disorders in particular, have been raised following assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period and non-physiological conditions such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedure, might have the potential to independently or collectively contribute to epigenetic dysregulation. Therefore, this narrative review offers a critical reappraisal of the evidence relating to the association between embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation and the consequences on gene expression together with long-term consequences for offspring health and wellbeing. Current literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, in terms of osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, it is therefore, critical to have a more comprehensive understanding and recognition of potential unanticipated iatrogenic-induced perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may or may not be a consequence of vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneve University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, Geneve 14, Switzerland
| | - Francesco M Bulletti
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, University of Bari, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'Santa Caterina Novella', Galatina Hospital, Italy
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Sciorio R, Manna C, Fauque P, Rinaudo P. Can Cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Induce Epigenetic Changes to Gametes and Embryos? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4444. [PMID: 37445479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, more than nine million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). While the great majority of children are healthy, there are concerns about the potential epigenetic consequences of gametes and embryo manipulation. In fact, during the preimplantation period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming occur. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes induced by ovarian stimulation, in-vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedures. This review summarizes the evidence relating to oocytes and embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation. Overall, it appears that the stress induced by vitrification, including osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, might induce epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in oocytes and embryos. It is currently unclear if these changes will have potential consequences for the health of future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Development (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 92037, USA
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12
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Tang J, Qi L, He Y, Li N, Zhang Z, Zhou X, Su H, Zheng Q, Zhang Y, Tao J, Xu Z. In vitro fertilization with frozen embryo transfer increased histamine-mediated contractile sensitivity via PKCβ in human umbilical vein. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:54. [PMID: 37312191 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) technologies (especially frozen ET) have been widely used, which might affect maternal and fetal health. Information regarding influence of IVF-ET on the vasoconstriction of human umbilical vein (HUV) is limited. This study determined effects of frozen ET on histamine-mediated vascular responses in HUV and related mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS HUVs were collected from frozen ET conceived pregnancy and spontaneously conceived pregnancy (control). Histamine concentration in umbilical plasma was higher in frozen ET group than the control. Histamine-mediated contractile response curve was left-shifted in the frozen ET group when comparing with the control. In isolated HUV rings, H1R showed a critical role in regulating vascular constriction, while H2R played little roles in regulating vessel tone. Iberiotoxin and 4-aminopyridine didn't significantly change histamine-mediated constriction in HUVs. Histamine-induced vasoconstrictions were significantly decreased by nifedipine, KN93, or GF109203X, while the inhibitory effects were significantly greater in the frozen ET group in comparison to the control. The constrictions by Bay K8644, phenylephrine, or PDBu were stronger in frozen ET, respectively. There was a decrease in the protein expressions of H1R and H2R, an increase in protein expressions of BKCaα and PKCβ. CONCLUSIONS Histamine-induced constriction in HUV was mainly via H1R. The increased sensitivity to histamine in HUV following frozen ET cycles were linked to the enhanced PKCβ protein expression and function. The new data and findings in this study provide important insight into influences of frozen ET on fetal vessel development and potential influence in long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Tang
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Linglu Qi
- Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taixing People's Hospital, Taixing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Li
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuwen Zhou
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiutong Zheng
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianying Tao
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
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Ding Q, Wang Y, Suo L, Niu Y, Zhao D, Yu Y, Wei D. The gestational age-specific difference in birthweight between singletons born after fresh and frozen embryo transfer: A cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:323-333. [PMID: 36629121 PMCID: PMC9951305 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating studies have suggested singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) were higher than those born after fresh embryo transfer (Fre-ET). However, fewer studies had investigated the gestational age-specific between-group difference in birthweight. This study aimed to investigate the gestational week-specific difference in singleton birthweight after FET vs Fre-ET and explore potential factors that impact the difference. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 25 863 singletons were included. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the between-group differences in mean birthweight and the incidences of large for gestational age (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA), respectively. RESULTS Multivariable regression analyses showed a statistically significant interaction between types of embryo transfer (ie FET vs Fre-ET) and the gestational week on mean birthweight (P < 0.001) and on the risks of large for gestational age (P = 0.001) and small for gestational age (P < 0.001). When stratified by gestational week, the differences in mean birthweight and the risks of LGA and SGA were only observed in singletons born at 37 gestational weeks or later. After adjusting for confounders, full-term but not preterm singletons born after FET had a higher birthweight (3497.58 ± 439.73 g vs 3445.67 ± 450.24 g; adjusted mean difference 58.35 g; 95% confidence interval [CI] 38.72-77.98 g), a higher risk of LGA (24.3% vs 21.1%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.42) and a lower risk of SGA (3.1% vs 4.8%; adjusted OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.70) compared with those born after Fre-ET. CONCLUSIONS The differences in birthweight between FET and Fre-ET were observed in full-term singletons but not preterm singletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Ding
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
| | - Yuhuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
| | - Lu Suo
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
| | - Yue Niu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
| | - Dingying Zhao
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
| | - Yunhai Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina,The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationJinanChina
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14
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Terho AM, Tiitinen A, Martikainen H, Gissler M, Pelkonen S. Health of singletons born after frozen embryo transfer until early adulthood: a Finnish register study. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2899-2907. [PMID: 36166701 PMCID: PMC9712944 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the health of singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) comparable to that of singletons born after fresh embryo transfer (ET) until early adulthood? SUMMARY ANSWER The health of singletons born after FET does not differ from that of singletons born after fresh ET. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The differences in perinatal outcomes of children born after FET and fresh ET are well known. FET is associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age but diminished risks of preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age and decreased perinatal mortality compared to fresh ET. However, knowledge on the long-term health after FET is scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective register-based cohort study compares singletons born after FET (n = 1825) between the years 1995 and 2006 to those born after fresh ET (n = 2933) and natural conception (NC, n = 31 136) with a mean follow-up time of 18-20 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Singletons born after FET were compared to those born after fresh ET and NC regarding the frequencies of diagnoses in the main ICD-10 chapters (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision), the number of outpatient visits and hospital admissions, and mortality. Adjustments were made for PTB, maternal age, parity, socioeconomic status based on mother's occupation and offspring sex. The study combines data from the Finnish Medical Birth Register, the Finnish Care Register for Health Care (CRHC) and the Cause-of-Death Register at Statistics Finland. The Student's T-test was used for continuous variables, and the Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Cox regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs and aHRs, respectively). A general linear model was used to compare the means of outpatient visits, hospital admissions and lengths of hospital stays per person. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No significant differences between the FET and fresh ET groups were found in the frequency of diagnoses in any of the ICD-10 chapters or in the parameters describing the need for hospital care. However, compared to the NC group, higher proportions in the FET group had outpatient visits in the hospital (93.5% vs 92.2%, aHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17, 1.30) or hospital admissions (48% vs 46.5%, aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.19, 1.37). Compared to the NC group, the FET group had elevated adjusted risks of diagnoses of infectious and parasitic diseases (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11, 1.38), neoplasms (aHR 1.68; 95% CI 1.48, 1.91), diseases of the eye and adnexa, the ear or mastoid process (aHR 1.11; 95% CI 1.01, 1.21), the respiratory system (aHR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06, 1.23), the digestive system (aHR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05, 1.32), the skin or subcutaneous tissue (aHR 1.28; 95% CI 1.14, 1.43) and the genitourinary system (aHR 1.27; 95% CI 1.11, 1.45), as well as congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities (aHR 1.31; 95% CI 1.14, 1.50) and symptoms, signs or abnormal clinical or laboratory findings (aHR 1.25, 95% CI 1.16, 1.34). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only hospital-based inpatient and outpatient care is covered by the CRHC register, excluding milder cases diagnosed elsewhere. We were not able to study the effect of ART treatments and subfertility separately in our setting. In addition, although our cohort is reasonably sized, even larger cohorts would be needed to reliably study rare outcomes, such as cancer. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For many ICD-10 chapters, we present the first published data on the long-term outcome of singletons born after FET. The results on FET versus fresh ET are reassuring, whereas the results on FET versus NC warrant further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Finnish government research funding was obtained for this study. Funding was also obtained from the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, Orion Research Foundation, Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (research grants to A.M.T.) and Finnish government research funding. The funding sources were not involved in the planning or execution of the study. The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Terho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit & Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - A Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Martikainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit & Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Gissler
- Information Services Department, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Pelkonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PEDEGO Research Unit & Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Stern JE, Farland LV, Hwang SS, Dukhovny D, Coddington CC, Cabral HJ, Missmer SA, Declercq E, Diop H. Assisted Reproductive Technology or Infertility: What underlies adverse outcomes? Lessons from the Massachusetts Outcome Study of Assisted Reproductive Technology. F&S REVIEWS 2022; 3:242-255. [PMID: 36505962 PMCID: PMC9733832 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that assisted reproductive technology (ART: defined here as including only in vitro fertilization and related technologies) is associated with increased adverse pregnancy, neonatal, and childhood developmental outcomes, even in singletons. The comparison group for many had often been a fertile population that conceived without assistance. The Massachusetts Outcome Study of Assisted Reproductive Technology (MOSART) was initiated to define a subfertile population with which to compare ART outcomes. Over more than 10 years, we have used the MOSART database to study pregnancy abnormalities and delivery complications but also to evaluate ongoing health of women, infants, and children. This article will review studies from MOSART in the context of how they compare with those of other investigations. We will present MOSART studies that identified the influence of ART and subfertility/infertility on adverse pregnancy (pregnancy hypertensive disorder, gestational diabetes, placental abnormality) and delivery (preterm birth, low birthweight) outcomes as well as on maternal and child hospitalizations. We will provide evidence that although subfertility/infertility increases the risk of adverse outcomes, there is additional risk associated with the use of ART. Studies exploring the contribution of placental abnormalities as one factor adding to this increased ART-associated risk will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy E. Stern
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
| | - Leslie V. Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona
| | - Sunah S. Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Charles C. Coddington
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, University of North Carolina
| | - Howard J. Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Stacey A. Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
| | - Eugene Declercq
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Hafsatou Diop
- Division of MCH Research and Analysis, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
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Gullo G, Scaglione M, Cucinella G, Chiantera V, Perino A, Greco ME, Laganà AS, Marinelli E, Basile G, Zaami S. Neonatal Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up of Children Born from Frozen Embryo, a Narrative Review of Latest Research Findings. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58091218. [PMID: 36143894 PMCID: PMC9500816 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the growing use of ART (assisted reproductive techniques) has led to a progressive improvement of protocols; embryo freezing is certainly one of the most important innovations. This technique is selectively offered as a tailored approach to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies and, most importantly, to lower the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome when used in conjunction with an ovulation-triggering GnRH antagonist. The increase in transfer cycles with frozen embryos made it possible to study the effects of the technique in children thus conceived. Particularly noteworthy is the increase in macrosomal and LGA (large for gestational age) newborns, in addition to a decrease in SGA (small for gestational age) and LBW (low birth weight) newborns. The authors aimed to outline a broad-ranging narrative review by summarizing and elaborating on the most important evidence regarding the neonatal outcome of children born from frozen embryos and provide information on the medium and long-term follow- up of these children. However, given the relatively recent large-scale implementation of such techniques, further studies are needed to provide more conclusive evidence on outcomes and implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gullo
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Scaglione
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaspare Cucinella
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Perino
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Greco
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli”, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Agrawala S, Acharya K. Sibling rivalry? Higher birthweight after frozen embryo transfer compared with fresh sibling embryo transfers. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:335-336. [PMID: 35786304 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Agrawala
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Fertility Center, Morrisville, North Carolina
| | - Kelly Acharya
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Fertility Center, Morrisville, North Carolina
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Tang X, Yu Y, Ding Q, Liu H, Niu Y, Li Y, Zhao S, Wei D, Chen ZJ. The sex-specific difference in singleton birth weight after frozen embryo transfer compared with fresh embryo transfer: a secondary analysis of 3 randomized trials. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1004-1012. [PMID: 35216834 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the between-group difference in singleton birth weight following frozen vs. fresh embryo transfer varied with infant sex. DESIGN A post hoc exploratory secondary analysis of data from three multicenter randomized trials compared the live birth rates between freeze-only vs. fresh embryo transfer. SETTING Academic fertility centers. PATIENT(S) A total of 1,886 women who achieved singleton live birth after a frozen or fresh embryo transfer during these trials were included. INTERVENTION(S) Women underwent either a frozen or fresh embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Mean birth weight, large for gestational age (LGA), and small for gestational age (SGA). RESULT(S) There was an interaction between the types of embryo transfer and infant sex on the birth weight and on the incidences of LGA and SGA. Among male infants, compared with singletons following fresh embryo transfer, singletons following frozen embryo transfer had higher mean birth weights (3,520.6 ± 526.1 vs. 3,345.1 ± 524.9 g), a higher risk of being LGA (25.2% vs. 15.7%), and a lower risk of being SGA (3.3% vs. 6.1%). However, among the female infants, no statistically significant difference was found in the mean birth weight (3,336.5 ± 514.8 vs. 3,299.5 ± 485.0 g) or the risks of being LGA (18.8% vs. 15.7%) or SGA (5.2% vs. 6.0%) between frozen and fresh embryo transfer. CONCLUSION(S) Male singletons born after frozen embryo transfer were more likely to have a higher birth weight than those born after fresh embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Yunhai Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Shigang Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Jinan, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
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19
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Abdulrahim B, Scotland G, Bhattacharya S, Maheshwari A. Assessing couples' preferences for fresh or frozen embryo transfer: a discrete choice experiment. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2891-2903. [PMID: 34550368 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are couples' preferences for fresh embryo transfer versus freezing of all embryos followed by frozen embryo transfer and the associated clinical outcomes that may differentiate them? SUMMARY ANSWER Couples' preferences are driven by anticipated chances of live birth, miscarriage, neonatal complications, and costs but not by the differences in the treatment process (including delay of embryo transfer linked to frozen embryo transfer and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfer). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A policy of freezing all embryos followed by transfer of frozen embryos results in livebirth rates which are similar to or higher than those following the transfer of fresh embryos while reducing the risk of OHSS and small for gestational age babies: it can, however, increase the risk of pre-eclampsia and large for gestational age offspring. Hence, the controversy continues over whether to do fresh embryo transfer or freeze all embryos followed by frozen embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) technique to survey infertile couples between August 2018 and January 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We asked IVF naïve couples attending a tertiary referral centre to independently complete a questionnaire with nine hypothetical choice tasks between fresh and frozen embryo transfer. The alternatives varied across the choice occurrences on several attributes including efficacy (live birth rate), safety (miscarriage rate, neonatal complication rate), and cost of treatment. We assumed that a freeze-all strategy prolonged treatment but reduced the risk of OHSS. An error components mixed logit model was used to estimate the relative value (utility) that couples placed on the alternative treatment approaches and the attributes used to describe them. Willingness to pay and marginal rates of substitution between the non-cost attributes were calculated. A total of 360 individual questionnaires were given to 180 couples who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 212 were completed and returned Our study population included 3 same sex couples (2 females and 1 male) and 101 heterosexual couples. Four questionnaires were filled by one partner only. The response rate was 58.8%. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Couples preferred both fresh and frozen embryo transfer (odds ratio 27.93 and 28.06, respectively) compared with no IVF treatment, with no strong preference for fresh over frozen. Couples strongly preferred any IVF technique that offered an increase in live birth rates by 5% (P = 0.006) and 15% (P < 0.0001), reduced miscarriage by 18% (P < 0.0001) and diminished neonatal complications by 10% (P < 0.0001). Respondents were willing to pay an additional £2451 (95% CI 604 - 4299) and £761 (95% CI 5056-9265) for a 5 and 15% increase in the chance of live birth, respectively, regardless of whether this involved fresh or frozen embryos. They required compensation of £5230 (95% CI 3320 - 7141) and £13 245 (95% CI 10 110-16 380) to accept a 10 and 25% increase in the risk of neonatal complications, respectively (P < 0.001). Results indicated that couples would be willing to accept a 1.26% (95% CI 1.001 - 1.706) reduction in the live birth rate for a 1% reduction in the risk of neonatal complications per live birth. Older couples appeared to place less emphasis on the risk of neonatal complications than younger couples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION DCEs can elicit intentions which may not reflect actual behaviour. The external validity of this study is limited by the fact that it was conducted in a single centre with generous public funding for IVF. We cannot rule out the potential for selection or responder bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS If a strategy of freeze all was to be implemented it would appear to be acceptable to patients, if either success rates can be improved or neonatal complications reduced. Live birth rates, neonatal complication rates, miscarriage rates, and cost are more likely to drive their preferences than a slight delay in the treatment process. The results of this study have important implications for future economic evaluations of IVF, as they suggest that the appropriate balance needs to be struck between success and safety. A holistic approach incorporating patient preferences for expected clinical outcomes and risks should be taken into consideration for individualized care. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was sought for this study. A.M. is the chief investigator of the randomized controlled trial 'Freeze all'. S.B. is an Editor in Chief of Human Reproduction Open. The other co-authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Graham Scotland reports non-financial support from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, outside the submitted work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham Scotland
- Health Economics Research Unit, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Siladitya Bhattacharya
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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20
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Roeca C, Silva E, Barentsen C, Powell TL, Jansson T. Effects of vitrification and the superovulated environment on placental function and fetal growth in an IVF mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:624-635. [PMID: 32618997 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In studies of human IVF, as compared to frozen embryo transfer (ET), fresh ET is associated with smaller infants and higher risk of small for gestational age infants. Recent observations suggest that ET using vitrified embryos is associated with higher pregnancy and live birth rates compared to fresh ET, but increased rates of large for gestational age infants. The mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown, and available evidence suggests that the influence of IVF, vitrification and the superovulated (SO) uterine environment on placental function and fetal growth is complex. This warrants further investigation given the prevalent practice in human IVF of both fresh ET into a SO uterine environment, and vitrification with ET into a more physiologic uterine environment. Using a mouse model that closely resembles human IVF, we investigated if vitrification of IVF embryos better preserves placental function and results in better pregnancy outcomes as compared to fresh ET because of transfer into a more physiologic endometrium. We found that the SO environment, independent of vitrification status, reduced implantation rates, inhibited placental mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling and induced placental stress signaling, resulting in fetal growth restriction (1.080 ± 0.05 g estrous fresh (n = 17 litters), 1.176 ± 0.05 g estrous vitrified (n = 12), 0.771 ± 0.06 g SO fresh (n = 15), 0.895 ± 0.08 g SO vitrified (n = 10), P < 0.0001). In addition, our study suggests that vitrification impairs the developmental potential of IVF blastocysts that resulted in a significantly smaller litter size (2.6 ± 2.3 fresh estrous vs 2.5 ± 2.4 fresh SO vs 1.6 ± 1.7 estrous vitrified vs 1.7 ± 1.8 SO vitrified, P = 0.019), with no effect on fetal growth or placental function at term. Our findings suggest that vitrification may negatively impact early embryonic viability, while the SO maternal uterine environment impairs both placental development and fetal growth in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Roeca
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - E Silva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C Barentsen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - T L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - T Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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21
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Boutet ML, Casals G, Valenzuela-Alcaraz B, García-Otero L, Crovetto F, Cívico MS, Borrás A, Manau D, Gratacós E, Crispi F. Cardiac remodeling in fetuses conceived by ARTs: fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2697-2708. [PMID: 34323946 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do fetuses from frozen embryo transfer (FET) present signs of cardiac remodeling and suboptimal function similar to those observed in fetuses from fresh embryo transfer (ET)? SUMMARY ANSWER Fetuses from both fresh ET and FET present signs of fetal cardiac remodeling and suboptimal function, with more pronounced changes after fresh ET as compared to FET. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Our group and others have previously demonstrated that fetuses and children conceived by ARTs present cardiac remodeling and suboptimal function. These fetuses show dilated atria, more globular and thicker ventricles, reduced longitudinal motion, and impaired relaxation. Cardiac changes were already present in utero and persisted after birth. Most of the ART fetuses included in previous publications were from fresh ET. However, singletons from FET have different perinatal outcomes compared to those from fresh ET. There are no previous studies comparing cardiac morphology and function between fetuses following fresh and FET. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective cohort study of 300 singleton pregnancies recruited from 2017 to 2020, including 100 spontaneously conceived (SC) pregnancies, 100 fetuses conceived by IVF with FET, and 100 fetuses conceived by IVF with fresh ET. Fetal structural and functional echocardiography was performed in all pregnancies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Pregnancies conceived by IVF were recruited from a single assisted reproduction center, ensuring homogeneity in IVF stimulation protocols, endometrial preparation for FET, laboratory procedures, and embryo culture conditions. SC pregnancies from fertile couples were selected from the general population and matched to IVF pregnancies by maternal age. Epidemiological and perinatal outcomes were collected in all cases. Fetal echocardiography was performed at 28-33 weeks of pregnancy to assess cardiac structure and function in all pregnancies. All echocardiographic comparisons were adjusted by maternal age, nulliparity, birthweight centile, preeclampsia, and prematurity. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Parental age, ethnicity, body mass index and smoking were similar among the study groups. Median gestational age at echocardiography and estimated fetal weight were similar in all study groups. Both fresh ET and FET groups showed similar fetal echocardiographic changes, with more pronounced features in the fresh ET as compared to FET pregnancies. Fetuses conceived by IVF showed larger atria (right atria-to-heart ratio: fresh ET mean 18.1% (SD 3.2) vs FET 18.0% (3.9) vs SC 17.3% (3.2); linear tendency P-value <0.001), more globular ventricles (right ventricular sphericity index: fresh ET 1.62 (0.29) vs FET 1.61 (0.25) vs SC 1.68 (0.26); <0.001) and thicker myocardial walls (relative wall thickness: fresh ET 0.79 (0.21) vs FET 0.74 (0.22) vs SC 0.65 (0.25); <0.001) as compared to SC pregnancies. Both fresh ET and FET groups also had signs of suboptimal systolic and diastolic function, with reduced tricuspid annular systolic peak velocity (fresh ET 7.17 cm/s (1.22) vs FET 7.41 cm/s (1.19) vs SC 7.58 cm/s (1.32); <0.001) and increased left myocardial performance index (fresh ET 0.53 (0.08) vs FET 0.53 (0.08) vs SC 0.50 (0.09); <0.001) as compared to SC pregnancies. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cardiac changes reported here are subclinical, with most cardiovascular indexes lying within normal ranges. Although echocardiographic changes are recognized as potential cardiovascular risk factors, their association with the long-term cardiovascular disease remains to be proven. The observed milder fetal cardiac features in FET fetuses cannot condition the choice of this technique and must be considered together with the global perinatal results related to these gestations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The identification of cardiac remodeling in fetuses conceived by IVF with fresh ET and FET represents an opportunity for early detection. Future studies are warranted to study the potential long-term consequences of these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project has been partially funded with support from the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union (Framework Agreement number: 2013-0040). This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use, which may be made of the information contained therein. Additionally, the research leading to these results has received funding from 'la Caixa' Foundation under grant agreement LCF/PR/GN18/10310003, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI15/00130, PI17/00675, PI18/00073) integrated into the Plan Nacional de I + D+I and cofinanced by ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) 'Una manera de hacer Europa', Cerebra Foundation for the Brain Injured Child (Carmarthen, Wales, UK) and AGAUR 2017 SGR grant n° 1531. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Boutet
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Casals
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Valenzuela-Alcaraz
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L García-Otero
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Crovetto
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M S Cívico
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Borrás
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Manau
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Gratacós
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Crispi
- BCNatal | Fetal Medicine Research Center (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Roeca C, Johnson RL, Truong T, Carlson NE, Polotsky AJ. Birth outcomes are superior after transfer of fresh versus frozen embryos for donor oocyte recipients. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2850-2859. [PMID: 33190157 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION For donor oocyte recipients, are birth outcomes superior for fresh versus frozen embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER Among fresh donor oocyte recipients, fresh embryos are associated with better birth outcomes when compared with frozen embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Frozen embryo transfer (ET) with vitrification has been associated with improved pregnancy rates, but also increased rates of large for gestational age infants. Donor oocyte recipients represent an attractive biological model to attempt to isolate the impact of embryo cryopreservation on IVF outcomes, yet there is a paucity of studies in this population. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective cohort of the US national registry, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System, of IVF cycles of women using fresh donor oocytes resulting in ET between 2013 and 2015. Thawed oocytes were excluded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Good obstetric outcome (GBO), defined as a singleton, term, live birth with appropriate for gestational age birth weight, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included live birth, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, multiple births and gestational age-adjusted weight. Outcomes were modeled using the generalized estimating equation approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Data are from 25 387 donor oocyte cycles, in which 14 289 were fresh and 11 098 were frozen ETs. A GBO was 27% more likely in fresh ETs (26.3%) compared to frozen (20.9%) (adjusted risk ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.35; P < 0.001). Overall, fresh transfer was more likely to result in a live birth (55.7% versus 39.5%; adjusted risk ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.18-1.26; P < 0.001). Among singleton births, there was no difference in gestational age-adjusted birth weight between groups. LIMITATION, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our cohort findings contrast with data from autologous oocytes. Prospective studies with this population are warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Among donor oocyte recipients, fresh ETs may be associated with better birth outcomes. Reassuringly, given its prevalent use, modern embryo cryopreservation does not appear to result in phenotypically larger infants. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Roeca
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OBGYN, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Nichole E Carlson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alex J Polotsky
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OBGYN, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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23
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Stern JE, Liu CL, Hwang SS, Dukhovny D, Farland LV, Diop H, Coddington CC, Cabral H. Influence of Placental Abnormalities and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Prematurity Associated with Various Assisted Reproductive Technology Techniques. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1681. [PMID: 33919833 PMCID: PMC8070757 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assisted reproductive technology (ART)-treated women exhibit increased risk of premature delivery compared to fertile women. We evaluated whether ART treatment modalities increase prematurity and whether placental abnormalities and pregnancy-induced hypertensive (PIH) disorders mediate these risks. METHOD(S) This retrospective study of ART-treated and fertile deliveries (2004-2017) used an ART-cycle database linked to Massachusetts birth certificates and hospital discharges. Outcomes of late preterm birth (LPTB: 34-36 weeks gestation) and early preterm birth (EPTB: <34 weeks gestation) were compared with term deliveries (≥37 weeks gestation) in ART-treated (linked to the ART database) and fertile (no indicators of infertility or ART) deliveries. ART treatments with autologous oocyte, donor oocyte, fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and no-ICSI were separately compared to the fertile group. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated with multivariable logistic regression: placental abnormalities or PIH were quantified in the pathway as mediators. RESULTS There were 218,320 deliveries: 204,438 fertile and 13,882 ART-treated. All treatment types increased prematurity (AOR 1.31-1.58, LPTB; AOR 1.34-1.48, EPTB). Placental abnormalities mediated in approximately 22% and 38% of the association with LPTB and EPTB, respectively. PIH mediated 25% and 33% of the association with LPTB and EPTB in FET and donor oocyte cycles, more than other treatments (<10% LPTB and <13% EPTB). CONCLUSIONS ART-treatment and all ART modalities increased LPTB and EPTB when compared with fertile deliveries. Placental abnormalities modestly mediated associations approximately equally, while PIH was a stronger mediator in FET and donor oocyte cycles. Reasons for differences require exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy E. Stern
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Chia-ling Liu
- Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA 02108, USA;
| | - Sunah S. Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Leslie V. Farland
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Hafsatou Diop
- Division of Maternal and Child Health Research and Analysis, Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA 02108, USA;
| | - Charles C. Coddington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA;
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
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24
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Shah JS, Vaughan DA, Leung A, Korkidakis A, Figueras F, Garcia D, Penzias AS, Sakkas D. Perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies after in vitro fertilization cycles over 24 years. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:27-35. [PMID: 33810846 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine how a shift in clinical practice along with laboratory changes has impacted singleton perinatal outcomes after autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Single academic fertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Singleton live births resulting from all IVF cycles (n = 14,424) from August 1, 1995 to October 31, 2019. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live birth weight, large for gestational age (GA), small for GA, and preterm birth. RESULT(S) The entire cohort consisted of 9,280 fresh and 5,144 frozen IVF cycles. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, neonatal sex, and GA at delivery were similar in both groups. There was a decrease in adjusted birth weight per year over the study period for the entire cohort of IVF cycles (-4.42g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.63g to -2.22g). Rates of large for GA newborns decreased by 1.7% (95% CI: 2.9% to 0.6%) annually across the entire cohort of IVF cycles. Furthermore, there was a decrease in annual rates of preterm birth before 32 weeks by 3.2% (95% CI: 5.9% to 0.5%) across the entire cohort of IVF cycles. Trends were also seen in annual reduction of rates of preterm birth before 37 and 28 weeks. CONCLUSION(S) With the gradual evolution of clinical and IVF laboratory practices, there has been a decrease in birth weight over 24 years for the entire cohort of IVF cycles. Concurrently, noteworthy practice changes have resulted in an improvement in IVF outcomes with decreased rates of large for GA newborns and preterm birth before 32 weeks for the entire cohort of IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimin S Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts; Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachussetts
| | - Denis A Vaughan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts; Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachussetts
| | - Angela Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts; Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachussetts
| | - Ann Korkidakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts; Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachussetts
| | - Francesc Figueras
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alan S Penzias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts; Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachussetts
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25
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Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Forestieri NE, Browne ML, Fisher SC, Yazdy MM, Ethen MK, Canfield MA, Watkins S, Nichols HB, Farland LV, Oehninger S, Doody KJ, Eisenberg ML, Baker VL. The risk of birth defects with conception by ART. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:116-129. [PMID: 33251542 PMCID: PMC8679367 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the association between ART conception and treatment parameters and the risk of birth defects? SUMMARY ANSWER Compared to naturally conceived singleton infants, the risk of a major nonchromosomal defect among ART singletons conceived with autologous oocytes and fresh embryos without use of ICSI was increased by 18%, with increases of 42% and 30% for use of ICSI with and without male factor diagnosis, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prior studies have indicated that infertility and ART are associated with an increased risk of birth defects but have been limited by small sample size and inadequate statistical power, failure to differentiate results by plurality, differences in birth defect definitions and methods of ascertainment, lack of information on ART treatment parameters or study periods spanning decades resulting in a substantial historical bias as ART techniques have improved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based cohort study linking ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2015 that resulted in live births from 1 September 2004 to 31 December 2016 in Massachusetts and North Carolina and from 1 September 2004 to 31 December 2015 for Texas and New York: these were large and ethnically diverse States, with birth defect registries utilizing the same case definitions and data collected, and with high numbers of ART births annually. A 10:1 sample of non-ART births were chosen within the same time period as the ART birth. Naturally conceived ART siblings were identified through the mother's information. Non-ART children were classified as being born to women who conceived with ovulation induction (OI)/IUI when there was an indication of infertility treatment on the birth certificate, but the woman did not link to the SART CORS; all others were classified as being naturally conceived. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population included 135 051 ART children (78 362 singletons and 56 689 twins), 23 647 naturally conceived ART siblings (22 301 singletons and 1346 twins) and 9396 children born to women treated with OI/IUI (6597 singletons and 2799 twins) and 1 067 922 naturally conceived children (1 037 757 singletons and 30 165 twins). All study children were linked to their respective State birth defect registries to identify major defects diagnosed within the first year of life. We classified children with major defects as either chromosomal (i.e. presence of a chromosomal defect with or without any other major defect) or nonchromosomal (i.e. presence of a major defect but having no chromosomal defect), or all major defects (chromosomal and nonchromosomal). Logistic regression models were used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CI to evaluate the risk of birth defects due to conception with ART (using autologous oocytes and fresh embryos), and with and without the use of ICSI in the absence or presence of male factor infertility, with naturally conceived children as the reference. Analyses within the ART group were stratified by combinations of oocyte source (autologous, donor) and embryo state (fresh, thawed), with births from autologous oocytes and fresh embryos as the reference. Analyses limited to fresh embryos were stratified by oocyte source (autologous, donor) and the use of ICSI. Triplets and higher-order multiples were excluded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 21 998 singleton children (1.9%) and 3037 twin children (3.3%) had a major birth defect. Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singletons (conceived from autologous oocytes, fresh embryos without the use of ICSI) had increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% 1.05, 1.32), cardiovascular defects (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40), and any birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09, 1.27). Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singletons conceived (from autologous oocytes, fresh embryos) with the use of ICSI, the risks were increased for a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16, 1.45 without male factor diagnosis; AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.28, 1.57 with male factor diagnosis); blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08, 2.05 without male factor; AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.17, 2.08 with male factor); cardiovascular defects (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10,1.48 without male factor; AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.27, 1.66 with male factor); in addition, the risk for musculoskeletal defects was increased (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01, 1.78 without male factor) and the risk for genitourinary defects in male infants was increased (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08, 1.65 with male factor). Comparisons within ART singleton births conceived from autologous oocytes and fresh embryos indicated that the use of ICSI was associated with increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03, 1.35), blastogenesis defects (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08, 2.51), gastrointestinal defects (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.28, 3.82) and any defect (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01, 1.22). Compared to naturally conceived children, ART singleton siblings had increased risks of musculoskeletal defects (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04, 1.67) and any defect (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08, 1.23). ART twins (conceived with autologous oocytes, fresh embryos, without ICSI) were at increased risk of chromosomal defects (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10, 3.24) and ART twin siblings were at increased risk of any defect (AOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01, 1.57). The 18% increased risk of a major nonchromosomal birth defect in singleton infants conceived with ART without ICSI (∼36% of ART births), the 30% increased risk with ICSI without male factor (∼33% of ART births), and the 42% increased risk with ICSI and male factor (∼31% of ART births) translates into an estimated excess of 386 major birth defects among the 68 908 singleton children born by ART in 2017. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the SART CORS database, it was not possible to differentiate method of embryo freezing (slow freezing vs vitrification), and data on ICSI was only available in the fresh embryo ART group. In the OI/IUI group, it was not possible to differentiate type of non-ART treatment utilized, and in both the ART and OI/IUI groups, data were unavailable on duration of infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The use of ART is associated with increased risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect, cardiovascular defect and any defect in singleton children, and chromosomal defects in twins; the use of ICSI further increases this risk, the most with male factor infertility. These findings support the judicious use of ICSI only when medically indicated. The relative contribution of ART treatment parameters versus the biology of the subfertile couple to this increased risk remains unclear and warrants further study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project was supported by grant R01 HD084377 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, or the National Institutes of Health, nor any of the State Departments of Health which contributed data. E.W. is a contract vendor for SART; all other authors report no conflicts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and
Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public
Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Nina E Forestieri
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human
Services, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for
Health Statistics, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects
Research Section, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C Fisher
- New York State Department of Health, Birth Defects
Research Section, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mahsa M Yazdy
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention,
Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary K Ethen
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth
Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth
Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of
Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
NC, USA
| | - Leslie V Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel
and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery,
Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine,
Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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26
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Hwang SS, Dukhovny D, Gopal D, Cabral H, Farland LV, Stern JE. Sex differences in infant health following ART-treated, subfertile, and fertile deliveries. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 38:211-218. [PMID: 33185819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Among infants following ART-treated, subfertile, and fertile deliveries to determine (1) the presence and magnitude of sex differences in health outcomes and (2) whether the presence of sex differences varied among maternal fertility groups. METHODS Retrospective cohort analysis of infants born in Massachusetts (MA) in 2004-2013 who were conceived by ART. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System was linked to the Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal data system, which links birth certificates to hospital discharge records for MA mothers and infants. Included were singletons born via ART-treated, subfertile, and fertile deliveries. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between infant sex and health outcomes, controlling for maternal demographic and health characteristics. RESULTS A total of 16,034 ART-treated, 13,277 subfertile, and 620,375 fertile singleton live births were included. For all three groups, males had greater odds of being preterm (AOR range 1.15-1.2), having birth defects (AOR range 1.31-1.71), experiencing respiratory (AOR range 1.33-1.35) and neurologic (AOR range 1.24-1.3) conditions, and prolonged hospital stay (AOR range 1.19-1.25) compared to females. The interaction between maternal fertility group and infant sex for all infant outcomes was nonsignificant, denoting that the presence of sex differences among fertile, subfertile, and ART groups did not vary. CONCLUSION Sex differences in birth outcomes of infants following ART-treated, subfertile, and fertile deliveries exist but the magnitude of these differences does not vary among these maternal fertility groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunah S Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13121 East 17th Avenue, Education 2 South, Mailstop 8402, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daksha Gopal
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leslie V Farland
- Departmet of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Judy E Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH, USA
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27
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Conforti A, Picarelli S, Carbone L, La Marca A, Venturella R, Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Zullo F, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Alviggi C. Perinatal and obstetric outcomes in singleton pregnancies following fresh versus cryopreserved blastocyst transfer: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:401-412. [PMID: 33234401 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts is increasing in IVF centres. However, little is known about the perinatal and obstetric outcomes of this procedure. In an attempt to further elucidate these issues, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare cryopreserved transfer with fresh blastocyst embryo transfer. The results show that the risk of both preterm (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.99, P = 0.04) and low birthweight births (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.99, P = 0.04) was significantly lower after cryopreserved blastocyst transfer than after fresh blastocyst transfer. The rate of large for gestational age births was significantly higher (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.55-1.82, P < 0.00001) and the rate of small for gestational age births significantly lower (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.54-0.65, P < 0.00001) after cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. The transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts was associated with a significantly lower risk of placental abruption (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.83, P = 0.003) but a significantly higher risk of Caesarean section (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.43, P = 0.03). In conclusion, the perinatal and obstetric outcomes associated with the transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts differ from those associated with fresh blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Silvia Picarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Zullo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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28
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Christianson MS, Stern JE, Sun F, Zhang H, Styer AK, Vitek W, Polotsky AJ. Embryo cryopreservation and utilization in the United States from 2004-2013. F S Rep 2020; 1:71-77. [PMID: 34223221 PMCID: PMC8244341 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the quantity and use of embryos cryopreserved at assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics in the United States from 2004 through 2013 and to characterize trends in ART cycles in which all embryos were cryopreserved. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Registry data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Intervention(s) Historical cohort of U.S. ART cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Outcomes Reporting System between 2004 and 2013. Main Outcome Measure(s) Number of embryos cryopreserved and factors associated with having cryopreserved embryos. Result(s) The percentage of fresh cycles in which all embryos were frozen increased dramatically each year after 2010: 15.6% (2010), 19.9% (2011), 30.7% (2012), and 40.7% (2013). During 10 years, 1,954,548 embryos were cryopreserved and 717,345 embryos were transferred. In freeze-only cycles from 2004 to 2013, there was a significant increase in the percentage of women with diminished ovarian reserve (19.9% to 34.1%) and in those who used preimplantation genetic testing (3.2% to 6.9%). During the 10-year period, there were 294,575 fresh cycles with embryo transfer and at least one embryo cryopreserved. Overall, 52.5% (n = 154,543) did not undergo a subsequent frozen embryo transfer, 29.5% (n = 40,462) were left with no frozen embryos, 50.4% (n = 68,875) had one–five embryos, and 20.0% (n = 27,396) had ≥six. Factors associated with having excess embryos included donor oocyte cycles and increased antimüllerian hormone levels. Conclusion(s) There has been a sharp increase in U.S. ART cycles in which all embryos are frozen and this may result in more embryos in storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy S Christianson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lutherville, Maryland
| | - Judy E Stern
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Fangbai Sun
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Heping Zhang
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) Fertility Clinic, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wendy Vitek
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Alex J Polotsky
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
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Yang M, Lin L, Sha C, Li T, Gao W, Chen L, Wu Y, Ma Y, Zhu X. Which is better for mothers and babies: fresh or frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:559. [PMID: 32967652 PMCID: PMC7513314 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there have been many reports on the pregnancy outcomes of fresh blastocyst transfer (BT) and frozen-thawed BT, but the conclusions are controversial and incomplete. To compare the pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes of fresh and frozen-thawed BT in the context of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles, we conducted a meta-analysis. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through May 2020. Data were extracted independently by two authors. RESULTS Fifty-four studies, including 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), met the inclusion criteria. Fresh BT was associated with a lower implantation rate, pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate and higher ectopic pregnancy rate than frozen-thawed BT according to the results of the RCTs. The risks of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, placental abruption, placenta previa and preterm delivery were higher for fresh BT than for frozen-thawed BT. The risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia was lower for fresh BT; however, no significant differences in risks for gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm rupture of membrane were found between the two groups. Compared with frozen-thawed BT, fresh BT appears to be associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. No differences in the incidences of neonatal mortality or neonatal malformation were observed between fresh and frozen-thawed BT. CONCLUSIONS At present there is an overall slight preponderance of risks in fresh cycles against frozen, however individualization is required and current knowledge does not permit to address a defintive response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantong City No 1 People's Hospital and Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Li Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunli Sha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Taoqiong Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wujiang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University (Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), 20 Zhengdong Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, People's Republic of China.
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
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Nagy ZP, Shapiro D, Chang CC. Vitrification of the human embryo: a more efficient and safer in vitro fertilization treatment. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:241-247. [PMID: 32106970 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has become a central pillar in assisted reproduction, reflected in the exponential increase of "freeze all" cycles in the past few years. Vitrification makes it possible to cool and warm human eggs and embryos with far less cryo-damage than 'slow-freeze' and allows nearly intact survival of embryos with very high survival rates for eggs as well. This has resulted in a complete transformation how we manage treatment for in vitro fertilization patients. Fresh transfers can be avoided without compromising outcomes, and in fact, cumulative pregnancy/delivery rates may be improved by performing sequential elective "frozen" single embryo transfers. Some recent evidence suggests that previously vitrified embryos give better perinatal outcomes than fresh embryo transfers. Frozen embryo transfer, especially when coupled with preimplantation genetic testing allows for highly efficient single embryo transfers that translate to more singleton and therefore safer pregnancies, as well as healthier babies. Additionally, vitrification has also opened new options for patients, most notably fertility preservation (through oocyte cryopreservation), and donor egg banking.
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Orvieto R, Kirshenbaum M, Gleicher N. Is Embryo Cryopreservation Causing Macrosomia-and What Else? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:19. [PMID: 32047479 PMCID: PMC6997460 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle is directly related to the high incidence of multiple births, which is the culprit of perinatal morbidity. Therefore, single fresh embryo transfer (ET) strategy, or freeze-all, followed by a single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle, may dramatically reduce the rate of multiple births, without compromising the cumulative live birth rates (LBRs). A literature review was conducted for all available evidences assessing obstetrics and perinatal outcomes associated with FET compared to fresh ET and natural conception. While studies comparing fresh and FET cycles in normal responders have yielded conflicting results for pregnancy rate, FET was associated with lower risk of prematurity and low birth weight and increased risk of large for gestational age (LGA) and/or macrosomic in singletons, when compared with fresh ET. Macrosomic/LGA births have a higher risk of fetal hypoxia, stillbirth, shoulder dystocia, perineal lacerations, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal metabolic disturbances at birth. Nonetheless, it seems that other than higher risk of fetal macrosomia, there are additional obstetric complications associated with FET. The relative risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, as well as perinatal mortality were also demonstrated to be increased in FET compared with singletons from fresh ET and natural conception. Therefore, when considering elective freeze-all policy, in addition to LBR and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, physicians should consider the aforementioned increased FET cycles' pregnancy complications, including LGA/ macrosomia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, as well as perinatal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Raoul Orvieto
| | - Michal Kirshenbaum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, United States
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
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