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Chang CT, Weng SF, Chuang HY, Hsu IL, Hsu CY, Tsai EM. Embryo transfer impact: a comprehensive national cohort analysis comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes across varied embryo stages in fresh and frozen transfers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1400255. [PMID: 38933826 PMCID: PMC11199782 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1400255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The utilization of frozen embryo transfer not only enhances reproductive outcomes by elevating the likelihood of live birth and clinical pregnancy but also improves safety by mitigating the risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. There has been an increasing debate in recent years regarding the advisability of making elective frozen embryo transfer the standard practice. Our study aims to determine the optimal choice between fresh and frozen embryo transfer, as well as whether the transfer should occur at the cleavage or blastocyst stage. Method In this retrospective cohort study conducted in Taiwan, data from the national assisted reproductive technology (ART) database spanning from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2017, were analyzed. The study included 51,762 eligible female participants who underwent ART and embryo transfer. Pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and singleton neonatal outcomes were evaluated using the National Health Insurance Database from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2018. Cases were categorized into groups based on whether they underwent fresh or frozen embryo transfers, with further subdivision into cleavage stage and blastocyst stage transfers. Exposure variables encompassed clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, OHSS, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), gestational age, newborn body weight, and route of delivery. Results Frozen blastocyst transfers showed higher rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR) and live births (LBR) compared to fresh blastocyst transfers. Conversely, frozen cleavage stage transfers demonstrated lower rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth compared to fresh cleavage stage transfers. Frozen embryo transfers were associated with reduced risks of OHSS but were linked to a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to fresh embryo transfers. Additionally, frozen embryo transfers were associated with a higher incidence of large for gestational age infants and a lower incidence of small for gestational age infants. Conclusion The freeze-all strategy may not be suitable for universal application. When embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage, FET is a favorable choice, but embryos can only develop to the cleavage stage, fresh embryo transfer becomes a more reasonable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ting Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Weng
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Medical Informatics and Statistics, Office of Research and Development, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Le Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Zhou W, Feng W, Chang J, Hu J, Li F, Hu K, Jiao J, Xue X, Lan T, Wan W, Chen ZJ, Cui L. Metabolic profiles of children aged 2-5 years born after frozen and fresh embryo transfer: A Chinese cohort study. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004388. [PMID: 38843150 PMCID: PMC11156393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frozen embryo transfer (FET) has become a widely employed assisted reproductive technology technique. There have historically been concerns regarding the long-term metabolic safety of FET technology in offspring due to pregnancy-induced hypertension and large for gestational age, both of which are well-recognized factors for metabolic dysfunction of children. Therefore, we aimed to compare the metabolic profiles of children born after frozen versus fresh embryo transfer at 2 to 5 years of age. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a prospective cohort study. Using data from the "Assisted Reproductive Technology borned KIDs (ARTKID)," a birth cohort of offspring born from assisted reproductive technology at the Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, China. We included 4,246 singletons born after FET (n = 2,181) and fresh embryo transfer (n = 2,065) enrolled between 2008 and 2019 and assessed the glucose and lipid variables until the age of 2 to 5 years. During a mean follow-up of 3.6 years, no significant differences were observed in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels between offspring conceived by fresh and frozen embryo transfer in the crude model and adjusted model (adjusted for parental age, parental body mass index, parental education level, paternal smoking, parity, offspring age and sex). These results remained consistent across subgroup analyses considering offspring age, the stage of embryo transfer, and the mode of fertilization. Results from sensitivity analysis on children matched for age within the cohort remains the same. The main limitation of our study is the young age of the offspring. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the impact of FET on glucose and lipid profiles during early childhood was comparable to fresh embryo transfer. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the metabolic health of offspring born after FET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wanbing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fuxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kuona Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiejing Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
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Geng L, Lu S, Li S, Chen ZJ, Wei D, Liu P. An appraisal of current embryo transfer strategies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:815-823. [PMID: 37811841 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2265152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Embryo transfer, one of the most essential procedures in assisted reproductive technology, plays a vital role in the success of in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During the last decades, the strategies for embryo transfer have changed dramatically. In this review, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of several current embryo transfer strategies including fresh versus frozen embryo transfer, cleavage- versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, and single- versus double-embryo transfer. Available evidence indicates that the freeze-only strategy improves the live birth rate after the first embryo transfer in high responders while making no difference in normal responders. The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-only strategy. Fresh blastocyst-stage embryo transfer increased live birth rate compared to cleavage-stage embryo transfer. The best embryo transfer strategy is one which tailors to individual circumstances and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Geng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shiya Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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