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Hesters L, Sermondade N, Lambert C, Pouly JL, Pereira B, Lucas C, Levy R, Brugnon F. Is large for gestational age in singletons born after frozen embryo transfer associated with freezing technique or endometrial preparation protocol? A longitudinal national French study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:724-732. [PMID: 38384249 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae027] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is large for gestational age (LGA) observed in babies born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) associated with either the freezing technique or the endometrial preparation protocol? SUMMARY ANSWER Artificial cycles are associated with a higher risk of LGA, with no difference in rate between the two freezing techniques (vitrification versus slow freezing) or embryo stage (cleaved embryo versus blastocyst). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several studies have compared neonatal outcomes after fresh embryo transfer (ET) and FET and shown that FET is associated with improved neonatal outcomes, including reduced risks of preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age (SGA), when compared with fresh ET. However, these studies also revealed an increased risk of LGA after FET. The underlying pathophysiology of this increased risk remains unclear; parental infertility, laboratory procedures (including embryo culture conditions and freezing-thawing processes), and endometrial preparation treatments might be involved. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A multicentre epidemiological data study was performed through a retrospective analysis of the standardized individual clinical records of the French national register of IVF from 2014 to 2018, including single deliveries resulting from fresh ET or FET that were prospectively collected in fertility centres. Complementary data were collected from the participating fertility centres and included the vitrification media and devices, and the endometrial preparation protocols. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were collected from 35 French ART centres, leading to the inclusion of a total of 72 789 fresh ET, 10 602 slow-freezing FET, and 39 062 vitrification FET. Main clinical outcomes were presented according to origin of the transferred embryos (fresh, slow frozen, or vitrified embryos) and endometrial preparations for FET (ovulatory or artificial cycles), comparing five different groups (fresh, slow freezing-ovulatory cycle, slow freezing-artificial cycle, vitrification-ovulatory cycle, and vitrification-artificial cycle). Foetal growth disorders were defined in live-born singletons according to gestational age and sex-specific weight percentile distribution: SGA and LGA if <10th and ≥90th percentiles, respectively. Analyses were performed using linear mixed models with the ART centres as random effect. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transfers led to, respectively, 19 006, 1798, and 9195 deliveries corresponding to delivery rates per transfer of 26.1%, 17.0%, and 23.5% after fresh ET, slow-freezing FET, and vitrification FET, respectively. FET cycles were performed in either ovulatory cycles (n = 21 704) or artificial cycles (n = 34 237), leading to 5910 and 10 322 pregnancies, respectively, and corresponding to pregnancy rates per transfer of 31.6% and 33.3%. A significantly higher rate of spontaneous miscarriage was observed in artificial cycles when compared with ovulatory cycles (33.3% versus 21.4%, P < 0.001, in slow freezing groups and 31.6% versus 21.8%, P < 0.001 in vitrification groups). Consequently, a lower delivery rate per transfer was observed in artificial cycles compared with ovulatory cycles both in slow freezing and vitrification groups (15.5% versus 18.9%, P < 0.001 and 22.8% versus 24.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). Among a total of 26 585 live-born singletons, 16 413 babies were born from fresh ET, 1644 from slow-freezing FET, and 8528 from vitrification FET. Birthweight was significantly higher in the FET groups than in the fresh ET group, with no difference between the two freezing techniques. Likewise, LGA rates were higher and SGA rates were lower in the FET groups compared with the fresh ET group whatever the method used for embryo freezing. In a multivariable analysis, the risk of LGA following FET was significantly increased in artificial compared with ovulatory cycles. In contrast, the risk of LGA was not associated with either the freezing procedure (vitrification versus slow freezing) or the embryo stage (cleaved embryo versus blastocyst) at freezing. Regarding the vitrification method, the risk of LGA was not associated with either the vitrification medium used or the embryo stage. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION No data were available on maternal context, such as parity, BMI, infertility cause, or maternal comorbidities, in the French national database. In particular, we cannot exclude that the increased risk of LGA observed following FET with artificial cycles may, at least partially, be associated with a confounding effect of some maternal factors. No information about embryo culture and incubation conditions was available. Most of the vitrification techniques were performed using the same device and with two main vitrification media, limiting the validity of a comparison of risk for LGA according to the device or vitrification media used. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results seem reassuring, since no potential foetal growth disorders following embryo vitrification in comparison with slow freezing were observed. Even if other factors are involved, the endometrial preparation treatment seems to have the greatest impact on LGA risk following FET. FET during ovulatory cycles could minimize the risk for foetal growth disorders. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work has received funding from the French Biomedicine Agency (Grant number: 19AMP002). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Hesters
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | - Nathalie Sermondade
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Céline Lambert
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Luc Pouly
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Levy
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- Department of Reproductive Biology CECOS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- University of Clermont Auvergne, IMoST, INSERM 1240, Faculté de Médecine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Ahlström A, Lundin K, Cimadomo D, Coticchio G, Selleskog U, Westlander G, Winerdal J, Stenfelt C, Callender S, Nyberg C, Åström M, Löfdahl K, Nolte L, Sundler M, Kitlinski M, Liljeqvist Soltic I, Bohlin T, Baumgart J, Lindgren KE, Gülen Yaldir F, Rienzi L, Lind AK, Bergh C. No major differences in perinatal and maternal outcomes between uninterrupted embryo culture in time-lapse system and conventional embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2400-2411. [PMID: 37879843 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead219] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is embryo culture in a closed time-lapse system associated with any differences in perinatal and maternal outcomes in comparison to conventional culture and spontaneous conception? SUMMARY ANSWER There were no significant differences between time-lapse and conventional embryo culture in preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW, >2500 g) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for singleton deliveries, the primary outcomes of this study. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence from prospective trials evaluating the safety of time-lapse incubation for clinical use show similar embryo development rates, implantation rates, and ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates when compared to conventional incubation. Few studies have investigated if uninterrupted culture can alter risks of adverse perinatal outcomes presently associated with IVF when compared to conventional culture and spontaneous conceptions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a Swedish population-based retrospective registry study, including 7379 singleton deliveries after fresh embryo transfer between 2013 and 2018 from selected IVF clinics. Perinatal outcomes of singletons born from time-lapse-cultured embryos were compared to singletons from embryos cultured in conventional incubators and 71 300 singletons from spontaneous conceptions. Main perinatal outcomes included PTB and LBW. Main maternal outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS From nine IVF clinics, 2683 singletons born after fresh embryo transfer in a time-lapse system were compared to 4696 singletons born after culture in a conventional incubator and 71 300 singletons born after spontaneous conception matched for year of birth, parity, and maternal age. Patient and treatment characteristics from IVF deliveries were cross-linked with the Swedish Medical Birth Register, Register of Birth Defects, National Patient Register and Statistics Sweden. Children born after sperm and oocyte donation cycles and after Preimplantation Genetic testing cycles were excluded. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were calculated, adjusting for relevant confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the adjusted analyses, no significant differences were found for risk of PTB (adjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.87-1.41) and LBW (adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66-1.14) or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; preeclampsia and hypertension (adjusted OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67-1.45 and adjusted OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.62-1.53, respectively) between time-lapse and conventional incubation systems. A significantly increased risk of PTB (adjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.60) and LBW (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08-1.72) was found for singletons born after time-lapse incubation compared to singletons born after spontaneous conceptions. In addition, a lower risk for pregnancy hypertension (adjusted OR 0.72 95% CI 0.53-0.99) but no significant difference for preeclampsia (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.68-1.12) was found compared to spontaneous conceptions. Subgroup analyses showed that some risks were related to the day of embryo transfer, with more adverse outcomes after blastocyst transfer in comparison to cleavage stage transfer. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is retrospective in design and different clinical strategies may have been used to select specific patient groups for time-lapse versus conventional incubation. The number of patients is limited and larger datasets are required to obtain more precise estimates and adjust for possible effect of additional embryo culture variables. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Embryo culture in time-lapse systems is not associated with major differences in perinatal and maternal outcomes, compared to conventional embryo culture, suggesting that this technology is an acceptable alternative for embryo incubation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was financed by a research grant from Gedeon Richter. There are no conflicts of interest for all authors to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahlström
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - D Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - G Coticchio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.baby, Bologna, Italy
| | - U Selleskog
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - G Westlander
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J Winerdal
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gärdet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Stenfelt
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gärdet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Callender
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Kungsholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Nyberg
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Kungsholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Åström
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - K Löfdahl
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Nolte
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Malmö, Malmö, Sweden
| | - M Sundler
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Malmö, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | | | - T Bohlin
- Örebro University Hospital, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - L Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Carlo Bo University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - A K Lind
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Bergh
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Cimadomo D, Forman EJ, Morbeck DE, Liperis G, Miller K, Zaninovic N, Sturmey R, Rienzi L. Day7 and low-quality blastocysts: opt in or opt out? A dilemma with important clinical implications. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1151-1159. [PMID: 38008467 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric J Forman
- Columbia University Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Dean E Morbeck
- Morbeck Consulting Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Georgios Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Nikica Zaninovic
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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Pinborg A, Wennerholm UB, Bergh C. Long-term outcomes for children conceived by assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:449-456. [PMID: 37086833 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, more than 10 million children have been born after assisted reproduction technology (ART), comprising up to 7.9% of children born in Europe and up to 5.1 % of children born in the US in 2018. The short-term outcome for children born after ART is well-known from numerous publications, with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in children born after fresh embryo transfer and higher rates of large for gestational age and high birth weight in children born after frozen embryo transfer compared with children born after spontaneous conception. Higher rates of birth defects in children born after ART have also been shown consistently over time. Studies on long-term health outcomes after ART are scarcer but suggest an increased risk of altered blood pressure and cardiovascular function in children born after ART. In this review, we summarize long-term health outcomes in children born after ART and discuss whether the increased health risks are associated with intrinsic maternal or paternal factors related to subfertility or ART treatments per se. Finally, we speculate where the future will bring us regarding ART treatment strategies and the safety of the mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pinborg
- Department of Fertility, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Instistute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Marconi N, Raja EA, Bhattacharya S, Maheshwari A. Perinatal outcomes in singleton live births after blastocyst transfer: an analysis of 60,926 in vitro fertilization cycles from the United Kingdom. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:312-320. [PMID: 37080510 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.018] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare perinatal outcomes between singleton live births after blastocyst-stage and cleavage-stage fresh embryo transfer using data from all United Kingdom licensed fertility clinics. DESIGN A cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 60,926 in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles resulting in a singleton live birth after blastocyst-stage and cleavage-stage fresh embryo transfer between 2012 and 2018. INTERVENTION(S) Baseline characteristics between IVF/ICSI blastocyst and cleavage-stage transfer groups were compared using the χ2 test for categorical/dichotomized variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at <.05. Association between perinatal outcomes and blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage transfer was assessed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for confounders selected using directed acyclic graphs (95% confidence interval [CI], adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR]). A subgroup analysis included cycles in women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S) Gestational age at birth and birth weight. RESULT(S) The blastocyst group comprised 42,677 IVF/ICSI cycles and cleavage-stage group 18,249 cycles. There was likely little to no difference in the risk of preterm (aRRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.15) and very preterm birth (aRRR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.91-1.21) in singleton live births after fresh blastocyst and cleavage-stage transfer. Risks of low birth weight (aRRR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95-1.09), very low birth weight (aRRR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.83-1.11), high birth weight (aRRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.04), and very high birth weight (aRRR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77-1.08) were likely similar between the groups. The findings were consistent in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION(S) Fresh blastocyst transfer does not appear to have a negative impact on gestational age at birth and birth weight in singleton live births compared with fresh cleavage-stage transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Marconi
- Aberdeen Fertility Centre, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Edwin-Amalraj Raja
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Siladitya Bhattacharya
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Abha Maheshwari
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Fraire-Zamora JJ, Serdarogullari M, Sharma K, Ammar OF, Mincheva M, Macklon N, Pujol A, Capalbo A, Meseguer M, Liperis G. Better late than never: the clinical value of Day 7 blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:520-524. [PMID: 36610458 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Munevver Serdarogullari
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Kashish Sharma
- ART Fertility Clinics LLC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omar Farhan Ammar
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mina Mincheva
- Biomathematics Research Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Aïda Pujol
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH)-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - George Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Ginström Ernstad E, Hanson C, Wånggren K, Thurin-Kjellberg A, Hulthe Söderberg C, Syk Lundberg E, Petzold M, Wennerholm UB, Bergh C. Preimplantation genetic testing and child health: a national register-based study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:739-750. [PMID: 36749096 PMCID: PMC10068295 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) associated with adverse perinatal outcome and early childhood health? SUMMARY ANSWER Children born after PGT had comparable perinatal outcomes to children born after IVF/ICSI and comparable findings regarding early childhood health. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PGT is offered to couples affected by monogenic disorders (PGT-M) or inherited chromosomal aberrations (PGT-SR), limiting the risk of transferring the disorder to the offspring. PGT, an invasive technique, requires genetic analysis of one or up to ten cells from the embryo and is combined with IVF or ICSI. Several studies, most of them small, have shown comparable results after PGT and IVF/ICSI concerning perinatal outcome. Only a few studies with limited samples have been published on PGT and childhood health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a register-based study including all singletons born after PGT (n = 390) in Sweden during 1 January 1996-30 September 2019. Singletons born after PGT were compared with all singletons born after IVF/ICSI (n = 61 060) born during the same period of time and with a matched sample of singletons (n = 42 034) born after spontaneous conception selected from the Medical Birth Register. Perinatal outcomes, early childhood health, and maternal outcomes were compared between pregnancies after PGT and IVF/ICSI as well as between pregnancies after PGT and spontaneous conception. Primary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW) whereas childhood morbidity was the secondary outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data on women who went through PGT and gave birth were obtained from the local databases at the two PGT centres in Sweden, whereas data on IVF treatment for the IVF/ICSI group were obtained from the national IVF registers. These data were then cross-linked to national health registers; the Medical Birth Register, the Patient Register, and the Cause of Death Register. Logistic multivariable regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were performed with adjustment for relevant confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean follow-up time was 4.6 years for children born after PGT and 5.1 years for children born after spontaneous conception, whereas the mean follow-up time was 9.0 years for children born after IVF/ICSI. For perinatal outcomes, PTB occurred in 7.7% of children after PGT and in 7.3% of children after IVF/ICSI, whereas the rates were 4.9% and 5.2% for LBW (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81 and AOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.71-1.91, respectively). No differences were observed for birth defects. In comparison to spontaneous conception, children born after PGT had a higher risk for PTB (AOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17-2.58). Regarding early childhood health, the absolute risk of asthma was 38/390 (9.7%) in children born after PGT and 6980/61 060 (11.4%) in children born after in IVF/ICSI, whereas the corresponding numbers were 34/390 (8.7%) and 7505/61 060 (12.3%) for allergic disorders. Following Cox proportional hazards models, no significant differences were found for these outcomes. Sepsis, hypothyroidism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy were diagnosed in a maximum of three PGT children. No PGT children died during the follow-up period. Regarding maternal outcomes, the rates of placenta praevia and caesarean delivery were significantly higher after PGT in comparison to spontaneous conception (AOR 6.46, 95% CI 3.38-12.37 and AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.20-1.92, respectively), whereas no differences were seen comparing pregnancies after PGT and IVF/ICSI. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The rather small sample size of children born after PGT made it impossible to adjust for all relevant confounders including fertilization method and culture duration. Moreover, the follow-up time was short for most of the children especially in the PGT group, probably lowering the absolute number of diagnoses in early childhood. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results are reassuring and indicate that the embryo biopsy itself has no adverse effect on the perinatal, early childhood, or maternal outcomes. Although the results are comparable to IVF/ICSI also regarding early childhood outcome, they should be taken with caution due to the low number of children with diagnoses and short follow-up time. Long-term follow-up studies on children born after PGT are scarce and should be conducted considering the invasiveness of the technique. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement (LUA/ALF 70940), the Board of National Specialised Medical Care at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ginström Ernstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charles Hanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kjell Wånggren
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Thurin-Kjellberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Elisabeth Syk Lundberg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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H Petersen S, Westvik-Johari K, Spangmose AL, Pinborg A, Romundstad LB, Bergh C, Åsvold BO, Gissler M, Tiitinen A, Wennerholm UB, Opdahl S. Risk of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy After Fresh and Frozen Embryo Transfer in Assisted Reproduction: A Population-Based Cohort Study With Within-Sibship Analysis. Hypertension 2023; 80:e6-e16. [PMID: 36154568 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frozen embryo transfer (frozen-ET) is increasingly common because of improved cryopreservation methods and elective freezing of all embryos. Frozen-ET is associated with higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy than both natural conception and fresh embryo transfer (fresh-ET), but whether this is attributable to parental factors or treatment is unknown. METHODS Using the Medical Birth Registries of Denmark (1994-2014), Norway, and Sweden (1988-2015), linked to data from national quality registries and databases on assisted reproduction, we designed a population-based cohort study with within-sibship comparison. We included 4 426 691 naturally conceived, 78 300 fresh-ET, and 18 037 frozen-ET singleton pregnancies, of which 33 209 sibships were conceived using different conception methods. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy for fresh-ET and frozen-ET versus natural conception with 95% CI were estimated using multilevel logistic regression, where random effects provided conventional population-level estimates and fixed effects gave within-sibship estimates. Main models included adjustment for birth year, maternal age, parity, and country. RESULTS Risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was higher after frozen-ET compared to natural conception, both at population-level (7.4% versus 4.3%, aOR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.61-1.89]) and within sibships (aOR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.72-2.39]). For fresh-ET, risk was similar to natural conception, both at population-level (aOR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.98-1.07]) and within sibships (aOR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.89-1.09]). CONCLUSIONS Frozen-ET was associated with substantially higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, even after accounting for shared parental factors within sibships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindre H Petersen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (S.H.P., K.W.-J., S.O.), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjersti Westvik-Johari
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (S.H.P., K.W.-J., S.O.), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Fertility, Women and Children's Centre, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway (K.W.-J.)
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark (A.L.S., A.P.)
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark (A.L.S., A.P.)
| | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway (L.B.R.).,Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo (L.B.R.)
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden (C.B., U.-B.W.)
| | - Bjørn Olav Åsvold
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (B.O.A.), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger (B.A.O.).,Department of Endocrinology, Clinic of Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway (B.O.A.)
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Knowledge Brokers, Helsinki, Finland (M.G.).,Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden (M.G.)
| | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland (A.T.)
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden (C.B., U.-B.W.)
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (S.H.P., K.W.-J., S.O.), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Sermondade N, Hesters L, De Mouzon J, Devaux A, Epelboin S, Fauque P, Gervoise-Boyer MJ, Labrosse J, Viot G, Bergère M, Devienne C, Jonveaux P, Levy R, Pessione F. Fetal growth disorders following medically assisted reproduction: due to maternal context or techniques? A national French cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:739-749. [PMID: 36906455 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.006] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What part do maternal context and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques play in the risk of fetal growth disorders? DESIGN This retrospective nationwide cohort study uses data available in the French National Health System database and focuses on the period from 2013 to 2017. Fetal growth disorders were divided into four groups according to the origin of pregnancy: fresh embryo transfer (n = 45,201), frozen embryo transfer (FET, n = 18,845), intrauterine insemination (IUI, n = 20,179) and natural conceptions (n = 3,412,868). Fetal growth disorders were defined from the percentiles of the weight distribution according to gestational age and sex: small and large for gestational age (SGA and LGA) if <10th and >90th percentiles, respectively. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic models. RESULTS Compared with births following natural conception, multivariate analysis showed that the risk of SGA was higher for births following fresh embryo transfer and IUI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.26 [1.22-1.29] and 1.08 [1.03-1.12], respectively) and significantly lower following FET (aOR 0.79 [0.75-0.83]). The risk of LGA was higher for births following FET (aOR 1.32 [1.27-1.38]), especially in artificial cycles when compared with ovulatory cycles (aOR 1.25 [1.15-1.36]). In the subgroup of births without any obstetrical or neonatal morbidity, the same increased risk of SGA and LGA were observed following fresh embryo transfer or IUI and FET (aOR 1.23 [1.19-1.27] or 1.06 [1.01-1.11] and aOR 1.36 [1.30-1.43], respectively). CONCLUSIONS An effect of MAR techniques on the risks for SGA and LGA is suggested independently from maternal context and obstetrical or neonatal morbidities. Pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood and should be further evaluated, as well as the influence of embryonic stage and freezing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Sermondade
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Laetitia Hesters
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | | | - Aviva Devaux
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens, France
| | - Sylvie Epelboin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Nord, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | | | - Julie Labrosse
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Nord, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Rachel Levy
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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10
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Siristatidis C, Papapanou M, Karageorgiou V, Martins WP, Bellos I, Teixeira DM, Vlahos N. Congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer: systematic review and network meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 61:12-25. [PMID: 35751886 PMCID: PMC10107888 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the reported rate of any congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome of pregnancy following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer using a pairwise meta-analysis and to evaluate the same outcomes following fresh-blastocyst, frozen-blastocyst, fresh-cleavage or frozen-cleavage embryo transfer using a network meta-analysis. METHODS A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL and registers for ongoing studies, from inception to February 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with any sample size and observational studies including at least 100 live births per group, comparing the rates of any congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome of pregnancy following fresh/frozen embryo transfer at cleavage (day 2-3) vs blastocyst (day 5-7) stage. Risk ratios (RRs) along with their 95% CIs were pooled via a random-effects model meta-analysis. Within a frequentist network meta-analysis framework, outcomes of all four treatment modalities (i.e. fresh-blastocyst, fresh-cleavage, frozen-blastocyst, frozen-cleavage) were compared further. Any congenital anomaly constituted the primary outcome, whereas preterm delivery (delivery < 37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW; < 2500 g), gender of the neonate (male), perinatal death and healthy neonate (defined as liveborn neonate, delivered at term, weighing ≥ 2500 g, surviving for at least 28 days postbirth and without any congenital anomaly) were considered as secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses by plurality (liveborn singleton vs multiple pregnancy) were conducted in the pairwise and network meta-analyses. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool for RCTs and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS Through the literature search, 550 studies were retrieved and 33 were included in the systematic review. We found no significant difference in the risk for any congenital anomaly between blastocyst- and cleavage-stage transfer (RR, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63-1.03); 10 studies; n = 192 442; I2 = 85.5%). An increased probability of a male neonate was observed following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage transfer (RR, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.06-1.09); 18 studies; n = 227 530; I2 = 32.7%). No significant differences in other secondary outcomes or significant subgroup differences between liveborn singletons and multiple pregnancies were observed. The network meta-analysis showed a significantly lower risk for LBW following frozen-blastocyst vs fresh-blastocyst (RR, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.60-0.95)) or fresh-cleavage (RR, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.59-0.93)) transfer. Frozen-blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk for perinatal death compared with the fresh-cleavage method (RR, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.10-3.88)). The higher probability of a male neonate following blastocyst transfer remained evident in the network comparisons. All outcomes were assessed to be of very-low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS Current very-low certainty of evidence shows that there may be little-to-no difference in the risk for congenital anomaly or adverse perinatal outcome of pregnancy following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer, although there was a slightly increased probability of a male neonate following blastocyst transfer. When considering cryopreservation, frozen-blastocyst transfer was associated with a reduction in the risk for LBW compared with both fresh-transfer modalities, and fresh-cleavage transfer may be associated with a reduction in the risk for perinatal death compared with frozen-blastocyst transfer. High-quality RCTs with separate data on fresh and frozen cycles and consistent reporting of culture conditions and freezing methods are mandatory. Individual participant data meta-analyses are required to address the substantial inconsistency resulting from current aggregate data approaches. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University HospitalAthensGreece
| | - M. Papapanou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University HospitalAthensGreece
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Working Group, Society of Junior DoctorsAthensGreece
| | | | - W. P. Martins
- SEMEAR fertilidade, Reproductive MedicineRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - I. Bellos
- Sotiria General HospitalNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - D. M. Teixeira
- SEMEAR fertilidade, Reproductive MedicineRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - N. Vlahos
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University HospitalAthensGreece
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11
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Larcher L, Jauniaux E, Lenzi J, Ragnedda R, Morano D, Valeriani M, Michelli G, Farina A, Contro E. Ultrasound diagnosis of placental and umbilical cord anomalies in singleton pregnancies resulting from in-vitro fertilization. Placenta 2023; 131:58-64. [PMID: 36493624 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION placental anomalies can affect fetal and maternal outcome due to severe maternal hemorrhage potentially resulting in hysterectomy and cord accident including abruption that can determine fetal damage or death. The aims of our study are to determine if the rate of placental and umbilical cord anomalies are more common in IVF singleton pregnancies compared to spontaneous pregnancies; to evaluate the role of ultrasound in screening for these anomalies and to investigate if oocyte donor fertilization is an additional risk factor for the development of these anomalies. METHODS this was a prospective cohort study involving two tertiary centers. Patients with a singleton pregnancy conceived with IVF and patients presenting with a spontaneous conception were recruited between 1st May 2019 to 31st March 2021. A total of 634 pregnancies were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent similar antenatal care, which included ultrasound examinations at 11-14, 19-22 and 33-35 weeks. Ultrasound findings of placental and/or umbilical cord abnormalities were recorded using the same protocol for both groups and confirmed after birth. RESULTS IVF pregnancies had a significantly higher risk of low-lying placenta, placenta previa, bilobed placenta and velamentous cord insertion (VCI) compared with spontaneous pregnancies. In the heterologous subgroup there was a significant increased incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders than in spontaneous pregnancies. All these anomalies were identified prenatally on ultrasound imaging and confirmed at birth. DISCUSSION IVF pregnancies in general and those resulting from donor oocyte in particular are at higher risk of placental and umbilical cord abnormalities compared to spontaneous pregnancies. These anomalies can be diagnosed accurately at the mid-trimester detailed fetal anomaly scan and our findings support the need for a targeted ultrasound screening of these anomalies in IVF pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Larcher
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy.
| | - E Jauniaux
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - J Lenzi
- Section of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - R Ragnedda
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - D Morano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology S. Anna University Hospital, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Valeriani
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - G Michelli
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - A Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - E Contro
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
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12
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Association of infertility cause with perinatal outcomes in a freeze-all policy: an analysis including 10,151 singleton newborns. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2022; 3:100098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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13
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Sargisian N, Lannering B, Petzold M, Opdahl S, Gissler M, Pinborg A, Henningsen AKA, Tiitinen A, Romundstad LB, Spangmose AL, Bergh C, Wennerholm UB. Cancer in children born after frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004078. [PMID: 36048761 PMCID: PMC9436139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to investigate whether children born after assisted reproduction technology (ART), particularly after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), are at higher risk of childhood cancer than children born after fresh embryo transfer and spontaneous conception. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed a registry-based cohort study using data from the 4 Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The study included 7,944,248 children, out of whom 171,774 children were born after use of ART (2.2%) and 7,772,474 children were born after spontaneous conception, representing all children born between the years 1994 to 2014 in Denmark, 1990 to 2014 in Finland, 1984 to 2015 in Norway, and 1985 to 2015 in Sweden. Rates for any cancer and specific cancer groups in children born after each conception method were determined by cross-linking national ART registry data with national cancer and health data registries and population registries. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of any cancer, with age as the time scale. After a mean follow-up of 9.9 and 12.5 years, the incidence rate (IR) of cancer before age 18 years was 19.3/100,000 person-years for children born after ART (329 cases) and 16.7/100,000 person-years for children born after spontaneous conception (16,184 cases). Adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96 to 1.21, p = 0.18. Adjustment was performed for sex, plurality, year of birth, country of birth, maternal age at birth, and parity. Children born after FET had a higher risk of cancer (48 cases; IR 30.1/100,000 person-years) compared to both fresh embryo transfer (IR 18.8/100,000 person-years), aHR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.20, p = 0.005, and spontaneous conception, aHR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.19, p = 0.001. Adjustment either for macrosomia, birth weight, or major birth defects attenuated the association marginally. Higher risks of epithelial tumors and melanoma after any assisted reproductive method and of leukemia after FET were observed. The main limitation of this study is the small number of children with cancer in the FET group. CONCLUSIONS Children born after FET had a higher risk of childhood cancer than children born after fresh embryo transfer and spontaneous conception. The results should be interpreted cautiously based on the small number of children with cancer, but the findings raise concerns considering the increasing use of FET, in particular freeze-all strategies without clear medical indications. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration number: ISRCTN 11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nona Sargisian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Lannering
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Information Services Department, Helsinki, Finland
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden and Region Stockholm, Academic Primary Health Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Center for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Sun L, Xu J, Liang PL, Liu CL. Is telephone follow-up reliable in maternal and neonatal outcomes surveys in in vitro fertilization? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:128. [PMID: 35999609 PMCID: PMC9396850 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies that collect maternal and neonatal outcomes rely on patient self-report phone calls. It is unclear how reliable or accurate these phone call reports are. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reliability of telephone calls in information collection in IVF. STUDY DESIGN The women were interviewed seven days after delivery by a nurse via telephone. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded based on a self-report from one of the spouses. Meanwhile, the standardized electronic hospitalized discharge records were extracted from the hospital medical database. For each case, maternal and neonatal information obtained from telephone interviews and extracted from medical files were compared. RESULTS Agreement was classified as "almost perfect, K = 0.81-1.00" for preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight baby, and macrosomia. The strength of agreement was classified as "moderate, K = 0.41-0.60" for some antepartum complications: gestational diabetes (K = 0.569); pregnancy-induced hypertension (K = 0.588); intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (K = 0.597) and oligohydramnios (K = 0.432). The strength of agreement between telephone interviews and hospitalized discharge records can be classified as "slight (K = 0-0.20)" for some complications: thyroid diseases (K = 0.137), anemia (K = 0.047), postpartum hemorrhage (K = 0.016), and Fetal distress (K = 0.106). CONCLUSION Some variables (preterm birth, cesarean delivery, birth weight) information collected by telephone follow-up were reliable. However, other complications (thyroid diseases, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, and fetal distress) collected via self-report was non-reliable. Compared with complications during labor, antepartum complications have higher agreement between different follow-up methods. IVF records and hospitalized discharge records should be matched and collected simultaneously when discussing maternal and neonatal outcomes of IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, #9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, #9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Ling Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, #9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Lin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, #9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510000, People's Republic of China
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Svanvik T, Jacobsson AK, Carlsson Y. Prenatal detection of placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum: Evaluation of the routine mid-pregnancy obstetric ultrasound screening between 2013 and 2017. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 157:647-653. [PMID: 34383328 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the detection rate of placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) by routine mid-pregnancy obstetric ultrasound and to estimate risk factors and prevalence within this cohort. METHODS This was an observational cohort study with prospectively collected data. Women attending routine mid-pregnancy obstetric ultrasound at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital with a suspected cup-shaped placenta (cohort 1, n = 339) and women diagnosed with placenta previa or PAS (cohort 2, n = 227) were analyzed according to detection rate, risk factors, and prevalence. RESULTS The detection rates of placenta previa and PAS were 49% (98) and 25% (14), respectively. However, 216 (99%) women with placenta previa were diagnosed prenatally, as were 14 (50%) women with PAS. In vitro fertilization was identified as the strongest independent risk factor for placenta previa (odds ratio 6.96; 95% confidence interval 4.77-10.16, P < 0.001). Risk factors were present for all women with PAS. The prevalence of placenta previa was 44/10 000 deliveries, and for PAS, 5.6/10 000 deliveries. CONCLUSION The existing routine mid-pregnancy obstetric ultrasound screening showed low detection rate for placenta previa and PAS. Adding risk factors could improve the detection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresia Svanvik
- Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ylva Carlsson
- Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Glujovsky D, Quinteiro Retamar AM, Alvarez Sedo CR, Ciapponi A, Cornelisse S, Blake D. Cleavage-stage versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 5:CD002118. [PMID: 35588094 PMCID: PMC9119424 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002118.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in embryo culture media have led to a shift in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) practice from cleavage-stage embryo transfer to blastocyst-stage embryo transfer. The rationale for blastocyst-stage transfer is to improve both uterine and embryonic synchronicity and enable self selection of viable embryos, thus resulting in better live birth rates. OBJECTIVES To determine whether blastocyst-stage (day 5 to 6) embryo transfer improves the live birth rate (LBR) per fresh transfer, and other associated outcomes, compared with cleavage-stage (day 2 to 3) embryo transfer. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, from inception to October 2021. We also searched registers of ongoing trials and the reference lists of studies retrieved. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effectiveness of IVF with blastocyst-stage embryo transfer versus IVF with cleavage-stage embryo transfer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were LBR per fresh transfer and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates (cCPR). Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), multiple pregnancy, high-order multiple pregnancy, miscarriage (all following first embryo transfer), failure to transfer embryos, and whether supernumerary embryos were frozen for transfer at a later date (frozen-thawed embryo transfer). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included 32 RCTs (5821 couples or women). The live birth rate following fresh transfer was higher in the blastocyst-stage transfer group (odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.51; I2 = 53%; 15 studies, 2219 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 31% of women achieve live birth after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 32% and 41% would do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer improves the cCPR. A post hoc analysis showed that vitrification could increase the cCPR. This is an interesting finding that warrants further investigation when more studies using vitrification are published. The CPR was also higher in the blastocyst-stage transfer group, following fresh transfer (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.39; I2 = 51%; 32 studies, 5821 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if 39% of women achieve a clinical pregnancy after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 42% and 47% will probably do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer increases multiple pregnancy (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.33; I2 = 30%; 19 studies, 3019 women; low-quality evidence) or miscarriage rates (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.38; I2 = 24%; 22 studies, 4208 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 9% of women have a multiple pregnancy after fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 8% and 12% would do so after fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. However, a sensitivity analysis restricted only to studies with low or 'some concerns' for risk of bias, in the subgroup of equal number of embryos transferred, showed that blastocyst transfer probably increases the multiple pregnancy rate. Embryo freezing rates (when there are frozen supernumerary embryos for transfer at a later date) were lower in the blastocyst-stage transfer group (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.57; I2 = 84%; 14 studies, 2292 women; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 60% of women have embryos frozen after cleavage-stage transfer, between 37% and 46% would do so after blastocyst-stage transfer. Failure to transfer any embryos was higher in the blastocyst transfer group (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.55; I2 = 36%; 17 studies, 2577 women; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if 1% of women have no embryos transferred in planned fresh cleavage-stage transfer, between 2% and 4% probably have no embryos transferred in planned fresh blastocyst-stage transfer. The evidence was of low quality for most outcomes. The main limitations were serious imprecision and serious risk of bias, associated with failure to describe acceptable methods of randomisation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is low-quality evidence for live birth and moderate-quality evidence for clinical pregnancy that fresh blastocyst-stage transfer is associated with higher rates of both than fresh cleavage-stage transfer. We are uncertain whether blastocyst-stage transfer improves the cCPR derived from fresh and frozen-thawed cycles following a single oocyte retrieval. Although there is a benefit favouring blastocyst-stage transfer in fresh cycles, more evidence is needed to know whether the stage of transfer impacts on cumulative live birth and pregnancy rates. Future RCTs should report rates of live birth, cumulative live birth, and miscarriage. They should also evaluate women with a poor prognosis to enable those undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and service providers to make well-informed decisions on the best treatment option available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demián Glujovsky
- Reproductive Medicine, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Genética y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Marta Quinteiro Retamar
- Eggs donation program - Genetics unit, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Ginecologia y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Argentine Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simone Cornelisse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Deborah Blake
- Repromed Fertility Specialists, Auckland, New Zealand
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Vrooman LA, Rhon-Calderon EA, Suri KV, Dahiya AK, Lan Y, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS. Placental Abnormalities are Associated With Specific Windows of Embryo Culture in a Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884088. [PMID: 35547813 PMCID: PMC9081528 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) employ gamete/embryo handling and culture in vitro to produce offspring. ART pregnancies have an increased risk of low birth weight, abnormal placentation, pregnancy complications, and imprinting disorders. Embryo culture induces low birth weight, abnormal placental morphology, and lower levels of DNA methylation in placentas in a mouse model of ART. Whether preimplantation embryos at specific stages of development are more susceptible to these perturbations remains unresolved. Accordingly, we performed embryo culture for several discrete periods of preimplantation development and following embryo transfer, assessed fetal and placental outcomes at term. We observed a reduction in fetal:placental ratio associated with two distinct windows of preimplantation embryo development, one prior to the morula stage and the other from the morula to blastocyst stage, whereas placental morphological abnormalities and reduced imprinting control region methylation were only associated with culture prior to the morula stage. Extended culture to the blastocyst stage also induces additional placental DNA methylation changes compared to embryos transferred at the morula stage, and female concepti exhibited a higher loss of DNA methylation than males. By identifying specific developmental windows of susceptibility, this study provides a framework to optimize further culture conditions to minimize risks associated with ART pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Vrooman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Eric A. Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kashviya V. Suri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Asha K. Dahiya
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Richard M. Schultz
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marisa S. Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Marisa S. Bartolomei,
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Xie Q, Jiang W, Ji H, Li X, Zhou Y, Zhao C, Zhang J, Lu J, Ling X. Perinatal outcomes of singletons born after blastocyst or cleavage-stage embryo transfer in FET cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 271:265-270. [PMID: 35259644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.03.001] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare perinatal outcomes of singletons after blastocyst versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 4835 women who conceived after frozen-thawed embryo transfer and delivered a singleton baby from January 2015 to March 2020. The perinatal outcomes of the singletons born after blastocyst transfer (N = 3364) were compared to the singletons born after cleavage-stage transfer (N = 1471), including gestational week, birth weight, newborn gender and Apgar score. RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analysis found that infants born after blastocyst transfer had a higher risk of preterm birth (PTB) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.480; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.213-1.807], large for gestational age (LGA) (aOR 1.329, 95%CI 1.149-1.536) and very large for gestational age (VLGA) (aOR 1.317, 95%CI 1.092-1.590) compared to infants born after cleavage-stage embryo transfer. When categorized by gestational weeks, the proportion of LGA was significantly higher for boys born after BT between GW 37 to 41 (aOR 1.301, 95%CI 1.051-1.609) and for girls born after BT between GW 32 to 41 (aOR 2.690, 95%CI 1.154-6.271, aOR 1.377, 95%CI 1.094-1.733), compared to boys and girls born after CT. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that the risk of PTB and LGA increased after blastocyst transfer versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in FET cycles, and the risk of LGA is more apparent in the last trimester of pregnancy. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and explored the association between the extended embryo culture and long-term outcomes of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxi Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China.
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Aslan Öztürk S, Cincik M, Donmez Cakil Y, Sayan S, Selam B. Early Compaction Might Be a Parameter to Determine Good Quality Embryos and Day of Embryo Transfer in Patients Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Cureus 2022; 14:e23593. [PMID: 35494986 PMCID: PMC9046904 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Compaction is the first event in embryo morphogenesis. Blastocyst transfer on day five or six has been widely performed in the last decade. We investigated the clinical value of early compaction on day three for evaluation of the transferred embryo quality and pregnancy. Methods: Four hundred patients with female factor infertility and 776 fresh embryo transfers were included. Two groups were formed: Early compaction group had embryo transfer with at least one day-three embryo exhibiting early compaction. Transferred embryos without early compaction comprised the control group. Embryo transfer was performed on day three or five after the assessment of embryo compaction by a time-lapse technology system. Each patient underwent only a single cycle of embryo transfer. We analyzed fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Results: We detected significantly higher numbers of the retrieved oocytes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, and fertilized oocytes in the early compaction group. Moreover, the transfer of the early compacting embryos on day three resulted in higher pregnancy and live birth rates. Conclusion: Our data suggest that early compaction might be a factor to determine good quality embryos and embryo transfer day.
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Hu KL, Zheng X, Hunt S, Li X, Li R, Mol BW. Blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing single blastocyst transfer in frozen cycles. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2021:hoab036. [PMID: 35187269 PMCID: PMC8849119 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the morphological grading system for blastocysts associated with perinatal outcomes in women undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer (SBT)? SUMMARY ANSWER Preferential transfer of a blastocyst based on their inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) grading appears to be supported by observed differences in perinatal outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The transfer of a morphologically good quality blastocyst is associated with a higher chance of implantation and pregnancy as compared to transfer of a poor quality blastocyst. However, to date, the association of the morphological parameters of the blastocyst with perinatal outcomes after blastocyst transfer remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This retrospective cohort study started with 27 336 frozen-thawed SBT cycles from January 2013 to December 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS There were 7469 women with singleton deliveries in Peking University Third Hospital eligible for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the risk of factors with the expression of crude odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted OR with 95% CIs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transfer of a blastocyst with a low overall grading was associated with a higher chance of female baby (48% vs 42%, adjusted OR = 1.26 (1.13, 1.39)) and a higher rate of caesarian section (C-section; 71% vs 68%, adjusted OR = 1.15 (1.02, 1.29)). Compared with Grade A ICM blastocyst transfer, Grade B ICM and Grade C ICM blastocyst transfers were associated with a lower chance of a female baby (adjusted OR = 0.83 (0.73, 0.95), 0.63 (0.50, 0.79), respectively) and a higher risk of large for gestational age (LGA; adjusted OR = 1.23 (1.05, 1.45), 1.47 (1.12, 1.92), respectively); Grade C ICM blastocyst transfer was also associated with an increased risk of macrosomia (adjusted OR = 1.66 (1.20, 2.30)). Compared with Grade A TE blastocyst transfer, there was an increased risk of small for gestational age with Grade C TE blastocyst transfer (adjusted OR = 1.74 (1.05, 2.88)). Both Grade B TE and Grade C TE blastocyst transfer had a higher chance of female baby (adjusted OR = 1.30 (1.11, 1.53), 1.88 (1.57, 2.26), respectively) and a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR = 0.74 (0.59, 0.94), 0.67 (0.50, 0.88), respectively) than Grade A TE blastocyst transfer. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitations of this study were its retrospective nature and the relative subjectivity of blastocyst scoring. The follow-up was conducted through a phone call and some patients may not have reported their obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, leading to a relatively lower rate of several obstetrical outcomes. Due to the missing information in our dataset, we were not able to separate out iatrogenic preterm birth nor adjust for obstetric complications in previous pregnancies as a confounder in the mutivariate analysis. Because the days of blastocyst culture in total were unclear in our dataset, analysis of the association between the time to reach blastocyst expansion and perinatal outcomes was not performed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Transfer of a blastocyst with a low overall grading is associated with a higher rate of C-section and a higher chance of a female baby. The association between ICM grading and LGA would suggest that Grade A ICM blastocysts should be transferred preferentially to Grade B/C ICM blastocysts. Our results support the use of current morphological systems for embryo prioritization. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004100 to R.L.), the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (81925013 to R.L.) and a Zhejiang University Scholarship for Outstanding Doctoral Candidates (to K.-L.H.). All authors have read the journal's authorship agreement and policy on disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, and have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sarah Hunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder Complicated with Endometriosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020390. [PMID: 35203599 PMCID: PMC8962380 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the relationship between placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) and endometriosis. The relationships among pregnancy, assisted reproductive technology (ART), placenta previa, ART-conceived pregnancy and PASD were also determined. A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple computerized databases. Forty-eight studies (1990–2021) met the inclusion criteria. According to the adjusted pooled analysis (n = 3), endometriosis was associated with an increased prevalence of PASD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–5.87). In the included studies, the ART rate ranged from 18.2% to 37.2% for women with endometriosis. According to the adjusted pooled analysis, women who used ART were more likely to have placenta previa (n = 13: adjusted OR 2.96, 95%CI, 2.43–3.60) and PASD (n = 4: adjusted OR 3.54, 95%CI 1.86–6.76) than those who did not use ART. According to the sensitivity analysis using an unadjusted analysis accounting for the type of ART, frozen embryo transfer (ET) was associated with an increased risk of PASD (n = 4: OR 2.79, 95%CI, 1.22−6.37) compared to fresh ET. Endometriosis may be associated with an increased rate of PASD. Women with placenta previa complicated with endometriosis who conceived using frozen ET may be a high risk for PASD.
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Marconi N, Allen CP, Bhattacharya S, Maheshwari A. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies after blastocyst-stage embryo transfer compared with those after cleavage-stage embryo transfer: a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:255-281. [PMID: 34967896 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage is widely used in IVF and is the default strategy in most clinics. The last decade has witnessed a growing interest in obstetric-perinatal outcomes following blastocyst transfer. Recent studies have challenged the conclusions of systematic reviews that associate risks of preterm birth (PTB) and large for gestational age (LGA) babies with blastocyst transfer. A higher proportion of blastocysts is transferred as frozen-thawed embryos, which may also have added implications. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to conduct an updated systematic review of the obstetric-perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies following blastocyst-stage transfer compared to cleavage-stage transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles. Where deemed appropriate, data were combined in cumulative meta-analyses. SEARCH METHODS Data sources from Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (1980-2020) were searched using combinations of relevant keywords. Searches had no language restrictions and were limited to human studies. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials comparing obstetric-perinatal outcomes between singleton pregnancies after blastocyst-stage transfer and those after cleavage-stage transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles were sought. Two independent reviewers extracted data in 2 × 2 tables and assessed the methodological quality of the relevant studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme scoring. Cumulative meta-analyses were carried out with independent analysis of pregnancies after fresh and frozen embryo transfers, using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. If provided by included studies, adjusted effect sizes were combined in a sensitivity analysis. OUTCOMES A total of 35 studies were included (n = 520 769 singleton pregnancies). Outcome data suggest singleton pregnancies following fresh blastocyst transfer were associated with higher risk of LGA (risk ratio (RR) 1.14; 95% CI 1.05-1.24) and very PTB (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.08-1.26) compared to fresh cleavage-stage transfer. Singleton pregnancies following frozen blastocyst transfer were associated with higher risks of LGA (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.08-1.27), PTB (RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.03-1.24) and caesarean section (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.13) but lower risks of small for gestational age (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95) and perinatal mortality (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58-0.86). Increased risks of LGA and PTB after frozen blastocyst transfer persisted in the sensitivity analysis, which also showed a significantly increased risk of PTB after fresh blastocyst transfer. Cumulative meta-analyses revealed consistency in prevalence and magnitude of risks for a number of years. Data on other perinatal outcomes are still evolving. WIDER IMPLICATIONS While the available evidence is predominantly reassuring in the context of blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, observational data suggest that blastocyst transfer is associated with a higher risk of LGA. This holds true irrespective of fresh or frozen transfer. Meta-analysis of adjusted data showed an increased risk of PTB with fresh and frozen blastocyst transfer. However, the quality of available evidence ranges from low to very low. Although blastocyst-stage embryo transfer remains the default position in most centres, based on individual risk profile we may need to consider cleavage-stage embryo transfer in some to mitigate the risk of LGA/PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Marconi
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | | | - Abha Maheshwari
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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Saket Z, Källén K, Lundin K, Magnusson Å, Bergh C. Cumulative live birth rate after IVF: trend over time and the impact of blastocyst culture and vitrification. Hum Reprod Open 2021; 2021:hoab021. [PMID: 34195386 PMCID: PMC8240131 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Has cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) improved over time and which factors are associated with such an improvement? SUMMARY ANSWER During an 11-year period, 2007–2017, CLBR per oocyte aspiration increased significantly, from 27.0% to 36.3%, in parallel with an increase in blastocyst transfer and cryopreservation by vitrification. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While it has been shown that live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer (ET) is higher for fresh blastocyst than for fresh cleavage stage embryo transfer, CLBR per oocyte aspiration, including one fresh ET and all subsequent frozen embryo transfers (FET), does not seem to differ between the two culture strategies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A national register study including all oocyte aspirations performed in Sweden from 2007 to 2017 (n = 124 700 complete IVF treatment cycles) was carried out. Oocyte donation cycles were excluded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Registry of Assisted Reproduction (Q-IVF) on all oocyte aspirations during the study period where autologous oocytes were used. CLBR was defined as the proportion of deliveries with at least one live birth per oocyte aspiration, including all fresh and/or frozen embryo transfers within 1 year, until one delivery with a live birth or until all embryos were used, whichever occurred first. The delivery of a singleton, twin, or other multiples was registered as one delivery. Cryopreservation of cleavage stage embryos was performed by slow freezing and of blastocyst by vitrification. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 124 700 oocyte aspirations were performed (in 61 313 women), with 65 304 aspirations in women <35 years and 59 396 in women ≥ 35 years, resulting in 38 403 deliveries with live born children. Overall, the CLBR per oocyte aspiration increased significantly during the study period, from 27.0% to 36.3% (odds ratio (OR) 1.039, 95% CI 1.035–1.043) and from 30.0% to 43.3% if at least one ET was performed (adjusted OR 1.055, 95% CI 1.050–1.059). The increase in CLBR was independent of maternal age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of previous IVF live births. The CLBR for women <35 and ≥35 years both increased significantly, following the same pattern. During the study period, a substantially increasing number of blastocyst transfers was performed, both in fresh and in FET cycles. Other important predicting factors for live birth, such as number of embryos transferred, could not explain the improvement. An increased single embryo transfer rate was observed with time. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective design implicates that other confounders of importance for CLBR cannot be ruled out. In addition, some FET cycles might be performed later than 1 year post oocyte aspiration for the last year (2017) and are, thus, not included in this study. In addition, no data on ‘dropouts’, i.e. patients that do not continue their treatment despite having cryopreserved embryos, are available, or if this drop-out rate has changed over time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results suggest that blastocyst transfer, particularly when used in FET cycles and in combination with vitrification, is an important contributor to the improved live birth rates over time. This gives a possibility for a lower number of oocyte aspirations needed to achieve a live birth and a shortened time to live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The study was financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement (ALFGBG-70940) and by Hjalmar Svensson’s research foundation. None of the authors declares any conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoha Saket
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Karin Källén
- Unit of Reproduction Epidemiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tornblad Institute, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Magnusson
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Christina Bergh
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
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Westvik-Johari K, Romundstad LB, Lawlor DA, Bergh C, Gissler M, Henningsen AKA, Håberg SE, Wennerholm UB, Tiitinen A, Pinborg A, Opdahl S. Separating parental and treatment contributions to perinatal health after fresh and frozen embryo transfer in assisted reproduction: A cohort study with within-sibship analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003683. [PMID: 34170923 PMCID: PMC8274923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to naturally conceived children, adverse perinatal outcomes are more common among children born after assisted reproductive technology with fresh embryo transfer (fresh-ET) or frozen embryo transfer (frozen-ET). However, most previous studies could not adequately control for family confounding factors such as subfertility. We compared birth size and duration of pregnancy among infants born after fresh-ET or frozen-ET versus natural conception, using a within-sibship design to account for confounding by maternal factors. METHODS AND FINDINGS This registry-based cohort study with nationwide data from Denmark (1994-2014), Norway (1988-2015), and Sweden (1988-2015) consisted of 4,510,790 live-born singletons, 4,414,703 from natural conception, 78,095 from fresh-ET, and 17,990 from frozen-ET. We identified 33,056 offspring sibling groups with the same mother, conceived by at least 2 different conception methods. Outcomes were mean birthweight, small and large for gestational age, mean gestational age, preterm (<37 weeks, versus ≥37), and very preterm birth (<32 weeks, versus ≥32). Singletons born after fresh-ET had lower mean birthweight (-51 g, 95% CI -58 to -45, p < 0.001) and increased odds of small for gestational age (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.34, p < 0.001), while those born after frozen-ET had higher mean birthweight (82 g, 95% CI 70 to 94, p < 0.001) and increased odds of large for gestational age (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.17, p < 0.001), compared to naturally conceived siblings. Conventional population analyses gave similar results. Compared to naturally conceived siblings, mean gestational age was lower after fresh-ET (-1.0 days, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.8, p < 0.001), but not after frozen-ET (0.3 days, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.6, p = 0.028). There were increased odds of preterm birth after fresh-ET (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.37, p < 0.001), and in most models after frozen-ET, versus naturally conceived siblings, with somewhat stronger associations in population analyses. For very preterm birth, population analyses showed increased odds for both fresh-ET (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.12, p < 0.001) and frozen-ET (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.94, p < 0.001) compared with natural conception, but results were notably attenuated within siblings (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.41, p = 0.059, and OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.27, p = 0.6, for fresh-ET and frozen-ET, respectively). Sensitivity analyses in full siblings, in siblings born within 3-year interval, by birth order, and restricting to single embryo transfers and blastocyst transfers were consistent with the main analyses. Main limitations were high proportions of missing data on maternal body mass index and smoking. CONCLUSIONS We found that infants conceived by fresh-ET had lower birthweight and increased odds of small for gestational age, and those conceived by frozen-ET had higher birthweight and increased odds of large for gestational age. Conception by either fresh-ET or frozen-ET was associated with increased odds of preterm birth. That these findings were observed within siblings, as well as in conventional multivariable population analyses, reduces the likelihood that they are explained by confounding or selection bias. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Westvik-Johari
- Department of Fertility, Women and Children’s Centre, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Deborah A. Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mika Gissler
- Statistics and Registers Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Siri E. Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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When using donor oocytes, does embryo stage matter? An analysis of blastocyst versus cleavage stage embryo transfers using a cryopreserved donor oocyte bank. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1777-1786. [PMID: 33821428 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02183-4] [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: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte donor in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents an ideal model to study the effects of embryo stage on reproductive success, as embryos come from young women with high-quality oocytes. Our study aimed to determine if embryo transfer stage affected outcomes in oocyte donor IVF, including the common scenario where only a limited number of quality embryos are available after culture. METHODS This retrospective cohort analyzed anonymous vitrified donor oocyte cycles at a single clinic between 2008 and 2015. Overall, 983 recipients underwent 1178 warming cycles resulting in fresh transfer of one-to-two embryos. Our primary outcome was live birth; secondary outcomes included multiple birth, birthweight, and gestational age. Log binomial regression with cluster-weighted generalized estimating equations were used to calculate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) accounting for recipient age, race, and transfer year. RESULTS Among 132 cleavage and 1046 blastocyst transfer cycles, cleavage transfers were associated with lower probability of live birth (aRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88). Subgroup analysis focused on cycles with a limited number of quality embryos 3 days post-fertilization (≤2), as clinically these women were most likely to be considered for cleavage transfers. Among these cycles (120 cleavage, 371 blastocyst), cleavage transfers were still associated with lower live birth rates compared to blastocyst (aRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.87) CONCLUSIONS: Even in a donor oocyte model with high-quality oocytes, there was a benefit to extended culture and blastocyst transfer, including when only one-to-two quality embryos were available after early culture. This is possibly owed to improved uterine synchronicity or decreased contractility.
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Spangmose AL, Pinborg A. Reply: Cleavage stage vs. blastocyst transfer-a more considerate analysis. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2400. [PMID: 32829407 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lærke Spangmose
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L. Cleavage stage vs. blastocyst transfer: a more considerate analysis suggested. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2399-2400. [PMID: 32829409 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, 20 Slate Close Brinsmead, QLD-4870, Brinsmead, Australia
| | - Lodovico Parmegiani
- GynePro Medical Centers, NextClinics International, Via T. Cremona, 8, I-40237 Bologna, Italy
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Hu KL, Zhang D, Li R. Endometrium preparation and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing single-blastocyst transfer in frozen cycles. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1487-1494. [PMID: 33487443 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of endometrium preparation with perinatal outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated fertility center. PATIENT(S) Twenty-one thousand six hundred and forty-eight women who underwent frozen single-blastocyst transfer from January 2013 to March 2019. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cesarean delivery, preterm delivery (PTD), vaginal PTD, very preterm delivery (VPTD), postterm delivery, low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), premature rupture of membrane (PROM), placenta previa, and congenital abnormality. RESULT(S) Compared with natural cycles, hormone replacement cycles were associated with an increased risk of PTD, VPTD, cesarean delivery, macrosomia, PROM, and HDP. There was a trend toward an increased risk of vaginal PTD and LGA in hormone replacement cycles. Stimulated cycles were associated with an increased risk of postterm delivery and GDM. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of SGA, placenta previa, or congenital abnormality among the three endometrium preparation methods. CONCLUSION(S) Hormone replacement cycles are associated with an increased risk of PTD, VPTD, cesarean delivery, LBW, macrosomia, PROM, and HDP. Stimulated cycles are associated with an increased risk of postterm delivery and GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Cornelisse S, Ramos L, Arends B, Brink-van der Vlugt JJ, de Bruin JP, Curfs MH, Derhaag J, van Dongen A, van Echten-Arends J, Groenewoud ER, Maas JW, Pieterse Q, van Santbrink EJ, Slappendel E, Traas MA, Visser J, Vergouw CG, Verhoeve HR, van der Westerlaken LA, Wurth Y, van der Zanden M, Braat DD, van Wely M, Mastenbroek S, Fleischer K. Comparing the cumulative live birth rate of cleavage-stage versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfers between IVF cycles: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled superiority trial (the ToF trial). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042395. [PMID: 33441363 PMCID: PMC7812106 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has evolved as an intervention of choice to help couples with infertility to conceive. In the last decade, a strategy change in the day of embryo transfer has been developed. Many IVF centres choose nowadays to transfer at later stages of embryo development, for example, transferring embryos at blastocyst stage instead of cleavage stage. However, it still is not known which embryo transfer policy in IVF is more efficient in terms of cumulative live birth rate (cLBR), following a fresh and the subsequent frozen-thawed transfers after one oocyte retrieval. Furthermore, studies reporting on obstetric and neonatal outcomes from both transfer policies are limited. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We have set up a multicentre randomised superiority trial in the Netherlands, named the Three or Fivetrial. We plan to include 1200 women with an indication for IVF with at least four embryos available on day 2 after the oocyte retrieval. Women are randomly allocated to either (1) control group: embryo transfer on day 3 and cryopreservation of supernumerary good-quality embryos on day 3 or 4, or (2) intervention group: embryo transfer on day 5 and cryopreservation of supernumerary good-quality embryos on day 5 or 6. The primary outcome is the cLBR per oocyte retrieval. Secondary outcomes include LBR following fresh transfer, multiple pregnancy rate and time until pregnancy leading a live birth. We will also assess the obstetric and neonatal outcomes, costs and patients' treatment burden. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol has been approved by the Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects in the Netherlands in June 2018 (CCMO NL 64060.000.18). The results of this trial will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed and in open access journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Netherlands Trial Register (NL 6857).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cornelisse
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ramos
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitte Arends
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Peter de Bruin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Max Hjn Curfs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isala Fertility Centre, Zwolle, Overijssel, The Netherlands
| | - Josien Derhaag
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Angelique van Dongen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie van Echten-Arends
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Section of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva R Groenewoud
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Northwest Hospital Group, Den Helder, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques Wm Maas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Quirine Pieterse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haga Hospital, the Hague, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Els Slappendel
- Fertility Clinic, Nij Geertgen, Elsendorp, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Af Traas
- Department of Gynaecology, Gelre Hospital, Apeldoorn, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Jantien Visser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn G Vergouw
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Harold R Verhoeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG Oost, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yvonne Wurth
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Moniek van der Zanden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haaglanden Medical Centre, the Hague, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Didi Dm Braat
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Fleischer
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Fertility Centre, MVZ TFP-VivaNeo, Düsseldorf, Germany
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