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Chang CT, Weng SF, Chuang HY, Hsu IL, Hsu CY, Tsai EM. Embryo transfer impact: a comprehensive national cohort analysis comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes across varied embryo stages in fresh and frozen transfers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1400255. [PMID: 38933826 PMCID: PMC11199782 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1400255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The utilization of frozen embryo transfer not only enhances reproductive outcomes by elevating the likelihood of live birth and clinical pregnancy but also improves safety by mitigating the risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. There has been an increasing debate in recent years regarding the advisability of making elective frozen embryo transfer the standard practice. Our study aims to determine the optimal choice between fresh and frozen embryo transfer, as well as whether the transfer should occur at the cleavage or blastocyst stage. Method In this retrospective cohort study conducted in Taiwan, data from the national assisted reproductive technology (ART) database spanning from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2017, were analyzed. The study included 51,762 eligible female participants who underwent ART and embryo transfer. Pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and singleton neonatal outcomes were evaluated using the National Health Insurance Database from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2018. Cases were categorized into groups based on whether they underwent fresh or frozen embryo transfers, with further subdivision into cleavage stage and blastocyst stage transfers. Exposure variables encompassed clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, OHSS, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), gestational age, newborn body weight, and route of delivery. Results Frozen blastocyst transfers showed higher rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR) and live births (LBR) compared to fresh blastocyst transfers. Conversely, frozen cleavage stage transfers demonstrated lower rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth compared to fresh cleavage stage transfers. Frozen embryo transfers were associated with reduced risks of OHSS but were linked to a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to fresh embryo transfers. Additionally, frozen embryo transfers were associated with a higher incidence of large for gestational age infants and a lower incidence of small for gestational age infants. Conclusion The freeze-all strategy may not be suitable for universal application. When embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage, FET is a favorable choice, but embryos can only develop to the cleavage stage, fresh embryo transfer becomes a more reasonable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ting Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Weng
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Medical Informatics and Statistics, Office of Research and Development, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Le Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Geng L, Lu S, Li S, Chen ZJ, Wei D, Liu P. An appraisal of current embryo transfer strategies. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:815-823. [PMID: 37811841 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2265152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Embryo transfer, one of the most essential procedures in assisted reproductive technology, plays a vital role in the success of in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During the last decades, the strategies for embryo transfer have changed dramatically. In this review, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of several current embryo transfer strategies including fresh versus frozen embryo transfer, cleavage- versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, and single- versus double-embryo transfer. Available evidence indicates that the freeze-only strategy improves the live birth rate after the first embryo transfer in high responders while making no difference in normal responders. The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is significantly reduced in the freeze-only strategy. Fresh blastocyst-stage embryo transfer increased live birth rate compared to cleavage-stage embryo transfer. The best embryo transfer strategy is one which tailors to individual circumstances and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Geng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shiya Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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Wang Z, Cantineau AEP, Hoek A, van Eekelen R, Mol BW, Wang R. Live birth is not the only relevant outcome in research assessing assisted reproductive technology. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102306. [PMID: 36642691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology (ART) research, live birth has been generally accepted as an important outcome, if not the most important one. However, it has been reported inconsistently in the literature and solely focusing on live birth can lead to misinterpretation of research findings. In this review, we provide an overview on the definitions of live birth, including various denominators and numerators use. We present a series of real clinical examples in ART research to demonstrate the impact of variations in live birth on research findings and the importance of other outcomes, including multiple pregnancy, pregnancy loss, time to pregnancy leading to live birth, other short and long term maternal and offspring health outcomes and cost effectiveness measures. We suggest that outcome choices in ART research should be tailored for the research questions. A holistic outcome assessment beyond live birth would provide a full picture to address research questions in ART in terms of effectiveness and safety, and thus facilitate evidence-based decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid E P Cantineau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Hoek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rik van Eekelen
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Richie Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Richie Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Venetis C, Keller E, Chambers GM. Freeze-all embryos during treatment with assisted reproduction: Health economic aspects. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102303. [PMID: 36658073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102303] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies are evolving, with the most recent example being the introduction of the freeze-all policy during which a fresh embryo transfer does not take place and all embryos of good quality are cryopreserved to be used in future frozen embryo transfers. As the freeze-all policy is becoming more prevalent, it is important to review the economic aspects of this approach, along with considerations of efficacy and safety, and the role of emerging freeze-all-specific ovarian stimulation strategies. Based on the available evidence, the freeze-all policy presents distinct clinical advantages, particularly for high responders. Available health economic evaluations are limited. Two good-quality cost-effectiveness analyses based on randomized controlled trials suggest that the freeze-all strategy is unlikely to be cost-effective in non-polycystic ovarian syndrome (non-PCOS), normally responding patients. However, the cost-effectiveness of the freeze-all strategy in different populations of patients and in different settings has not been evaluated, nor has the clinical and economic efficacy of modern freeze-all-specific ovarian stimulation protocols that are likely to simplify treatment and make it more affordable for patients. Economic evaluations that incorporate good practice health technology assessment (HTA) methods are needed to compare freeze-all with conventional embryo transfer strategies. Furthermore, future research should address the unique limitation of traditional HTA methods in valuing a life conceived through fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Venetis
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia; IVF Australia, Alexandria, 2015, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Elena Keller
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health & Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia
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Roelens C, Blockeel C. Impact of different endometrial preparation protocols before frozen embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes: a review. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:820-827. [PMID: 36273850 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.09.003] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of frozen embryo transfer cycles has exponentially increased in the last few years. Optimization of endometrial preparation protocols before frozen embryo transfer is mandatory to further improve pregnancy outcomes. This review will focus on the existing literature with regard to the different available endometrial preparation protocols and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. More specifically, we will focus on programmed, natural, and stimulated frozen embryo transfer cycles. The studies performed on this topic are generally of low quality, and only a few well-performed randomized controlled trials have been published. To date, no strong evidence is available to support the use of 1 preparation method over another in terms of pregnancy outcomes. However, robust data have shown a clearly protective effect of natural frozen embryo transfer cycles against long-term obstetric complications, mainly hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and large for gestational age infants. The introduction of individualized luteal phase support in different endometrial preparation protocols is actually gaining a lot of attention and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Roelens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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