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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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Lo CWH, Pathadka S, Qin SX, Fung LWY, Yan VKC, Yiu HHE, Bloom CI, Wong ICK, Chan EWY. Neuropsychiatric events associated with montelukast in patients with asthma: a systematic review. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230079. [PMID: 37758273 PMCID: PMC10523155 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0079-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States Food and Drug Administration issued a black box warning on the mental health adverse effects of montelukast in 2020. Age-related effects on the risk of developing specific neuropsychiatric events in montelukast users remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe the risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with montelukast in adults and children with asthma. METHODS A systematic search of all studies investigating neuropsychiatric events in montelukast users was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase from inception to 7 September 2022. Animal studies and conference abstracts were excluded. RESULTS 59 studies (21 pharmacovigilance studies, four reviews from 172 randomised controlled trials, 20 observational studies, 10 case reports and four case series) evaluating neuropsychiatric events in patients with asthma on montelukast were reviewed. No significant association was shown between montelukast and suicide-related events in six of the observational studies. No association was found for depression as defined by the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes in three observational studies and a review of randomised clinical trials. However, findings from four studies using antidepressant prescriptions as the outcome identified significant associations. Consistent with nine pharmacovigilance studies, two large-scale observational studies revealed possible associations of montelukast with anxiety and sleeping disorders in adult patients with asthma, respectively. However, the results were not replicated in two observational studies on children. CONCLUSION Montelukast is not associated with suicide- and depression-related events in asthma patients. Older adults may be particularly susceptible to anxiety and sleeping disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Wai Hang Lo
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Swathi Pathadka
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- LCCI - Value, Evidence, Outcomes Division, Eli Lilly Services India Private Limited, Bengaluru, India
| | - Simon Xiwen Qin
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lydia W Y Fung
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Ka Chun Yan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hei Hang Edmund Yiu
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chloe I Bloom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ian Chi Kei Wong
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Esther Wai Yin Chan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhao Z, Chen Y, Deng H, Huang L, Lu D, Shen X, Xu L. The influence of embryo stage on obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes following programmed compared to natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1186068. [PMID: 37664838 PMCID: PMC10468995 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1186068] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of embryo stage at the time of transfer on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) versus natural FET cycles. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting Not applicable. Patients Women with programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) and natural FET. Interventions The PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCRT) were searched from 1983 to October 2022. Twenty-three observational studies were included. Primary outcome measure The primary outcomes were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (PE). The secondary outcomes were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placenta previa, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), macrosomia, and preterm delivery (PTD). Results The risk of HDP (14 studies, odds ratio (OR) 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95-2.41; P<0.00001; I2 = 43%), gestational hypertension (11 studies, OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.15-1.66; P=0.0006; I2 = 19%), PE (12 studies, OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.88-2.32; P<0.00001; I2 = 0%), GDM (20 studies, OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.17; P=0.02; I2 = 8%), LGA (18 studies, OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.15; P<0.00001; I2 = 46%), macrosomia (12 studies, OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07-1.24; P=0.0002; I2 = 31%), PTD (22 studies, OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.15-1.27; P<0.00001; I2 = 49%), placenta previa (17 studies, OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.02-1.41; P=0.03; I2 = 11%), PPROM (9 studies, OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39; P=0.02; I2 = 40%), and PPH (12 studies, OR 2.27; 95% CI 2.02-2.55; P <0.00001; I2 = 55%) were increased in programmed FET cycles versus natural FET cycles with overall embryo transfer. Blastocyst transfer had a higher risk of HDP (6 studies, OR 2.48; 95% CI 2.12-2.91; P<0.00001; I2 = 39%), gestational hypertension (5 studies, OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.27-2.75; P=0.002; I2 = 25%), PE (6 studies, OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.93-2.56; P<0.00001; I2 = 0%), GDM (10 studies, OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.23; P=0.005; I2 = 39%), LGA (6 studies, OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.07-1.21; P<0.0001; I2 = 9%), macrosomia (4 studies, OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05-1.26; P<0.002; I2 = 68%), PTD (9 studies, OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.31-1.57; P<0.00001; I2 = 22%), PPH (6 studies, OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.46-2.51; P<0.00001; I2 = 55%), and PPROM (4 studies, OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14-1.83; P=0.002; I2 = 46%) in programmed FET cycles than in natural FET cycles. Cleavage-stage embryo transfers revealed no difference in HDPs (1 study, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.32-2.02; P=0.65; I2 not applicable), gestational hypertension (2 studies, OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.48-1.51; P=0.59; I2 = 0%), PE (1 study, OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.58-2.42; P=0.64; I2not applicable), GDM (3 study, OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.52-1.20; P=0.27; I2 = 21%), LGA (1 study, OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.62-2.11; P=0.66; I2not applicable), macrosomia (1 study, OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.54-2.77; P=0.64; I2 not applicable), PTD (2 studies, OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.74-1.49; P=0.79; I2 = 0%), PPH (1 study, OR 1.49; 95% CI 0.85-2.62; P=0.17; I2not applicable), or PPROM (2 studies, OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.46-1.21; P=0.23; I2 = 0%) between programmed FET cycles and natural FET cycles. Conclusions The risks of HDPs, gestational hypertension, PE, GDM, LGA, macrosomia, SGA, PTD, placenta previa, PPROM, and PPH were increased in programmed FET cycles versus natural FET cycles with overall embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer, but the risks were not clear for cleavage-stage embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongxia Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Danhua Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangzhi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
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GRADE Use in Evidence Syntheses Published in High-Impact-Factor Gynecology and Obstetrics Journals: A Methodological Survey. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020446. [PMID: 36675377 PMCID: PMC9866985 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020446] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify and describe the certainty of evidence of gynecology and obstetrics systematic reviews (SRs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Method: Database searches of SRs using GRADE, published between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, in the 10 "gynecology and obstetrics" journals with the highest impact factor, according to the Journal Citation Report 2019. Selected studies included those SRs using the GRADE approach, used to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Out of 952 SRs, ninety-six SRs of randomized control trials (RCTs) and/or nonrandomized studies (NRSs) used GRADE. Sixty-seven SRs (7.04%) rated the certainty of evidence for specific outcomes. In total, we identified 946 certainty of evidence outcome ratings (n = 614 RCT ratings), ranging from very-low (42.28%) to low (28.44%), moderate (17.65%), and high (11.63%). High and very low certainty of evidence ratings accounted for 2.16% and 71.60% in the SRs of NRSs, respectively, compared with 16.78% and 26.55% in the SRs of RCTs. In the SRs of RCTs and NRSs, certainty of evidence was mainly downgraded due to imprecision and bias risks. Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to strengthening GRADE acceptance and building knowledge of GRADE methods in gynecology and obstetrics evidence synthesis.
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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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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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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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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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Terho AM, Pelkonen S, Opdahl S, Romundstad LB, Bergh C, Wennerholm UB, Henningsen AA, Pinborg A, Gissler M, Tiitinen A. High birth weight and large-for-gestational-age in singletons born after frozen compared to fresh embryo transfer, by gestational week: a Nordic register study from the CoNARTaS group. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1083-1092. [PMID: 33416878 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION When do the differences in birth weights become apparent between singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) and fresh embryo transfer (fresh ET)? SUMMARY ANSWER Mean birth weights after FET become significantly higher starting from gestational week (GW) 33 among boys and from GW 34 among girls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In recent years, there has been a steep rise in recorded FET treatments, enabling widespread use of elective single embryo transfer, thus reducing the risks associated with multiple gestations. However, singletons born after FET are heavier and there is a higher risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) (birth weight > 90 percentiles) compared to fresh ET. In contrast, risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA, birth weight < 10 percentiles) is lower in singletons born after FET compared to fresh ET. The reasons, timing and consequences of these differences remain largely unclear. There is limited evidence about whether this difference in growth develops before the last trimester of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective Nordic register-based cohort study compared singletons born after FET (n = 17 500) to singletons born after fresh ET (n = 69 510) and natural conception (NC, n = 3 311 588). All live born singletons born between the years 2000 and 2015 in Denmark, Norway and Sweden at gestational age ≥22 weeks were included from the population-based Committee of Nordic ART and Safety (CoNARTaS) study population. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Children born after FET were compared to those born after fresh ET and NC for mean birth weight and proportion of LGA and SGA for each GW at birth. Chi-square test and tests for relative proportions were used to compare categorical variables and Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for LGA and SGA were calculated using logistic regressions, adjusting for year of birth, maternal age, parity, BMI, chronic hypertension, diabetes, smoking and offspring sex. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean birth weights were significantly higher after FET compared to fresh ET starting from GW 33 (range from 75 g to 228 g by week) for boys and starting from GW 34 (range from 90 g to 236 g by week) for girls. Boys born after FET had a significantly higher proportion of LGA (11.0-15.1%) at birth between GW 36 and 42, compared to those born after fresh ET (7.1-9.4%) (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.048 by week). For girls born after FET, the difference was seen between GW 37 and 42 (10.6-13.4%) compared to those born after fresh ET (6.6-8.0%) (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.009 by week).The proportion of SGA was significantly lower among boys born after FET (7.6-8.7%) compared to fresh ET (11.9-13.6%) between GW 36 and 42 (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.016 by week). For girls born after FET, the difference was seen between GW 38 and 42 (7.0-9.3%) compared to those born after fresh ET (13.0-14.6%) (P < 0.001). The proportion of LGA (12.3-15.1%) was significantly higher for boys born after FET between GW 38 and 41 (P < 0.001) and for girls born after FET (12.6-13.4%) between GW 37 and 40 (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.018 by week), compared to naturally conceived boys (9.7-9.9%) and girls (9.0-10.0%). All singletons born after FET had a higher risk of LGA compared to singletons born after fresh ET (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.76-1.98) and singletons born after NC (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.22-1.35). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There may be residual confounding factors that we were not able to control for, most importantly the causes of preterm birth, which may also influence foetal growth. A further limitation is that we have no knowledge on growth patterns between implantation and GW 22. Finally, the number of children born extremely preterm or post-term was limited even in this large study population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is, to date, the largest study on birth weights among preterm and term ART singletons with a population-based design and NC control group. The results suggest that the freeze-thaw process is associated with higher birthweights and greater risk of LGA at least in the last trimester of pregnancy. This is an important aspect of the safety profile of ART. More research is needed on the long-term outcome of these children. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The CoNARTaS collaboration has received the following funding: the Nordic Trial Alliance: a pilot project jointly funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and NordForsk [71450], the Central Norway Regional Health Authorities [46045000], the Norwegian Cancer Society [182356-2016], the Nordic Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology [NF13041, NF15058, NF16026 and NF17043], the Interreg Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak European Regional Development Fund (ReproUnion project) and the Research Council of Norway's Centre of Excellence funding scheme [262700]. None of the authors have any competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Terho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - S Pelkonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - S Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - L B Romundstad
- Center for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - C Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U B Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A A Henningsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Gissler
- Information Services Department, THL, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Cleavage vs blastocyst stage embryos: how are they interrelating? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 304:1083-1088. [PMID: 33620556 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06003-z] [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: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the variables that may predict which cleavage-stage embryo may develop into a blastocyst, and vice versa, to determine whether the cleavage-stage embryo morphology should be taken into consideration when transferring the embryo at the blastocyst stage. METHODS A single center, retrospective cohort study. The study cohort included 3072 patients undergoing 3607 retrieval cycles and 23,124 embryos at the cleavage stage. We assessed the blastulation rate and evaluated which variables impact the ongoing pregnancy rate. RESULTS High blastulation rate correlates with higher embryos' grading (I > II > III > IV > V) and higher number of blastomeres (8 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4). 949 patients had fresh single blastocyst transfers. The ongoing pregnancy rate was 28.9% per transfer. Patients with ongoing pregnancies were significantly younger (34.3 vs. 36 years, p < 0.001), had higher number of oocyte yield (9.8 vs. 9, p = 0.02), and an increased rate of good-quality embryos transferred (70.7% vs. 47.7%, p = 0.001). When evaluating embryos progression, we found that whenever embryo developed to a good-quality blastocyst, its appearance at the cleavage stage did not affect ongoing pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Higher the number of blastomeres and better embryo grading were found to correlate with a higher blastulation rate. Nevertheless, if the embryo has already developed to a top-quality blastocyst, its morphology at the cleavage stage did not impact ongoing pregnancy rate.
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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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11
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Li B, Huang J, Li L, He X, Wang M, Zhang H, He Y, Kang B, Shi Y, Chen S, Wang X. Improving the clinical outcomes by extended culture of day 3 embryos with low blastomere number to blastocyst stage following frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:573-580. [PMID: 33033867 PMCID: PMC7858202 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether the extended culture of day 3 (D3) embryos with low blastomere number to blastocyst following frozen–thawed embryo transfer improved the clinical outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective study of clinical data of women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles in the Tangdu Hospital. The patients were divided into groups with 4–5, 6, 7–9 and > 9 cells based on the blastomere number of D3 embryos. The clinical outcomes were compared. Results In fresh transfer cycles, the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates significantly decreased, while the abortion rate significantly increased in the groups with 4–5 and 6 cells compared with those with 7–9 and > 9 cells. In frozen–thawed transfer cycles, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates for a single blastocyst transfer cycle showed no significant differences in the groups with 4–5 and 6 cells compared with those with 7–9 and > 9 cells. However, the abortion rate was significantly higher in the group with 4–5 cells than in that with 7–9 and > 9 cells. In the double blastocyst transfer cycle, the clinical pregnancy rate showed no significant differences among the groups with 4–5, 6, and 7–9 cells. Conclusion The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates of D3 embryos with 6 cells significantly decreased; these embryos were not considered as high-quality embryos. Extended culture of D3 embryos with ≤ 6 blastomeres to blastocysts, particularly 6-cell embryos, resulted in a similar clinical pregnancy rate as that of blastocysts derived from D3 embryos with ≥ 7 blastomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Jianlei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Xiao He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Hengde Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Yuping He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Bin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Yongqian Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
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Conforti A, Picarelli S, Carbone L, La Marca A, Venturella R, Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Zullo F, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM, Alviggi C. Perinatal and obstetric outcomes in singleton pregnancies following fresh versus cryopreserved blastocyst transfer: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:401-412. [PMID: 33234401 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts is increasing in IVF centres. However, little is known about the perinatal and obstetric outcomes of this procedure. In an attempt to further elucidate these issues, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare cryopreserved transfer with fresh blastocyst embryo transfer. The results show that the risk of both preterm (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.99, P = 0.04) and low birthweight births (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.99, P = 0.04) was significantly lower after cryopreserved blastocyst transfer than after fresh blastocyst transfer. The rate of large for gestational age births was significantly higher (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.55-1.82, P < 0.00001) and the rate of small for gestational age births significantly lower (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.54-0.65, P < 0.00001) after cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. The transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts was associated with a significantly lower risk of placental abruption (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.83, P = 0.003) but a significantly higher risk of Caesarean section (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.43, P = 0.03). In conclusion, the perinatal and obstetric outcomes associated with the transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts differ from those associated with fresh blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Silvia Picarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Zullo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Ginström Ernstad E, Spangmose AL, Opdahl S, Henningsen AKA, Romundstad LB, Tiitinen A, Gissler M, Wennerholm UB, Pinborg A, Bergh C, Malchau SS. Perinatal and maternal outcome after vitrification of blastocysts: a Nordic study in singletons from the CoNARTaS group. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2282-2289. [PMID: 31687765 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is transfer of vitrified blastocysts associated with higher perinatal and maternal risks compared with slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and fresh blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER Transfer of vitrified blastocysts is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (PTB) when compared with slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and with a higher risk of a large baby, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) but a lower risk of placenta previa when compared with fresh blastocysts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Transfer of frozen-thawed embryos (FETs) plays a central role in modern fertility treatment, limiting the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies. Following FET, several studies report a lower risk of PTB, low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) yet a higher risk of fetal macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) compared with fresh embryos. In recent years, the introduction of new freezing techniques has increased treatment success. The slow-freeze technique combined with cleavage stage transfer has been replaced by vitrification and blastocyst transfer. Only few studies have compared perinatal and maternal outcomes after vitrification and slow-freeze and mainly in cleavage stage embryos, with most studies indicating similar outcomes in the two groups. Studies on perinatal and maternal outcomes following vitrified blastocysts are limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This registry-based cohort study includes singletons born after frozen-thawed and fresh transfers following the introduction of vitrification in Sweden and Denmark, in 2002 and 2009, respectively. The study includes 3650 children born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts, 8123 children born after transfer of slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and 4469 children born after transfer of fresh blastocysts during 2002-2015. Perinatal and maternal outcomes in singletons born after vitrified blastocyst transfer were compared with singletons born after slow-frozen cleavage stage transfer and singletons born after fresh blastocyst transfer. Main outcomes included PTB, LBW, macrosomia, HDP and placenta previa. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were obtained from the CoNARTaS (Committee of Nordic ART and Safety) group. Based on national registries in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway, the CoNARTaS cohort includes all children born after ART treatment in public and private clinics 1984-2015. Outcomes were assessed with logistic multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for the country and year of birth, maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, parental educational level, fertilisation method (IVF/ICSI), single embryo transfer, number of gestational sacs and the child's sex. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A higher risk of PTB (<37 weeks) was noted in the vitrified blastocyst group compared with the slow-frozen cleavage stage group (adjusted odds ratio, aOR [95% CI], 1.33 [1.09-1.62]). No significant differences were observed for LBW (<2500 g), SGA, macrosomia (≥4500 g) and LGA when comparing the vitrified blastocyst with the slow-frozen cleavage stage group. For maternal outcomes, no significant difference was seen in the risk of HDP, placenta previa, placental abruption and PPH in the vitrified blastocyst versus the slow frozen cleavage stage group, although the precision was limited.When comparing vitrified and fresh blastocysts, we found higher risks of macrosomia (≥4500 g) aOR 1.77 [1.35-2.31] and LGA aOR 1.48 [1.18-1.84]. Further, the risks of HDP aOR 1.47 [1.19-1.81] and PPH aOR 1.68 [1.39-2.03] were higher in singletons born after vitrified compared with fresh blastocyst transfer while the risks of SGA aOR 0.58 [0.44-0.78] and placenta previa aOR 0.35 [0.25-0.48] were lower. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since vitrification was introduced simultaneously with blastocyst transfer in Sweden and Denmark, it was not possible to explore the effect of vitrification per se in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results from the change of strategy to vitrification of blastocysts are reassuring, indicating that the freezing technique per se has no major influence on the perinatal and maternal outcomes. The higher risk of PTB may be related to the extended embryo culture rather than vitrification. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study is part of the ReproUnion Collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V ÖKS. The study was also financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF agreement (LUA/ALF 70940), Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation and NordForsk (project 71 450). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ginström Ernstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Sofia Malchau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Marconi N, Raja EA, Bhattacharya S, Maheshwari A. Perinatal outcomes in singleton live births after fresh blastocyst-stage embryo transfer: a retrospective analysis of 67 147 IVF/ICSI cycles. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1716-1725. [PMID: 31418775 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are perinatal outcomes different between singleton live births conceived from fresh blastocyst transfer and those following the transfer of fresh cleavage-stage embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER Fresh blastocyst transfer does not increase risks of preterm birth (PTB), low/high birth weight or congenital anomaly and does not alter the sex ratio at birth or prejudice the chance of having a healthy baby. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Extended embryo culture is currently considered the best option for embryo selection, but concerns have been raised about increased risks of preterm delivery and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) babies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) anonymised and cycle-based dataset in the UK between 1999 and 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Baseline characteristics were compared between in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) blastocyst-stage and cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles using the χ2 test for categorical/dichotomised covariates and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous covariates. Statistical significance was set at <0.005. Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to establish relationships between perinatal outcomes and blastocyst-stage embryo transfer or cleavage-stage embryo transfer. Risk ratios (RRs), adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and their 99.5% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as a measure of strength of associations. Results were adjusted for clinically relevant covariates. A sub-group analysis included women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI treatment. The level of significance was set at <0.05, and 95% CIs were calculated in the sub-group analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of a total of 67 147 IVF/ICSI cycles, 11 152 involved blastocyst-stage embryo(s) and 55 995 involved cleavage-stage embryo(s). The two groups were comparable with regards to the risk of PTB (aRR, 1.00; 99.5% CI, 0.79-1.25), very-preterm birth (VPTB) (aRR, 1.00; 99.5% CI, 0.63-1.54), very-low birth weight (VLBW) (aRR, 0.84; 99.5% CI, 0.53-1.34), low birth weight (LBW) (aRR, 0.92; 99.5% CI, 0.73-1.16), high birth weight (HBW) (aRR, 0.94; 99.5% CI, 0.75-1.18) and very-high birth weight (VHBW) (aRR, 1.05; 99.5% CI, 0.66-1.65). The risk of congenital anomaly was 16% higher in the blastocyst-stage group than in the cleavage-stage group, but this was not statistically significant (aRR, 1.16; 99.5% CI, 0.90-1.49). The chance of having a healthy baby (born at term, with a normal birth weight and no congenital anomalies) was not altered by extended culture (aRR, 1.00; 99.5% CI, 0.93-1.07). Extended culture was associated with a marginal increase in the chance having a male baby in the main cycle-based analysis (aRR, 1.04; 99.5% CI, 1.01-1.09) but not in the sub-group analysis of women undergoing their first cycle of treatment (aRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.08). In the sub-group analysis, the risk of congenital anomalies was significantly higher after blastocyst-stage embryo transfer (aRR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.12-1.81). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited by the use of observational data and inability to adjust for key confounders, such as maternal smoking status and body mass index (BMI), which were not recorded in the HFEA dataset. As the main analysis was cycle-based and we were unable to link cycles within women undergoing more than one IVF/ICSI cycle, we undertook a sub-group analysis on women undergoing their first treatment cycle. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings should reassure women undergoing blastocyst-stage embryo transfer. For the first time, we have shown that babies born after blastocyst transfer have a similar chance of being healthy as those born after cleavage-stage embryos transfer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research activity of Dr Nicola Marconi was funded by the scholarship 'A. Griffini-J. Miglierina', Fondazione Comunitaria del Varesotto, Provincia di Varese, Italy. The authors do not have any competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Marconi
- Aberdeen Maternity Hospital National Health Service Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | | | - Abha Maheshwari
- Aberdeen Maternity Hospital National Health Service Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
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Abstract
Over the past 40 years access and effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have increased, and to date more than 8 million children have been conceived after ART globally. Most pregnancies resulting from ART are uncomplicated and result in the birth of healthy children. Yet, it is well known that pregnancies following ART are more likely to be affected by obstetric complications such as hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, preterm birth, and low birth weight compared with spontaneously conceived pregnancies. ART children are also at increased risk of birth defects. The majority of the problems arise as a result of multiple pregnancies and can be reduced by transferring a single embryo, thereby avoiding multiple pregnancies. New ART technologies are constantly introduced, and monitoring of the health of ART children is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, Gothenburg, Sweden
- CONTACT Ulla-Britt Wennerholm Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, GothenburgSE 416 85, 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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Sciorio R, Dattilo M. PGT‐A preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and embryo selection in routine ART cycles: Time to step back? Clin Genet 2020; 98:107-115. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFRECRoyal Infirmary of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Harlev A, Pariente M, Har-Vardi I, Friger M, Levitas E. Pregnancy outcomes of fresh IVF conceived pregnancies after embryo transfer at different stages of early embryonic development. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:235-241. [PMID: 31964214 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1716215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To compare pregnancy outcomes between pregnancies following day 2, day 3, and days 5/6 fresh embryo transfer (ET).Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all pregnancies following fresh IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ET cycles performed between January 2014 and December 2015 at Fertility and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit of the tertiary Soroka University Medical Center. The study groups consisted of 48, 72, 120, and 144 hours embryos. Pregnancies were confirmed by a serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement. Data regarding patients' medical history, infertility workup, fertility treatment characteristics, and outcome, as well as obstetrical outcome, were collected from patients' medical records and IVF Laboratory database. Multiple regression models were constructed to control for confounders. Patients who underwent fertility preservation treatment, cycles of oocyte donation or in vitro maturation oocytes, and cases of preimplantation genetic testing were excluded.Results: A total of 534 pregnancies following fresh IVF/ICSI ET on day 2 (n = 189, 35.4%), day 3 (n = 200, 37.5%), and days 5 or 6 (n = 145, 27.2%) were included. Live birth rate demonstrated a linear association to the developmental stage at ET with the highest rates in blastocysts and gradually lower in day 3 and day 2 ET (79.2, 65.8, and 60.6%, respectively, p = .001). A positive linear association was also observed between ET age and clinical pregnancy rate (77.3, 87.5, and 90.3% for days 2, 3, and 5/6, respectively, p = .002), as well as with combined pregnancy complication rate (29, 37.3, and 43.3%, p = .026). However, using multivariate logistic regression model controlling for ET age, maternal age, smoking, obesity, initial HCG level and peak E2 level, live birth rate was comparable between the study groups regardless of ET age. Pregnancy complications were comparable between the groups; however, a composite pregnancy complications variable was higher in the blastocyst pregnancies compared to cleavage embryos pregnancies.Conclusions: The common approach of blastocyst transfer, as high quality of the embryo, has not proven beneficial in terms of live birth rate. Moreover, cleavage stage embryos were not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The current data suggest maternal age has an independent effect on live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Harlev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility and IVF Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Maayan Pariente
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Friger
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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De Vos A, Dos Santos-Ribeiro S, Tournaye H, Verheyen G. Birthweight of singletons born after blastocyst-stage or cleavage-stage transfer: analysis of a data set from three randomized controlled trials. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:127-132. [PMID: 31836942 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01641-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present post hoc analysis aims to study the neonatal data of singletons born from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the outcome of day 3 and day 5 transfers. METHODS Our analysis included 208 liveborn singletons from three existing RCTs (publication dates 2004, 2005, and 2006), 93 children from cleavage-stage transfers and 115 from blastocyst-stage transfers. Vanishing twins were excluded from the analysis. Singleton birthweight was the primary outcome measure. Gestational age and gender of the newborn were accounted for in the multiple regression analysis, along with other confounding factors, such as maternal age, BMI, parity, and smoking behavior. RESULTS There was no significant difference in gestational age (median, interquartile range) between cleavage-stage transfer (275 days; 267-281) and blastocyst-stage transfer (277 days; 270-281; p = 0.22). Singleton birthweight (median, interquartile range) was not significantly different between cleavage-stage transfer (3330 g; 3020-3610) and blastocyst-stage transfer (3236 g; 2930-3630; p = 0.40), even following multivariable regression analysis to control for potential maternal and newborn confounders. CONCLUSION The gestational age and birthweight were not significantly different after cleavage-stage and blastocyst-stage transfers. One limitation to be recognized is the age of the data, with original data collection dates from 2001 to 2004. Additionally, the RCTs used for the present analysis have a fairly young age restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anick De Vos
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Herman Tournaye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Li Y, Zhao S, Yu Y, Ma C, Zheng Y, Niu Y, Wei D, Ma J. Risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia in pregnancies conceived by ART. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:969-975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Beltran Anzola A, Pauly V, Riviere O, Sambuc R, Boyer P, Vendittelli F, Gervoise-Boyer MJ. Birthweight of IVF children is still a current issue and still related to maternal factors. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:990-999. [PMID: 31740225 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does fresh embryo transfer after IVF with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) increase the small for gestational age (SGA) rate, and frozen embryo transfer (FET) after IVF with or without ICSI increase the large for gestational age (LGA) rate versus natural conception? DESIGN Retrospective comparison of an exposed historical group/cohort involving singletons conceived after fresh embryo transfer and after FET with an unexposed group/cohort involving singletons conceived after a natural conception. RESULTS A total of 1961 fresh embryo transfer babies and 366 FET babies were compared with 6981 natural conception babies. The SGA rate in fresh embryo transfer babies was not significantly different to natural conception babies (6.9% versus 6.8%, P = 0.856). This outcome was not influenced by the fresh embryo transfer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.3), but rather by a low rate of multiparity (aOR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.7), advanced maternal age (aOR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2), maternal underweight (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.1), maternal smoking or cessation during pregnancy (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4-2.3), pre-existing hypertension (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-4.1) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.7). The LGA rate in FET babies was significantly different from natural conception babies (6.6% versus 3.2%, P = 0.012). This outcome was influenced by the transfer of frozen embryos (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.8) and by a high maternal weight (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.6). CONCLUSIONS Maternal background and obstetric parameters are more likely to influence the SGA rate than fresh embryo transfer conception. FET conception could be associated with an increase in LGA rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Any Beltran Anzola
- EA 3279, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Services de Santé et la Qualité de Vie (CEReSS), Aix-Marseille Université, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France; Centre Sainte Colette, Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Saint Joseph, 26 Boulevard de Louvain, Marseille 13008, France
| | - Vanessa Pauly
- Service d'Information Médicale, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 147 Boulevard Baille, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Olivier Riviere
- AUDIPOG (Association des Utilisateurs de Dossiers Informatisés en Pédiatrie, Obstétrique et Gynécologie), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laennec, 7 Rue Guillaume Paradin, Lyon Cedex 08 69372, France
| | - Roland Sambuc
- EA 3279, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Services de Santé et la Qualité de Vie (CEReSS), Aix-Marseille Université, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France; Service d'Information Médicale, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 147 Boulevard Baille, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Pierre Boyer
- Centre Sainte Colette, Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Saint Joseph, 26 Boulevard de Louvain, Marseille 13008, France.
| | - Françoise Vendittelli
- AUDIPOG (Association des Utilisateurs de Dossiers Informatisés en Pédiatrie, Obstétrique et Gynécologie), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laennec, 7 Rue Guillaume Paradin, Lyon Cedex 08 69372, France; Service de Gynécologie-obstétrique, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Institut Pascal, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 1 Place Lucie-Aubrac, Clermont-Ferrand 63003, France
| | - Marie-José Gervoise-Boyer
- Centre Sainte Colette, Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Saint Joseph, 26 Boulevard de Louvain, Marseille 13008, France
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Luo L, Fan XZ, Jie HY, Gao Y, Chen M, Zhou C, Wang Q. Is it worth reducing twins to singletons after IVF-ET? A retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2019; 98:1274-1281. [PMID: 31081540 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many studies have shown that multifetal reduction of high-order multiple pregnancies results in improved pregnancy outcomes. However, whether conducting elective fetal reduction from dichorionic twins after in vitro fertilization (IVF) is worthwhile remains controversial. This study aimed to determine whether elective fetal reduction of dichorionic twins after IVF and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is associated with increased take-home baby rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 3600 dichorionic twin pregnancies after IVF-ET. The reduced group included 71 women with transvaginal elective fetal reduction between 7 and 8 weeks of gestation. The control group (n = 3529) comprised women who were managed expectantly. Propensity score matching was conducted before pregnancy outcomes were compared. RESULTS The take-home baby rate was significantly lower in the reduced group (83.1% vs 92.8%, P = 0.004). The total miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the reduced group (12.7% vs 6.2%, P = 0.04). Although preterm delivery rate was lower in the reduced group (P < 0.001), over 90% were over 32 weeks, whereas the proportions were equal in the reduced group. CONCLUSIONS In dichorionic twin pregnancies after IVF-ET, elective fetal reduction to singleton significantly decreased the chance of taking home live babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Luo
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong-Zhi Fan
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Ying Jie
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Gao
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghui Chen
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Berntsen S, Söderström-Anttila V, Wennerholm UB, Laivuori H, Loft A, Oldereid NB, Romundstad LB, Bergh C, Pinborg A. The health of children conceived by ART: ‘the chicken or the egg?’. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:137-158. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sine Berntsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Kettegaard Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Viveca Söderström-Anttila
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 2, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Teiskontie 35, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, Tampere, Finland
- Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Tukhomankatu 8, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Loft
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nan B Oldereid
- Livio IVF-klinikken Oslo, Sørkedalsveien 10A, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
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De Vos A, Santos-Ribeiro S, Van Landuyt L, Van de Velde H, Tournaye H, Verheyen G. Birthweight of singletons born after cleavage-stage or blastocyst transfer in fresh and warming cycles. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:196-201. [PMID: 29206936 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does extended culture to the blastocyst stage affect singleton birthweight after either fresh or vitrified-warmed embryo transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER Singleton birthweight z-scores did not vary significantly after a fresh blastocyst transfer, whereas the additional effect of vitrification remains inconclusive. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Observational studies have associated extended culture with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birthweight. On the contrary, in terms of birthweight and gestational age, singletons born after vitrification have been associated with a better perinatal outcome when compared to those born following a fresh transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Our post-hoc cohort analysis on neonatal outcomes included 447 liveborn singletons was derived from a recent retrospective analysis on cumulative live birth rates after cleavage-stage and blastocyst transfers. These babies were born following a fresh single cleavage-stage transfer (FCT Day 3, n = 113), fresh single blastocyst transfer (FBT Day 5, n = 218), vitrified-warmed cleavage-stage transfer (VCT Day 3, n = 58) or vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (VBT Day 5, n = 58). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Singleton birthweight was the primary outcome measure. Gestational age and gender of the newborn were accounted for by using birthweight z-scores in a multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for other confounders (maternal age, BMI, parity and smoking behaviour). Vanishing twins were excluded from the analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significantly lower z-score was observed after blastocyst transfer compared to cleavage-stage transfer in the vitrified-warmed Day 5 group (P = 0.013), a difference not observed in the fresh transfer groups (P = 0.32). Following multivariable regression analysis [adjusted regression coefficient (95% confidence interval)], the FCT and FBT groups showed no significant influence on the birthweight z-scores after fresh transfer [-0.19 (-0.44; 0.05)], but the transfer of vitrified blastocysts (VBT) was associated with a lower birthweight [-0.52 (-0.90; -0.15)] compared with the transfer of vitrified cleavage-stage embryos (VCT). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present cohort was relatively small, especially in the vitrified-warmed subgroups. Pregnancy-associated factors possibly influencing birthweight (such as diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia) were also not accounted for in the analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Different ART procedures, including extended culture and vitrification, may hold potential safety issues. These results require further confirmation in future larger studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anick De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisbet Van Landuyt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Zhu Q, Zhu J, Wang Y, Wang B, Wang N, Yin M, Zhang S, Lyu Q, Kuang Y. Live birth rate and neonatal outcome following cleavage-stage embryo transfer versus blastocyst transfer using the freeze-all strategy. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:892-900. [PMID: 30954432 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the live birth rates and neonatal outcomes following cleavage-stage embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer in a freeze-all treatment scenario? DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. All good-quality embryos were frozen on the third day; the remaining embryos were grown on until they reached blastocyst stage and then frozen. Between 2007 and 2016, 11,801 patients underwent cleavage-stage embryo transfer and 1009 patients underwent blastocyst transfer in the first treatment cycle using the freeze-all strategy. The live birth rate and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS The live birth rate in the first frozen embryo transfer cycle was higher following blastocyst transfer than following cleavage-stage transfer (69.1% versus 55.5%, P < 0.01), but there was no difference in live birth rate in the second frozen embryo transfer cycle between blastocyst transfer and cleavage-stage transfer (45.2% versus 52.7%, P > 0.05). Similarly, no difference was found in the cumulative live birth rate for the first complete IVF cycle (71.1% versus 69.2%, P > 0.05). Blastocyst transfer gave a higher risk of preterm singleton delivery than did cleavage-stage transfer. However, there was no difference in the risk of early preterm delivery, low birth weight, very low birth weight, high birth weight and very high birth weight between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence to support the superiority of blastocyst transfer compared with cleavage-stage transfer in a freeze-all treatment scenario. There may be a higher risk of preterm singleton delivery following blastocyst transfer than following cleavage-stage transfer but further studies are needed to verify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bian Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningling Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Suqun Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No.639, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Magnusson Å, Wennerholm UB, Källén K, Petzold M, Thurin- Kjellberg A, Bergh C. The association between the number of oocytes retrieved for IVF, perinatal outcome and obstetric complications. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1939-1947. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Magnusson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Östra (East) Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Källén
- Department of Reproduction Epidemiology, Tornblad Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- Health Metrics Unit, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Thurin- Kjellberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, 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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Day 6 blastocyst is associated with increased birth weight in full-term singleton newborns after frozen–thawed transfer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2018; 298:397-403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-4808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies and imprinting disorders: Results of a study from a French congenital malformations registry. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 61:518-523. [PMID: 29775803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is increasingly used to help infertile couples to have children around the world. A number of studies have been published reporting an increased risk of major malformations in children born following ART, especially an increased incidence of epigenetic diseases (ED). This study aimed to assess the incidence of epigenetic diseases with affected imprinting genes in infants or children from pregnancies obtained through IVF/ICSI compared to infants or children from pregnancies obtained spontaneously. PATIENT DATA This is a monocentric retrospective epidemiological study based on data from a French congenital malformations registry called REMERA (Registre des Malformations en Rhône-Alpes) which exhaustively monitors all pregnancies in Rhone-Alpes region, whatever their nature of onset (spontaneous pregnancies or pregnancies from ART). This registry collects all malformations, except minor malformations (EUROCAT), and all polymalformative syndromes concerning all fetuses and children born alive or not, from 20 weeks of pregnancy (or 22 weeks of amenorrhea) and all medical termination of pregnancy whatever the term. Inclusion criteria are all diagnoses of epigenetic diseases (ED) related to parental imprinting recorded in the period January 2006 to December 2015. METHODS For each year, the total number of births (including stillbirths) was collected from the annual activity reports of the registry. The exhaustive number of cases of epigenetic diseases was known in the registry. Were collected the number of births resulting from ART pregnancies in the study population. This incidence of ED was compared between births from spontaneous pregnancies and those obtained through ART (IVF/ICSI) with a generalized linear model (GLM: binomial regression). RESULTS In total, 46 cases of epigenetic diseases were analyzed on the REMERA registry files from 2006 to 2015. 4 cases from the 46 analyzed cases were from pregnancies induced by ART. ART was a risk factor for epigenetic disease (OR = 2.9 [1.06-8.22] (p = .039)). In ART-pregnancies there were 2 diagnoses: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) (3 cases out of 4) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) (1 out of 4). DISCUSSION Infants and children obtained through IVF/ICSI appear to be related to a higher risk of epigenetic diseases compared to naturally conceived children. The perspectives of this study are to raise awareness about the creation of registries of congenital malformations and genetic and epigenetic syndromes with systematic and strict reports of all the cases on all the French territory and thus to widen this study with a bigger cohort.
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Alviggi C, Conforti A, Carbone IF, Borrelli R, de Placido G, Guerriero S. Influence of cryopreservation on perinatal outcome after blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer: systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2018; 51:54-63. [PMID: 29077229 DOI: 10.1002/uog.18942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the perinatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies resulting from blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer and to assess whether they differ between fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the Scopus, MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databases with no time restriction. We included only peer-reviewed articles involving humans, in which perinatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies after blastocyst-stage embryo transfer were compared with those after cleavage-stage embryo transfer. Primary outcomes were preterm birth before 37 weeks and low birth weight (< 2500 g). Secondary outcomes were very preterm birth before 32 weeks, very low birth weight (< 1500 g), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), perinatal mortality and congenital anomaly. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Three subgroups were evaluated: fresh only, frozen only and fresh plus frozen embryo transfer cycles. RESULTS From a total of 3928 articles identified, 14 were selected for qualitative/quantitative analysis. Significantly higher incidences of preterm birth < 37 weeks (11 studies, n = 106 629 participants; risk ratio (RR), 1.15 (95% CI, 1.05 - 1.25); P = 0.002) and very preterm birth < 32 weeks (seven studies, n = 103 742; RR, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.02-1.31); P = 0.03) were observed after blastocyst- than after cleavage-stage embryo transfer in fresh cycles. However, the risk of preterm and very preterm birth was similar after blastocyst- and cleavage-stage transfers in frozen and fresh plus frozen cycles. Overall effect size analysis revealed fewer SGA deliveries after blastocyst- compared with cleavage-stage transfer in fresh cycles but a similar number in frozen cycles. Conversely, more LGA deliveries were observed after blastocyst- compared with cleavage-stage transfer in frozen cycles (two studies, n = 39 044; RR, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.09-1.27); P < 0.0001) and no differences between the two groups in fresh cycles (four studies, n = 42 982; RR, 1.14 (95% CI, 0.97-1.35); P = 0.11). There were no differences with respect to low birth weight, very low birth weight or congenital anomalies between blastocyst- and cleavage-stage transfers irrespective of the cryopreservation method employed. Only one study reported a higher incidence of perinatal mortality after blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer in frozen cycles, while no differences were found in fresh cycles. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that cryopreservation of embryos can influence outcome of pregnancy conceived following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer in terms of preterm birth, very preterm birth, LGA, SGA and perinatal mortality. Caution should be exercised in interpreting these findings given the low level of evidence and wide heterogeneity of the studies. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Medicine, Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Medicine, Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - I F Carbone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mangiagalli, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - R Borrelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Medicine, Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G de Placido
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Medicine, Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - S Guerriero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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No advantage of fresh blastocyst versus cleavage stage embryo transfer in women under the age of 39: a randomized controlled study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:457-465. [PMID: 29168022 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Is there a difference in implantation and pregnancy rates between embryos transferred electively at cleavage or blastocyst stage in infertile women ≤ 38 years with at least four zygotes on day 1 post retrieval? METHODS A randomized clinical trial was conducted in a single tertiary care hospital with a sample size of 194 patients in each arm for a total population of 388 women. Patients less than 39 years of age with more than three fertilized oocytes and less than four previous assisted reproductive technology (ART) attempts were inclusion criteria. RESULTS The two groups were similar for age, years of infertility, indication to treatment, basal antimüllerian hormone and FSH, number of previous ART cycles, primary or secondary infertility, type of induction protocol, days of stimulation, total gonadotrophin dose, and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels at trigger. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of number of retrieved oocytes, inseminated oocytes, fertilization rate, canceled transfers (7.73% in blastocyst and 3.61% in cleavage stage group), and cycles with frozen embryos and/or oocytes. Although a higher number of fertilized oocytes were in the blastocyst stage group (6.18 ± 1.46 vs 5.89 ± 1.54, p = 0.052), a statistically greater number of embryos/randomized cycle were transferred at cleavage stage (1.93 ± 0.371) compared with the number of transferred blastocysts (1.80 ± 0.56), probably due to the number of embryos not reaching blastocyst stage (3.09%). The implantation rate (28.37 vs 25.67%), pregnancy rate per cycle (36.06 vs38.66%), transfer (39.66 vs 40.11%), spontaneous abortions (19.72% vs 12.00%), delivery rate per cycle (27.84 vs 32.99%), and transfer (30.17 vs 34.22%) were not significantly different between the blastocyst and cleavage stage groups. The twin delivery rate was higher in the blastocyst stage group, although not significant (42.59 vs 28.12%). The mean numbers of frozen blastocyst (2.30 ± 1.40 vs 2.02 ± 1.00) and frozen oocytes (7.09 ± 3.55vs 6.79 ± 3.26) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Fresh blastocyst-stage transfer versus cleavage-stage transfer did not show any significant difference in terms of implantation and pregnancy rate in this selected group of patients. A high twin delivery rate in both groups (35.59%) was registered, and although not significant, they were higher in the blastocyst transfer group (42.59 vs 28.12%). Our conclusion supports considering single embryo transfer (SET) policy, even in cleavage stage in patients younger than 39 years with at least four zygotes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT02639000.
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Racowsky C, Martins WP. Effectiveness and safety of time-lapse imaging for embryo culture and selection: it is still too early for any conclusions? Fertil Steril 2017; 108:450-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.07.1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Tannus S, Cohen Y, Son WY, Shavit T, Dahan MH. Cumulative live birth rate following elective single blastocyst transfer compared with double blastocyst transfer in women aged 40 years and over. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:733-738. [PMID: 28826777 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify predictive factors for live birth following blastocyst transfer in women aged 40-43, and to compare the cumulative live birth rate (LBR) following elective single blastocyst (eSBT) and double blastocyst (DBT) transfer. The study included 411 women who had fresh blastocyst transfers on day 5. In stepwise logistic regression, independent predictive factors for live birth were: transferring fully expanded blastocysts (Gardner stage ≥3) (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-9.71) and transferring two blastocysts compared with a single blastocyst (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.08-2.9). Maternal age was not found to be significant (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-1.1). When comparing eSBT (n = 150) with DBT (n = 151), the DBT group achieved higher LBRs (26.5 versus 19.3%, P = 0.017) and higher multiple births (0 versus 17.5%, P = 0.02). However, the cumulative LBR was similar (28.0 versus 31.1%), with significantly lower multiple births in the eSBT group (0 versus 14.9%, P = 0.03). These results indicate that in women aged 40-43, when fully expanded blastocysts are achieved, maternal age is not a predictor for live birth, and eSBT can be performed without compromising cumulative LBRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Tannus
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Reproductive Centre, 888 Blvd de Maisonneuve East, Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H2L 4S8, Canada.
| | - Yoni Cohen
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Reproductive Centre, 888 Blvd de Maisonneuve East, Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Weon-Young Son
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Reproductive Centre, 888 Blvd de Maisonneuve East, Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Tal Shavit
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Reproductive Centre, 888 Blvd de Maisonneuve East, Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Michael-Haim Dahan
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Reproductive Centre, 888 Blvd de Maisonneuve East, Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H2L 4S8, Canada
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Yu L, Jia C, Lan Y, Song R, Zhou L, Li Y, Liang Y, Wang S. Analysis of embryo intactness and developmental potential following slow freezing and vitrification. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 63:285-293. [PMID: 28795845 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1362060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the parameters that are related to intactness and developmental potential of a day 3 embryo after warming to improve the selection criteria used to cryopreserve and transfer embryos. We also sought to compare slow freezing and vitrification methods of cryopreservation and to evaluate the viability of non-intact embryos. Embryos warmed following slow freezing (n=220) or vitrification (n=522) were divided into 3 groups according to the proportion of surviving blastomeres (I<50%; II=50-99%; and III=100%). The developmental potential of embryos, including the mitosis resumption rate, blastocyst formation rate, and formation rate of grade A blastocysts (i.e., fully expanded blastocysts with an inner cell mass and grade A or B trophectoderm) were retrospectively assessed in embryos. Cleavage-stage embryos with <50% blastomere survival were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Logistic regression analysis showed that vitrification and grade 1 were independent predictive factors of embryo intactness and developmental potential (all p<0.05). On day 3, embryos with 4-6 cells or blastomere damage had lower developmental potential than those with 7-9 cells or intact blastomeres (all p<0.05). NGS results showed that the chromosomal status was completely normal in 8 embryos that developed into expanded blastocysts, whereas 4 out of 5 embryos in which development was arrested were abnormal. The results of this study suggest that vitrification is a better choice than slow freezing for embryo cryopreservation. Embryos showing poor quality (fragmentation >30% and/or a non-stage-specific cell size) and lower cell numbers (4-6 cells) on day 3 should be cultured to the blastocyst stage and then vitrified if they develop into good-quality blastocysts. The developmental potential of non-intact embryos is lower than that of intact embryos; however, after they are cultured to the fully expanded blastocyst stage, embryos with <50% blastomere survival appear to be better candidates for transfer. Abbreviations ART: assisted reproductive technology; grade A blastocyst: fully expanded blastocyst with an inner cell mass and grade A or B trophectoderm; NGS: next-generation sequencing; IVF: in vitro fertilization; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; FET: frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yu
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Chanwei Jia
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Yonglian Lan
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Rui Song
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Liying Zhou
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Ying Li
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Yu Liang
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shuyu Wang
- a Department of Reproductive Medicine , Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
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Wang X, Du M, Guan Y, Wang B, Zhang J, Liu Z. Comparative neonatal outcomes in singleton births from blastocyst transfers or cleavage-stage embryo transfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:36. [PMID: 28472983 PMCID: PMC5418763 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comparative neonatal outcomes with respect to singleton births from blastocyst transfers or cleavage-state embryo transfers are controversial with respect to which method is superior. Many studies have yielded contradictory results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for the purpose of comparing neonatal outcomes in single births following IVF/ICSI. METHODS We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CCTR) databases until October 2016. Studies and trials that contained neonatal outcomes for singleton births were included. Data were extracted in 2 × 2 tables. The analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.1 software. Risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated to assess the results of each outcome. Subgroups were applied in all outcomes. Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) checklists were used to assess the quality of the referenced studies. RESULTS Twelve studies met the criteria in this meta-analysis. There was a high risk of preterm birth after blastocyst embryo transfer versus the risk after cleavage-stage transfer (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22). For the "only fresh" subgroup, the outcome was coincident (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.27). For the "fresh and frozen" and "only frozen" subgroups, there were no differences. Patients who received fresh blastocyst embryo transfers had a high risk of very preterm births (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.31). Finally, cleavage-stage embryo transfers were associated with a high risk of infants who were small for gestational age (0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.92) and a low risk of those who were large for gestation age (1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.25). CONCLUSIONS The risks of preterm and very preterm births increased after fresh blastocyst transfers versus the risks after fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfers. However, in frozen embryo transfers, there were no differences. Blastocyst embryo transfers resulted in high risks of infants who were large for gestational age, and cleavage-stage embryo transfers resulted in high risks of infants who were small for gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingling Wang
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingze Du
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichun Guan
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Bijun Wang
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihua Liu
- grid.412719.8The Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Kangfuqian Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan People’s Republic of China
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Martins WP, Nastri CO, Rienzi L, van der Poel SZ, Gracia C, Racowsky C. Blastocyst vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer: systematic review and meta-analysis of reproductive outcomes. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 49:583-591. [PMID: 27731533 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blastocyst transfer in assisted reproduction techniques could be advantageous because the timing of exposure of the embryo to the uterine environment is more analogous to a natural cycle and permits embryo self-selection after activation of the embryonic genome on day 3. Conversely, the in-vitro environment is likely to be inferior to that in vivo, and in-vitro culture beyond embryonic genomic activation could potentially harm the embryo. Our objective was to identify, appraise and summarize the available evidence comparing the effectiveness of blastocyst vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer. METHODS This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the transfer of blastocysts (days 5-6) with the transfer of cleavage-stage embryos (days 2-3) in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The last electronic searches were run on 1 August 2016. Abstracts and studies with a mean difference between the two study groups of > 0.5 for the number of embryos transferred were excluded. RESULTS We screened 1187 records and assessed 33 potentially eligible studies. Twelve studies were included, comprising a total of 1200 women undergoing blastocyst transfer and 1218 undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer. We observed low-quality evidence of no significant difference of blastocyst transfer on live birth/ongoing pregnancy (relative risk (RR), 1.11 (95% CI, 0.92-1.35), 10 RCTs, 1940 women, I2 = 54%), clinical pregnancy (RR, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.93-1.31), 12 RCTs, 2418 women, I2 = 64%), cumulative pregnancy (RR, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.67-1.16), four RCTs, 524 women, I2 = 63%) and miscarriage (RR, 1.08 (95% CI, 0.74-1.56), 10 RCTs, 763 pregnancies, I2 = 0%). There was moderate-quality evidence of a decrease in the number of women with surplus embryos after the blastocyst-stage embryo transfer (RR, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.91)). Overall, the quality of the evidence was limited by the quality of the included studies and by unexplained inconsistency across studies. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence shows no superiority of blastocyst compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in clinical practice. As the quality of the evidence for the primary outcomes is low, additional well-designed RCTs are still needed before robust conclusions can be drawn. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- W P Martins
- SEMEAR Fertilidade, Reproductive Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - C O Nastri
- SEMEAR Fertilidade, Reproductive Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - L Rienzi
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - S Z van der Poel
- HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), Geneva, Switzerland
- Population Council, Reproductive Health Program, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Gracia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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