A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing the effects of nifedipine on embryo transfer: Study protocol

The effect of Nifedipine on embryo transfer outcomes: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Endometrial receptivity is crucial for embryo implantation, and excessive uterine contraction reduces success. Nifedipine which is a calcium channel blocker, could decrease uterine contraction and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of Nifedipine before embryo transfer on the pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a tertiary center in Iran.

Materials and Methods

150 women who were candidates for IVF were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group 1 received 20 mg Nifedipine 30 min before embryo transfer, and group 2 received no intervention. Blood pressure of the participants was monitored every 10 min for 1 hr under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Finally, implantation rate and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were compared between groups.

Results

At the end of the study, 140 participants were included in the final analyses. No significant difference was observed in clinical pregnancy rates between groups (20% vs. 22%, p = 0.51).

Conclusion

Nifedipine administration before embryo transfer does not improve the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.

Embryo transfer techniques

Embryo transfer is the final and rate-limiting step of the assisted reproductive technique. Few advances have occurred in the last few decades with regard to this procedure. Studies conducted thus far have focused on factors and interventions taking place before, during and after this procedure. These factors are highly varied and range from methods to improve the psychological state of the patients to methods aimed at reducing uterine contractility and methods aimed at optimising the precise transfer of the embryo. The key question is which factors and interventions have thus far been proven to increase pregnancy rates and live birth rates. This paper aims to review the evidence relating to embryo transfer techniques in a systematic manner with a view to provide practical recommendations to practitioners involved in the procedure.