Embryo Transfer Strategies for Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure During the Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles:Sequential Embryo Transfer or Double-blastocyst Transfer?

Objective Both sequential embryo transfer(SeET)and double-blastocyst transfer(DBT)can serve as embryo transfer strategies for women with recurrent implantation failure(RIF).This study aims to compare the effects of SeET and DBT on pregnancy outcomes.Methods Totally,261 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles of 243 RIF women were included in this multicenter retrospective analysis.According to different embryo quality and transfer strategies,they were divided into four groups:group A,good-quality SeET(GQ-SeET,n=38 cycles);group B,poor-quality or mixed-quality SeET(PQ/MQ-SeET,n=31 cycles);group C,good-quality DBT(GQ-DBT,n=121 cycles);and group D,poor-quality or mixed-quality DBT(PQ/MQ-DBT,n=71 cycles).The main outcome,clinical pregnancy rate,was compared,and the generalized estimating equation(GEE)model was used to correct potential confounders that might impact pregnancy outcomes.Results GQ-DBT achieved a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate(aOR 2.588,95%CI 1.267–5.284,P=0.009)and live birth rate(aOR 3.082,95%CI 1.482–6.412,P=0.003)than PQ/MQ-DBT.Similarly,the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in GQ-SeET than in PQ/MQ-SeET(aOR 4.047,95%CI 1.218–13.450,P=0.023).The pregnancy outcomes of GQ-SeET were not significantly different from those of GQ-DBT,and the same results were found between PQ/MQ-SeET and PQ/MQ-DBT.Conclusion SeET relative to DBT did not seem to improve pregnancy outcomes for RIF patients if the embryo quality was comparable between the two groups.Better clinical pregnancy outcomes could be obtained by transferring good-quality embryos,no matter whether in SeET or DBT.Embryo quality plays a more important role in pregnancy outcomes for RIF patients.

Pregnancy outcomes following supplementation of single dose GnRH agonist to sustain the luteal phase in antagonist fresh embryo transfer cycles:A multicentric prospective cohort study

Objective:To determine whether a single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)agonist administered subcutaneously in addition to the regular progesterone supplementation could provide a better luteal support in antagonist protocol fresh embryo transfer cycles.Methods:This prospective,multicentric,cohort study included total 140 women,70 in each group.Controlled ovarian stimulation was carried out as per fixed GnRH antagonist protocol.The trigger was given with hCG.In vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)was performed and day-3 embryos were transferred.Patients were divided into groups 1 and 2 based on computer generated randomization sheet.Six days following oocyte retrieval,group 1 received 0.2 mg decapeptyl subcutaneously in addition to regular progesterone support while group 2 received progesterone only.Luteal support was given for 14 days to both groups;if pregnancy was confirmed luteal support was continued till 12 weeks of gestation.The clinical pregnancy rate was the primary outcome.The implantation rate,miscarriage rate,live birth delivery rate,and multiple pregnancy rates were the secondary outcomes.Results:A total of 140 patients were analysed,70 in each group.Clinical pregnancy rates(47.1%vs.35.7%;P=0.17),implantation rates(23.4%vs.18.1%,P=0.24),live birth delivery rates(41.4%vs.27.1%,P=0.08),and multiple pregnancy rates(21.2%vs.16.0%,P=0.74)were higher in group 1 than in group 2.Group 1 had a lower miscarriage rate than group 2(5.7%vs.8.6%;P=0.75).However,these differences were not statistically significant between the two groups.Conclusions:Administration of a single dose of GnRH agonist in addition to regular natural micronized vaginal progesterone as luteal support in GnRH antagonist protocol cycles marginally improves implantation rates,clinical pregnancy rates,and live birth delivery rates.However,more studies with higher sample sizes are needed before any conclusive statements about GnRH agonist as luteal phase support can be made.

Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Is the Mock Transfer Enough Reliable to Evaluate Hysterometry for Embryo Transfer?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the mock transfer during in vitro fertilization process Method: A case-control study was conducted on 134 patients included in IVF/ICSI cycles. From the hysterometry obtained during the mock transfer, the ideal embryo replacement site, i.e. two cm from the uterine fundus has been determined. Results: Significant differences were noted between the area estimated from the mock transfer and the area where the embryo was deposited during the actual embryo transfer. In fact, 15.9% of the patients had a difference between four and six cm, and 32% of the patients returning for a subsequent transfer had at least 2 cm of difference between the embryo deposit zones. This difference was significant (P 0.00) Conclusion: More than ultrasound guidance, the challenge with embryo transfer is to be able to minimize variations in the length of the uterus. This would make it possible to determine the ideal transfer depot area without multiple manipulations.

Effect of Mitochondrial Function of Ovarian Granulosa Cells on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of abnormal ovarian granulosa cell metabolism on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)outcomes in obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)patients.Methods:Patients with PCOS who met the study criteria were screened according to the inclusion criteria.A total of 32 patients with obese PCOS were recruited into the study group,and 39 patients with non-obese PCOS were recruited into the control group.The general data(age,body mass index,and years of infertility),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),granulosa cell mitochondrial function,and IVF-ET outcome of patients in the study group and control group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The differences in age and years of infertility between the study group and the control group were insignificant(P>0.05),and the body mass index(BMI)of the study group and control group was 30.5±1.24 kg/m2 and 22.3±1.12 kg/m2,respectively,in which the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the HOMA-IR of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the ATP content in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);comparing the FSH and LH levels between the two groups,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the rate of IVF-ET failure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusion:PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder,and obesity is one of the independent risk factors for the development of PCOS.

Untreated Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis Adversely Affects Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.

Artificial Cycle with or without a Depot Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist for Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer： An Assessment of Infertility Type that Is Most Suitable

The clinical outcomes of five groups of infertility patients receiving frozen- thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers with exogenous hormone protocols with or without a depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） agonist were assessed. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 1003 cycles undergoing frozen-thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers from January 1, 2012 to June 31, 2015 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region. Based on the infertility etiologies of the patients, the 1003 cycles were divided into five groups： tubal infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, endometriosis, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. The main outcome was the live birth rate. Two groups were set up based on the intervention： group A was given a GnRH agonist with exogenous estrogen and progesterone, and group B （control group） was given exogenous estrogen and progesterone only. The results showed that the baseline serum hormone levels and basic characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between groups A and B. The live birth rates in groups A and B were 41.67% and 29.29%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The live birth rates in patients with PCOS in groups A and B were 56.25% and 30.61%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The clinical pregnancy, implantation and on-going pregnancy rates showed the same trends as the live birth rates between groups A and B. The ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B. We concluded that the live birth rate was higher and other clinical outcomes were more satisfactory with GnRH agonist co- treatment than without GnRH agonist co-treatment for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The GnRH agonist combined with exogenous estrogen and progesterone worked for all types of infertility tested, especially for women with PCOS.

Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy,which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy,the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility.The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy.The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 m IU/m L to 1759 m IU/m L.Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract.Therefore,we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.

Effect of intrauterine perfusion of granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer

BACKGROUND Treatment of thin endometrium with granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF)remains controversial.AIM To investigate the effect of G-CSF on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.METHODS A retrospective propensity score matching(PSM)study was performed to assess patients administered frozen embryo transfer at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School,in 2012-2018.The patients were divided into G-CSF intrauterine perfusion(G-CSF)and non-G-CSF groups,and clinical pregnancy,implantation,ectopic pregnancy,and early abortion rates between the two groups were compared.RESULTS Before PSM,372 cycles were enrolled,including 242 and 130 cycles in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups,respectively.Age(34.23±5.76 vs 32.99±5.59 years;P=0.047)and the blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio(0.68 vs 0.37;P=0.011)were significantly elevated in the G-CSF group compared with the non-G-CSF group;however,clinical pregnancy(46.28%vs 51.54%;P=0.371)and embryo implantation(35.21%vs 35.65%;P=0.910)rates were similar in both groups.After PSM by age and blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio,244 cycles were included(122 cases each in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups).The clinical pregnancy(50.82%vs 48.36%;P=0.701)and embryo implantation(37.38%vs 34.11%;P=0.480)remained similar in both groups.CONCLUSION Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF does not improve the clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.

Post-salpingectomy interstitial heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pregnancy(HP)refers to the coexistence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy.Salpingectomy is proposed as a pretreatment before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)to reduce the risk of HP.HP after IVF-ET occurs in women who had already underwent bilateral salpingectomy,even though it is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a 29-year-old woman with recurrent interstitial HP after IVF-ET following salpingectomy is presented.The main symptom was a sudden and worsening pelvic pain.Physical examinations revealed signs of peritoneal bleeding and irritation with stable vital signs.Transvaginal ultrasound showed a live intrauterine pregnancy and another live embryo with cardiac activity in the left cornu extending beyond the lateral edge of the uterus.Her hemoglobin concentration was 8.0 g/dL,and serum human chorionic gonadotropin value was 171116.9 mIU/mL.With the diagnosis of ruptured HP with internal bleeding,an emergency laparoscopic resection of left cornu was performed.The interstitial pregnancy was removed with caution to protect the intrauterine pregnancy.After the surgical treatment,the intrauterine pregnancy continued with no complications.A healthy baby was delivered by caesarean section at 39 wk.Outcomes of another three cases are further summarized.CONCLUSION Post-salpingectomy HP is a rare but challenging condition.Surgical treatment is preferred in the case with a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Serum Beta-hCG of 11 Days after Embryo Transfer to Predict Pregnancy Outcome

Objective To assess the clinic value of a single maternal serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin （β-hCG） assay 11 d after embryo transfer in ART pregnancies and to predict pregnancy outcome. Methods A total of 384 pregnancies after embryo transfer were included. Inviable pregnancies were defined as biochemical pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies and first trimester abortions. Ongoing pregnancies were defined as singleton pregnancies and multiple pregnancies whose gestation were achieved more than 12 weeks. Serum β- hCG concentrations were compared among different groups. Results On the post embryo transfer d 11, the mean β-hCG concentration of the ongoing pregnancy group （323. 7±285.2 mIU/ml） was significantly higher than that of the inviable pregnancy group （81.4±68.1 mmIU /ml） （P〈 0. 001）. In multiple gestations, the levels of β-hCG were significantly higher compared with singleton pregnancies. If the β-hCG level was between 10 mIU/ml and 50 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of biochemical pregnancies and ectopic pregnancies was 81.8%, the negative predictive value was 94.4%. If the level was less than 100 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of first trimester abortions was 80.8%, the negative predictive value was 77.8%. If the level was greater than 250 mIU/ml, the positive predictive value of multiple pregnancies was 83.3%, the negative predictive value was 74.4%. Conclusions A single serum β-hCG level on d 11 after embryo transfer has good predictive value for clinical pregnancy outcome in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and helps to plan the subsequent follow-up.

Factors Influencing Pregnancy Outcome Following Slow Cooling Cryoembryo Transfer and Risk of Multiple Conception

Objective To investigate the factors that influence the potential for cryoembryo implantation and multiple pregnancy. Methods In this retrospective study, a total of 93 7 thawing cycles （859 couples） in which 3286 d 3-embryos were thawed. Rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and multiple conception following FET were observed. Results There were significant differences in female age （P〈0.05） and number of good quality embryos （P〈0. 05） between cycles that resulted in pregnancy and those did not. There was a trend toward decreasing rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy with increasing female age. Compared with transferring 1 good quality embryo, clinical pregnancy rate of transferring 2 and 3 good quality embryos was increased significantly （P〈0. 001）, there was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate between transferring 2 and 3 good quality embryos. Multiple pregnancy rate was increased significantly in the group of transferring 3 good quality embryos （P〈0.05）,but there was no significant differences in multiple pregnancy rate between transferring 1 and 2 good quality embryos. Younger women （≤ 30 years） also had a significantly higher multiple pregnancy rates （28.13%） than the older ones（〉35 years） （13.64%）. With an increase in age from ≤ 30 years to〉40 years, clinical pregnancy rate declined from 47 61% to 25.00%.Conclusion Female age and the number of gooa quality embryos transferred are important factors influencing the clinical and multiple pregnancy rate, reducing the number of good quality embryos transferred may decrease the rate of multiple pregnancy but do not affect the clinical pregnancy rate.

Effects of Seasons on Embryo Transfer of Cattle in Different Climatic Zones

The paper was to evaluate the efficient seasons for embryo transfer of cattle in different climatic zones in China. Three climatic zones(mid-temperate zone,warm temperate zone,subtropical zone) were designed,and embryo transfers had been carried out in spring,summer,autumn and winter from 2009 to 2011,respectively. The total number of transplant recipient cattle was 22 208. The results showed that the best seasons for embryo transfers varied with different climatic zones. In mid-temperate zone,summer and autumn were better while summer was the best,and the rate of pregnant was 50. 67%(the number of pregnant cattle was 8 005). In warm temperate zone,spring and autumn were better while autumn was the best,and the rate of pregnant was 54. 99 %(the number of pregnant cattle was 551). In subtropical zone,spring and winter were better while winter was the best,and the rate of pregnant was 56. 94 %(the number of pregnant cattle was 328). The seasonal average temperatures and relative humidity of the best seasons in different climatic zones were concentrated on the same region. In mid-temperate zone,the mean temperature ranged between 22. 4 ℃ and 24. 2 ℃,and the mean relative humidity ranged from 44% to 55. 3%. In warm zone,the mean temperature ranges were between 14. 2 ℃ and 16. 2 ℃,and the mean relative humidity ranges were from 59. 3% to 71. 6%. In sub-tropical zone,the mean temperature ranges were between 3. 26 ℃ and 7. 73 ℃,and the mean relative humidity ranges were from 72% to 80. 6%. Therefore,the optimized conditions of temperature and humidity of season in different zones could be simulated. It is possible that we apply the program to bovine production in the similar agroecological zones,which is of great significance for improving the embryo transfer efficiency of livestock in production.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Pregnancy Rate in Frozenthawed Embryo Transfer

Objective To analyse factors influencing the outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET）. Method A retrospective analysis was performed in our center on 129 thawing cycles from March 2001 to April 2003. The related parameters were compared between conceived and non-conceived cycles. Results There were totally 129 clinical pregnancies in these transfers （pregnancy rate： 27.1%）. Frozen-thawed embryos were transferred to natural cycles and CC cycling and hormone replacement treatment had equal success. Groups of IVF and ICSI did not differ significantly in pregnancy rates （P〉0.05）. The pregnancy rates for one, two, three and four pre-embryos transfer were 0, 20.0%,44.1% and 75.0%, respectively （P〈0.05）. There were statistical differences between pregnancy group or non- pregnancy group in the endometrial thickness, CES, CES/No. of embryo. A higher pregnancy rate was observed in embryo transfers which had at least one 4-cell grade I embryo （d 2）（P〈0.01）. Conclusions The most important factors influencing the implantation rate and pregnancy rate of frozen-thawed embryo transfer are age, endometrium thickness, and the number, morphology and growth rate of transferred frozen embryos of women participants.

Embryo Transfer by Surgical Method with Landrace as Receptor Sow

[ Objective] The paper was to test the feasibility of embryo transfer technique in pig production. [ Method ] Twenty-four estrus muhiparity Landraee sows provided by Longjing Agricultural Science and Technology Institute were performed embryo transfer surgery, and postoperative effects were observed. [ Result] Totally 11 out of 24 receptor sows were pregnant ; pregnant sows delivered 67 cloned piglets, and the average farrowing rate of sows was approximately 6 piglets/sow. There were 22 mortalities of newborn piglets because of various reasons. [ Conclusion] Embryo transfer technique is an indispensable link in pig production, and an important means of pig breeding and improvement.

Laparoscopic Embryo Transfer in Pigs:Knowledge for Surgical Procedures

The objective of the study was to describe and improve a technique for laparoscopic embryo transfer into the oviduct and uterine horns of pigs and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this method. Fourteen female pigs were randomly allocated into groups A and B： three portals were used for group A, and the simulation of embryo（0.9% Na Cl, 0.2 m L） was injected into the tip of uterine horn; three or four portals were used for group B, and the injection set of the oviduct was inserted through the abdominal orifice of uterine tube into the oviduct to inject the simulation of embryo. The repeat laparoscopy was performed on the 21 st day. Three pigs randomly selected from each groups were repeated the same procedure three times, and then were euthanized on the 21 st day after the last surgery and a complete necropsy performed. Laparoscopic embryo transfer was performed successfully in all pigs without major intra-and post-operative complications. The average surgical time which accomplished procedures for groups A and B was 18.6 min（range, 28-14 min） and 37.4 min（range, 53-29 min）. Postoperatively, none of pigs appeared to abnormal signs. This study demonstrated that laparoscopic embryo transfer could be easily accomplished by using the special-purpose equipment and increasing reuse time of a female recipient.

Effect of Adding a Delayed Blastocyst to a Good Quality One during Embryo Transfer on ICSI Cycle Outcomes

Objectives: Study the effect of adding a delayed blastocyst to a transferred good quality one on ICSI cycle outcomes. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Participants/materials, setting, methods: 90 infertile patients aged from 20 - 35 years due to mild male factor, unexplained infertility or tubal factor. Patients with PCOS, endometriosis, RIF, poor responder and azoospermia were excluded. Setting: Duration 6 months from October 2019 to April 2020 in a private IVF center in Egypt. 30 cases were subjected to elective single embryo transfer and the other 60 with two embryo transfers, one good quality and another poor quality blastocyst. Results: (clinical pregnancy rate) was comparable between the two groups, being 47.7% and 36.7% in SET and DET groups respectively (p = 0.361). Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy rate were observed in 10% of the cases pregnant after SET (group I) and in only 6.7% of the cases pregnant after DET (group II) denoting no significant statistical difference between the two groups. The highest incidence was missed miscarriages in the two groups and ectopic pregnancy was observed only in one case in group II (DET). Twin pregnancy occurred in 22% of pregnant females in the second group. Late pregnancy complications in the form of preterm labour, premature rupture of membrane and preeclampsia occurred mainly in pregnant females in the second group 18%. Conclusion: Neither adding a delayed blastocyst negatively affected the good one nor affected the live birth rate but increased multiple pregnancy rates.

Office Hysteroscopy in Difficult Embryo Transfer;Case Report of Three Cases

Objectives: To facilitate embryo transfer technique in cases with previous failed or difficult transfer using office hysteroscopy. Study Design: Case report of 3 cases of previous difficult embryo transfer (ET). Methods: Hysteroscopic assisted insertion of cervical stent at the end of withdrawal bleeding in the stimulation cycle. This stent was used as a track for embryo transfer catheter. Results: One case cancelled before (embryo transfer) ET and the other 2 cases didn’t get pregnant in spite of easy embryo transfer. Conclusion: This hysteroscopic assisted ET technique may facilitate ET technique in cases with difficult embryo transfer due to deformed cervix.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on In-Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are widely used to improve IR in women with PCOS. However, whether IR in patients without PCOS should be treated remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify whether IR in patients without PCOS affects the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 non-PCOS patients who underwent the first IVF–ET cycle. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index [HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose)/405]. A HOMA index of >2.5 was used to indicate IR. Based on the HOMA index calculation, 28 patients were IR(+) and 88 patients had normal insulin sensitivity. We retrospectively compared the response with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, fertilization rates, pregnancy rate, live birth rates, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence. Results: There were no significant differences in human menopausal gonadotropin administration, peak estradiol, retrieved oocyte number, fertilized embryo number, good quality embryo number, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, delivery rate, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and GDM incidences between the groups. Conclusion: IR in non-PCOS patients has no effect on IVF-ET outcomes or perinatal prognosis.

Serum β-hCG level on day 7 of frozen-thawed embryo transfer: association with the clinical pregnancy outcomes in artificial cycles

Objective:The relationship between serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG)levels of patients(7 days after the transplantation of frozen-thawed embryos)and the pregnancy outcomes was investigated.Methods:This study was designed as a retrospective clinical trial of 366 women who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfers(FETs)in artificial cycles.Patients were divided into three groups:clinical pregnancy group,biochemical pregnancy group,and non-pregnant group according to their pregnancy outcomes.Serumβ-hCG levels were tested on day 4,7,9,11 and 14 after FET.Results:In the clinical pregnancy group,the serumβ-hCG levels after 7-day post-transplantation were significantly elevated(16.20 IU/L vs.3.07 vs.0.1 IU/L;P<0.05)compared with the other two groups.Furthermore,it was found that Area Under Curve(AUC=0.96)was significant with cut-off value higher than 4.26 IU/L(sensitivity=92.3%,specificity=90.2%)to predict the clinical pregnancy outcomes in the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis ofβ-hCG concentrations on day 7 of post-transplantation.Conclusion:Our results suggested that the elevated serumβ-hCG levels on day 7 of post-transplantation could predict the positive clinical pregnancy outcomes in artificial FET cycles.