Cumulative results including obstetrical and neonatal outcome of fresh and frozen-thawed cycles in elective single versus double fresh embryo transfers

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of elective single embryo transfer (e-SET) compared to a double embryo transfer (DET) in a selected population including obstetrical and neonatal outcome of fresh and frozen-thawed cycles. Prospective nonrandomized study. Department of reproductive medicine. Elective single embryo transfer was proposed to women < 36 years with adequate ovarian function, in their first or second IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempt with ejaculated sperm, with at least 4 mature oocytes and 2 fertilized top quality embryos. Patients who refused e-SET had two top embryos transferred (DET group). Medical management and IVF-ICSI. Cumulative delivery rate, twin delivery rate, obstetrical and neonatal outcome. According to patients' decision, 53 women had an e-SET and 98 a DET. The cumulative delivery rate per patient was 54.7% in the e-SET group and 49.0% in the DET group (P>0.05). Twin delivery rate was significantly different between the two groups (3.5% versus 37.5% respectively, P<0.05). Neonatal outcome in twins resulting from IVF-ICSI was found to be poorer than in singletons, considering the mean gestational age, mode of delivery, birthweight, and risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission for the infants. In a selected population, the elective transfer of one embryo with high implantation potential helped to avoid twin pregnancies without decreasing delivery rate.