Cumulus cell co-culture in the treatment of IVF patients with poor prognosis due to advanced maternal age or two or more failed previous cycles

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To determine if cumulus cell co-culture improves clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in IVF patients presenting with advanced maternal age or having two or more prior failed cycles. Retrospective comparative study. This pilot study (January 1, 2007–March 17, 2007) included 21 IVF cycles with patient age ≥38 or with ≥2 previous failed cycles, utilizing Cumulus cell co-culture. During this time period, all patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in the study. The study took place at a private IVF practice. The control group included patient's ≥38 years or with ≥2 previous failed IVF cycles without co-culture from the prior year. Of the 21 cycles; ≥41 yo. (9); 39 yo. (4); 38 yo. (4); 37 yo. (1); 36 yo. (1); 34 yo. (1); 32 yo. (1). Cumulus cells were aspirated at retrieval, trimmed, washed and incubated for 2–4 hours. Just prior to insemination, cumulus cells were separated added to a new dish and incubated overnight at 37°C and 6% CO2. Culture media was removed on Day1; cells were washed and replenished with fresh media. A photograph was taken of the cumulus cells and they were evaluated for attachment. All 2pn zygotes were placed in co-culture. Routine culture procedures were followed from Day 2 to the day of embryo transfer. The difference observed between groups 1 and 2 was not significant with respect to Average patient age (39.4 vs. 40.1); Average number of embryos transferred (3.1 vs. 3.0); Ongoing pregnancy rate (47.6 vs. 43.8); and Implantation rate (26.6 vs. 21.1). The difference in Clinical pregnancy rate (71.4 vs. 50.0) was statistically significant P<0.05. TableGroup 1; Co-Culture (n = 21), Group 2 Control (n = 48)Group 1Group 2Stat. SignificanceAve. Patient Age (yrs.)39.440.1NSAve. Number Embryos Transferred3.13.0NSClin Preg Rate/Tx (%)71.450.0P<0.05Ongoing Preg Rate/Tx (%)47.643.8NSImplantation Rate (%)26.621.1NS Open table in a new tab Cumulus Cell Co-Culture improved the clinical pregnancy rate in IVF patients with poor prognosis due to advanced maternal age or having two or more prior failed cycles.