The cumulative probability of liveborn multiples after in vitro fertilization: a cohort study of more than 10,000 women

Abstract

To estimate the cumulative probability of liveborn multiples after IVF to improve patient counseling regarding this significant morbidity. Retrospective cohort study. Large academic-affiliated infertility practice. A total of 10,169 women were followed from their first fresh, nondonor IVF cycle through up to six fresh and frozen IVF cycles from 2000-2010. None. Delivery of a liveborn infant(s). After three IVF cycles the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was 53.2%. The singleton, twin, and triplet CLBRs were 38.0%, 14.5%, and 0.7%. After six IVF cycles the CLBR was 73.8%, with 52.8%, 19.8%, 1.3% for singletons, twins, and triplets. Of the 5,433 live births, 71.4% were singletons, 27.1% were twins, and 1.5% were triplets. Women more than 39 years had the lowest incidence of liveborn multiples with CLBRs of 5.2% after three cycles and 9.5% after six cycles. The twin CLBR doubled from cycles 1 through 3 with the rate of increase slowing from cycles 3 through 6. Although very low in absolute terms, the triplet CLBR also doubled from cycles 1 through 3 and doubled again from cycles 3 through 6. Of the 1,970 pregnancies that began as multifetal on ultrasound, 77.4% resulted in liveborn multiples. Providers should be aware of the cumulative probability of liveborn multiples to effectively counsel patients on this important issue. With nearly three-quarters of all women having live birth after up to six IVF cycles, it is encouraging to report a low incidence of liveborn multiples.