Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer Cycles Research Articles

Gamete intrafallopian transfer versus super-ovulation with intrauterine insemination for the treatment of infertility

Background. A prospective randomised controlled trial comparing gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) with intrauterine insemination (IUI) was undertaken at the Fertility and Reproductive Biology Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital, between July 1999 and June 2000. Method. Eighty-five women were included in the study and were randomly allocated between the two groups after routine infertility investigations, 41 women to IUI and 44 women to GIFT. A combination of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin was administered to both groups to achieve ovulation. Results. Six (13.6%) of the 44 cycles in the IUI group and 24 (53.3%) of the 45 cycles in the GIFT group achieved conception. The mean number of cycles needed to achieve pregnancy in IUI was 7.3 (44/6) and in GIFT was 2.05 (45/24). The ongoing pregnancy rate of GIFT was 39.7% more effective than that of IUI (p=0.0001.The total ongoing pregnancy rate of GIFT was 30.8% superior to that of IUI (p=0.0021). When 2 follicles were obtained in an IUI cycle, GIFT was 41.6% more effective (p=0.0024), and when more than 2 follicles were obtained, GIFT was 28.3% more effective (p=0.0265). Conclusions. The number of mature follicles significantly increased the chance of pregnancy with IUI. In comparing the number of cycles needed to achieve a pregnancy, 1 GIFT cycle is equivalent to more than 3 IUI cycles. It is important to note that 4 IUI cycles will give equivalent or even better results if 2 - 3 follicles are recruited per cycle. In spite of the greater efficacy of GIFT, the authors conclude that at least 3 to 4 IUI cycles should be attempted before GIFT, on the basis that it is more cost effective and less invasive. South African Journal of Obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 13 (3) 2007: pp. 104-109

Assisted reproductive technology in the United States: 2001 results generated from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology registry

To summarize the procedures and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that were initiated in the United States in 2001. Data were collected electronically using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinic Outcome Reporting System software and submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/SART Registry. Three hundred eighty-five clinics submitted data on procedures performed in 2001. Data were collated after November 2002 [corrected] so that the outcomes of all pregnancies would be known. Incidence of clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, and delivery. Programs reported initiating 108,130 cycles of ART treatment. Of these, 79,042 cycles involved IVF (with and without micromanipulation), with a delivery rate per retrieval of 31.6%; 340 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 21.9%; 661 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 31.0%. The following additional ART procedures were also initiated: 8,147 fresh donor oocyte cycles, with a delivery rate per transfer of 47.3%; 14,509 frozen ET procedures, with a delivery rate per transfer of 23.5%; 3,187 frozen ETs employing donated oocytes or embryos, with a delivery rate per transfer of 27.4%; and 1,366 cycles using a host uterus, with a delivery rate per transfer of 38.7%. In addition, 112 cycles were reported as combinations of more than one treatment type, 8 cycles as research, and 85 as embryo banking. As a result of all procedures, 29,585 deliveries were reported, resulting in 41,168 neonates. In 2001, there were more programs reporting ART treatment and a significant increase in reported cycles compared with 2000.

Relationship between the timing of hysterosalpingography before gamete intrafallopian transfer and the subsequent fertility outcome

To investigate the prognostic significance of hysterosalpingography carried out before one-sided gamete intrafallopian transfer for unexplained infertility. Fifty-nine first gamete intrafallopian transfer cycles in 59 couples with unexplained infertility were evaluated in two groups: 30 women with a hysterosalpingogram carried out 1-6 months prior to gamete intrafallopian transfer procedure combined with diagnostic laparoscopy, and 29 women with a hysterosalpingogram carried out during any other interval up to 2 years. The outcome measures were biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and term delivery. Groups were compared using Student's t-test and chi-squared tests. Logistic regression was used to predict the effects of hysterosalpingography on subsequent fertility outcomes. Univariate analysis yielded no significant differences across groups regarding the baseline characteristics and outcome measures. When confounding factors were controlled, carrying out hysterosalpingography at some time before 6 months of gamete intrafallopian transfer was associated with 5.2- and 3.4-fold increased clinical pregnancy and term delivery rates, respectively. An additional hysterosalpingography at most 6 months prior to gamete intrafallopian transfer procedure might improve fertility prospects. This effect could be attributed to proper selection of the fallopian tube for cannulation during transfer or some therapeutic effect of hysterosalpingography.

Assisted reproductive technology in the United States: 2000 results generated from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry

Objective To summarize the procedures and outcomes of ART initiated in the United States in 2000. Design Data were collected electronically using the SART Clinical Outcome Reporting System software and submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/ Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Participant(s) Three hundred eighty-three programs submitted data on procedures performed in 2000. Data were collated after November 2000 so that the outcome of all pregnancies established would be known. Main outcome measure(s) Incidence of clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, and delivery. Result(s) Programs reported initiating 99,989 cycles of ART treatment. Of these, 73,406 cycles involved fresh nondonor IVF (46.6% with intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]), with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.9%; 549 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 24.7%; 763 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.9%. The following additional ART procedures were also initiated: 7,581 fresh donor oocyte cycles, with a delivery rate per transfer of 43.7%; 13,083 frozen embryo transfer procedures, with a delivery rate per transfer of 20.4%; 2,721 frozen embryo transfers using donated oocytes or embryos, with a delivery rate per transfer of 23.5%, and 1,200 cycles using a host uterus, with a delivery rate per transfer of 35.8%. In addition, 326 cycles were reported as combinations of more than one treatment type, 41 cycles as research, and 319 as embryo banking. As a result of all procedures, 25,394 deliveries were reported, resulting in 35,345 neonates, of which 35,031 were live born and 314 stillborn. Conclusion(s) In 2000, there were more programs reporting ART treatment and a significant (13.5%) increase in reported cycles compared to 1999. In comparable cycle types, overall success rate (deliveries per retrieval) exhibited an actual increase of 0.6%, which represents an increase of 2.2% when compared to the success rate for 1999.

Factors affecting pregnancy outcome in a gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) programme.

To identify the factors that most significantly affected pregnancy rates in a gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) programme. A total of 863 GIFT cycles were analysed retrospectively. The variables found to be associated significantly with pregnancy were then used to obtain multivariate analysis using logistical regression. Overall and ongoing pregnancy rates were significantly better in patients < or = 38 years than in patients > 38 years (37.3% and 28.4% v. 23.7% and 11.0% respectively), and age was positively associated with success after GIFT (odds ratio (OR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-2.85). Metaphase I (MI) oocytes were negatively associated with pregnancy (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 0.28-1.04). The highest pregnancy rates occurred when 3 metaphase II (MII) oocytes were transferred (39.8%, OR 7.51, 95% CI: 1.74-32.42). With regard to sperm morphology, overall pregnancy rates of 25.5% (< or = 4% normal forms) and 37.2% (> 4% normal forms) were obtained. Morphology of > 4% normal forms was positively associated with pregnancy (OR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04-2.42). The results of this study suggest that the most important factors influencing pregnancy rates in a GIFT programme are the woman's age and those factors pertaining to the characteristics of the gametes. Considering the emotional and financial costs it is important to relate this information to all prospective participants in a GIFT programme.

Gamete intra-Fallopian transfer or intrauterine insemination after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for treatment of infertility due to endometriosis

We compared the effectiveness of gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in the treatment of infertility due to endometriosis. This was a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary teaching medical center. A total of 127 consecutive patients with endometriosis were treated with GIFT or IUI after COH between June 1990 and December 1998. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 97) included patients with stages 1 and 2 endometriosis, and group 2 (n = 30) included patients with stages 3 and 4 endometriosis. Laparoscopic conservative surgery for endometriosis was performed prior to IUI for patients in both group 1 and group 2. In group 1, 55 patients underwent 95 cycles of IUI after COH and 42 patients underwent 57 cycles of GIFT. In group 2, 14 patients underwent 16 cycles of IUI after COH, while 16 patients underwent 22 cycles of GIFT. The stimulation protocol for both GIFT and IUI was mid-luteal pituitary down-regulation with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) followed by gonadotropins. In group 1, the pregnancy rates (GIFT = 50.9%, IUI = 29.4%) and the delivery rates (GIFT = 28.1%, IUI = 14.7%) per cycle were significantly higher in GIFT compared to IUI (p = 0.009 and p = 0.05, respectively). There was no significant differences in the pregnancy rate (GIFT 69%, IUI 50.9%, respectively) or the delivery rate (GIFT 38.1%, IUI 25.5%) per patient. In group 2, there was no significant difference in the pregnancy rate (GIFT 54.5%, IUI 31.3%) or the delivery rate (GIFT 40.9%, IUI 12.5%) per cycle, but the difference in the pregnancy rate (GIFT 75%, IUI 35.7%) and the delivery rate (GIFT 56.3%, IUI 14.3%) per patient was significantly higher in GIFT compared to IUI (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). We conclude that, when the same stimulation protocol is used in the early stages of endometriosis, a few cycles of IUI can achieve similar results to GIFT, and therefore should be used first. In advanced stages of endometriosis GIFT appears to be more effective.

Assisted reproductive technology in the United States: 1999 results generated from the American Society for reproductive medicine/society for assisted reproductive technology registry

Objective: To summarize the procedures and outcomes of ART initiated in the United States in 1999. Design: Data were collected electronically by using the SART Clinical Outcome Reporting System software and submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Participant(s): Three hundred sixty programs submitted data on procedures performed in 1999. Data were collated after November 2000 so that the outcome of all pregnancies established would be known. Main Outcome Measure(s): Incidence of clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, and delivery. Result(s): Programs reported initiating 88,077 cycles of ART treatment. Of these, 63,639 cycles involved IVF (with and without micromanipulation), with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.4%; 838 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 27.9%; 945 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.8%. The following additional ART procedures were also initiated: 6,509 fresh donor oocyte cycles, with a delivery rate per transfer of 41.8%; 12,005 frozen embryo transfer procedures, with a delivery rate per transfer of 18.6%; 2,488 frozen embryo transfers using donated oocytes or embryos, with a delivery rate per transfer of 23.6%, and 821 cycles using a host uterus, with a delivery rate per transfer of 33.6%. In addition, 398 cycles were reported as combinations of more than one treatment type, 18 cycles as research, and 416 as embryo banking. As a result of all procedures, 21,904 deliveries were reported, resulting in 30,967 neonates. Conclusion(s): In 1999, more programs reported ART treatment and reported cycles increased significantly (7.5%) compared to 1998. In comparable cycle types, the overall success rate (deliveries per retrieval) increased by 0.4%, which represents an increase of 1.2% compared to the success rate for 1998.

Assisted reproductive technology in the United States: 1998 results generated from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry

Objective: To summarize the procedures and outcomes of ART initiated in the United States in 1998. Design: Data were collected electronically by using the SART Clinical Outcome Reporting System software and submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Participant(s): Three hundred and sixty programs submitted data on procedures performed in 1998. Data were collated after November 1999 so that the outcome of all pregnancies established would be known. Main Outcome Measure(s): Incidence of clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, and delivery. Results: Programs reported initiating 81,899 cycles of ART treatment. Of these, 58,937 cycles involved IVF (with and without micromanipulation), with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.1%; 1,293 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer, with a delivery rate per retrieval of 27.4%; 1,054 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer with a delivery rate per retrieval of 29.6%. The following additional ART procedures were also initiated: 5,273 fresh donor oocyte cycles, with a delivery rate per transfer of 41.2%; 11,228 frozen embryo transfer procedures, with a delivery rate per transfer of 19.3%; 1,913 frozen embryo transfers using donated oocytes or embryos, with a delivery rate per transfer of 23.5%, and 809 cycles using a host uterus, with a delivery rate per transfer of 31.6%. In addition, 969 cycles were reported as combinations or more than one treatment type, 25 cycles as research, and 398 as embryo banking. As a result of all procedures, 20,241 deliveries were reported, resulting in 29,128 neonates. Conclusions: In 1998, there were more programs reporting ART treatment and a significant (12.1%) increase in reported cycles compared with 1997. In comparable cycle types, the actual increase in overall success rate (deliveries per retrieval) was 1.4%, which represents an increase of 4.7% compared with the success rate in 1997.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist protocols for pituitary desensitization in in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer cycles.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are used in assisted reproduction cycles to reversibly block pituitary function and prevent a luteinizing hormone surge. In the short and ultrashort protocols of GnRHa administration, injection of gonadotropins is commenced a few days after the start of GnRHa. In the long protocols (with GnRHa started either in the midluteal phase or in the early follicular phase) gonadotropin administration is delayed until pituitary desensitization has been achieved, usually 2-3 weeks. To conduct a systematic overview of available data comparing short or ultrashort and long GnRHa protocols for pituitary desensitization in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) treatment cycles. Search strategies included on-line searching of the MEDLINE and EMBASE data bases and the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's Specialised Register from 1982 to 1998, and hand searching of bibliographies of relevant publications and reviews, and abstracts of scientific meetings. Randomized trials of short or ultrashort versus long (follicular or luteal phase start) GnRHa protocols in IVF or GIFT treatment cycles. Data were extracted into 2 x 2 tables. For the primary outcome, clinical pregnancy per cycle started, the overall common odds ratio (OR) and the risk difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated after verifying the presence of homogeneity of treatment effect across all trials. The following subgroup comparisons were performed: ultrashort versus long protocols, short versus long protocols and, within each of these comparisons, subgroups of studies which used the long protocol with follicular phase start or the long protocol with luteal phase start. Secondary outcomes considered were clinical pregnancy per oocyte retrieval and per embryo transfer, spontaneous abortion, ongoing/delivered pregnancy per cycle started, number of ampoules of gonadotropin used, number of oocytes retrieved, and fertilization rate. Twenty-six trials met the inclusion criteria. The common OR for clinical pregnancy per cycle started was 1.32 (95% CI, 1.10 - 1.57) in favour of the long GnRHa protocol. The studies were subgrouped, depending on whether, in the long protocol, the GnRHa was commenced in the follicular phase (8 trials) or luteal phase (16 trials). The respective ORs were 1.54 (95% CI, 1.11 - 2. 13) and 1.21 (95% CI, 0.98 - 1.51). After excluding the four trials using the ultrashort protocol, the OR for long versus short protocols (22 trials) was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.04 - 1.56). A comparison of long versus ultrashort protocols (4 trials) produced an OR of 1. 47 (95% CI, 1.02 - 2.12). On the basis of clinical pregnancy rate per cycle started, this meta-analysis demonstrates the superiority of the long protocol over the short and ultrashort protocols for GnRHa use in IVF and GIFT cycles.

Assisted reproductive technology in the united states: 1996 results generated from the american society for reproductive medicine/society for assisted reproductive technology registry

Objective: To summarize the procedures and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) initiated in the United States in 1996. Design: Data were collected electronically using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Outcome Reporting System software and submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Participant(s): Three hundred programs submitted data on procedures performed in 1996. Data were collected after November 1997 so that the outcome of all pregnancies established would be known. Main Outcome Measure(s): Procedural outcomes measured included clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, delivery, and congenital abnormality. Result(s): Programs reported initiating 65,863 cycles of ART treatment, including frozen embryo and donor oocyte cycles. Of these, 44,647 cycles initiated were in vitro fertilization (IVF) (with and without micromanipulation) with 26.0% deliveries per retrieval; 2,879 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) with 29.0% deliveries per retrieval; 1,200 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) with 30.9% deliveries per retrieval. In addition to these cycles initiated in 1996, 9,610 frozen embryo transfer procedures were initiated with 16.8% deliveries per transfer, 3,768 donor oocyte cycles were initiated with an overall success of 39.1% deliveries per transfer, 1,096 cryopreserved embryo transfers from donated oocytes procedures with an overall success of 20.8% deliveries per transfer, and 688 ART treatment cycles using a host uterus were initiated with an overall success of 31.3% deliveries per embryo transfer. Also, 1,341 cycles were reported as combinations of more than one treatment type, 19 cycles as research, 311 as embryo banking, and 304 as other (unclassified) cycle types. As a result of all procedures, a total of 14,702 deliveries were reported resulting in 21,196 neonates. Conclusion(s): In 1996, there were more programs reporting ART treatment and a significant (11.3%) increase in reported cycles. In comparable cycle types, overall average success rates (deliveries per retrieval) exhibited an actual increase of 3.5% (this is an increase of 15.8% when compared to the success rate for 1995).

Age-Related Pregnancy Rates in GIFT Patients

Fecundity and fertility decline with increasing age beginning as early as age 30 and decrease more precipitously after age 40. The purpose of this study was to determine if pregnancy rates of patients attempting gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) are lower for women between the ages of 35 and 40. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the age-specific pregnancy rates for patients in our GIFT program. We report the results of GIFT at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center during the period from July 1, 1994, to July 1, 1995. Fifty-six women aged 21 to 39 underwent one to three cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer. The 72 tubal transfers performed resulted in 25 pregnancies (34.7% pregnancy rate per transfer). In this series, pregnancy rates did not differ significantly in women older than 35 years versus women younger than 35 years. The number of eggs collected decreased significantly with increasing age but was not significantly different between pregnant and nonpregnant patients. Previous reports demonstrate a clear decline in fertility and poor pregnancy rates with assisted reproductive technology in older women. We did not find age-related differences in pregnancy rates among women younger than 40 years undergoing GIFT during the period studied.

Assisted Reproductive Technology in the United States and Canada: 1995 Results Generated from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry

Objective: To summarize the procedures and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) initiated in the United States and Canada in 1995. Design: Data were collected in the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology database program and cycle reporting forms and were submitted to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Participant(s): Two hundred eighty-one programs submitted data on procedures performed in 1995. Data were collected after November 1996 so that outcome of all pregnancies established would be known. Main Outcome Measure(s): Procedural outcomes measured included clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth, delivery, and congenital abnormality. Result(s): Programs reported initiating 59,142 cycles of ART treatment, including frozen embryo and donor oocyte cycles. Of these, 41,087 cycles initiated were IVF (with and without micromanipulation) with 22.5% deliveries per retrieval; 3,741 were cycles of gamete intrafallopian transfer with 27.0% deliveries per retrieval; 1,078 were cycles of zygote intrafallopian transfer with 27.9% deliveries per retrieval. In addition to these cycles initiated in 1995, 8,453 frozen embryo thaw procedures were reported, either as separate procedures or in combination with other ART procedures with 15.2% deliveries per transfer, 3,555 donor oocyte cycles were initiated with an overall success of 36.0% deliveries per transfer, 1,028 cryopreserved embryo thaw procedures from donated oocyte procedures with an overall success of 16.8% deliveries per transfer, and 200 ART treatment cycles in which a host uterus was used were initiated with an overall success of 34.9% deliveries per ET. As a result of all procedures, a total of 11,631 deliveries were reported, resulting in 16,520 neonates. Conclusion(s): In 1995, there were more programs reporting ART treatment and a significant (19.3%) increase in reported cycles. In comparable cycle types, overall average success rates (deliveries per transfer) exhibited a 0.6% increase or a 2.5% increase over the rates in the 1994 reported summaries.

The influence of endometriosis on the success of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

Our purpose was to evaluate the outcomes of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) therapy in patients with endometriosis. One hundred eight GIFT cycles performed under the indication of endometriosis were compared to 156 GIFT cycles with indications of other disease entities. A maximum of seven oocytes was transferred into one or both fimbriate ends with prepared spermatozoa. Clinical pregnancy rates and outcomes were evaluated according to Mantel-Haenszel's chi-square test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors influencing the success on pregnancy in the total treatment cycles. The anthropological variables, such as age of patients, duration of infertility, and semen grading, were comparable in both groups. The responses to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) were progressively decreased while increasing the severity of endometriosis conditions such as nonendometriosis, mild-form endometriosis, and advanced-form endometriosis patients. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rates (40.4, 36.7, and 41.7%, respectively), multiple pregnancy rates (34.9, 27.3, and 45.0%, respectively), and early pregnancy loss rates (27.0, 18.2, and 30.0%, respectively). Multivariate statistics of pregnancy rates that adjusted the effects of patients' age, tubal health, presence of active endometriosis and/or endometriomas, number of oocytes transferred, and quality of sperm exhibited no statistical significance between endometriosis and nonendometriosis groups. Our data show that patients with records of endometriosis have both a decreased ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation and a decreased number of retrieved oocytes. Since the number of oocytes needed for the GIFT procedure is limited, pregnancy results for patients in the study group were comparable with those for patients in the control group.

Effect of sperm preincubation time on GIFT pregnancy outcome.

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of human sperm preincubation time on the pregnancy outcome in gamete intrafallopian tube transfers. This was determined in a retrospective study on gamete intrafallopian transfer patients (ideopathic infertility) using logistic regression with the covariates, preincubation time (< or = 60 and > 60 min) and age (< or = 35 and > 35 years). The study included 485 consecutive gamete intrafallopian transfer cycles in which 3 metaphase II oocytes were transferred. Pregnancy outcome was evaluated by beta hCG levels on days 12 and 16 and was confirmed by the presence of a fetal heart 8 weeks after the procedure by means of sonography. The wife's age and sperm preincubation time were significant covariates in the prediction of ongoing pregnancy. The odds ratio for age (< or = 35 years) was 2.2 in the prediction of ongoing pregnancy, while the age-adjusted odds ratios for preincubation time (< or = 60 min) was 1.9. There was a critical relationship between sperm preincubation time and GIFT success, which confirms the effect of the wife's age on pregnancy. Close coordination is of importance between the clinical scientist and the physician to restrict the preincubation time to 1 h. The sperm preincubation time is a significant factor that has to be considered in the prediction of ongoing pregnancy in GIFT patients.

Elevated serum progesterone values at the time of ovulation induction in luteal leuprolide acetate-down-regulated GIFT cycles are associated with decreased clinical pregnancy rates.

The effects of premature luteinization of ovarian follicles as detected by elevated progesterone values on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin induction of ovulation were evaluated in 38 consecutive gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) retrieval cycles. All patients received leuprolide acetate beginning in the midluteal phase of their prior menstrual cycle, followed by gonadotropin stimulation of folliculogenesis. At least four oocytes were transferred in each cycle. No significant differences in gonadotropin dosage, total number of days of gonadotropins, age, number of prior pregnancies, years of infertility since last pregnancy, total number of eggs retrieved, mature residual oocytes, fertilization of mature residual oocytes, or primary etiology of infertility were observed between groups; however, estradiol concentrations were significantly higher in the group with elevated progesterone values (2573 +/- 216 pg/ml) compared to the lower progesterone group (1925 +/- 202 pg/ml, P = 0.035) and the total number of oocytes transferred was greater in the high progesterone group (7.5 +/- 0.5) vs the low progesterone group (6.3 +/- 0.3, P < 0.038). P4 concentrations < or = 0.8 ng/ml were associated with significantly higher pregnancy rates (11/19; 57.9%) compared to progesterone concentrations > 0.8 ng/ml (5/19, 26.3%; P = 0.050). Premature luteinization may occur in luteal leuprolide acetate-down-regulated patients and progesterone values > 0.8 ng/ml are associated with significantly lower pregnancy rates in GIFT cycles.

'Blind' transvaginal gamete intra-fallopian transfer in distal tubal and peritubal pathology: an evaluation in respect to the laparoscopic approach.

Transvaginal gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) is a new treatment modality for patients with proven tubal patency, avoiding invasive laparoscopy. In this study 79 cycles of standard laparoscopic GIFT (group 1) were analysed in comparison to 40 cycles of transvaginal intratubal gamete transfer guided by tactile sensation (group 2). GIFT in group 1 was performed for standard indications; patients with severe intra-abdominal adhesions, distal tubal pathology, peritubal adhesions or extreme obesity were included in group 2. No difference in mean age, duration of infertility, oestradiol level and number of oocytes was found. In group 1 a clinical pregnancy rate of 33% per GIFT cycle (n = 79) was achieved. The clinical pregnancy rate in group 2 was 17.5% per gamete transfer cycle. In conclusion, transvaginal GIFT offers an acceptable chance for in-vivo fertilization to patients who cannot be treated laparoscopically despite having patent tubes and who refuse in-vitro fertilization.

The likelihood of pregnancy with IVF and GIFT in Australia and New Zealand

Objective To determine the likelihood of pregnancy for couples entering the New Reproductive Technology (NRT) programs in Australia and New Zealand, by combining the data from nearly all the practising units. Design All units practising in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and/or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) were contacted and asked to provide data on patients treated and pregnancy rates. These figures were then combined to produce life tables to determine the likelihood of pregnancy with repeated attempts. Setting IVF/GIFT units in five States of Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand. Eighteen of the 22 units provided data to be analysed. Patients Data were available for analysis on 18 089 cycles of IVF resulting in 3034 clinical pregnancies, and 6308 cycles of GIFT resulting in 1724 clinical pregnancies. Main outcome measures This was either “clinical pregnancy” (the presence of products of conception on ultrasound examination), or “viable pregnancy” (a pregnancy developing to at least 20 weeks of gestation). Results After four attempts at IVF, half the couples achieved a pregnancy, whereas four attempts at GIFT resulted in two-thirds of the couples achieving pregnancy. Conclusion Both IVF and GIFT are effective and successful options for infertile or subfertiie couples. New Reproductive Technology should be readily available in every advanced clinic dealing with subfertile couples in the 1990s.

Cumulative pregnancy rate from one gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) cycle with cryopreservation of embryos: a practical mathematical calculation

We evaluated the cumulative pregnancy rate from one gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) cycle plus subsequent cycles in which embryos cryopreserved at the time of the original GIFT cycle were transferred. All patients who had their first GIFT cycle in our centre between January, 1989 and March, 1991 were included. Ovarian stimulation was accomplished with leuprolide acetate (luteal phase protocol) and a combination of follicle stimulating hormone and human menopausal gonadotrophin. GIFT was performed with three to five oocytes. Excess oocytes were inseminated and good quality embryos were cryopreserved at the 2- to 4-cell stage with 1-2 propanediol. When the GIFT cycle did not result in a pregnancy, uterine transfer of cryopreserved embryos was carried out in subsequent unstimulated cycles. A total of 97 patients had GIFT and 46 pregnancies were achieved (47.4%). A total of 51 patients (52.5%) had embryos frozen; of these, 21 were from the non-pregnant group (41.1%) and 30 from the pregnant group (65.2%) (P < 0.05). Up to now, 22 of them have undergone a frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle, and two of them achieved a pregnancy. Based on these data, patients having a GIFT could theoretically expect a cumulative pregnancy rate of 52.2%.

Is GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) the Best Treatment for Unexplained Infertility?

Objective— To compare the cumulative pregnancy rates after gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) with the cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility. Design— A contemporaneous study in a single group of patients. Setting— Northern Regional Fertility Centre. Subjects— 76 couples with unexplained infertility of more than 3 years duration Interventions— Successful pregnancies were recorded during at least 3 months before GIFT and up to 21 months after a maximum of three cycles of GIFT treatment. Main outcome measures— Pregnancy resulting in a live birth. Results— Average monthly fecundability without treatment was 0.021 and after GIFT was 0.14 (P<0.001). This was reflected as a cumulative pregnancy rate of 52% after three cycles of GIFT and 30% after 24 months without treatment Conclusions— The chance of having a baby after one cycle of GIFT is significantly greater than the chance in a spontaneous cycle. However, considering the cumulative pregnancy rates, we suggest that if GIFT is to be a realistic treatment option, it should be offered for more than one cycle.

Effect of baseline ovarian cysts on in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer cycles

The presence of ovarian cysts may compromise the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). We prospectively studied 212 consecutive ovulation induction cycles in 120 patients for IVF and/or GIFT. A baseline cyst was defined as any intraovarian cystic structure≥12mm noted on ultrasonography before superovulation. Cycle outcomes were compared between patients with cysts (n=62) versus those with no cysts (n=150). There were no differences in follicular or luteal phase lengths or amount of human menopausal gonadotropins used. Peak estradiol (E 2 ) levels were significantly lower and cancellation rates significantly higher in the cyst group. For noncanceled cycles, there were no significant differences in peak E 2 levels, the mean number of follicles≥12mm, mature oocytes retrieved, or ova transferred for GIFT or embryos for IVF. The pregnancy rates overall and for noncanceled cycles were not significantly different.