Higher Cumulative Live Birth Rate Research Articles

Effects of ovarian response prediction index and follicle-oocyte index on pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of 12,218 fresh transfer cycles

Objective: To investigate the potential relationships among the ovarian response prediction index (ORPI), follicle-oocyte index (FOI), and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) fresh cycle transfer. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 12,218 women who underwent their first IVF/ICSI-ET cycle between December 2014 and January 2021. The primary and secondary outcomes of our study were CPR and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), respectively. The data were divided into three groups according to the ORPI and FOI tertiles. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, stratification analyses, interaction, restricted cubic splines, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to identify the relationships among ORPI, FOI, and CPR. Results: A statistically significant increase in CPR was detected from the lowest to the highest tertile group (ORPI: 48.12%, 54.07%, and 53.47%, P <0.001; FOI:49.99%, 52.95%, and 52.71%, P=0.012). A higher CLBR was observed in the high group (ORPI: 38.63%, 44.62%, and 44.19%, P <0.001; FOI: 41.02%, 43.78%, and 42.59%, P=0.039). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between ORPI, FOI, and neither CPR [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99 (0.97-1.00) vs. (1.02 (0.84-1.24)] nor CLBR [OR (95% CI), 0.99 (0.97-1.01) vs. 0.99 (0.81-1.20)]. No significant association was found among FOI, ORPI, and CPR, even in the subgroups. Restricted cubic spline analyses indicated the existence of a nonlinear relationship across the entire range of FOI and ORPI. The ORPI and FOI variables had poor predictive ability (AUC< 0.60) for CPR. Conclusions: Both ORPI and FOI are not reliable predictors of clinical pregnancy or live birth outcomes in fresh embryo transfers. Clinicians and researchers should avoid using FOI and ORPI to assess pregnancy outcomes after fresh embryo transfer because of their limited relevance and predictive value.

Higher Cumulative Live Birth Rate but Also Higher Late Miscarriage Risk in Non-Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Undergoing the First IVF/ICSI Cycle.

To determine the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer outcomes while analyzing the influencing factors. A retrospective cohort study comprised 4839 patients who underwent their first cycle of IVF/ICSI treatment from January 2016 to December 2021. Cumulative pregnancy rates, cumulative live birth rates, and late miscarriage rates compared between the PCOS group and control group. Subgroup analysis and binary regression were used to analyze the influence of BMI on clinical outcomes among individuals diagnosed with PCOS. Non-obese PCOS patients exhibited higher cumulative pregnancy rates, cumulative live birth rates, and late miscarriage rates compared to the control group with the normal BMI population (84.7% vs71.2%, P < 0.001; 74.1% vs 61.6%, P < 0.001; 4.1% vs 2.0%, P = 0.002), but there was no significant difference in early miscarriage rates between the two groups. Non-obese PCOS patients demonstrated a notably higher cumulative live birth rate but also a higher risk of late miscarriage compared to non-PCOS females with a normal BMI.

The “freeze-all” strategy seems to improve the chances of birth in adenomyosis-affected women

ObjectiveTo compare assisted reproductive technologies(ART) outcomes between fresh versus freeze-all strategies in infertile women affected with adenomyosis. DesignA single-center observational study SettingsUniversity hospital-based research center PatientsAdenomyosis-affected women undergoing blastocyst embryo transfer following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) between 01/01/2018 and 31/11/2021. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on imaging criteria (i.e., transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Intervention(s)Women who underwent a freeze-all strategy were compared to those who underwent a fresh embryo transfer (ET) strategy.Main outcome measure(s): cumulative live birth rate (LBR) ResultsA total of 306 women were included in the analysis: 111 in the fresh ET group and 195 in the freeze-all group. The adenomyosis phenotype (internal diffuse adenomyosis, external focal adenomyosis, and adenomyoma) was not significantly different between the two groups. The cumulative LBR [86 (44.1%) vs. 34 (30.6%), respectively; p = 0.020] and the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate [88 (45.1%) versus 36 (32.4%), respectively; p = 0.029] were significantly higher in the freeze-all group compared to the fresh ET group. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the freeze-all strategy in women with adenomyosis was associated with significantly higher odds of live birth compared to fresh ET (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.02–3.16). ConclusionThe freeze-all strategy in women afflicted with adenomyosis undergoing ART was associated with significantly higher cumulative live birth rates. Our preliminary results suggest that the freeze-all strategy is an attractive option that increase ART success rates. Additional studies, with a randomized design, should be conducted to further test whether the freeze-all strategy enhances the pregnancy rate in adenomyosis-affected women.

Analysis of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in women over 35 years old with poor ovarian response: a real-world study

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol for patients aged 35 and above with poor ovarian response (POR), utilizing real-world data. This retrospective cohort study examined clinical information from a total of 4256 patients between January 2017 and November 2022. The patients were categorized into three groups: modified GnRH agonist protocol (2116 patients), GnRH antagonist protocol (1628 patients), and Mild stimulation protocol (512 patients). Comparative analysis was conducted on clinical variables and pregnancy outcomes across the three groups. The GnRH agonist protocol was associated with a higher number of oocyte number (4.02 ± 2.25 vs. 3.15 ± 1.52 vs. 2.40 ± 1.26, p < 0.001), higher number of transferable embryos (1.73 ± 1.02 vs. 1.35 ± 1.22 vs. 1.10 ± 0.86, p = 0.016), higher cumulative live birth rate 28.50(603/2116) vs. 24.94(406/1628) vs. 20.51(105/512), p < 0.001) than GnRH antagonist protocol and Mild stimulation protocol, the Mild stimulation protocol was associated with a higher miscarriage rates 16.27(62/381) vs. 16.61(48/289) vs. 32.22(29/90), p = 0.001) than the other two groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that all three protocols can be used in patients over 35 years old with poor ovarian response. However, if patients require more frozen-thawed embryo transfers to achieve better cumulative live birth rates, the modified GnRH agonist protocol may be the preferable option.

Who may benefit from an increased gonadotropin dosing in predicted poor responders undergoing IVF/ICSI? A secondary analysis assessing treatment selection markers of a randomized trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether we can identify patient characteristics that serve as treatment selection markers to distinguish which women with expected poor response benefit from increased dosing of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in terms of improving the cumulative live birth rate compared to standard FSH dosing and which women. Study designWe performed a secondary analysis of an RCT performed between March 2019 and October 2021 comparing cumulative live birth after increased dosing (N = 328) who received 225 or 300 IU/day according to their antral follicle count (AFC) and standard dosing (N = 333) who received 150 IU/day of gonadotropin. ResultsThe MFPI analysis showed the benefit of the increased dosing of FSH on cumulative live birth starts to emerge when women were older than 30 years (women > 30 years: 46.5 % vs. 34.2 %; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.32, 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 1.05–1.66; women ≤ 30 years: 54.7 % vs. 58.6 %; aRR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.72–1.14; p for interaction 0.019). Only those who had AFC between 1 and 3 benefited from the increased FSH dose (AFC 1–3: 38.5 % vs. 6.5 %; aRR 5.88, 95 % CI 1.50–23.15; AFC 4–9: 50.3 % vs. 46.0 %; aRR 1.08, 95 % CI 0.92–1.27; p for interaction 0.023). Expected poor responders defined by the Bologna criteria and POSEIDON criteria did not significantly benefit from the increased dosing of FSH. ConclusionsWomen who are aged >30 years or have AFC 1–3 are likely to benefit from increased dosing of FSH by having a higher cumulative live birth rate.

Early cumulus cell removal increases cumulative live birth rate while having no negative effect on the malformation rate in in vitro fertilization: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early cumulus cell removal (ECCR) during human in vitro fertilization (IVF). A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2011 and December 2019. The study enrolled 1131 couples who underwent IVF treatment with ECCR. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 1131 couples who underwent overnight coincubation of gametes were selected. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures included the cumulative pregnancy rate, polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, malformation rate, time to live birth, and oocyte-to-baby rate. There were no significant differences found between the two groups in the polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, time to live birth, oocyte-to-baby rate, and neonatal congenital anomalies rate. The results of the study showed that ECCR was associated with a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, along with a significantly lower fertilization rate. ECCR tended to confer increased cumulative live birth rate and had no negative effect on the neonatal malformation rate.

The Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay with SDF Level Less Than 15% Provides a Useful Prediction for Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth for Women Aged under 40 Years.

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1148 males who presented along with their partners for infertility management at the PIVET Medical Centre between 2013 and 2022 and had a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) assay performed by Halosperm, thereafter participating in 1600 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles utilising one of three modalities, namely, IVF-Only, ICSI-Only or IVF-ICSI Split cycles. The outcomes from the ART cycles were then analysed as two groups based on SDF levels <15% and ≥15%. The study showed the unadjusted fertilization rates were not different between the groups, neither across the four female age ranges. However, when the fertilization rates were adjusted for the mature oocytes (metaphase-II oocytes), there was a highly significant difference in fertilization rates in favour of the group with SDF levels < 15% where the women were in the younger age grouping of <35 years (78.4% vs. 73.0%; p < 0.0001). Overall, there was no difference in the rates of blastocyst development nor clinical pregnancy rates between the two SDF groups, but there was a significantly higher pregnancy rate for the younger women (<35 years) with the group of SDF level < 15% (44.1% vs. 37.4%; p = 0.04). Similarly, there was no difference in the miscarriage rates overall with respect to SDF groups, and no clear picture could be deciphered among the women's age groups. With respect to cumulative live births, this reflected the pregnancy rates with no overall difference between the two SDF groups, but there was a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate for women <35 years where the SDF level was <15% (38.6% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.01). Among the three modalities, the highest cumulative live birth rate occurred within the group with SDF level < 15%, being highest with the IVF mode, particularly for women aged <40 years (43.0% vs. 37.7% for IVF-ICSI Split and 27.9% for ICSI; p = 0.0002), noting that the IVF case numbers were disproportionately low.

O-005 The ToF-study - comparing the cumulative live birth rate of blastocyst-stage versus cleavage-stage embryo transfers in good prognosis IVF patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Study question Does blastocyst-stage embryo transfer in fresh and frozen cycles improve the cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI treatments? Summary answer In good prognosis IVF patients (≥4 available embryos), a blastocyst-stage transfer policy did not result in a significant higher cLBR compared to cleavage-stage transfer policy. What is known already A recent Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that fresh blastocyst-stage transfer in IVF/ICSI treatments is associated with higher rates of pregnancy in comparison to fresh transfer of cleavage-stage embryos. However, it is unknown whether a blastocyst-transfer policy also improves the cumulative live birth rate, i.e. the live birth rate derived from fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers following a single oocyte retrieval, in comparison to a cleavage-stage transfer policy in IVF/ICSI. Study design, size, duration In this multicenter randomized controlled trial women were randomly allocated to blastocyst-stage transfers (blastocyst group - fresh embryo transfer on day 5 after oocyte retrieval followed by vitrification of remnant blastocysts on day 5 and 6 following local criteria) or cleavage-stage transfers (cleavage-stage group - fresh embryo transfer on day 3 after oocyte retrieval followed by embryo cryopreservation on day 3 or 4). Randomization was stratified for age (≥36 or &amp;lt; 36 years). Participants/materials, setting, methods Women with a good prognosis after IVF/ICSI (defined as presenting ≥4 available embryos on day 2 of embryo culture), during their first, second, or third treatment cycle, were included. The primary outcome was the cLBR per oocyte retrieval, including associated frozen-thawed embryo transfers within 12 months after randomization (or 17 months during the COVID pandemic). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI adjusted for age group were calculated using log-linear binominal regression. Main results and the role of chance A total of 1202 women from 21 Dutch centers were randomly assigned to blastocyst-stage transfers (N = 599) or cleavage stage transfers (N = 603) between 2018 and 2021. At submission of this abstract, data on the primary outcome was available for 1153 (95.9%) women, 577 women in the blastocyst-stage group and 576 women in the cleavage-stage group. The cumulative live birth rate was 58.2% (336/577 women) in the blastocyst-stage group and 57.3% (330/576 women) in the cleavage stage group (RR 1.022, 95% CI 0.844-1.237; p = 0.825). The live birth rate after fresh embryo transfer was 38.0% (219/577 women) versus 29.9% (172/576 women) in the blastocyst-stage group and cleavage-stage group respectively (RR 1.282, 95% CI 1.017-1.615 p = 0.035). Interaction was found between age and day of transfer with a higher cumulative live birth rate and a higher live birth rate after fresh transfer in women of 36 years or older in the blastocyst group. Analyses on other IVF treatment outcomes, obstetrical or neonatal outcomes, patient burden, and cost effectiveness are ongoing. Limitations, reasons for caution Outcomes are only applicable for treatments of women with at least four embryos available on day two of embryo culture. Wider implications of the findings A blastocyst-stage embryo transfer policy did not result in a significant higher cumulative live birth rate in comparison to a cleavage-stage embryo transfer policy in IVF/ICSI treatments. Further research into the interaction of age with outcomes is warranted. Trial registration number NTR7034

O-270 Does the ‘freeze all' strategy improve the chances of birth in the presence of adenomyosis?

Abstract Study question Does the freeze all strategy improve cumulative live birth rates in infertile women affected with adenomyosis? Summary answer The freeze all strategy in adenomyosis-affected women is associated with significantly higher cumulative live birth rates. What is known already Controlled ovarian stimulation enhances the efficacy of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by permitting multiple-oocyte yields, but also may alter endometrial receptivity by an earlier endometrial development which could in turn contribute to diminished pregnancy chances. Technical improvements in vitrification made deferred frozen-thawed embryo transfer (freeze –all strategy) a feasible alternative to fresh embryo transfer (ET). In adenomyosis, the eutopic endometrium is abnormal and its functional alterations are seen as likely to alter the quality of endometrial receptivity. One question in the adenomyosis ART-management is to know whether a freeze all strategy could lead to an increase in reproductive outcomes. Study design, size, duration This cohort study conducted in a tertiary care university hospital included adenomyosis-affected women undergoing blastocyst embryo transfer following in vitro fertilization / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) between 01/01/2018 to 31/11/2021. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on imaging criteria (e.g. transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Participants/materials, setting, methods Women who underwent a freeze all strategy were compared to those who underwent a fresh ET strategy. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate (LBR). Main results and the role of chance A total of 306 women were included in the analysis: 111 in the fresh ET group and 195 in the freeze all group. The phenotype of adenomyosis (internal diffuse adenomyosis, external focal adenomyosis and adenomyomas) was not significantly different between the two groups. The cumulative live birth rate was significantly increased in the freeze all group compared to the fresh ET group [86 (44.1%) vs. 34 (30.6%), p = 0.020]. The cumulative OPR [89 (45.6%) versus 37 (33.3%), p = 0.035] and the cumulative CPR [122 (62.6%) vs. 53 (47.7%), p = 0.011] were significantly higher in freeze all group compared to the fresh group, whereas the early miscarriage rate was not significantly different between the two groups. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the freeze all strategy in women with adenomyosis was associated with a significant increase in the live birth rate as compared to fresh ET (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.06 – 3.24; p = 0.031). Limitations, reasons for caution This analysis consists in a retrospective cohort study. The inclusion of patients from a referral center specialized in the management of adenomyosis and endometriosis could constitute a selection bias, as these women may have had particularly severe forms of adenomyosis. Wider implications of the findings The freeze all strategy could be an attractive option to increase ART success rates, in adenomyosis-affected womenundergoing IVF/ICSI. Trial registration number NA

P-679 Controlled ovarian stimulation using follitropin delta results in higher cumulative live birth rate compared to follitropin alfa/beta in a large prospective real world dataset

Abstract Study question Does IVF/ICSI-treatment using follitropin delta (hrFSH) result in higher pregnancy rates (PR) or live birth rates (LBR) compared to follitropin alfa/beta (recFSH)? Summary answer Real world data (RWD) from a large prospective German registry study shows that using hrFSH results in higher pregnancy rates compared to recFSH. What is known already Follitropin delta represents a new recombinant FSH derived from a human cell line. Contrary to follitropin alfa or beta, follitropin delta has a glycolysation pattern consisting of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids which is more similar to native human FSH. Follitropin delta is approved for use with an individualized dosing algorithm based on serum AMH and body weight, targeting an optimal ovarian response (8-14 oocytes). Efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. Moreover, Follitropin delta seems to reduce the risk of OHSS although its safety with respect to ovarian hyperstimulation using RWD remains to be investigated. Study design, size, duration The German IVF Registry collects prospectively data about IVF/ICSI-treatments from 140 German IVF centers. The underlying analysis of RWD includes controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles that have been performed in Germany between 2017-2021. Study groups were built subject to the gonadotropin used for stimulation, irrespective of previous treatments: (1) hrFSH, n = 3002, (2) recFSH, n = 135293. “Pregnancy” was defined as clinically assessed, intrauterine pregnancy, including miscarriages. Biochemical pregnancies were not defined as “pregnant”. Ectopic pregnancies (n = 558) were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods PR and LBR were calculated subject to the number of embryo transfers (ET) (n = 2062 (rFSH) vs. n = 103357 (recFSH)) after excluding freeze-all cycles, (n = 529 (hrFSH) vs. n = 13682 (recFSH)) and cycles that ended without ET (n = 411 (hrFSH) vs. n = 18254 (recFSH)). The collected data were saved in compliance with the applicable data processing regulations. Statistical analysis was performed using Fishers-exact- and students-t-test and Microsoft Excel, whereas p &amp;lt; 0.05 was defined as significant. Main results and the role of chance There was no difference between the study groups regarding age (33.9 ± 4.00y (hrFSH) vs. 33.8y±4.34y (recFSH), p = 0.12) or infertility diagnosis. Stimulation with hrFSH resulted in a higher number of oocytes (11.15±7.2 vs. 10.39±7.01, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Antagonist protocol was used less often in the hrFSH-group (78% (2344/3002 vs. 80% (109217/135293), p &amp;lt; 0.01). PR in 2021 were higher (39.2% (222 pregnancies / 567 embryo transfers) vs. 35.2% (6837/19420), OR = 1.18 [0.99-1.41] p = 0.05) while using hrFSH compared to recFSH. The effect was even stronger when comparing patients aged 30-34y (46.2% (98/212) vs. 38.6% (2967/7865), OR = 1.41 [1.07-1.88], p = 0.01). Another quantitative difference could be observed for patients aged 30-34y in their first IVF/ICSI-cycle (PR 48.5% (63/130) vs. 39.5% (1926/4873), OR = 1.44 [1.00-2.07], p = 0.05). Including all cycles between 2017-2021 resulted in higher PR for couples treated with hrFSH (38.3% (790/2062) vs. 36.2% (37439/103357), OR = 1.09 [1.00-1.20], p = 0.049). Cumulative PR including consecutive frozen embryo transfers after the first stimulation showed significantly higher PR while using hrFSH (81.6% (422/517) vs. 71.3% (17373/24367), OR = 1.79 [1.42-2.23], p &amp;lt; 0.01). Finally, cumulative LBR per ET was significantly increased if hrFSH was used for ovarian stimulation (60.0% (310/517) vs. 51.9% (12648/24367), OR = 1.39 [1.16-1.66], p &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to recFSH. Limitations, reasons for caution Since we analyzed RWD, comparison with large clinical trials should be considered carefully. PR and LBR was calculated only using stimulations which successfully generated ET. Moreover, individual AMH values are not transmitted to the German IVF Registry. Therefore, difference in ovarian reserve between study groups can’t be excluded. Wider implications of the findings In this large, prospective RWD, higher cumulative LBR and PR using hrFSH compared to recFSH, irrespective of age or infertility diagnosis, supports the use of individualized fertility treatment approach based on hrFSH. These results are consistent with previous retrospective findings. Trial registration number Not applicable

Early Cumulus Cell Removal Increases Cumulative Live Birth Rate while Having No Negative Effect on the Malformation Rate in In vitro Fertilization: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early cumulus cell removal (ECCR) during human in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2011 and December 2019. The study enrolled 1,131 couples who underwent IVF treatment with ECCR. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 1,131 couples who underwent overnight coincubation of gametes were selected. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures included the cumulative pregnancy rate, polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, malformation rate, time to live birth, and oocyte-to-baby rate. Results: There were no significant differences found between the two groups in the polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, time to live birth, oocyte-to-baby rate, and neonatal congenital anomalies rate. The results of the study showed that ECCR was associated with a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, along with a significantly lower fertilization rate. Conclusion: ECCR tended to confer increased cumulative live birth rate and had no negative effect on the neonatal malformation rate.

Comparison of the efficacy of depot GnRH agonist protocol and the GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with repeated IVF failure: a retrospective cohort study

The aims of the research were (i) to compare the clinical outcome of IVF using follicular-phase depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (depot agonist) protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with repeated IVF failure (RIF), (ii) to discover the optimal ovarian stimulation protocol for this group of low prognosis patients. 801 RIF patients with normal ovarian reserve receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 492 patients were treated with the depot agonist protocol, and the remaining 309 patients with the antagonist protocol. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictor(s) of the chance of live birth. Higher live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles were associated with the use of depot agonist compared with the antagonist protocols (44.81% vs. 27.27%, 54.64% vs. 34.93%, respectively; both p < 0.01) and depot agonist protocol was a strong predictor of live birth (OR = 2.182, 95% CI 1.355–3.514, p < 0.01). The CPR in thawed ET cycles was not significantly different between the two groups (38.12% vs. 45.26%, p > 0.05). A higher cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was achieved in the depot agonist group (46.59% vs. 35.21%, p < 0.01). Beneficial endometrial receptivity in the depot agonist protocol contributed to a higher LBR in fresh ET cycles, rendering this protocol the preferred option in the treatment of RIF patients.

Predicted probabilities of live birth following assisted reproductive technology using United States national surveillance data from 2016 to 2018

As the use of invitro fertilization continues to increase in the United States, up-to-date models that estimate cumulative live birth rates after multiple oocyte retrievals and embryo transfers (fresh and frozen) are valuable for patients and clinicians weighing treatment options. This study aimed to develop models that generate predicted probabilities of live birth in individuals considering invitro fertilization based on demographic and reproductive characteristics. Our population-based cohort study used data from the National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System 2016 to 2018, including 196,916 women who underwent 207,766 autologous embryo transfer cycles and 25,831 women who underwent 36,909 donor oocyte transfer cycles. We used data on autologous invitro fertilization cycles to develop models that estimate a patient's cumulative live birth rate after all embryo transfers (fresh and frozen) within 12 months after 1, 2, and 3 oocyte retrievals in new and returning patients. Among patients using donor oocytes, we estimated the cumulative live birth rate after their first, second, and third embryo transfers. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, prepregnancy body mass index (imputed for 18% of missing values), parity, gravidity, and infertility diagnoses were used to estimate the cumulative live birth rate. Among new and returning patients undergoing autologous invitro fertilization, female age had the strongest association with cumulative live birth rate. Other factors associated with higher cumulative live birth rates were lower body mass index and parity or gravidity ≥1, although results were inconsistent. Infertility diagnoses of diminished ovarian reserve, uterine factor, and other reasons were associated with a lower cumulative live birth rate, whereas male factor, tubal factor, ovulatory disorders, and unexplained infertility were associated with a higher cumulative live birth rate. Based on our models, a new patient who is 35 years old, with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2, no previous pregnancy, and unexplained infertility diagnoses, has a 48%, 69%, and 80% cumulative live birth rate after the first, second, and third oocyte retrieval, respectively. Cumulative live birth rates are 29%, 48%, and 62%, respectively, if the patient had diminished ovarian reserve, and 25%, 41%, and 52%, respectively, if the patient was 40 years old (with unexplained infertility). Very few recipient characteristics were associated with cumulative live birth rate in donor oocyte patients. Our models provided estimates of cumulative live birth rate based on demographic and reproductive characteristics to help inform patients and providers of a woman's probability of success after invitro fertilization.

FSH administration at 12-hour intervals for the first 2 days, combined with mandatory GnRH-agonist trigger and blastocyst vitrification in women (

We aimed to determine if a programme change to 12 hourly injections of FSH (150 IU per injection) for the first 2 days of stimulation in women with high ovarian reserve (AMH ≥ 30 pmol/L), followed by 24 hourly injections, would elicit increased earlier follicular recruitment, higher egg yields and blastocyst embryos for cryopreservation, leading to potential higher cumulative pregnancy rates, than conventional daily injections throughout. For safety reasons, the approach required mandatory cryopreservation of all blastocysts (mFET group; n = 74), after ovulation trigger with GnRH-agonist, in GnRH-antagonist controlled cycles. The ‘Comparator group’ (n = 91) comprised women with the same high AMH levels treated with the same base dose of FSH, with the aim of fresh blastocyst transfer and cryopreservation of supernumerary embryos, treated over the preceding 2 years. There was no difference in age, AMH, weight or BMI between the groups. The mFET group achieved higher egg (17.7 versus 11.7; p < 0.001) and embryo (10.9 versus 7.2; p < 0.001) yields and fewer cases with sub-optimal embryo yields (7% versus 22%; p = 0.018). The cumulative live birth rate was superior in the mFET group (73% versus 43%), as was the safety profile, and negligible rate of treatment plan modification.

Association of the Cumulative Live Birth Rate with the Factors in Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Retrospective Study of 16,583 Women.

The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) can better reflect the overall treatment effect by successive treatments, and continuous rather than categorical variables as exposure variables can increase the statistical power in detecting the potential correlation. Therefore, the dose-response relationships might find an optimal dose for the better CLBR, offering evidence-based references for clinicians. To determine the dose-response relationships of the factors and the optimal ranges of the factors in assisted reproductive technology (ART) associated with a higher CLBR, this study retrospectively analyzed 16,583 patients undergoing the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from January 2017 to January 2019. Our study demonstrated the optimal ranges of age with a higher CLBR were under 32.10 years. We estimated the CLBR tends to increase with increased levels of AMH at AMH levels below 1.482 ng/mL, and the CLBR reaches a slightly high level at AMH levels in the range from 2.58-4.18 ng/mL. The optimal ranges of basal FSH with a higher CLBR were less than 9.13 IU. When the number of cryopreserved embryos was above 1.055 and the number of total transferred embryos was 2, the CLBR was significantly higher. In conclusion, there is a non-linear dose-response relationship between the CLBR with age, AMH, basal FSH, and the number of cryopreserved embryos and total transferred embryos. We proposed the optimal ranges of the five factors that were correlated with a higher CLBR in the first oocyte retrieval cycle, which may help consultation at IVF clinics.

Comparison of the cumulative live birth rates after 1 in vitro fertilization cycle in women using gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol vs. progestin-primed ovarian stimulation: a propensity score–matched study

To determine whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol can improve cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) and shorten the time to live birth (TTLB) in unselected patients compared with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS). A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study design. Tertiary-care academic medical center. A total of 6,520 women with infertility aged 20-50 years were included. Patients underwent either the GnRH antagonist protocol (n = 5,004) or PPOS (n = 1,516) on the basis of the assessment of the attending physicians. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed with a caliper of 0.02. Women who were not matched were excluded from the analyses. The CLBR of which the ongoing status had to be achieved within 22 months from the day of ovarian stimulation and TTLB. Each group comprised 1,424 couples after propensity score matching, and the baseline demographic characteristics of the couples after matching were comparable between the 2 groups. The cycle cancellation rate was significantly lower in the GnRH antagonist group than in the PPOS group (12.9% vs. 19.6%). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate per transfer were comparable between the 2 groups. However, CLBRs after 1 complete IVF cycle were significantly higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the PPOS group (36.0% vs. 32.2%; Risk ratio = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.24). The average TTLB was significantly shorter in the GnRH antagonist group than in the PPOS group (9.3 months vs. 12.4 months). Using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative incidence of ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth was significantly higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the PPOS group (85.1% vs. 66.1%, Log-rank test). A Cox proportional hazard model revealed that women who underwent the antagonist protocol were 2.32 times more likely to achieve a live birth than those who used PPOS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.32; 95% CI, 1.91-2.83). Subgroup analysis revealed that women who used the antagonist protocol were more likely to achieve a live birth than women who used PPOS across the 3 antral follicle count (AFC) strata (AFC ≤ 5, AFC 6-15, and AFC > 15), 2 age strata (<35 and ≥35 years), and first cycle or repeated cycle. The difference was greatest among women whose AFC was ≤5 and who were aged ≥35 years, effectively becoming smaller in the group with high ovarian reserve and younger age. In unselected women undergoing IVF, the GnRH antagonist protocol was associated with a higher CLBR and a shorter TTLB compared with PPOS.

The cumulative live birth rate of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone alfa verse urinary human follicle-stimulating hormone for ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology cycles

BackgroundInfertility remains a significant public health concern. An issue with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is the selection of an exogenous gonadotropin (Gn) regimen, which is mainly based on urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (uFSH), recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone alfa (rFSH-alfa), and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG). In addition, most previous studies focused on the clinical pregnancy rates or live birth rates (LBR) per transfer cycle, but not on the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per started cycle. The CLBR, appears to be a more comprehensive and accurate universal measure of IVF treatment success. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) between rFSH-alfa and uFSH regimens for ovarian stimulation.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol between March 2009 and December 2018. Patients were grouped according to the Gn regimen received (rFSH-alfa or uFSH). The main outcome was CLBR, which defined as the first live birth following the use of all fresh and frozen embryos derived from a single COS cycle.ResultsA total of 1078 cycles were analyzed (314 with rFSH-alfa and 764 with uFSH). The rFSH-alfa group was characterized by a higher number of retrieved oocytes (13.3 vs. 11.0) and transferable embryos (5.0 vs. 4.0), a higher fresh embryo transfer rate (35.0% vs. 26.3%), and a higher multiple birth rate among the fresh embryo transfer cycles (8.2% vs. 2.5%) (P < 0.05). There were no differences in pregnancy rate (32.7% vs. 33.8%) and LBR (25.5% vs. 26.9%) per transfer cycle (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in clinical outcomes among the frozen embryo transfer cycles (P > 0.05). The CLBR per started cycle in the rFSH-alfa group was higher than in the uFSH group (53.5% vs. 43.1%, P < 0.05). After adjustment, rFSH-alfa was independently associated with a higher CLBR (OR = 1.56; 95%CI = 1.18–2.05; P = 0.0018).ConclusionsrFSH-alfa and uFSH have similar pregnancy rates and LBR per transfer cycle, rFSH-alfa might achieve more transferrable blastocysts and higher CLBR per started cycle compared to uFSH.

Uterine Cavity Irrigation With Office Hysteroscopy During Ovarian Stimulation for IVF: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveThis was a non-blinded randomized controlled study to evaluate whether endometrial irrigation via office hysteroscopy during the early follicular phase would lead to a higher level of live birth rates compared to no irrigation in the fresh embryo transfer cycle.MethodThe study was conducted in Tehran university of medical sciences from June 2015 to June 2016. women under the age of 40 with primary infertility without history of previous IVF/ICSI or hysteroscopic examination, were included. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was done. Hysteroscopy was performed in the early mid-follicular phase of a stimulation cycle (day 5-7) with a vaginoscopy approach and saline irrigation in hysteroscopy group. Embryo-transfer was done in the same cycle.Results228 patients completed their participation in the study. In the fresh cycle, clinical pregnancy rate was 46% in the hysteroscopy group and 40.43% in the control group. (p-value= 0.326, RR= 1.16 [95%CI: 0.862 to 1.56]). Live birth rate was 41.28% in the hysteroscopic group and 31.93% in the control group (p-value=0.143, RR= 1.293 [95%CI: 0.916 to 1.825]). For those patients having surplus cryopreserved embryos, after 2 months, a second embryo transfer was performed. The cumulative LBR was 44.05% in the hysteroscopic group and 32.25% in the control group (p-value=0.029, RR= 1.368 [95%CI: 1.031 to 1.815], RD= 11.9% [95%CI: 1.2% to 22.3%] and NNT= 8 [95%CI: 4 to 85]).ConclusionThe current study clearly demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate in the intervention group.Clinical Trial Registration[https://www.irct.ir/trial/19586], identifier IRCT2016011022795N2.

Comparison of Cumulative Live Birth Rate Between Aged PCOS Women and Controls in IVF/ICSI Cycles.

The present study aimed to assess whether women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ≥35 years age undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles experienced a higher cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) over a two-year period compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched patients with tubal factor infertility. Through propensity score matching (PSM) approach, the authors retrospectively analyzed the IVF/ICSI outcomes of 263 PCOS patients (35-46 years of age [mean, 37 years]) and 526 age- and BMI-matched tubal factor controls two years after oocyte retrieval. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to explore factors influencing cumulative live birth. Women with PCOS exhibited better ovarian reserve and response, and higher CLBR in two years compared with age- and BMI-matched controls (CLBR: 55.51% in PCOS vs. 38.02% in control, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of transferable embryos and antral follicle counts were both significant independent factors predicting cumulative live birth after adjusting for female age, female body mass index, percentage of transferred blastocysts, number of embryos transferred per embryo-transfer cycle, diagnosis of PCOS and freeze-all cycles (p<0.001, p=0.045). Women with PCOS ≥ 35 years of age demonstrated a higher CLBR over two years compared with age- and BMI-matched controls. This could be explained by favorable oocyte reserve and more available embryos compared with controls, which overcome the compromised oocyte quality in aged PCOS patients.

O-137 Salpingectomy versus neosalpingostomy in women with hydrosalpinx: a prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up

Abstract Study question What is the comparative effectiveness between salpingectomy and neosalpingostomy in the treatment of bilateral severe hydrosalpinx? Summary answer In women with bilateral severe hydrosalpinx, salpingectomy combined with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment resulted in a higher cumulative live birth rate than neosalpingostomy. What is known already Hydrosalpinx accounts for 25% to 35% of female subfertility and has a negative effect on pregnancy rates in women who undergo IVF. So far salpingectomy before in vitro fertilization treatment has been suggested for the treatment of hydrosalpinx in order to improve the chance of a live birth. Previous studies have reported a pooled live birth rate of 25% through natural conception after neosalpingostomy and an ongoing pregnancy rate of 55.8% after salpingectomy with IVF. Direct comparison of the cumulative live birth rate after salpingectomy versus neosalpingostomy, both followed by IVF is lacking. Study design, size, duration We performed a single center, prospective comparative cohort study in the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China. We studied women diagnosed with tubal subfertility with bilateral hydrosalpinx between January 2005 and December 2012. Based on a shared decision approach, they had bilateral salpingectomy or neosalpingostomy followed by IVF. They were annually followed up until July 2020 for the occurrence of live birth. Participants/materials, setting, methods Out of 113 women, 55 had bilateral salpingectomy and 58 had bilateral neosalpingostomy. Primary outcome was cumulative live birth rate, defined as the cumulative birth rate of the first living neonate through either natural conception or in vitro fertilization. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis were processed. Cox proportional hazards regression model with potential variables was performed to identify predictors of successful live birth. Main results and the role of chance Baseline characteristics were comparable between two groups. There were 42 live births in the salpingectomy and 36 in the neosalpingostomy group. When the result of IVF was incorporated (55/55 in salpingectomy group and 25/58 in neosalpingostomy group underwent IVF), salpingectomy resulted in a higher cumulative live birth rate (85.3% vs 76.0%; hazard ratio of the whole survival curve, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.37 - 3.45; P = 0.001), a lower risk of ectopic pregnancy (1.8% vs 20.7%; risk ratio, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 - 0.57; P = 0.013), and a shorter time to live birth (19 [14,27] versus 36 [17,76] months, P = 0.001).The number of live birth rates after natural conception was 0% (0/55) in the salpingectomy group and 28% (16/58) in neosalpingostomy group.The results of PP analyses were comparable with the ITT analyses apart from the biochemical pregnancy rate and the overall live birth rate, they were higher (the former: 76% (42/55) versus 58% (29/50), P = 0.045; the latter: 76% (42/55) versus 56% (28/50), P = 0.027) in salpingectomy group. Limitations, reasons for caution This is an observational study. The small sample size along with the data was obtained from a cohort study in a single center. Wider implications of the findings In women with confirmed bilateral severe hydrosalpinx, salpingectomy followed by IVF results in a higher cumulative live birth rate and decreases the risk of EP as compared to neosalpingostomy. However, neosalpingostomy is the only option to achieve a live birth by natural conception that should be discussed with patients preoperatively. Trial registration number not applicable