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Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 3/2019

01-09-2019 | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Clinical outcomes after transfer of blastocysts derived from frozen–thawed cleavage embryos: a retrospective propensity-matched cohort study

Authors: Feng Xiong, Guangui Li, Qing Sun, Sisi Wang, Caiyun Wan, Peilin Chen, Zhihong Yao, Huixian Zhong, Yong Zeng

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after fresh transfer of blastocysts cultured from vitrified–thawed cleavage embryos (VTCE) compared with conventional frozen–thawed blastocysts transfer (FBT), or with the usual fresh blastocysts transfer (FRBT).

Methods

A total of 155 cycles undergoing fresh transfer of VTCE blastocysts, 4904 cycles undergoing FBT, and 1014 cycles undergoing FRBT were retrospectively analyzed from August 2014 to July 2017. Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were compared after propensity score matching.

Results

VTCE blastocysts’ transfer resulted in a lower risk of early miscarriage (8.82% versus 19.70%, P < 0.05) and a decreased fetal birth weight (2611.90 ± 618.65 g versus 2931.86 ± 546.52 g, P < 0.01) compared to FBT. No significant difference was found regarding live birth rate, gestational age, and cesarean section. Correspondingly, VTCE blastocysts’ transfer led to significantly compromised pregnancy outcomes regarding clinical pregnancy rate and implantation, and even a slightly compromised live birth rate when compared with FRBT. Moreover, a higher occurrence of cesarean Section (88.89% versus 71.29%, P < 0.05) and a shorter gestational age (262.04 ± 14.99 days versus 268.06 ± 14.07, P < 0.05) were also found. Nevertheless, the risk of small for gestational age and large for gestational age, and the neonatal birth weight were comparable.

Conclusions

VTCE blastocysts’ transfer results in a comprehensively moderate outcome, which is an acceptable option for patients. Our results can provide efficient value for patients’ counseling. Furthermore, these findings indicate directions for exploring the mechanisms of low birth weight and short gestational age.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical outcomes after transfer of blastocysts derived from frozen–thawed cleavage embryos: a retrospective propensity-matched cohort study
Authors
Feng Xiong
Guangui Li
Qing Sun
Sisi Wang
Caiyun Wan
Peilin Chen
Zhihong Yao
Huixian Zhong
Yong Zeng
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05236-3

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