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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Published in:

01-10-2020 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

A freeze-all strategy does not increase live birth rates in women of advanced reproductive age

Authors: K. Lattes, S. López, M. A. Checa, M. Brassesco, D. García, R. Vassena

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Research question

Does a freeze-all strategy improve live birth rates in women of different age groups?

Design

Retrospective cohort study of 1882 first embryo transfer cycles, performed between January 2013 and December 2015. Reproductive outcomes between fresh (FRESH) or frozen (FROZEN) embryo transfers were compared in patients stratified by age: < 35, between 35 and 38, or > 38 years. Student’s t test for independent samples and χ² analyses were used as needed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, triggering drug, number of retrieved oocytes, number of transferred embryos, and percentage of top-quality embryos.

Main results and the role of chance

Live birth rates (LBR) were significantly higher for FROZEN in the < 35 years group (43.7% vs 24%; p < 0.001). In both the 35–38 and > 38 years groups, LBR for FROZEN vs FRESH were not statistically different (30.9% in the FROZEN group vs 29.3% in the FRESH group, p = 0.70, and 19.8% in the FROZEN group vs 12.7% in the FRESH group, p = 0.07, respectively). The multivariate analysis found a significantly positive effect of performing FROZEN on LBR in the younger group (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.31–4.62; p = 0.005) but had no impact in women between 35 and 38 years (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.55–1.83; p = 0.98) or older (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.43–2.13; p = 0.92).

Conclusions

Performing a freeze-all strategy seems to result in better reproductive outcomes when compared with a fresh ET in women under 35 years, with no significant impact on older women.

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Title: A freeze-all strategy does not increase live birth rates in women of advanced reproductive age
Authors: K. Lattes
S. López
M. A. Checa
M. Brassesco
D. García
R. Vassena
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01934-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A freeze-all strategy does not increase live birth rates in women of advanced reproductive age

Abstract

Research question

Design

Main results and the role of chance

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Research question

Design

Main results and the role of chance

Conclusions

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