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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-09-2014 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Maternal age and initial β-hCG levels predict pregnancy outcome after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer

Authors: Satoshi Ueno, Kenji Ezoe, Takashi Abe, Akiko Yabuuchi, Kazuo Uchiyama, Takashi Okuno, Tamotsu Kobayashi, Keiichi Kato

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 9/2014

Abstract

Purpose

We retrospectively examined a large cohort of females who underwent single blastocyst transfer to determine if initial β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) levels on day 7 after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) could be used to predict pregnancy outcome.

Methods

The treatment cycles that gave rise to the early pregnancies included in this study were performed from 2004 to 2011 in a private infertility center. In SVBT cycles, embryos were transferred during a natural cycle or after endometrial preparation with exogenous estrogen and progesterone. A total of 11,458 cycles with β-hCG levels ≥1.0 UI/ml on day 7 after SVBT were evaluated. The proportion of live births per positive β-hCG cycle was established for 10 β-hCG ranges in 3 different age groups (Group A: 21–34 years old; Group B: 35–39 years old; Group C: 40–44 years old).

Results

The proportion of live births gradually increased from 1.5 to 93.7 %, 0.8 to 87.9 %, and 0.6 to 76.2 % in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. For each range of β-hCG levels, the proportion of live births was higher for the younger age group, which reflected the increased risk of early pregnancy loss with advancing female age.

Conclusions

β-hCG levels on day 7 after SVBT, in conjunction with maternal age, may be used to predict pregnancy outcomes.

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Title: Maternal age and initial β-hCG levels predict pregnancy outcome after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer
Authors: Satoshi Ueno
Kenji Ezoe
Takashi Abe
Akiko Yabuuchi
Kazuo Uchiyama
Takashi Okuno
Tamotsu Kobayashi
Keiichi Kato
Publication date: 01-09-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0273-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Maternal age and initial β-hCG levels predict pregnancy outcome after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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