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Open Access 10-10-2023 | Miscarriage | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study

Authors: Violet Eckstein, Katrin Glaß, Marie-Elisabeth Leßmann, Jessica Schaar, Anna Klimova, Pauline Wimberger, Maren Goeckenjan

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) were studied in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The outcome of 1581 treatment cycles with embryo transfer at a university fertility center in Germany was compared in years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 335 treatment cycles in 2022 a detailed analysis was carried out depending on infection and immunization status of both partners.

Results

ART cycles did not differ in most of the parameters examined between 2018–2022. In spite of comparable clinical pregnancy rates, there was a significantly higher miscarriage rate at 34.6% (27/78) in 2022, compared to 19.7% (29/147) in the pre-pandemic years of 2018–2019 (p = 0.014). In 37.0% of the treatment cycles (124/335) 2022 at least one partner reported a SARS-CoV-2-Infection 6 months before ART, mostly with the virus variant Omicron. Clinical pregnancy rates were lower in cycles without infection. Comparing women with confirmed infection to no infection, a significantly higher risk of miscarriage was seen (62.5% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.009). In treatment cycles of partners with basic immunization against SARS-CoV-2 a statistically significant increase of pregnancy rates was seen comparing to cycles with both unvaccinated partners (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

The results indicate a negative impact of SARS-CoV-2-infections up to 6 months on ART treatment, in particular an increased risk of miscarriage. Vaccination was associated with a better outcome of ART treatment.

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Title: Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study
Authors: Violet Eckstein
Katrin Glaß
Marie-Elisabeth Leßmann
Jessica Schaar
Anna Klimova
Pauline Wimberger
Maren Goeckenjan
Publication date: 10-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Miscarriage
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Vaccination
Fertility
Assisted Reproduction
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07228-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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