Related Experiment Videos
Assisted hatching.
1Alexandria Fertility Center, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. hnsallam@link.net
Minerva Ginecologica
|July 20, 2004
Summary
Assisted hatching improves pregnancy and implantation rates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients, especially those with prior implantation failures. While effective, it carries a risk of increased monozygotic twinning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Assisted hatching (AH) involves manipulating the zona pellucida before embryo transfer.
- This procedure aims to enhance success rates in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI.
- Various methods exist, including mechanical, chemical, laser, and piezoelectric techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of assisted hatching in improving IVF and ICSI outcomes.
- To identify patient populations that benefit most from assisted hatching.
- To assess the potential risks associated with assisted hatching.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Comparison of pregnancy, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy rates with and without assisted hatching.
- Analysis of outcomes in specific patient groups, including those with repeated implantation failure.
Main Results:
- Assisted hatching significantly increases clinical pregnancy, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy rates.
- The benefits are most pronounced in patients with poor prognosis for IVF/ICSI, particularly those with repeated implantation failure.
- A potential risk identified is an increased incidence of monozygotic twinning.
Conclusions:
- Assisted hatching is a valuable tool in assisted reproductive technology.
- It offers improved success rates for specific patient groups undergoing IVF and ICSI.
- Clinicians should weigh the benefits against the risk of monozygotic twinning.