Blastocyst transfer for multiple prior IVF failure: a five year descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Embryology

Background:

• Recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure is associated with poor prognosis, especially in women over 35.
• Patients with multiple prior unsuccessful IVF cycles often face limited treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of blastocyst transfer (BT) in patients with a history of multiple failed IVF cycles.
• To compare reproductive outcomes between two cohorts of poor-prognosis IVF patients undergoing their first BT, separated by a five-year interval.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective comparison of two groups of patients undergoing their first blastocyst transfer (BT).
• Group 1: Treated in 2002 (n=66); Group 2: Treated in 2007 (n=392).
• Clinical features and reproductive outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rates, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both groups had similar mean ages (around 36 years) and oocyte retrieval numbers.
• Clinical pregnancy rates were comparable: 59.6% in 2002 vs. 50.0% in 2007.
• The 2007 group had significantly more prior failed IVF cycles (4.5 vs. 3.5), with no significant difference in BT success rates.

Conclusions:

• Blastocyst transfer (BT) can achieve successful clinical pregnancy rates in patients with multiple prior unsuccessful IVF cycles.
• Extended embryo culture and BT should be considered for refractory IVF patients.
• Further controlled studies are necessary to define the precise role of BT in this patient sub-group.