Reducing twin pregnancy rates after IVF--elective single embryo transfer (eSET)

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• Multiple pregnancies are a significant risk in IVF, increasing maternal and neonatal complications.
• Standard double embryo transfer (DET) contributes to high multiple pregnancy rates.
• Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is an alternative aiming to reduce these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of eSET versus DET in reducing multiple pregnancies.
• To assess pregnancy and twinning rates in good prognosis IVF patients.
• To evaluate patient acceptance of eSET.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study comparing IVF cycles in 2008 (eSET) with 2007 (DET) for good prognosis patients.
• Pregnancy and twinning rates were analyzed.
• Frozen embryo transfer cycles utilized DET for unsuccessful fresh cycles.

Main Results:

• No multiple pregnancies occurred in the eSET group.
• The DET group had 4 twins from 5 pregnancies.
• Cumulative pregnancy rates were comparable between eSET and DET groups.
• 96% of eligible couples accepted eSET.

Conclusions:

• eSET is a successful strategy for reducing multiple pregnancies in IVF.
• eSET is acceptable to good prognosis patients undergoing IVF.
• eSET maintains acceptable pregnancy rates while enhancing safety outcomes.