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Evolution of a highly successful in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program.
Fertility and Sterility
|July 1, 1987
Summary
The UCLA in vitro fertilization program achieved a 31% clinical pregnancy rate, with improvements seen in embryo transfer techniques. Success factors include strong stimulation, precise timing, and meticulous embryo handling and cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Embryology
Background:
- The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) established an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program.
- Initial program performance data were collected over the first 2.5 years of operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the clinical outcomes of the UCLA IVF-ET program.
- To identify key factors contributing to successful IVF-ET outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 154 oocyte aspiration laparoscopies were performed.
- Clinical pregnancies were tracked, including those from cryopreserved embryo transfers.
- Embryo transfer parameters (volume, air proportion) and uterine characteristics were analyzed.
- Ovarian stimulation protocols (human menopausal gonadotropin, human chorionic gonadotropin timing) and laboratory techniques were optimized.
Main Results:
- A 31% clinical pregnancy rate was achieved in 154 laparoscopies.
- Two pregnancies resulted from cryopreserved embryo transfers.
- Improved implantation rates were observed with reduced transfer volume and air.
- No correlation found between pregnancy rates and uterine depth or position.
- A high multiple implantation rate of 47% indicated good embryo quality.
Conclusions:
- The UCLA IVF-ET program demonstrated significant success attributed to comprehensive protocols.
- Key success factors include potent ovarian stimulation, accurate hormonal timing, high oocyte retrieval, advanced laboratory practices, and refined embryo transfer techniques.
- The initiation of embryo cryopreservation further contributed to the program's success.