Single embryo transfer improve the perinatal outcome in singleton pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Perinatal Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

• Previous studies primarily compared perinatal outcomes of singleton babies.
• Limited research exists on the impact of single embryo transfer (SET) on initial singleton pregnancies from fresh embryo transfers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of embryo transfer number on obstetric and perinatal risks.
• To examine the role of SET in perinatal outcomes for initial singleton pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study analyzing 6439 fresh embryo transfer cases.
• Categorized 1647 initial singleton pregnancies into single (SET), double (DET), and triple (TET) embryo transfer groups.
• Compared miscarriage rates, ectopic pregnancy rates, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes across groups.

Main Results:

• SET group showed a higher early miscarriage rate but comparable late miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and live birth rates versus DET.
• Obstetric outcomes were similar across SET, DET, and TET groups.
• Preterm birth, extremely preterm birth, low-birth weight, and very low-birth weight rates increased with embryo transfer number. Mean birth weight was highest in the SET group.

Conclusions:

• SET is associated with better perinatal outcomes, including reduced preterm birth and low birth weight.
• The mean birth weight was significantly higher in the SET group.
• SET is a viable option for achieving healthy singleton neonates via in vitro fertilization.