Preimplantation genetic testing and frozen embryo transfer synergistically decrease very pre-term birth in patients...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves complex procedures, with frozen embryo transfer (FET) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) being key components.
• Understanding the impact of FET and FET with PGT (FET/PGT) on pregnancy outcomes, specifically preterm birth rates, is crucial for optimizing IVF success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of FET and FET/PGT on preterm and very preterm births in IVF patients.
• To compare live birth rates across different embryo transfer methods: fresh embryo transfer (ET), FET, and FET/PGT.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the SART National Summary Report (2014-2017) involving 161,550 single embryo transfers (eSET).
• Inclusion criteria: eSET, ET, FET, and FET/PGT cycles.
• Exclusion criteria: use of gestational carriers and donor eggs.
• Outcomes assessed: live birth rates and gestational age at birth.

Main Results:

• FET/PGT demonstrated significantly higher live birth rates compared to ET (52.9% vs 46.4%) and FET (52.9% vs 43.1%).
• Both FET and FET/PGT significantly decreased total preterm births compared to ET.
• FET/PGT significantly reduced very preterm births compared to both ET and FET.

Conclusions:

• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) significantly enhances IVF outcomes.
• Frozen embryo transfer with PGT (FET/PGT) is associated with a significant reduction in total preterm births.
• FET/PGT notably lowers the incidence of very preterm births, improving neonatal outcomes.