Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification
Published on: July 26, 2019
A live birth with unexpectedly low serum human chorionic gonadotropin level on day 11 after blastocyst embryo
Qizhen Zheng1, Shiru Xu1, Meilan Mo1
1Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
To report a very rare case of live birth with unexpectedly low serum hCG level on day 11 after blastocyst embryo transfer.
Design:
Case report.
Setting:
Private infertility center.
Patients:
A 30-year-old nulliparous woman presented with PCOS and 1 year of infertility.
Interventionss:
Conventional IVF was scheduled and a long-acting agonist protocol was selected.
Main Outcome Measures:
Maternal serum hCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound exams for the embryo's well-being.
Results:
The hCG level was 11.6 IU/L on day 11 after the transfer of two blastocyst embryos, which was considered as either failing or extrauterine pregnancy. After blood titration, there were delayed hCG increases. A series of transvaginal ultrasounds also indicated a delayed but normal-appearing intrauterine pregnancy. A healthy baby boy was delivered at term by means of cesarean section.
Conclusions:
A low initial serum hCG level may be associated with certain maternal or fetal characteristics and IVF treatment variables. Close conservative observation is warranted before undertaking any therapeutic intervention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
01:27Ovarian Cycle