Twinning in ART: Single embryo transfer policy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple pregnancies, often resulting from ART, carry significant risks for maternal and infant health.
• Despite efforts like increasing single embryo transfers, high multiple pregnancy rates persist in ART.
• These pregnancies incur substantial economic burdens due to prematurity complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on single embryo transfer (SET) effectiveness.
• To inform decision-makers on policies to reduce twinning rates.
• To enhance patient understanding and promote elective SET for risk reduction.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on SET and multiple pregnancy rates.
• Analysis of data comparing SET outcomes with multiple embryo transfers.
• Evaluation of patient autonomy and choice in ART protocols.

Main Results:

• SET is a viable strategy to further decrease multiple pregnancy rates in ART.
• Maintaining SET policies can preserve patient autonomy and informed decision-making.
• Reduced multiple births lead to decreased risks and economic impact associated with prematurity.

Conclusions:

• Single embryo transfer is crucial for minimizing multiple pregnancies in ART.
• Promoting SET supports better maternal and neonatal outcomes.
• Evidence supports SET as a key policy for safer ART conception.