Live birth rates with and without preimplantation genetic testing: a single-center retrospective study

Embryo selection and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) are used in clinical practice with the aim of improving pregnancy outcomes in patients. However, it remains uncertain whether different PGT techniques improve the live birth rate in patients compared to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we included couples undergoing their first IVF-assisted conception cycle with only their first single frozen embryo transfer. All couples were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and had three or more high-quality blastocysts on the fifth day of embryo culture. The PGT group screened the optimal blastocysts for transfer by their counterpart technique, while the conventional IVF group selected blastocysts based on morphological criteria. Clinicians select different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols and endometrial preparation protocols based on the patient's individual circumstances. The primary outcome was to observe the live birth rate of first frozen single-embryo transfer in each group.

A total of 409 couples were enrolled in the study, of which 219 were in the PGT group, 87 were PGT-A, 22 were PGT-M, 110 were PGT-SR, and 190 were in the IVF group. The average age of patients in the PGT group was 32.90 years, while 31.53 years in the IVF group. The live birth rate was higher in the PGT group (46.12%) compared to that of the conventional IVF group (34.74%) (p = 0.0195, OR 0.6218, 95% CI 0.4161-0.9189). The live birth rate in the PGT-A subgroup (48.28%) was also higher than that in the IVF group (p = 0.032, OR 0.5703, 95% CI 0.3380-0.9610). Different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols and endometrial preparation protocols had no effect on the live birth rate of PGT.

For first frozen single-embryo transfer, PGT, particularly PGT-A, can improve live birth rates compared to conventional IVF. Different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols and endometrial preparation protocols had no effect on the live birth rate of PGT.