Addressing multiple pregnancies in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: Current status, challenges, and solutions.
Xi Wu1, Yu Liang1, Xiaoling Yang1
1Reproductive Center the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Summary
Multiple pregnancies from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remain high due to lower success rates of single embryo transfer (SET). Improving embryo assessment technologies is key to increasing SET effectiveness and reducing multiple births.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Ethics
Background:
- Rising infertility rates and increased use of IVF-ET contribute to a high incidence of multiple pregnancies.
- Multiple pregnancies pose significant risks to both maternal and infant health.
- Regional variations in IVF-ET practices, particularly single embryo transfer (SET) adoption, influence multiple pregnancy rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the current status, causes, and solutions for multiple pregnancies in IVF-ET.
- To analyze the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of SET.
- To explore technological advancements for improving embryo assessment and SET success.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical, ethical, and technological research on IVF-ET and multiple pregnancies.
- Analysis of factors influencing the choice between single embryo transfer (SET) and double embryo transfer (DET).
- Evaluation of emerging technologies for assessing embryonic developmental potential.
Main Results:
- The multiple pregnancy rate in IVF-ET remains high globally, with significant disparities linked to SET adoption.
- The preference for DET over SET is driven by SET's historically lower clinical pregnancy rate (CPR).
- Promising technologies include AI-integrated time-lapse imaging and advanced molecular techniques for embryo assessment.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing the accuracy of embryonic developmental potential assessment is crucial for overcoming the SET vs. DET dilemma.
- Advancements in AI and molecular biology hold promise for improving SET success rates.
- Standardized practices and multicenter validation of new technologies are needed to reduce IVF-ET-related multiple pregnancies.
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