[Color echo-Doppler and endometrial receptivity in in vitro fertilization]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Embryo implantation after in vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on embryo development, endometrial receptivity, and uterine vascularization.
• Current markers like endometrial thickness (<8 mm) and uterine pulsatility index (PI) (<3) have limited predictive value alone.
• Integrating multiple parameters is crucial for accurate prediction of IVF success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a 10-point scoring system for predicting IVF pregnancy outcomes.
• To assess the combined predictive value of endometrial thickness, uterine artery PI, protodiastolic notch, and embryo number.
• To guide embryo transfer decisions based on a comprehensive predictive score.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 213 patients undergoing IVF.
• Development and validation of a 10-point scale incorporating uterine artery PI, protodiastolic notch features, endometrial thickness, and number of embryos transferred.
• Analysis of individual parameter predictive values versus the combined score.

Main Results:

• Individual parameters showed poor predictive value (e.g., optimal thickness predicted 29% pregnancy rate).
• The comprehensive score significantly increased predictive value for pregnancy.
• A score >9 predicted a 53% pregnancy rate and 24% multiple pregnancy rate.
• The score guides embryo transfer: >10 (2 embryos), 7-10 (3 embryos), <6 (delay transfer).

Conclusions:

• The developed scoring system effectively integrates key parameters for predicting IVF success.
• This score enhances the ability to personalize embryo transfer strategies.
• Utilizing this score can help optimize pregnancy rates and minimize risks of multiple gestations.