PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Embryo Transfer”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Single embryo transfer in preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles for women <36 years does not reduce delivery rate.

BACKGROUND: The Belgian legislation imposes single embryo transfer (SET) on women of <36 years in their first treatment cycle to avoid multiple pregnancies. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of this legislation on the outcome of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for inherited diseases in young women undergoing SET. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of PGD cycles for monogenic disorders and translocations in women <36 years on their first treatment cycle. Two groups of patients were defined according to the implementation of the Belgian legislation: (i) double embryo transfer (DET), January 2001-June 2003 (ii) SET, July 2003-June 2005. The primary and secondary outcome measures were delivery per embryo transfer and multiple pregnancy rates, respectively. A subgroup analysis for monogenic disorders and translocations was performed. RESULTS: 62 cycles were included in the DET group and 73 cycles in the SET group. The mean age, number of cumulus-oocyte complexes, number of fertilized oocytes, number of biopsied and cryopreserved embryos were comparable between both groups. There was no significant difference in the delivery rates between the DET and the SET groups (33.9% versus 27.4%, respectively). Multiple pregnancies were avoided when SET was performed. When monogenic disorders and chromosomal translocations were separately evaluated, no significant difference in the delivery rate after SET was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a SET policy in young women undergoing PGD for monogenic disorders and translocations enables a significant reduction of multiple pregnancies without significantly affecting the delivery rate.

Adult↗

[Good results of single embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization. The first follow-up report after the introduction of a new regulatory guideline].

A legislation was issued by the Swedish National Board of Health from January 1st 2003, stating mandatory single embryo transfer (SET) after in vitro fertilization. Two embryos may, however, be transferred if the risk for twin pregnancy can be considered to be low. Over a period of one year, the rate of SET in our clinic was increased from 25% to 71% of all fresh embryo transfers. In spite of this, we maintained the overall viable pregnancy rate (34%). The twin pregnancy rate, on the other hand, decreased from 23% to 6%. The quality of the transferred embryo(s) was an important factor for success. Transfer of two embryos of good quality did not increase the pregnancy rate compared to transfer of one embryo of good quality but increased the risk for twin pregnancy only.

Embryo Transfer↗

A matched study to determine whether low-dose aspirin without heparin improves pregnancy rates following frozen embryo transfer and/or affects endometrial sonographic parameters.

PURPOSE: The objective of the matched, controlled study was to determine whether low-dose aspirin therapy without heparin improves pregnancy rates following frozen embryo transfer. METHODS: Thirty-six women who did not achieve a pregnancy following fresh embryo transfer and who had frozen embryos available for another transfer were included. Eighteen women were treated with 81 mg aspirin from day 2 of the cycle through pregnancy testing. If the beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was positive, aspirin was continued through the pregnancy. Eighteen women were not given aspirin. The mean outcome variables were pregnancy and implantation rates. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate in the aspirin group was 11.1%, compared with 33.3% for the controls, and implantation rates were 2.9 and 10.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No positive effects of low-dose aspirin therapy on pregnancy rates following frozen embryo transfer were observed.

Antibodies, Antiphospholipid↗

Comparison of pregnancy outcome of pronuclear- and multicellular-stage frozen-thawed embryo transfers.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to determine if supernumerary embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should be frozen (using 1,2-propanediol) at the pronuclear or multicellular stage. METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis conducted at the Dubai Gynaecology & Fertility Centre of the Department of Health & Medical Services, Dubai, U.A.E. One hundred forty-one women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo replacement cycles with IVF generated embryos and 84 women undergoing the same with ICSI generated embryos. RESULTS: Supernumerary, IVF-generated embryos frozen at the multicellular stage had a significantly higher rate of survival on thawing (73.9%) than embryos frozen at the pronuclear stage (64.4%). The morphological grades of the embryos in the two groups were similar, but a significantly higher pregnancy rate was obtained with embryos frozen at the multicellular stage (22.8%) than with pronuclear-stage embryos (14.8%). Similarly, with ICSI-generated embryos, significantly higher survival was seen with multicellular-stage frozen embryos (74.8%) than pronuclear-stage embryos (64.4%). The morphological grades of the embryos and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Supernumerary embryos generated by IVF and ICSI should be frozen at the multicellular stage so as to allow selection of the best embryos for transfer and embryo freezing of only robust embryos.

Blastocyst↗

[Effect of various factors on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer in the human in clomiphene/hMG/hCG stimulated cycles].

In the present study we tried to analyse data obtained on the occasion of an in vitro fertilization programme at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the University of Kiel, to extract some of the important factors, because their positive or negative influence on the success of extracorporal insemination, embryo transfer and implantation has not been clearely defined till now and to value their concern. Between July 1982 and February 1983 105 sterile patients with ovulatory menstrual cycles have been treated by the technique of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, successively. Follicular growth was stimulated by 150 mg clomiphen daily from 3rd to 7th day and application of 225 IU hMG on 6th, 8th and 10th day. Finally ovulation was timed 36 hours before follicular puncture by 5000 IU hCG. In 24 per cent endogenous LH peak could be observed. In 86 per cent of the 80 patients exactly timed one oocyte was to be found minimally. In 68 per cent of these patients after all an embryo transfer was done (24 times one embryo, 13 times two, 9 times three and once four embryos). 89% of the embryos have been transfered as 4-or 8-cell stage, only 11 per cent as two cell stage. Transfer took place 48 to 50 hours following insemination. There was no correlation between the maturity classified morphologically of the oocytes and the diameter of their follicles. The speed of development of the embryos was not correlated with the size of their follicles. too. In 60-70 per cent of all cases, in which an embryo transfer was possible, husbands had normal spermiogram. The percentage of unfertilised oocytes following insemination using non-optimal sperma was increased in all types of cycles, additionally there was a reduction of the developing speed of resulting embryos. Doubtless two the four pregnancies resulted after insemination using sperma of less quality. The conjugation rate is said to be not correlated directly with the exactness of timing of the application of hCG with reference to follicular maturity, but in all pregnancies hCG was injected simultaneously with the peak of estradiol.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗

What about the remaining twins since single-embryo transfer? How far can (should) we go?

Single-embryo transfer (SET) and more specifically elective SET (eSET) have taken their place in good clinical IVF/ICSI practice. After the initial cautious search for the characteristics of the twin-prone patient and of the selection of the embryo with the highest implantation potential many centres have embarked on the (progressive) implementation of SET, either by conviction or forced by legislation or both. It was only because the ongoing pregnancy rates remained largely unaffected that SET was accepted. Generally speaking, it can be said that the twinning rate after IVF/ICSI has dropped by at least 50% simply by transferring only one good-quality embryo in the first and second fresh IVF/ICSI cycles in young women, without decrease in the overall pregnancy rate. Preventing 'the second half' of IVF/ICSI twins constitutes another and probably tougher challenge because the target group is a heterogeneous mix consisting of patients in very different clinical situations. Can we expand our experience for further twin prevention to women of older age and to cycles of higher rank without a significant drop in pregnancy rates? Can we extend it to more cryopreservation cycles? To have an idea of future target groups for increased application of SET, we analysed the remaining twins after double-embryo transfer (DET), and from these data we suggest expanding the eSET policy to women <38 years of age until the third cycle and to cryopreservation cycles.

Embryo Transfer↗

[Difficult embryo transfer: what can be done in practice?].

Embryo transfer is an important step in the success of IVF treatment. One must avoid, at all cost, difficult transfers provoking bleeding, uterine contractions, and the retention of the embryo in the cervix, or even, its expulsion. Evaluation before IVF treatment, including a trial transfer, should allow one to evaluate the transfer step, anticipate problems, and thus improve treatment. The difficult insertion into the womb is most often associated with the presence of curves, which can be easily overcome by using pre-curved catheters.

Catheterization↗

[In vitro fertilization and embryo transfers in non human primates (author's transl)].

In vitro fertilization and embryo transfers have been considered recently as a potential therapeutic approach for infertile women having irreparable tubal failure. This procedure includes aspiration of the preovulatory follicle for oocyte recovery, in vitro fertilization using capacitated sperm, embryo development in culture, and ultimately embryo transfer into the uterine lumen. Despite the increasing number of attempts in humans by recently formed medical teams in several countries, the overall results are very limited and the reasons for so many failures are not clearly identified. In the present paper are reviewed the results obtained in the development of an experimental model among non human primates. It is likely that only the detailed analysis of each step of the procedure, using this model, will clarify some of the problems encountered, and allow for improvements of further attempts in humans.

Animals↗

Norgestomet implants, plasma progesterone concentrations and embryo transfer pregnancy rates in cattle.

A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that supplementation with exogenous progestagen at the time of embryo transfer would enhance pregnancy rates in recipients. Two-hundred-and-seventy-two oestrus-synchronised crossbred heifer and cow recipients received 200 grade 1 and 72 grade 2 Simmental embryos transferred non-surgically. Heparinised blood samples were taken on day 6 and day 7 (oestrus = day 0) for the assessment of the endogenous plasma progesterone concentration. Half the recipients received an ear implant impregnated with 3 mg norgestomet on the day of embryo transfer. The pregnancy rates were 51.9 and 49.6 per cent for the norgestomet-treated and control groups, respectively. The pregnancy rate for grade 1 embryos was 56.0 per cent and for grade 2 embryos 36.1 per cent (P < 0.01). The breed of recipient, weekday of transfer, operator and condition score had no effect on pregnancy rate. The maiden heifers had a higher pregnancy rate (54.2 per cent) than the cows (46.2 per cent). The mean plasma progesterone concentrations of the pregnant and non-pregnant groups on day 6 were 6.7 ng/ml and 6.6 ng/ml, respectively, and 7.6 ng/ml in both groups on day 7.

Animals↗

Increasing reproductive rates in tropical sheep by means of embryo transfer.

One to three embryos were transferred to three groups each of 12 Kenya Merino ewes to establish if uterine capacity is a limiting factor to reproductive performance in this breed of sheep, in a tropical environment. A fourth group of 12 ewes received three embryos following superovulation. Multiple transfers increased the number of lambs born per pregnant ewe. However, although superovulation significantly (P<0.01) increased endogenous progesterone levels in Group 4 recipient ewes, it did not improve either their conception or lambing rates. Peri- and post-natal losses increased with the number of embryos trnasferred and with the litter size. Consequently, the same number of lambs were weaned per recipient ewe in all four groups. It is concluded that although the uterine capacity of the Kenyan Merino ewes is higher than their natural ovulation rates require, increasing the litter size will not necessarily increase the number of lambs weaned.

Journal Article↗

Reflections on the golden anniversary of the first embryo transfer to produce a calf.

In the belief that the vitality of a discipline benefits from a knowledge of its roots, events surrounding the first embryo transfer to produce a live calf (by Willett and his colleagues in Wisconsin fifty years ago) have been reviewed. That first success is discussed in the context of those times (including a brief review of the first international conference on embryo transfer, held in Texas in 1949) and in relation to subsequent events that led to the founding of the International Embryo Transfer Society in 1974.

Animals↗

Uterine artery impedance to blood flow on the day of embryo transfer does not predict obstetric outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of uterine artery impedance to blood flow on the day of embryo transfer for prediction of early pregnancy loss and obstetric outcome. METHODS: The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were evaluated prospectively by transvaginal Doppler in 102 infertile women, who conceived as the result of fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Uterine artery impedance to blood flow was compared to the obstetric outcome. RESULTS: The 111 treatment cycles studied resulted in 31 spontaneous abortions, four ectopic pregnancies, and 76 deliveries. There were no differences in uterine artery PI and RI (mean +/- SD) between cycles resulting in normal delivery (2.69 +/- 0.71 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those resulting in spontaneous abortion (2.71 +/- 0.67 and 0.88 +/- 0.05) or ectopic pregnancy (2.36 +/- 0.54 and 0.85 +/- 0.06). There were no differences in PI and RI between uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (2.74 +/- 0.78 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those developing intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), or preterm birth (2.54 +/- 0.47 and 0.87 +/- 0.04, pooled data). CONCLUSIONS: Uterine artery PI and RI on the day of embryo transfer were unrelated to the risk of the pregnancy ending in spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy. These values were of no value in the prediction of IUGR, PIH or preterm birth.

Adult↗

Success rates following intracytoplasmic sperm injection are improved by using ZIFT vs IVF for embryo transfer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the mode of embryo transfer (ZIFT vs IVF) affected the outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-two ICSI cycles (42 ZIFT and 40 IVF) were analyzed. Several variables, including patient age and weight, numbers of mature eggs collected, injected, and fertilized, fertilization rate, number of fertilized eggs obtained per cycle, numbers of zygotes/embryos transferred, clinical pregnancy rate, and implantation rate, were compared. Mean patient age and weight were identical. The mean number of mature eggs collected and injected and fertilization rate were significantly higher in the ZIFT group, however, the mean numbers of zygotes/embryos transferred were identical. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in ZIFT cycles (52.3 and 23.2% respectively) were significantly higher than in IVF cycles (17.5 and 9.7%). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that ZIFT is the more appropriate method for transfer of ICSI-derived embryos.

Adult↗

[Analysis of 92 ectopic pregnancy patients after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy among women who received in vitro fertilization and assess the influential factors. METHODS: The indications, methods of assisted conception and ectopic types were analyzed retrospectively after the patients received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or freezing-thawing embryo transfer (FET). RESULTS: A total of 6007 embryo transfers were performed, and 2322 (38.7%) clinical pregnancies were obtained. Ninety-four (4.05%) of them were ectopic pregnancies; and 92 were tubal pregnancies. The occurrence rate was 3.96%, which constituted 97.87% (92/94) of all ectopic pregnancies. There were 2 cases of other parts: one in abdominal cavity and the other in cornual pregnancy with the occurrence rate of 0.86%, constituting 2.32% (2/94). Twenty heterotopic pregnancies occurred (0.86%), constituting 21.28% (20/94). Among all ectopic pregnancies, the assisted conception of 86 cases was tubal pathology and/or pelvic adherence (91.49%), and 24 patients had a history of ectopic pregnancy (25.53%). The differences of clinical pregnancy rates between IVF-ET, ICSI and FET were not significant (P>0.05). The ectopic rate of IVF-ET group was significantly higher than that of ICSI or FET group (P<0.05), respectively. The ectopic rate in FET group was also higher than that in ICSI group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The occurrence rate of ectopic pregnancy after IVF is higher than that of spontaneous pregnancy, and the main cause for ectopic pregnancy is the tubal pathological changes.

Adult↗

A prospective randomized crossover comparison of zygote intrafallopian transfer and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in unexplained infertility.

60 couples aged under 38 with unexplained infertility were recruited in this prospective randomized crossover study to compare the efficacy of treatment between ZIFT and IVF-ET. A total of 150 stimulation cycles were commenced and 132 proceeded to successful egg collection (88%). Fertilization successfully occurred in 114 cycles (86.36%). A total of 110 embryo replacements were carried out, (52 uterine transfer and 58 tubal transfer). This prospective randomized cross over trial demonstrated the trend for higher implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate with ZIFT over IVF-ET for patients with unexplained infertility. The actual implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate with ZIFT were 13.7, 34.5, 31.0 per cent respectively compared to the results from IVF-ET which were 12.1, 26.9, 25.0 per cent respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Although this study showed a 5 per cent ectopic pregnancy rate with ZIFT and none with IVF-ET, the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, there was no difference in the overall miscarriage rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the two protocols. In conclusion, this prospective randomized crossover trial demonstrated the trend for higher reproductive outcomes in term of implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate with ZIFT over IVF-ET in unexplained infertility but the difference was not statistically significant.

Adult↗

Embryo transfer from donor cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus.

This study was done to examine the reproductive efficiency of embryo transfer donors that were persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and to determine the potential for vertical or horizontal transmission of BVDV during embryo transfer from persistently infected donors. The reproductive inefficiency of 7 different persistently infected donors was evident by consistent failure at superovulation and/or fertilization. Washing of embryos according to the reccommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) prevented the adherence of BVDV to embryos and to unfertile and degenerated ova, as determined by virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. In addition, a normal, BVDV antibody seronegative and BVDV-negative calf was born following transfer from a PI donor to a seronegative recipient.

Journal Article↗

Endoscopic embryo collection and embryo transfer into the oviduct and the uterus of pigs.

We describe the first complete embryo transfer program, including flushing of embryos from the oviducts via the uterine horns, transfer of embryos into the Fallopian tubes or the uterine horns and recording of the number of piglets born live. The described procedure is minimally invasive and allows the use of pigs simultaneously for embryo collection and production of normal pregnancies. A 30 degrees forward oblique endoscope provided optimal visualization of the reproductive organs and free access to the organs for embryo flushing and transfer. In contrast to surgical and nonsurgical methods, endoscopy allows to pre-examine the genital tract for reproductive abnormalities and successful ovulation. A total of 95 prepuberal gilts or cyclic sows were used in this trial. Embryos or oocytes were collected from hormonally treated pigs via endoscopy(n = 17) on Day 3 and via laparotomy or post mortem after slaughter (control group, n = 38) on Day 3 and 6 after insemination. One (unilateral collection, n = 7) or both oviducts (bilateral collection, n = 10) were flushed endoscopically. We recovered 114 (average 16/pig) and 279 (average 28/pig) oocytes or embryos with fertilization rates of 89% and 72%, respectively. In the control group 834 oocytes or embryos were collected at Day 3 and 6 after insemination (fertilization rate 64%, total 534 embryos, 33 at 2-, 367 at 4-, 2 at 8-cell stage, 24 morulae and 108 blastocysts). Of 836 embryos recovered by endoscopy, surgery or slaughter 528 Day 3 embryos at 2- to 4-cell stage were transferred into (one) oviducts (n = 27 pigs, about 20/pig) resulting in 9 pregnant pigs diagnosed at Day 28 by sonography. Of the 9, 8 carried a total of 49 piglets to term. A total of 195 Day 6 embryos were transferred into uterine horns (n = 12 pigs, about 16/pig), resulting in 5 pregnant pigs carrying a total of 38 offspring to term. The use of endoscopy in assisted reproduction of pigs has the advantages of allowing easy access to the ovary, oviduct and uterus, clear view of the organ manipulation without exposure and exteriorization of viscera during surgery.

Journal Article↗