title: Assessments of embryo transfer after in-vitro fertilization: effects of glyceryl trinitrate.
abstract: The role of embryo transfer and its associated difficulties on the outcome of human in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined using a standardized procedure and a scoring system (embryo transfer scores 1-5). This system was used to assess any effects of the smooth muscle relaxant glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on embryo transfer. Patients (n = 120) were randomized in a double-blind manner at their first embryo transfer to receive sublingual GTN or placebo before the transfer. Retrospective analysis showed that higher pregnancy rates were associated with uncomplicated transfers (score 1; P < 0.01). The outcome measures included pregnancy rate, total time of cervical manipulation (embryo transfer time) and embryo transfer score. All pregnancies had a transfer score of 1 or 2, but no recorded parameter differentiated between pregnant or non-pregnant cycles, and GTN had no significant effect on any parameter.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shaker
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Coutts
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D005996:Nitroglycerin