Embryonic losses after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Early loss of embryos is a major problem after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET). Because implantation of the embryo is a precondition for an increasing serum beta-hCG level, the embryonic development cannot be evaluated during the pre- and peri-implantation period. Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is a marker of the development of the embryo before and during implantation. Therefore serum samples of 82 patients were screened for EPF and beta-hCG after IVF/ET. 63% (52/82) of all patients were positive for EPF, 21% (17/82) showed elevated serum beta-hCG levels. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 12 patients (15%) resulting in nine deliveries. After difficult ET EPF turned negative more frequently in the peri-implantation period compared to transfers without problems. Emphasis should be directed towards optimizing the placement of the embryos and towards minimizing the trauma of the uterus.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Hannover, Germany.
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Mesrogli
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Dieterle
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D018835:Chaperonin 10; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000097:blood*; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic
D018835:Chaperonin 10; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic; C025124:early pregnancy factor