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.
Mesrogli
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Hannover, Germany.
Dieterle
S
S
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