Perinatal outcome after embryo transfer in ovum recipients. A comparison with standard in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare perinatal outcome after embryo transfer vs. standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) in ovum recipients.


METHODS
We reviewed 22 consecutive ovum donor pregnancies delivered at Mount Sinai Hospital between July 1989 and November 1992 and matched them for age, parity and order of gestation to a control group who underwent standard IVF-embryo transfer (ET) during that period.


RESULTS
The two groups showed similar rates of maternal complications, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes and puerperal complications. When compared to patients undergoing autologous IVF-ET, ovum recipients had a lower rate of preterm labor (22.7% vs. 54.6%, P < .05), a higher mean gestational age at delivery (38.7 vs. 36.1 weeks, P < .01) and increased mean birth weight of neonates (2,924 vs. 2,374 g, P < .005). Though infants born through traditional IVF-ET were more likely to be preterm, Apgar scores were similar at one and five minutes. Our data support the generally favorable outcome seen in pregnancies conceived through ovum donation despite the fact that many of these patients had prior poor prenatal outcomes, long intervals until conception, and coexisting medical conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovum donation in women of comparable ages has obstetric outcomes equal to or better than patients undergoing traditional IVF-ET. Obstetric and perinatal outcome do not seem to be impaired in patients receiving donated oocytes.
Friedman
F
F
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Copperman
A B
AB
Brodman
M L
ML
Shah
D
D
Sandler
B
B
Grunfeld
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001034:Apgar Score; D001724:Birth Weight; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D018587:Oocyte Donation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies