The presence of hydrosalpinx may not adversely affect the implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of hydrosalpinx on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, a retrospective study was undertaken at a tertiary referral center for infertility.


METHODS
Results of the first IVF treatment cycles in 144 patients from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1995, who had tubal infertility only and were less than 38 years old, were reviewed. The duration/dosage of hMG used, serum estradiol level on the day of hCG, number of oocytes aspirated and fertilized, number of embryos replaced, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and pregnancy outcome were compared in patients with and without hydrosalpinx.


RESULTS
The mean implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were similar in patients with or without hydrosalpinx. Both groups had similar ovarian responses and fertilization rates. There was no increase in clinical abortion in the hydrosalpinx group but ectopic pregnancies were more common in patients with hydrosalpinx.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of hydrosalpinx did not adversely affect the implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization treatment when the results of the first cycle were compared. However, it can lead to a higher incidence of ectopic pregnancies.
Ng
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EH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Yeung
W S
WS
Ho
P C
PC
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008596:Menotropins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008596:Menotropins