Efficacy of postal communication with patients who have cryopreserved pre-embryos.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the characteristics of patients who did and did not respond to a request for information regarding their cryopreserved pre-embryos.


METHODS
Mail survey.


METHODS
Academic-assisted reproductive technology program.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-six patients with cryopreserved pre-embryos.


METHODS
Patients were surveyed by first-class mail regarding their plans for their cryopreserved pre-embryos and their interest in embryo donation.


METHODS
Age, number of stored pre-embryos, and duration of storage of responders and nonresponders at 6 weeks after mailing.


RESULTS
Eighty-three patients (62%) did not respond to the survey. Compared with responders, nonresponders were significantly older at the time of embryo cryopreservation, had fewer pre-embryos cryopreserved, and had the pre-embryos cryopreserved for a longer duration. Five responders (9%) expressed an interest in embryo donation. Three patients requested disposal of pre-embryos. Sixteen surveys (12%) were returned as undeliverable. As a group, these patients had the fewest pre-embryos cryopreserved and had the longest duration of storage.


CONCLUSIONS
A disturbing number of patients with cryopreserved pre-embryos ignored efforts by our program to maintain contact. Older patients with few cryopreserved pre-embryos may require special attention to avoid abandonment.
Brzyski
R G
RG
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284-7836, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006801:Humans; D011177:Postal Service; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014019:Tissue Donors