Laser-assisted hatching of embryos is better than the chemical method for enhancing the pregnancy rate in women with advanced age.
OBJECTIVE
Assisted hatching may enhance embryo implantation. This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of the laser- and chemical-assisted hatching for promotion of implantation (IR), pregnancy (PR), and delivery rate (DR) in older women undergoing IVF cycles.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
An IVF unit of a medical center.


METHODS
A total of 601 embryos from 141 women aged > or =38 years underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and assisted hatching.


METHODS
The study population was divided into two groups: group 1 had laser-assisted hatching (n = 85) and group 2 had chemical-assisted hatching (n = 56). Before the transfer, the day 3 embryos were hatched by using a 1.48-microm noncontact diode laser or acid Tyrode's solution.


METHODS
The IR, PR, and DR between the groups were compared.


RESULTS
There were no statistical differences between groups in age, E2 concentrations during hCG administration, gonadotrophin dosage, embryo grade, the numbers of oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, and embryos transferred. Higher IR, PR, and DR were noted in the laser-assisted hatching group. The IR, PR, and DR were: group 1, 8.2%/31.8%/24.7% and group 2, 3.8%/16.1%/10.7%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser-assisted hatching of embryos is more effective than the chemical method in enhancing the IR and PR of women with advanced age. The laser system allows an easier, faster, and safer micromanipulation of the zona pellucida, which provided a better method in zona drilling.
Hsieh
Yao-Yuan
YY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Huang
Chun-Chia
CC
Cheng
Tzu-Chun
TC
Chang
Chi-Chen
CC
Tsai
Horng-Der
HD
Lee
Maw-Sheng
MS
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053685:Laser Therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures / Q000379:methods*
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; C037692:Tyrode's solution