A meta-analysis of ultrasound-guided versus clinical touch embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relative efficacy of ultrasound-guided embryo transfer and embryo transfer by clinical touch alone.


METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing ultrasound-guided embryo transfer with embryo transfer by clinical touch alone.


METHODS
Infertility centers providing treatment with in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer.


METHODS
Women undergoing embryo transfer.


METHODS
Embryo transfer with or without transabdominal ultrasound guidance.


METHODS
Clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate.


RESULTS
A total of eight prospective controlled trials were identified. Of these studies, four were nonrandomized or quasi-randomized and four were genuinely randomized. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased chance of clinical pregnancy following ultrasound-guided embryo transfer in all studies and in the genuinely randomized subgroup. The embryo implantation rate was also significantly increased following ultrasound-guided embryo transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer significantly increases the chance of clinical pregnancy and significantly increases the embryo implantation rate.
Buckett
William M
WM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada. william.buckett@muhc.mcgill.ca
D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014463:Ultrasonography