title: Cycle characteristics of day 3 embryo transfers with 4-cell embryos only.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Patient and cycle characteristics of day 3 transfers with developmentally lagging 4-cell embryos only were analyzed and related to the outcome of a live birth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Day 3 transfers with either 4-cell embryos only (study group; n = 138) or 8-cell embryos only (control group; n = 282) were compared retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total dose of FSH per treatment was higher, while the number of oocytes, zygotes, and transferred embryos was lower in the study group cycles compared to controls. The implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates were dramatically lower in the study group compared to the control group. In the study group, the few cycles resulting in a live birth were characterized by a normal ovarian response to stimulation, similar to that of control group cycles with- or without a live birth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In cycles characterized by intensive ovarian stimulation, but poor response, the chance for a live birth is extremely low after day 3 transfer of 4-cell embryos.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway. gudvor.ertzeid@rikshospitalet.no
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ertzeid
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Storeng
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanbo
authors.forename: P O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bjercke
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abyholm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone