Transfer of nonselected transferable day 3 embryos in low embryo producers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the implantation potential of embryos from assisted reproductive technology cycles with low embryo production and to assess the effects of clinical variables and embryo scores (ES) on pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Assisted reproductive technology unit in a tertiary medical center.


METHODS
From July 1998 to December 2001, 280 cycles in 229 infertile couples produced a limited number of one, two, or three embryos 3 days after oocyte retrieval and underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET).


METHODS
Embryos with two or more blastomeres were scored and transferred.


METHODS
ES and implantation rate per ET.


RESULTS
Of 863 fresh ET cycles during the study period, 32.4% (280) were low embryo producers. Among them, there were no significant differences in average ES of individual embryos in single, dual, or triple ET or in embryos obtained from patients with low or high E2 responses, or young or old age. Embryos derived from conventional IVF had a better ES than those derived from intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The clinical pregnancy rate was strongly correlated with the cumulative ES. Implantation rates were similar among and between groups, with an average rate of 15.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
Embryos of low embryo producers had an inherently low implantation potential that appeared to be unrelated to the number of embryos transferred, female age, ovarian E2 genesis, or fertilization method. The cumulative ES can serve as a predictor of pregnancy.
Kung
Fu-Tsai
FT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. ftkung@ksts.seed.net.tw
Chang
Shiuh-Young
SY
Yang
Chun-Yuh
CY
Lin
Yi-Chi
YC
Lan
Kuo-Chung
KC
Huang
Li-Ying
LY
Huang
Fu-Jen
FJ
D000328:Adult; D001757:Blastomeres / Q000637:transplantation*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013081:Sperm Motility
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D016729:Leuprolide