title: Reduction of high order multiples in frozen embryo transfers.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine if blastocyst frozen embryo transfers are able to reduce the potential for the rate of high order multiples (HOM) (>2 fetal sacs) without affecting the overall pregnancy and implantation potential. Group A included all frozen blastocyst transfers prior to 1 January 2002. Group B included all frozen blastocyst transfers between 1 January 2002 and 12 December 2003. There was no significant difference for survival for the two time periods (79 versus 80%). A significantly (P<0.05) lower number of embryos were transferred in group B (1.9) compared with group A (2.8). There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction of (HOM) from 31 to 3% for groups A and B respectively. Ongoing pregnancy rates for group A resulted in 52% of 25 embryo transfers and 41% of 75 embryo transfers in group B (not significant). Reducing the number of embryos transferred between groups A and B did not significantly impact implantation rates. It is concluded that blastocyst freezing is effective for overall survival, pregnancy and implantation while reducing the rate of high order multiples.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Endocrine Associates of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA. tony.anderson@integramed.com
authors.forename: Anthony R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Shan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Sandy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Jack L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Crain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple