Evaluation of a transfer medium containing high concentration of hyaluronan in human in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether a high concentration of recombinant hyaluronan in the embryo transfer (ET) medium can influence pregnancy rates in humans.


METHODS
Retrospective, matched group study.


METHODS
Private and university hospital in vitro fertilization (IVF) units.


METHODS
Couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were divided in two groups. In group 1 (402 patients), ET was performed with an ET medium containing a high concentration of recombinant hyaluronan in the presence of recombinant human serum albumin (HSA). In group 2 (425 couples), ET was performed with a medium containing a lower concentration of hyaluronan and HSA.


METHODS
IVF and ICSI.


METHODS
The two groups were compared for pregnancy rates according to the woman's age, the technique used (IVF or ICSI), the number of embryos transferred, and the day of ET.


RESULTS
Between the two groups, no statistically significant differences were observed in the total pregnancy rates after IVF or ICSI. Similarly, the pregnancy rates did not differ between the two groups when subdivided according to the woman's age, the number of embryos transferred (one to four), or the day of ET (2, 3, or 5 after oocyte pick up).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of an ET medium with a high concentration of hyaluronan does not appear to have any statistically significant effect on pregnancy rates.
Loutradi
Kalliopi E
KE
Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Prassas
Ioannis
I
Bili
Eleni
E
Sanopoulou
Thomai
T
Bontis
Ioannis
I
Tarlatzis
Basil C
BC
D000328:Adult; D003470:Culture Media / Q000378:metabolism; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D007246:Infertility / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003470:Culture Media; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid