Fetal cardiac activity at 4 weeks after in vitro fertilization predicts successful completion of the first trimester of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the predictive value of fetal cardiac activity (FCA), measured at 6 weeks' gestation, on first-trimester pregnancy success after IVF.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
University-based reproductive endocrinology and infertility practice.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-nine women, without a history of recurrent miscarriage, who were undergoing fresh IVF cycles from August 1, 2004 to February 28, 2005.


METHODS
Transvaginal ultrasound.


METHODS
First-trimester pregnancy success.


RESULTS
Ninety-three percent (51/53) of gestational sacs with FCA completed the first trimester (positive predictive value of 93%). Eighty-seven percent (13/15) of sacs without FCA failed in the first trimester (negative predictive value of 87%). In singletons, the positive and negative predictive value of FCA on first-trimester success was 100%. All twin pregnancies (n = 11) successfully completed the first trimester.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis, which was performed strictly in an IVF population with no history of recurrent pregnancy loss, demonstrates that positive FCA at 6 weeks' gestation is an excellent predictor of first-trimester pregnancy outcome.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07101-1709, USA.
Aimee
A
Seungdamrong
Mamta
M
Purohit
David H
DH
McCulloh
Richard D
RD
Howland
Jose M
JM
Colon
Peter G
PG
McGovern
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects; D005865:Gestational Age; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D050498:Live Birth; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal