title: Advanced scheduling for zygote intrafallopian transfer is possible via the use of a hormone replacement cycle for patients who have experienced repeated implantation failures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is an effective option for patients who have experienced repeated implantation failures (RIF) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. However, advance planning for the day of the operation can be problematic. Using a hormone replacement cycle (HRC) makes it possible to plan for the day of ZIFT. In the present study, we evaluated whether HRC-ZIFT is useful for RIF patients who have experienced difficulties obtaining morphologically good embryos in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 55 patients with a history of five or more unsuccessful transfers received HRC-ZIFT between June 2008 and June 2013. The oocyte pick-ups were performed and the oocytes showing two pronuclei (2PN) were cryopreserved. After receiving more than five 2PN oocytes, the operation day was scheduled in advance, and as a consequence, a HRC was started and ZIFT was performed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of the patients was 39.3 years, and the previous OPU and ET attempts numbered 7.5 and 6.9, respectively. The number of previously transferred embryos was 11.8, and the number of morphologically good embryos (MGEs) was only 1.2. The number of transferred 2PN oocytes was 6.7, and the subsequent pregnancy rate was 23.6 %. No ectopic or multiple pregnancies were observed, but there were 6 cases of miscarriage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among RIF patients, in particular those who have difficulty obtaining MGEs in vitro, ZIFT might be a useful option. The HRC allows patients and medical staff to plan for the operation day in advance.
authors: Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, 1-53-1, Ohara, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-0041, Japan, koji@sugiyama.or.jp.
authors: Koji
authors: K
authors: Nakagawa
authors: Hiroyasu
authors: H
authors: Juen
authors: Yayoi
authors: Y
authors: Nishi
authors: Rie
authors: R
authors: Sugiyama
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Motoyama
authors: Yasushi
authors: Y
authors: Kuribayashi
authors: Masato
authors: M
authors: Inoue
authors: Shigeo
authors: S
authors: Akira
authors: Rikikazu
authors: R
authors: Sugiyama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015925:Cryopreservation; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D017388:Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer / Q000379:methods*