title: Maternal and perinatal outcomes after fresh versus frozen embryo transfer-what is the risk-benefit ratio?
abstract: Fresh ET has been the conventional strategy in IVF, but there is a growing opinion suggesting that its maternal and perinatal outcomes can be enhanced by a policy of elective freezing of embryos, followed by transfer at a later date. Available studies suggest a number of improved maternal and perinatal outcomes after frozen ET, although there is also a suggestion of large for gestational age babies associated with this strategy. The observational nature of the available data limit our confidence in the results of available studies. A genuinely unbiased estimate of the advantages of a policy of elective ET can only be confirmed by a definitive randomized controlled trial with an adequate length of follow-up of the offspring.
authors.affiliation: Aberdeen Fertility Centre, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.bhattacharya@abdn.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Siladitya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharya
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D050498:Live Birth; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Frozen embryo transfer; maternal; outcomes; perinatal