Elective single embryo transfer and cumulative pregnancy rate: five-year experience in a Southern European Country

• Published in: Gynecological endocrinology Vol. 28; no. 6; pp. 425 - 428
• Main Authors: Rodríguez Barredo, Dalia Beatriz, Tur Padro, Rosa, Mancini, Fulvia, Parriego García, Mónica, Rodríguez García, Ignacio, Coroleu Lletget, Buenaventura, Barri Rague, Pedro Nolasc
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa Healthcare 01.06.2012; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Adult; Cumulative live birth rate; Elective Surgical Procedures - statistics & numerical data; Europe - epidemiology; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - statistics & numerical data; frozen embryo transfer; Humans; Infertility - therapy; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Retrospective Studies; single embryo transfer; Single Embryo Transfer - methods; Single Embryo Transfer - statistics & numerical data; Single Embryo Transfer - utilization; Spain - epidemiology; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic - statistics & numerical data; Europe; Spain
• ISSN: 0951-3590; 1473-0766
• DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.633662

To compare cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates of single embryo transfer (SET) vs. double embryo transfer (DET) in women <35 years old with good-quality embryos, we designed an observational prospective study carried out between October 2002 and December 2006. Patients who accepted SET were compared with those who decided DET. A total of 628 couples who underwent embryo transfers met the criteria for SET: 52% accepted it, while 47.8% asked for DET. Implantation rate was higher in SET, 46.6% (p < 0.05), whereas pregnancy rate (PR) per transfer was higher in DET, 38.3% (p < 0.05). Twin PR in DET was 26.4% compared with 0.7% in SET (p < 0.05). SET group performed 278 frozen embryo transfer and DET 128. The mean of embryos transferred was the same, resulting in similar pregnancy and twin PR (SET: 24.8% and 21.7% vs. DET: 25.0% and 28.1%). Cumulative PR was 66.2% in SET and 69.7% in DET, not showing significant differences (NS). Likewise, cumulative live birth rates did not show differences. Cumulative twin PR in SET was 7.2% and in DET 26.6%, (p < 0.05). Cumulative PR over time leveled at 15-18 months follow-up in both groups. In Conclusion, in order to reduce twins we support the promotion of SET.