Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in elective single blastocyst transfer versus double blastocyst transfer stratified by age

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in pregnancy outcomes, stratified by age, between women undergoing elective single blastocyst transfer (eSBT) versus those undergoing double blastocyst transfer (2BT).

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: University IVF center.

Patient(s): A total of 1,141 nondonor IVF cycles in women aged <40 years from January 2004-March 2007.

Intervention(s): None.

Main outcome measure(s): Eggs retrieved, embryos cryopreserved, implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates (PR), live birth rates (LBR), spontaneous abortion rates (SAB).

Result(s): Pregnancy outcomes in 52 cycles of women <40 years of age who underwent eSBT were compared with 1,086 cycles of women who underwent 2BT in fresh IVF cycles from January 2004-March 2007. Overall, the eSBT was associated with a statistically significant 92% reduction in the twinning rate (from 25%-2%) while maintaining a high clinical PR (63% in the eSBT group vs. 61% in the 2BT group).

Conclusion(s): Women who are <40 years of age undergoing nondonor fresh IVF cycles can electively choose to transfer a single blastocyst for the purpose of significantly reducing their risk of multiples without compromising their PR.