Blastocyst culture and transfer increases the efficiency of oocyte donation

Fertil Steril. 2000 Sep;74(3):482-6. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)00685-3.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of blastocyst transfer on an oocyte donation program.

Design: Retrospective review of embryo transfer in an IVF clinic.

Setting: Private assisted reproductive technology unit.

Patient(s): Two hundred and twenty nine patients undergoing oocyte donation.

Intervention(s): Culture of pronucleate embryos to either day 3 or day 5 followed by embryo transfer.

Main outcome measure(s): Implantation rates, pregnancy rates, and multiple gestations were analyzed.

Result(s): Implantation rates and pregnancy rates were significantly increased by moving to extended embryo culture and transfer on day 5. After day 3 transfers, implantation and pregnancy rates were 47.1% and 75%, respectively. In contrast, on day 5 these rates were increased to 65.8% and 87.6%. Concomitantly, there were significantly fewer embryos transferred on day 5 (2.1) compared to day 3 (3.2).

Conclusion(s): Blastocyst transfer is a highly effective treatment for patients who receive donor oocytes, allowing excellent pregnancy rates while significantly reducing the incidence of high-order multiple gestations.

MeSH terms

  • Blastocyst / physiology*
  • Culture Techniques
  • Embryo Implantation
  • Embryo Transfer*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Age
  • Oocyte Donation*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Retrospective Studies