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Prediction of fetal loss by first-trimester crown–rump length in IVF pregnancies

  • Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the association between small crown–rump length (CRL) and fetal loss ≤22 weeks in IVF pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at a university-affiliated medical center. All singleton IVF pregnancies within a 5-year period, with a live embryo on first-trimester ultrasound and verified pregnancy outcome were included. Rates of fetal loss ≤22 weeks were compared between pregnancies with a CRL ≤tenth percentile and above the tenth percentile of our population.

Results

Overall, 397 pregnancies met inclusion criteria. Ninety-five percent of CRL measurements were performed at 40–80 gestational days. All live-embryo’s CRL measurements, from 40 to 80 mm, were plotted against expected gestational age (in 5-day clusters), with calculation of the tenth percentile for every gestational age. Total of 64 pregnancies had CRL ≤tenth percentile for gestational age. The rate of fetal loss in this group was significantly higher than in pregnancies with CRL >tenth percentile (17.2 vs. 6.6%, p = 0.005, OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.2–6.7). In both groups, the majority of fetal losses occurred ≤10 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

In IVF pregnancies with a live embryo, a small CRL at 40–80 days’ gestation may predict fetal loss. Repeated ultrasound should be considered after 1–2 weeks.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Mrs. Gloria Ganzach, from the Editorial Board of Rabin Medical Center for her assistance in preparing this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IVF and Infertility Unit and Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petach Tikva, Israel

    Rinat Gabbay-Benziv, Amir Dolev, Ron Bardin, Israel Meizner, Benjamin Fisch & Avi Ben-Haroush

  2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Rinat Gabbay-Benziv, Amir Dolev, Ron Bardin, Israel Meizner, Benjamin Fisch & Avi Ben-Haroush

Authors
  1. Rinat Gabbay-Benziv
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  2. Amir Dolev
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  3. Ron Bardin
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  4. Israel Meizner
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  5. Benjamin Fisch
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  6. Avi Ben-Haroush
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Avi Ben-Haroush.

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The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study, formal consent is not required.

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Gabbay-Benziv, R., Dolev, A., Bardin, R. et al. Prediction of fetal loss by first-trimester crown–rump length in IVF pregnancies. Arch Gynecol Obstet 295, 771–775 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4266-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4266-8

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