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Frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: clinical outcomes of single and double blastocyst transfers

  • Assisted Reproduction Technologies
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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles when one or two blastocysts are transferred.

Methods

Retrospective chart review

Results

Two hundred forty-three frozen blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles were analyzed. Clinical pregnancy rate (50.4% vs. 34.7%), live birth rate (45.8% vs. 30.6%), and twin live birth rate (19.3% vs. 0) were significantly higher in the double versus single FBT group, respectively (p < 0.05). Prior fresh cycle success with same-cohort embryos did not predict outcome of FBT cycle. When the fresh cycle was unsuccessful, there still was a significant increase in twinning when two frozen-thawed blastocysts were transferred.

Conclusions

Transferring two blastocysts during an FBT cycle resulted in higher live birth and twin live birth rates. Single FBT provided acceptable pregnancy rates for couples seeking to avoid a multiple pregnancy or for those having a single blastocyst stored. Interestingly, the outcome of fresh cycle with same-cohort embryos did not influence the outcome of frozen-thawed cycle.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Division of Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 10A, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Inna Berin, Sarah T. McLellan, Thomas L. Toth & Diane L. Wright

  2. Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Eric A. Macklin

Authors
  1. Inna Berin
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  2. Sarah T. McLellan
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  3. Eric A. Macklin
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  4. Thomas L. Toth
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  5. Diane L. Wright
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Inna Berin.

Additional information

Capsule

Transferring one frozen-thawed blastocyst resulted in acceptable success rates, with higher overall live birth and twinning rates when transferring two, regardless of fresh cycle outcome.

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Berin, I., McLellan, S.T., Macklin, E.A. et al. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: clinical outcomes of single and double blastocyst transfers. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 575–581 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9551-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9551-7

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