Comparison of the transfer of equal numbers of blastocysts versus cleavage-stage embryos after repeated failure of in vitro fertilization cycles

• DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0146-3
• Publication Date: 2013-12-17T19:49:57Z
• Authors: Meric Karacan; Murat Ulug; Ayse Arvas; Ziya Cebi; Munip Berberoglugil; Melike Batukan; Teksen Camlıbel
• Keywords: Cleavage (geology)

To evaluate the efficacy of blastocyst transfer in women with at least two previously unsuccessful in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) attempts.Retrospective analysis of 238 couples (with previous implantation failures) had equal number (two) of cleavage-stage embryos (n = 143) or blastocysts (n = 95) transferred in the same IVF center.The clinical pregnancy rates and live-birth rates were similar in the cleavage-stage embryo transfer group and the blastocyst group (35.6% vs. 40% and 32.1% vs. 35.7%; p > 0.05, respectively). Miscarriage rates (9.8% vs. 10.5%) and multiple pregnancy rates (15.6% vs. 23.6%) did not differ. Although implantation rate was higher with blastocyst transfer than that with day 3 transfer, it did not reach to a statistical significance (24.7% and 19%, respectively, p > 0.05).Blastocyst transfer in ICSI cycles does not yield a better outcome than that obtained with cleavage-stage embryos in women who had unsuccessful IVF attempts previously.