Outcome of pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilisation techniques and diagnosed as twins at the 6 week ultrasound

BACKGROUND: To bring the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures to an acceptable level, multiple embryos have historically been replaced. This has resulted in an 'epidemic' of multiple births. The pendulum has now swung full circle and the number of embryos transferred is now being limited. Such high numbers of IVF twins will not be produced in the future. AIM: To review retrospectively the outcome of a series of pregnancies achieved by IVF where the 6 week ultrasound showed the presence of two sacs. METHODS: Retrospective study in a university IVF programme that produced 746 IVF pregnancies with twins at 6 weeks of gestation (1991-1999). RESULTS: The main outcome measures were perinatal mortality, pregnancy outcome, gestation at delivery and obstetrics complications reported. Interestingly, by 20 weeks gestation, 184 (24.7%) of pregnancies spontaneously reduced to a singleton, whereas 49 (6.6%) lost both twins. Of the 513 (68.8%) viable twin pregnancies (>20 weeks), 154 (20.6%) went on to term (>37 weeks), whereas 250 (33.5%) delivered between 33 and 36 weeks gestation. The perinatal mortality per 1000 births was 6.5 over 37 weeks, 8.0 for 33-36 weeks, 41.7 for 29-32 weeks and 500 for under 28 weeks.     

Transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction: report of 40 cases

Forty patients with multiple gestations, all resulting from infertility treatment, underwent transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction at an average of 12 weeks' gestation. Twenty-three women with triplets, 13 with quadruplets, and four with quintuplets had their pregnancies reduced to twins, except for two (one reduced from five to three and one from three to one). Twenty-eight women have delivered and 12 have ongoing pregnancies; none of the 40 lost the entire pregnancy after the procedure. There was one neonatal death from prematurity, and one fetus died because of growth retardation. Ten (36%) delivered after 37 weeks' gestation, 16 (57%) between 33-36 weeks, and two (7%) before 33 weeks. No maternal complications directly related to the procedure were encountered. We conclude that selective termination is a safe procedure that may improve multifetal pregnancy outcome.     

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer improves outcome in patients with previous failed in vitro fertilization cycles

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of transvaginal ultrasound-guided ET in IVF cycles performed on patients who had previously failed to conceive from IVF and compare the results to previous cycles where ultrasound guidance was not used. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study.Setting: Private practice IVF program. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty-nine women undergoing consecutive cycles of IVF where fresh embryos were transferred. INTERVENTION(S): Transvaginal ultrasound guidance was used during transfer of embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(s): Patient age, number of ampules of gonadotropin used, maximum E(2) level, number of oocytes retrieved, number of two pronuclei embryos obtained, number of embryos transferred, mean embryo score, implantation and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): There was no difference in any of the clinical parameters measured in IVF cycles resulting in pregnancy when transvaginal ultrasound-guided ET was used compared to the failed cycles when there was no ultrasound guidance. Of the patients who previously had failed IVF cycles and subsequently had IVF cycles with ultrasound guidance, those who became pregnant had higher mean embryo scores than those who did not become pregnant. Overall implantation and pregnancy rates were higher during the study period when transvaginal ultrasound guidance was used than in the previous 3 years when it was not used. CONCLUSION(S): Transvaginal ultrasound-guided ET may be responsible for successful IVF cycles in patients who had previously failed to conceive when embryos were transferred by the clinical touch method. Transvaginal ultrasound guidance may also be responsible for an overall increase in embryo implantation and pregnancy compared to the use of the clinical touch method.     

Monochorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection,assisted hatching,and two-embryo transfer: first reported case following IVF

BACKGROUND: We present a case of monochorionic-triamniotic pregnancy that developed after embryo transfer following in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: After controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and transvaginal retrieval of 22 metaphase II oocytes, fertilization was accomplished with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Assisted embryo hatching was performed, and two embryos were transferred in utero. One non-transferred blastocyst was cryopreserved. RESULTS: Fourteen days post-transfer, serum hCG level was 423 mIU/ml and subsequent transvaginal ultrasound revealed a single intrauterine gestational sac with three separate amnion compartments. Three distinct foci of cardiac motion were detected and the diagnosis was revised to monochorionic-triamniotic triplet pregnancy. Antenatal management included cerclage placement at 19 weeks gestation and hospital admission at 28 weeks gestation due to mild preeclampsia. Three viable female infants were delivered via cesarean at 30 5/7 weeks gestation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of triplet delivery in humans is approximately 1:6400, and such pregnancies are classified as high-risk for reasons described in this report. We also outline an obstetric management strategy designed to optimize outcomes. The roles of IVF, ICSI, assisted embryo hatching and associated laboratory culture conditions on the subsequent development of monozygotic/monochorionic pregnancy remain controversial. As demonstrated here, even when two-embryo transfer is employed after IVF the statistical probability of monozygotic multiple gestation cannot be reduced to zero. We encourage discussion of this possibility during informed consent for the advanced reproductive technologies.     

Selective reduction in multifetal pregnancies: technical and psychological aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficiency and safety of a very early transvaginal selective reduction procedure in multifetal pregnancies. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Obstetric and Gynecology Department, University of Paris VI. PATIENTS: Twenty-two patients with multifetal pregnancies: 14 triplets, 8 quadruplets, and 1 quintuplet. INTERVENTION: Selective embryonic reduction was performed at 7 weeks of amenorrhea under general anesthesia by transvaginal embryo puncture and aspiration. Two embryos were left in place. MAIN OUTCOMES: Pregnancy outcome (immediate or delayed complication, term of delivery, newborns) and psychological impact. RESULTS: No complication occurred. The 22 patients now have delivered at 36.5 weeks of amenorrhea, on average giving birth to 44 neonates with no congenital malformation. If the procedure generates anxiety, it is nevertheless perceived as necessary for the successful outcome of the pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Early mechanical transvaginal embryo reduction performed at 7 weeks of amenorrhea, leaving two embryos is, in our opinion, a simple and safe procedure with no affect on remaining fetuses. It is necessary when there are four or more embryos, and it should also be proposed for triplets. In these circumstances, patients saw reduction as a necessary procedure.     

IVF/ICSI-ET后单绒毛膜四胎合并单绒毛膜单胎妊娠

目的:报道1例体外受精/单精子胞浆内注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)后单绒毛膜四胎合并单绒毛膜单胎妊娠。方法:患者为26岁女性,接受IVF/ICSI-ET治疗,取卵后3d移植2枚8-细胞胚胎。结果:孕6周经阴道B超示单绒毛膜四胎合并单绒毛膜单胎妊娠。选择性减胎术在孕7周进行,减灭单绒毛膜四胎。孕40周行剖宫产术娩出单活男婴。结论:高龄、透明带操作、胚胎培养时间和条件、促排卵治疗等多种因素可造成单卵多胎妊娠。选择性减胎术可降低多胎妊娠的不利影响,但应更注重预防其发生。     

Heterotopic cervical pregnancy successfully treated with transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration and cervical-stay sutures

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of a heterotopic cervical pregnancy successfully treated with transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration and cervical-stay sutures. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary academic IVF program. PATIENT(S): A 35-year-old woman who conceived from IVF-ET treatment at 5.5 weeks of gestation. INTERVENTION(S): Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cervical pregnancy followed by cervical-stay sutures to control hemorrhage after aspiration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recovery of the patient, preservation of the intrauterine pregnancy, and sequelae. RESULTS(S): The cervical pregnancy was successfully aborted, and the intrauterine pregnancy progressed to term. CONCLUSION(S): Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration in combination with hemostatic cervical-stay sutures can be safely used to manage heterotopic cervical pregnancies.     

Reduction of the number of embryos in a multiple pregnancy: quintuplet to triplet

The technique for reduction of the number of embryos was applied in a patient who conceived following IVF and transfer of six embryos. On the 10th week of gestation, the number of embryos was reduced from five to three by an U/S-guided intra-uterine procedure. Two healthy girls and a boy were delivered in the 36th week by cesarean section. No trace of the other two fetuses was found. The moral and technical aspects of partial preventive termination of multiple pregnancy are discussed.     

Blastocyst culture and transfer: a step toward improved in vitro fertilization outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of blastocyst culture and transfer in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) as compared to day 3 embryo transfer. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: Private assisted reproduction unit. PATIENT(S): A total of 162 IVF patients were included in the day 3 embryo transfer (n = 82) and blastocyst transfer (n = 80) groups. INTERVENTION(S): Embryo transfer on day 3 after culture in the standard culture media and blastocyst transfer on day 5 or 6 after culture in the sequential culture media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):Implantation and pregnancy rates, multiple gestation rate. RESULT(S): The implantation rate for embryos transferred at the blastocyst stage was significantly higher than that for embryos transferred on day 3 (26% vs. 13%). The viable pregnancy rate was similar in both groups (29% vs. 26%). Significantly fewer embryos were required for transfer at the blastocyst stage compared with day 3 embryo transfer (2.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.63). The high-order multiple gestation rate was significantly less with the blastocyst transfer than with the day 3 embryo transfer (4% vs. 19%). CONCLUSION(S): With the use of blastocyst culture, a few embryos can be transferred without decreasing the overall pregnancy rate. This may reduce multiple gestations and improve human IVF outcome.     

行IVF/ICSI各年龄段妇女早期单、双胎妊娠丢失的回顾性研究

目的:分析行IVF/ICSI的各年龄段妊娠妇女早期单、双胎妊娠胚胎丢失的影响因素。方法:回顾性分析行IVF/ICSI治疗,授精后第2日或第3日移植2~3个胚胎后单、双胎妊娠周期中早期妊娠囊丢失情况。结果:共收集到1 674个IVF/ICSI周期,孕6周单胚胎着床1 077例,双胚胎着床597例。孕12周时单胎和双胎的继续妊娠数分别为901例(83.66%)和548例(91.79%)(P<0.001)。双胎妊娠中,21例(3.52%)自然减胎成单胎,28例(4.69%)自然流产。单胎和双胎妊娠中,每个着床妊娠囊的丢失率分别为16.34%(176/1 077),6.45%(741/1 194)(P<0.001)。妊娠妇女早期妊娠囊丢失率单胎者高于同年龄段双胎妊娠者,26~37岁各年龄段妇女单胎与双胎妊娠丢失率间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),≥38岁妇女双胎妊娠丢失率显著增加。单胎妊娠组Gn每日用量显著高于双胎妊娠组(P<0.05),而受精率及优质胚胎率单胎妊娠组显著低于双胎妊娠组(P<0.001),Gn每日用量、受精率及优质胚胎率在妊娠丢失组和继续妊娠组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:双胎妊娠早期能获得更好的继续妊娠机会,随年龄增加尤其是≥38岁妇女,妊娠丢失显著上升。胚胎形态学质量好则有助于双胚胎着床,但是对继续妊娠没有直接明显的影响。     

Transvaginal ultrasound in selective embryo reduction for multiple pregnancy

Ovulation induction for the treatment of infertility is known to carry the risk of inducing multiple gestations, with attendant high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Selective reduction of the number of fetuses in a multiple gestation to reduce this risk, using transvaginal ultrasound, is a recent technological development. Six patients (three with quadruplets and three with triplets) underwent selective embryo reduction in the first trimester using real-time transvaginal ultrasound. Potassium chloride was used for intrathoracic injection. One of the procedures was complicated by chorioamnionitis 48 hours later, necessitating termination of pregnancy. Transvaginal sonographically directed selective reduction represents an important addition to the management of unplanned multiple pregnancy resulting from infertility treatment. The procedure is not without risks, and these must be weighed against potential benefits.     

Laser-assisted human embryo biopsy on the third day of development for preimplantation genetic diagnosis: two successful case reports

OBJECTIVE: To perform preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with 1.48-microm infrared diode laser assistance during embryo biopsy for two patients undergoing IVF. DESIGN: Case reports. SETTING: Private ART laboratory.Two couples undergoing IVF for infertility therapy, both of whom had previously delivered offspring afflicted with spinal muscular atrophy (type 1) after IVF therapy, and who underwent subsequent cycles of IVF coupled with PGD to screen for this disorder. INTERVENTION(S): Two individual IVF cases involving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo biopsy with laser assistance, and PGD.The ease and apparent safety of human embryo biopsy using a 1.48-microm infrared laser for partial zona pellucida (ZP) dissection to assist with embryo blastomere biopsy was evaluated. RESULT(S): Both couples were deemed to have some unafflicted embryos for transfer on the fifth day of development after blastomere biopsy in conjunction with PGD. Patient A had a singleton pregnancy and delivered a healthy normal singleton male. Patient B had a twin pregnancy; however, one twin was spontaneously lost at 10 weeks but she ultimately delivered a healthy normal singleton male. CONCLUSION(S): These successful outcomes help to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted embryo biopsy to facilitate PGD screening.     

Embryo reduction in multifetal pregnancies after infertility therapy: obstetrical risks and perinatal benefits are related to operative strategy

To assess the benefits that can be expected from embryo reduction of multiple pregnancies after infertility therapy, we report 58 consecutive cases of selective termination using either a transcervical or a transabdominal approach. The initial number of embryos was five or more in 13 patients, four in 29 patients, and three in 15 patients. The miscarriage rate after transabdominal procedures (23%) was one half of that after transcervical aspiration. Forty pregnancies resulted in the live birth of one child or more. The rate of prematurity was strongly related to the number of embryos left. Mean gestational age at birth was 35.5 weeks but reached 37.7 weeks when only one embryo was left. A reduction in premature birth after selective termination appeared clear for pregnancies with four or more embryos but was less significant for triplets.     

Ultrasound in assisted reproductive technology

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval is the gold standard for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Despite its relative safety, oocyte retrieval is associated with risk to the adjacent pelvic organs, bleeding, and pelvic infection. The embryo transfer (ET) procedure is considered a crucial step in an IVF cycle. The success of the ET is dependent upon multiple factors including embryo quality, proper endometrial receptivity, and the technique by which the embryos are transferred. Optimizing the technique of ET would therefore provide the best chance for pregnancy. No standard evidence-based protocol exists, but ET with ultrasound guidance has been shown to significantly increase the chance of embryo implantation, an ongoing pregnancy, and a live birth and to improve the ease of transfer. Identifying appropriate ultrasound-guided simulation training techniques in ET would ensure adequate fellowship training without affecting the outcome of assisted reproductive technology cycles.     

早孕期阴道B超引导下胚胎抽吸术的临床应用

目的 :总结早孕期多胎妊娠减胎术 ( MPR)的经验及对妊娠结局的影响。方法 :经辅助生殖技术受孕的 1 0例多胎妊娠患者接受了阴道 B超引导下胚胎抽吸术。结果 :共减灭 1 2个早孕期胚胎 ,减胎孕龄平均为 7.6± 0 .5周 ,消减每孕囊时间平均为 4.9± 2 .6min。4例 (包括 2例早产 )共分娩了 7个新生儿 ( 1例单胎 )。分娩孕周为 37.4± 2 .2周 ,出生体重为 2 72 0± 5 63.6g。无流产和新生儿死亡 ;其余 6例 (双胎 )继续妊娠 ,胎儿宫内发育良好。结论 :早孕期阴道 B超引导下胚胎抽吸术是改善多胎妊娠结局的有效方法。     

Heterotopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: 12 cases report

Objective  To evaluate the incidence, predisposing factors, early diagnosis and treatment options of heterotopic pregnancy (HP) following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure. Methods  A retrospective review study was performed to identify the HP cases after IVF-ET at the Reproductive Centre in Guangdong Women and Children’s Hospital in China between the years of 2002–2007. Results  Twelve out of 1,476 pregnancies (0.81%) were diagnosed for HP, of which nine patients elected for exploratory salpingectomy, two patients received selective fetal reduction by embryo aspiration under ultrasound guidance, and one patient opted for expectant treatment. Postoperatively, four intrauterine pregnancies were continued to develop until term while two were delivered at 35 weeks of gestation. The achievement ratio of continuous pregnancy was 66.7% (6/9). Conclusion  The incidence of HP is increasing due to the widespread use of assisted reproductive technology. An early transvaginal sonography performed by experienced radiologist/radiographer is considered to be essential and beneficial in establishing early diagnosis of HP. Both salpingectomy and selective fetal reduction by embryo aspiration can be administered as one of the effective therapies for HP with the optimal outcome of intrauterine pregnancy.     

Pregnancy outcome after multifetal pregnancy reduction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) as a means to reduce the adverse outcome of multiple gestations. METHODS: This was a retrospective study evaluating the outcome of 334 multiple pregnancies after embryo reduction. RESULTS: In 313 multiple pregnancies in which MFPR was performed before 15 weeks, the rates of miscarriage, preterm delivery <33 weeks, preterm delivery <36 weeks and total fetal loss were 9.12%, 13.33%, 38.60% and 16.25%, respectively, and median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks. There was a significant correlation between miscarriage and the finishing number of fetuses. In 185 triplets reduced to twins, miscarriage, preterm delivery <33 weeks, preterm delivery <36 weeks and total fetal loss occurred in 8.25%, 11.18%, 40.59% and 15.41% of cases, respectively, and median gestational age at delivery was 36 weeks. In the subgroup of 32 reduced triplet pregnancies that also had second-trimester amniocentesis, the risk of miscarriage (3.13%) was not significantly different from that in the rest of the group. Among 21 twin pregnancies that had selective termination at or after 15 weeks, the risk of preterm delivery <33 weeks was three times higher than in the group of 22 twin pregnancies with first-trimester procedures. CONCLUSION: MFPR resulted in at least one live neonate in 83.75% of cases and was effective in reducing the risks of pregnancy loss and severe prematurity in quadruplets and higher-order pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage increased with increasing finishing number of fetuses. In reduced triplets gestation was prolonged in comparison with average figures reported in the literature. In twin pregnancies selective termination in the first trimester carries a lower risk of severe preterm delivery and this emphasizes the need for first-trimester diagnosis.     

Conservative treatment of cervico-isthmic heterotopic pregnancy by fine needle aspiration for selective embryo reduction

An unusual case of a heterotopic cervico-isthmic pregnancy after IVF treatment occurred in a 34-year-old woman. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of the gestational sac for embryo reduction was safely used to manage the pregnancy and preserve the intrauterine fetus.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography-guided aspiration of gestational sacs for selective abortion in multiple pregnancy

A method for selective termination of multiple pregnancy by means of transvaginal ultrasonography-guided aspiration of gestational sacs is described. This technique was applied successfully in two women in whom the number of embryos was reduced from four to two at 7 weeks' gestation.