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The number of blastomeres in post-thawing embryos affects the rates of pregnancy and delivery in freeze-embryo-transfer cycles

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Abstract

Purpose

To observe the differences in pregnancy rates (PRs), delivery rates, and abortion rates associated with frozen-embryo-transfer (FET)-based use of post-thawing embryos with different numbers of blastomeres.

Methods

959 FET cycles and 361 successful FET cycles performed between January 2007 and December 2007. Compare the PRs and abortion rates in post-thawing embryos with 8 blastomeres (8c), 7c, 6c, 5c, 4c,and 3c.

Results

1. The total PRs of post-thawing 8c, 7c, 6c, 5c, 4c, and 3c embryos were 44.1%, 41.0%, 34.4%, 23.8%, 12.5%, and 0%, respectively (p < 0.05). 2. The abortion rates for the transferred embryos of the 8c, 7c, 6c, 5c, and 4c groups were 17.92%, 19.35%, 27.69%, 24%, 20%, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The number of blastomeres in the post-thawing embryos is an important factor influencing the occurrence of pregnancy in FET procedures; however, the criterion that post-thawing embryos with 50% intact blastomeres will lead to pregnancy may not be valid.

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Correspondence to GuangXiu Lu.

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Capsule

PRs for FET cycles are correlated to the quality of post-thawing embryos, which is defined by the number of blastomeres in embryo.

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Zhang, S., Lu, C., Lin, G. et al. The number of blastomeres in post-thawing embryos affects the rates of pregnancy and delivery in freeze-embryo-transfer cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 26, 569–573 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9360-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9360-4

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