Perinatal outcome in fresh versus frozen embryo transfer in ART cycles

Background: Despite of higher pregnancy rate after frozen embryo transfer [FET] which is accepted by the majority of researches, the safety of this method and its effect on neonatal outcome is still under debate

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcome of FET compare to fresh cycles

Materials and Methods: In this study,1134 patients using fresh ET and 285 women underwent FET were investigated regarding live birth as primary outcome and gestational age, birth weight, gender, multiple status, ectopic pregnancy, still birth and pregnancy loss as secondary outcomes

Results: Our results showed that there is no difference between FET and fresh cycles regarding live birth [65.6% vs. 70.4% respectively]. Ectopic pregnancy, still birth and abortion were similar in both groups. The mean gestational age was significantly lower among singletons in FET group compared to fresh cycles [p=0.047]. Prematurity was significantly elevated among singleton infants in FET group [19.6%] in comparison to neonates born after fresh ET [12.8%] [p=0.037]

Conclusion: It seems that there is no major difference regarding perinatal outcome between fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Although, live birth is slightly increased in fresh cycles and prematurity was significantly increased among singleton infants in FET group

relationship between seasonal variability and pregnancy rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technique

Backgrownd: Studies in regions with seasonal climatic variations have revealed a correlation between human natural conception and birth rates. Holidays and other cultural activities probably have influence on conception, but the ambient temperature and emotional influences on the female hormones related to fertility may play an important part in the seasonal variation in conception

Objectives: The aim of study was to determine the relationship between the success rate of Assisted Reproductive Technique [ART] treatment cycles and temperature in different seasons

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study on all individuals undergoing assisted ART at our institution was performed during June 2000 to June 2001. The study population represented 258 IVF-ET cycles and 821 ICSI treatment cycles. Different variables were analyzed using jj test

Results: In IVF treatment cycles, conception was more common from early spring [March to June]. This decreased from spring, with the minimum in fall, 22% and 14%, respectably. A significant seasonal variability in the number of eggs, embryo transferred and sperm motility was not demonstrated [p>0.05], but sperm count was significantly higher in spring than any other season [72 +/- 4 xl0[6] and 52 +/- 7xl0[6], respectively]

Conclusion: The seasonal changes should be taken into account together with other factors when evaluating infertility data