Effect of embryo quality on pregnancy outcomes for women completing biochemical pregnancy in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of the numbers of transferred good-quality embryos on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), supplying a reference for selection of transferred embryos.MethodsFive hundreds and one infertile patients who underwent IVF-ET were retrospectively analyzed. All cycles were divided into 3 groups by the number of transferred good-quality embryos (group A: two good-quality embryos, group B: one good-quality embryo, group C: no good-quality embryo), with no significant difference in general condition such as age, infertility duration and infertility types. The pregnancy outcomes were compared and analyzed among the three groups.Results1) Live-birth rate was improved with increasing good-quality transferred embryo numbers. Groups A (70.3%) and B (69.8%) had no significant difference (P=0.409), whereas it was significantly greater in groups A and B than in group C (57.7%) (P=0.009, P=0.036). 2) The loss of single gestational sacs rate, which have no significant difference among 3 groups (P=0.221, P=0.539, P=0.226), reduced with increasing good-quality transferred embryos numbers. 3) Biochemical pregnancy abortion rate in groups A (10.9%) and B (10.1%) was significantly lower than that in group C (18.3%)(P=0.049, P=0.049). 4) There was no significant difference among 3 groups in ectopic pregnancy rate (P=0.174, P=0.129, P=0.404). 5) Multiple-birth rate was improved with increasing good-quality transferred embryos numbers, it was significantly greater in group A (31.6%) than in group C (15.0%)(P=0.020), while groups B and A had no significant difference (P=0.489, P=0.126).ConclusionTwo good-quality transferred embryos have no significantly difference to 1 good-quality embryo in all pregnancy outcomes. In clinic treatment, we can select 1 good-quality embryo and 1 poor-quality embryo when patients only have few good-quality embryos. Meanwhile, a good-quality embryo can improve live-birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate simultaneously. In order to meet a better assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome, we need to seek a balance between pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate.