Factors predicting IVF treatment outcome: a multivariate analysis of 5310 cycles

The objective of this study was to analyse factors predicting live birth rate following IVF. A computerized database of 1928 women who underwent 5310 consecutive IVF cycles in a single IVF unit was evaluated. Data on the women's age, number of retrieved oocytes, performance of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), aetiology of infertility, number of transferred embryos and option of choosing embryos for transfer were evaluated. There were 1126 pregnancies that resulted in 689 live births. Transferring two embryos doubled the chances of delivery compared with one embryo, but transferring three embryos was not significantly superior to two embryos. Moreover, following a three-embryo transfer, the multiple delivery rates were significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared with transferring two embryos. Optimal delivery rates were observed in women aged 26-30 years, with gradual decline with advanced age. The performance of ICSI resulted in higher delivery rates compared with conventional insemination. According to these data, the best live birth results following IVF treatment were achieved when the maternal age was 26-30 years, in couples with male factor infertility undergoing ICSI, and when two embryos were transferred.