Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Embryo Freezing
Author Information
Author(s): Eric Scott Sills, Laura J McLoughlin, Marc G Genton, David J Walsh, Graham D Coull, Anthony PH Walsh
Primary Institution: Sims International Fertility Clinic/The Sims Institute, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
Can elective embryo cryopreservation improve reproductive outcomes for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
Conclusion
Elective embryo cryopreservation did not compromise embryo viability or overall reproductive outcome for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Supporting Evidence
- 1.8% of IVF cycles involved elective embryo freezing as OHSS prophylaxis.
- The delivery/livebirth rate was 33.3% per initiated cycle and 43.6% per transfer.
- No serious OHSS complications were encountered during the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how freezing embryos can help women who might get very sick from fertility treatments. It found that freezing didn't hurt the chances of having a baby.
Methodology
Medical records of IVF patients from 2000-2008 were reviewed to identify cases at risk for OHSS where cryopreservation was performed.
Potential Biases
The retrospective nature of the study may introduce selection bias.
Limitations
The study did not have a control group and could not assess the impact of serum oestradiol on OHSS risk due to inconsistent availability.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 32 years, with all patients having normal ovaries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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