Low-dose aspirin for in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Despite recent advances in ovarian stimulation regimens and laboratory techniques, the pregnancy rate of assisted reproduction remains relatively low. New methods that would potentially improve implantation rates are needed. One proposed strategy involves enhancement of blood flow at the implantation site with the use of low-dose aspirin. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of low-dose aspirin on likelihood of pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). An electronic search of the literature was conducted targeting reports published over the last 26 years. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing aspirin with placebo or no treatment in IVF/ICSI women were included in the meta-analysis. A number of relevant outcomes including pregnancy and live birth (LB) rates were investigated. Pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Inter-study heterogeneity among the trials was assessed using the Cochran's Q test. Ten RCTs were identified from the literature search, six of which met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Clinical pregnancy (CP) rate per embryo transfer (ET) was not found to be significantly different between patients who received low-dose aspirin and those who received placebo or no treatment (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92-1.29). None of the other outcomes, including CP per cycle, spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy per CP and LB rate per cycle or ET was found to differ significantly between the compared groups. On the basis of up-to-date evidence, low-dose aspirin has no substantial positive effect on likelihood of pregnancy and, therefore, it should not be routinely recommended for women undergoing IVF/ICSI.