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. 2011 Jul;28(7):575-81.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-011-9551-7. Epub 2011 Mar 4.

Frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: clinical outcomes of single and double blastocyst transfers

Inna Berin  1 , Sarah T McLellan, Eric A Macklin, Thomas L Toth, Diane L Wright
Affiliations

Frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: clinical outcomes of single and double blastocyst transfers

Inna Berin et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2011 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles when one or two blastocysts are transferred.

Methods: Retrospective chart review

Results: Two hundred forty-three frozen blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles were analyzed. Clinical pregnancy rate (50.4% vs. 34.7%), live birth rate (45.8% vs. 30.6%), and twin live birth rate (19.3% vs. 0) were significantly higher in the double versus single FBT group, respectively (p < 0.05). Prior fresh cycle success with same-cohort embryos did not predict outcome of FBT cycle. When the fresh cycle was unsuccessful, there still was a significant increase in twinning when two frozen-thawed blastocysts were transferred.

Conclusions: Transferring two blastocysts during an FBT cycle resulted in higher live birth and twin live birth rates. Single FBT provided acceptable pregnancy rates for couples seeking to avoid a multiple pregnancy or for those having a single blastocyst stored. Interestingly, the outcome of fresh cycle with same-cohort embryos did not influence the outcome of frozen-thawed cycle.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Outcomes of frozen blastocyst transfer cycles in all women
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Outcomes of frozen blastocyst transfer cycles in women who did not achieve a live birth from fresh cycle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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