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Comparative Study
. 2017 Dec;34(12):1639-1643.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-017-1023-2. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

The role of angiogenic markers in adverse perinatal outcomes: fresh versus frozen embryo transfers

Irene Woo  1   2 , Yen Chan  3 , Intira Sriprasert  4   5 , Kristin Louie  4 , Sue Ingles  4 , Frank Stanczyk  4 , Lynda K McGinnis  4 , Karine Chung  4
Affiliations
Comparative Study

The role of angiogenic markers in adverse perinatal outcomes: fresh versus frozen embryo transfers

Irene Woo et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the angiogenic balance in fresh compared to frozen embryo transfers, and among neonates with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. All IVF cycles resulting in a singleton live birth at a university academic fertility center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013, were examined. Concentrations of sFLT-1 and PlGF were measured in previously frozen serum specimens collected during early gestation at approximately 5 weeks gestation. Patients completed an electronic survey to detail perinatal outcome.

Results: We identified 152 singleton live births (103 fresh, 49 frozen). Demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups. Ratios of sFlt-1:PlGF were not different between fresh and frozen transfers. Neonates from fresh cycles had a mean birth weight 202 g lighter (p = 0.01) than frozen cycles, after adjusting for gestational age. Among babies born with poor perinatal outcomes, there was a difference in sFlt-1:PlGF ratios after adjusting for race. In non-Asians, infants born small for gestational age (SGA) (< 10th percentile) had significantly higher sFLT-1:PLGF ratio, median ratio (0.21 vs 0.12, p = 0.016).

Conclusions: Fresh transfers were associated with lower birth weight infants compared to frozen transfers. While there was no difference in sFlt-1:PlGF ratios between fresh and frozen transfers, these ratios were significantly lower in SGA infants, suggesting an imbalance in angiogenic markers during placentation.

Keywords: Angiogenic markers; Fresh embryo transfers; Frozen embryo transfers; IVF; In vitro fertilization; Perinatal outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests and have not received financial support for this work.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Median sFlt-1:PlGF ratio in normal vs small for gestational age neonates (non-Asians)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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