Clinical Outcome of Elective Single Embryo Transfer Compared to Elective Double Embryo Transfer Performed at the Cleavage Stage

Kang, Sang Min; Lee, Sang Won; Jeong, Hak Jun; Chae, Soo Jin; Yoon, San Hyun; Lim, Jin Ho; Lee, Seong Goo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to compare the clinical outcome of elective single embryo transfer (eSET) performed at the cleavage stage to that of elective double embryo transfer (eDET).
METHODS
Of the women less than 36 years old who visited Daegu Maria from January 2008 to April 2009, the only women (n=330) with more than 8 mm of endometrial thickness and at least one good quality embryo, who were treated with GnRH agonist long protocol, were included in this study. After information about complications that can arise by multiple embryo transfer, either eSET or eDET was conducted by their request (167 and 163, respectively).
RESULTS
The implantation rate of eSET group was significantly higher than that of eDET group (53.9% vs. 40.2%, p<0.01). The twin pregnancy rate of eSET group was significantly lower than that of eDET group (1.1% vs. 32.3%, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between two groups in the clinical pregnancy (53.3% vs. 60.7%, p=0.172), ongoing pregnancy (47.3% vs. 54.6%, p=0.185) and live birth rates (44.9% vs. 50.9%, p=0.275). The number of the surplus embryos which developed to the blastocyst stage and cryopreserved at that stage was significantly higher in eSET group than that of eDET group (3.2+/-2.6 vs. 2.1+/-2.4, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that eSET should reduce significantly the multiple baby pregnancy without decreasing the whole pregnancy rate in women with less than 36 years old.