More good news about success with single embryo transfer

This study found a dramatic reduction in multiples, with no reduction in clinical pregnancy rate.

 New Belgian embryo transfer policy leads to sharp decrease in multiple pregnancy rate   

Since 1 July 2003, a new transfer policy aiming to reduce multiple pregnancies was brought into law in Belgium. The policy restricts the number of embryos transferred, depending on the patient’s age and treatment cycle. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this policy. Two 15-month periods before and after the start of the new law were compared for the following parameters: positive human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), clinical pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate according to the age categories defined by the policy: <36, 36–39 and 40–42 years. HCG rates (34.2 and 32.8%) and clinical pregnancy rates (26.2 and 24.0%) per cycle were similar for the two periods. Overall, the multiple pregnancy rate was reduced from 29.1 to 9.5% (all patients) and from 28.9 to 6.2% in women <36 years. Most twins were observed in the third cycle of patients <36 years and in the first three cycles in women of 36–39 years. It can be concluded that a significant decline (P < 0.001) in multiple pregnancies was mainly observed in patients <36 years of age. Clinical pregnancy rates were not compromised by the new law. Elective single embryo transfer should be considered more seriously for women 36–39 years of age.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2006 http://www.rbmonline.com/Article/2526 [e-pub ahead of print on 19 October 2006]

Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2006 Vol. 13 No.6. 765–771

L Van Landuyt¹, G Verheyen, H Tournaye, M Camus, P Devroey, A Van Steirteghem
Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
¹Correspondence: e-mail: lisbet.vanlanduyt@az.vub.ac.be

Very interesting reading, thank you :-)

This issue's a hot one with us at the mo.  We want the best chance of sucess but don't really want to have twins (however 2 would be better than 0).

 

Thank for sharing the info.  Yes, I agree that 2 is better than none!!! I have reached that point after the BFN on IUI and the BFN on the converted IVF/PGD/MS cycle.  I am doing my FET mid-December and transferring my two females!! I will be delighted if they both stick!!!!!    However, for those absolutely not prepared to handle twins I can see this really helpi with making the decision to transfer one embryo vs. two or three.  Thanks, TJ