In a nutshell
This study examined whether comprehensive chromosome screening can improve IVF/ICSI outcomes.
Some background
Chromosomes are structures located in each cell of the body and consist of DNA. Most cells in the human body have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes in total). Alterations in the number of chromosomes can result in developmental defects.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involve the fertilization of an egg by sperm outside of the body. An altered chromosome number is one of the main reasons for pregnancy failure using IVF/ICSI. Therefore, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) may be carried out. PGS involves examining the chromosomes of the embryo before implantation. Comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS)-based PGS involves selecting embryos with the appropriate number of chromosomes. CCS-based PGS may result in a higher pregnancy success rate compared to other PGS methods.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether CCS can enhance IVF/ICSI success compared to other methods.
This study searched for relevant published studies and combined the results from all for analysis. 4 studies compared CCS to other genetic screening methods in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. These 4 studies divided patients into two groups, whereby one group underwent CCS-based PGS, while the other group did not.
CCS-based PGS was associated with a 32% higher implantation success rate. The live birth rate was 26% higher with CCS-based PGS. The clinical pregnancy rate (number of pregnancies per 100 cycles) was 26% higher and the ongoing pregnancy rate (number of pregnancies that progressed beyond the first trimester) was 31% higher with CCS-based PGS, but these differences were not significantly different from other methods. The miscarriage rate decreased by 47% when CCS-based PGS was performed, but this was not statistically significant.
One study examined the multiple pregnancy rate (such as twins). In this study, the rate decreased by 98% when CCS-based PGS was performed.
The bottom line
This study concluded that CCS-based PGS was associated with better outcomes in women receiving IVF/ICSI.
The fine print
As this study combined results from many individual studies, small differences in studies may have influenced results.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of CCS-based PGS.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Oct 15, 2015
