Can G-CSF growth factor improve implantation during IVF?

This analysis looked at whether granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factor (G-CSF) can improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. This study found that G-CSF may improve pregnancy rates for women with two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an infertility treatment where eggs are collected from the woman, fertilized, and then introduced into the womb. How well the embryo attaches (implants) to the womb lining is key to a successful IVF. Having a thin womb lining is associated with lower pregnancy rates. Repeated IVF cycles without pregnancy may also indicate there may be an issue with implantation. 

G-CSF is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. G-CSF can increase the blood supply to the womb lining, helping its growth. It is unclear whether treatment with G-CSF improves IVF outcomes in women with thin womb linings.

This study looked at the results of 15 studies. 622 women received G-CSF and 631 women did not  (control group). G-CSF was injected under the skin or directly into the womb.

Overall, G-CSF was found to increase the chances of pregnancy by 63%. Patients given G-CSF were 42% more likely to have a pregnancy lasting at least 12 weeks compared to the control group.

206 patients had thin womb linings. Patients with thin womb linings were 58% more likely to become pregnant when given G-CSF compared to the control group. 

Among patients who had two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, G-CSF significantly increased the chances of becoming pregnant by 2.11-fold.

This study found that G-CSF may improve pregnancy rates for women with two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles.

The data analyzed here were of low quality. In all but two studies, women and their doctors knew whether they were receiving G-CSF or not, which can lead to biased results. More studies are needed to confirm these results.