Does preimplantation genetic testing improve the chance of live birth with donor eggs?

This study investigated if preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) improves live birth rates (LBR) with donor oocytes. They found that frozen embryo transfer (fzET) cycles with PGT had higher LBR. 

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a technique used on embryos. It can determine if there are any abnormalities in the DNA of the embryo. These can include extra or absent chromosomes (aneuploidy, ANP). Some genetic abnormalities (GAs) can cause medical conditions. These may not be compatible with life. There are many possible causes of pregnancy loss. GAs are one of these. PGT can be used to select embryos that are more likely to be viable. This is performed before an embryo transfer (ET).

PGT is not routinely performed after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Studies suggest that PGT is only useful in older women. This is because advanced maternal age increases the risk of GAs. Some women that have poor or limited oocytes (eggs) may use donor oocytes. It is unclear if PGT improves pregnancy outcomes with donor oocytes. 

This study included 28,153 IVF cycles. PGT was performed in 3708 of these cycles. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between PGT and non-PGT cycles. The main outcome was a good birth outcome (GBO). GBO was considered to give birth to a live singleton at term and of normal weight. 

PGT cycles were less likely to result in ET (64% vs. 94%). The effect of PGT was different in fresh (fr) and frozen (fz) ET cycles. The chance of GBO was 12% higher in fzET cycles involving PGT. However, the chance of a GBO was 53% lower in frET cycles involving PGT. 

The authors concluded that fzET cycles with PGT had higher LBR in women using donor oocytes.

This study used medical records. Information might have been missing. This means there could be other aspects that may affect the results of this study. 

If you have any concerns regarding infertility please discuss this with your physician.