Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: can this technology improve IVF success?

This study investigated if a technology that detects chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) can improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. They found that this technology reduced the risk of failed embryo transfer and clinical miscarriage.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART). Eggs are harvested from the woman and incubated with sperm in the lab. Once the sperm has fertilized the egg it can be implanted into the uterus. In some cases, the fertilized embryo may not implant in the uterus. In other cases, a miscarriage may occur. There can be many reasons for this. One possible reason is a genetic defect called aneuploidy. This term describes embryos that have the incorrect number of chromosomes. Having more or less than 46 chromosomes can increase the risk of IVF failure.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) screens embryos for aneuploidy. It is important to determine if this technology may be useful in reducing IVF failure and costs in patients seeking fertility treatment.

This study included 8998 patients undergoing IVF. Some patients underwent PGT-A screening and others did not. The authors analyzed the number of IVF attempts and the outcomes. The cost associated with IVF and PGT-A were also analyzed.

There was no difference in birth rates between patients that underwent PGT-A and those that did not. The overall cost of fertility treatment was lower in patients that underwent PGT-A. PGT-A reduced IVF treatment time by up to 4 months. The rates of failed embryo transfer and clinical miscarriage were lower in PGT-A patients. Patients that did not use PGT-A underwent twice as many embryo transfers.

The authors concluded that PGT-A reduced the risk of failed embryo transfer and clinical miscarriage as well as treatment costs in patients undergoing IVF.

PGT-A does not affect the quality of embryos. In some cases, PGT-A may not improve success if there are underlying genetic issues such as inherited conditions.

If you have any questions regarding treatment for infertility, please discuss this with your physician.