Cigarette smoking impairs clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies: A meta-analysis of the literature

Reprod Toxicol. 2018 Sep:80:49-59. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.06.001. Epub 2018 Jun 12.

Abstract

There is convincing evidence that cigarette smoking can impair female reproductive potential. This meta-analysis updates the knowledge regarding the effects of cigarette smoking on clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Twenty-six studies were included in this meta-analysis. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and statistical heterogeneity between the studies was evaluated with Higgins (I2), Breslow (τ2), Birge's ratio (H2) indices and Chi-square test (χ2). A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The analysis showed a significant decrease in live birth rate per cycle for smoking patients (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.79; P = 0.0005), a significant lower clinical pregnancy rate per cycle for smoking women (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.68; P < 0.0001), and a significant increase in terms of spontaneous miscarriage rate (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.10-4.48; P = 0.025) for smokers. These findings demonstrate clear negative effects of cigarette smoking on the outcome of ART programs.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology outcomes; Cigarette smoking; In vitro fertilization; Infertility; Key words; Meta-Analysis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / epidemiology
  • Cigarette Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Cigarette Smoking / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Rate / trends
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted* / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome