The feasibility of switching from IVF to IVM combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer for patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome tendency

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022 Nov;159(2):487-494. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14160. Epub 2022 Mar 18.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of switching from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to in vitro maturation (IVM) combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer as a supplementary infertility treatment in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) tendency METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 184 patients who switched from IVF and underwent 192 IVM cycles between January 2016 and December 2020. The outcomes were compared between cleavage-stage embryo transfer (group A, n = 74) and blastocyst-stage transfer (group B, n = 52) groups.

Results: The OHSS rate is 0%. 66 cycles were canceled for transfer. Among the 126 transfer cycles, number of retrieved oocytes, proportion of metaphase II oocytes, cleavage rate, and proportion of high-quality embryos on day 3 post-fertilization are significantly lower in group A than that in group B. On the contrary, number of transferred embryos is significantly lower in group B than that in group A, whereas the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live births are significantly higher in group B than that in group A.

Conclusion: Timely switching to IVM combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer for patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and exhibiting characteristics of OHSS tendency is feasible as a supplementary infertility treatment.

Keywords: all-blastocyst-culture; embryo transfer; in vitro fertilization in vitro maturation; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Blastocyst
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female* / etiology
  • Infertility, Female* / therapy
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Retrospective Studies