Objective: To explore the efficacy of frozen-thawed embryo transfer combined with intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the treatment of repeated implantation failure (RIF).
Methods: PBMCs obtained from 3 patients with RIF on the day of follicle rupture (natural cycle) or when the endometrial thickness reached 8 mm (hormone replacement cycle) were cultured in the presence of HCG for 48 h. The cultured PBMCs, along with freshly isolated PBMCs, were administered into the uterine cavity of the patients. Vitrified cleavage-stage embryos or blastocysts transfer was performed on day 3 or 5, respectively.
Results: Vitrified embryo or blastocyst transfer resulted in pregnancy and healthy live births in all the 3 patients.
Conclusion: Frozen-thawed embryo transfer combined with intrauterine administration of autologous PBMCs may be an effective and safe approach to the treatment of RIF and may improve the outcomes of assisted reproduction.