Birth outcomes are superior after transfer of fresh versus frozen embryos for donor oocyte recipients

Abstract

Abstract STUDY QUESTION For donor oocyte recipients, are birth outcomes superior for fresh versus frozen embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER Among fresh donor oocyte recipients, fresh embryos are associated with better birth outcomes when compared with frozen embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Frozen embryo transfer (ET) with vitrification has been associated with improved pregnancy rates, but also increased rates of large for gestational age infants. Donor oocyte recipients represent an attractive biological model to attempt to isolate the impact of embryo cryopreservation on IVF outcomes, yet there is a paucity of studies in this population. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective cohort of the US national registry, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System, of IVF cycles of women using fresh donor oocytes resulting in ET between 2013 and 2015. Thawed oocytes were excluded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Good obstetric outcome (GBO), defined as a singleton, term, live birth with appropriate for gestational age birth weight, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included live birth, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, multiple births and gestational age-adjusted weight. Outcomes were modeled using the generalized estimating equation approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Data are from 25 387 donor oocyte cycles, in which 14 289 were fresh and 11 098 were frozen ETs. A GBO was 27% more likely in fresh ETs (26.3%) compared to frozen (20.9%) (adjusted risk ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.35; P < 0.001). Overall, fresh transfer was more likely to result in a live birth (55.7% versus 39.5%; adjusted risk ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.18–1.26; P < 0.001). Among singleton births, there was no difference in gestational age-adjusted birth weight between groups. LIMITATION, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our cohort findings contrast with data from autologous oocytes. Prospective studies with this population are warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Among donor oocyte recipients, fresh ETs may be associated with better birth outcomes. Reassuringly, given its prevalent use, modern embryo cryopreservation does not appear to result in phenotypically larger infants. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.