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Pena-Burgos EM, Duyos-Mateo I, Pozo-Kreilinger JJ, Regojo-Zapata RM, Quirós-González V, De La Calle M. Comparison of maternal, fetal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes for 234 triplet pregnancies conceived in vivo versus IVF and ICSI conceptions. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103419. [PMID: 38194878 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is there a difference in maternal, fetal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes for triplet pregnancies when comparing in vivo conceptions with those conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART)? DESIGN This single-centre, retrospective cohort study included all triplet pregnancies followed up at La Paz University Hospital, Madrid between 2000 and 2022. The characteristics of the pregnant women, and maternal, fetal, obstetric and perinatal outcomes were examined. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS In total, 234 triplet pregnancies were analysed: 92 in the natural and assisted insemination conception group (in-vivo conception) and 142 in the in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection conception group (ART conception). ART triplet pregnancies were more common between 2000 and 2010 (P = 0.003). The percentage of monochorionic triamniotic pregnancies was significantly higher (P = 0.02) in the in-vivo conception group, and the percentage of dichorionic triamniotic pregnancies was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in the ART conception group. After adjusting for confounders, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remained significantly more common in the ART conception group (adjusted odds ratio 8.65, 95% CI 1.66-45.03; P = 0.01). Differences in maternal age (P = 0.61), threatened preterm labour (P = 0.10), Apgar score ≤5 at 5 min (P = 0.99), umbilical cord pH <7.20 (P = 0.99) and fetal death (P = 0.99) disappeared after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSION ART triplet pregnancies had a higher rate of IUGR than in vivo triplet pregnancies. This could be related to higher maternal age, and higher rates of Apgar score ≤5 at 5 min and umbilical cord pH <7.20 in these pregnancies. In these cases, placental examination could provide valuable information.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Pena-Burgos
- Pathology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - I Duyos-Mateo
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - V Quirós-González
- Strategic Planning Directorate, 12 October University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - M De La Calle
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Baatarsuren M, Jamiyansuren J, Ganbaatar C, Sengebaljir D, Erdenekhuyag B, Enkhbaatar S, Baljinnyam L, Radnaa E, Dorjpurev A, Ganbat G, Boris T, Khangarid A. Clinical and neonatal outcomes of complete zona pellucida removal by laser-assisted hatching after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:51. [PMID: 38285329 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) is a widely used and unavoidable technique in assisted reproductive technology after frozen embryo transfer (FET). We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of completely ZP (zona pellucida) removed by an assisted laser group compared to an intact group after FET. This retrospective study involved 320 SVBT single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers of 213 patients who underwent clomiphene citrate (CC) based minimal stimulation protocol. This study compared 160 SVBT with ZP that were completely removed using laser-assisted (laser beams of 10-15, a wavelength of 1.48 μm, and duration of 1.8-2.2 ms) to 160 cases of intact SVBT. Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression are used for statistical analysis. The women's age, cause of infertility, BMI, transferred embryo day, insemination methods, and blastocyst grade were not significantly different between two groups. The implantation rate (66.2% vs. 51.2%, P < 0.01), the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR, 52.5% vs. 39.3%, P = 0.01), and the live birth rate (LBR, 43.7% vs. 29.3%, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the completely ZP removed than the intact group. In logistic regression analysis, the laser-assisted hatching group showed about 2 times higher implantation rate and CPR and LBR than the control group. But miscarriage, gestational weeks, gender, birth weight, and twin births were insignificant between two groups. Our study suggests ZP free embryo transfer by assisted laser is more effective and safer than intact embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jambaldorj Jamiyansuren
- Ojinmed IVF Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
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3
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Zhaffal M, Al Jafari R, Salame A. Multiple Gestation after Elective Single-Embryo Transfer: A State-of-the-Art Review of Literature and Suggested Mechanisms. J Pregnancy 2024; 2024:2686128. [PMID: 38264435 PMCID: PMC10805544 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2686128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Elective single-embryo transfers are being increasingly used to curb the increase in multiple gestation rates. However, it has been documented that single-embryo transfers could still result in twins and on rarer occasions in triplet pregnancies. Main Body. A literature review was done to highlight the possible mechanisms leading to embryonic splitting. In this review, the incidence of zygotic splitting was addressed and the notion of chorionicity was explained. Risk factors for zygotic splitting and suggested mechanisms for both twin and higher order pregnancies were suggested and discussed. Conclusion The hypotheses that we have so far remain unproven due to the rarity of zygotic splitting as well as the ethicolegal considerations of human embryo research. The presence of such incidents necessitates extensive counselling of the couple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokhamad Zhaffal
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
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Nie Y, Qiao X, Li S, Pan Z, Zhang J, Xu L. Dichorionic quadruplet pregnancy comprising monozygotic triplets and singleton after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and transfer of two fresh embryos: a case report. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221075506. [PMID: 35118888 PMCID: PMC8819775 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221075506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic triplet pregnancies are very rare in assisted reproductive
technology, and the relationship between monozygotic multiple pregnancies and
several assisted reproductive techniques, including blastocyst transfer, remains
unclear. Here, the case of a 28-year-old female patient with dichorionic
quadruplet pregnancy following intracytoplasmic sperm injection and transfer of
two day-3 fresh embryos, without assisted hatching, is reported. At 7 weeks
following embryo transfer, the dichorionic quadruplet pregnancy, comprising
monozygotic monochorionic triamniotic (MCTA) triplets plus a singleton, was
detected by a transabdominal ultrasound scan. After counselling, the patient
underwent selective reduction of the MCTA triplet pregnancy at 7 weeks after
embryo transfer. The remaining singleton pregnancy was uneventful, resulting in
a live birth at 38+ weeks. As the predictors of monozygotic multiple
gestations remain poorly characterized, clinicians and patients should give
great consideration to the risks associated with monozygotic multiple
pregnancies, even if the patient has not undergone blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sicong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangzhi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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López-Gatius F, Saleri R, De Rensis F, Llobera-Balcells M, Garcia-Ispierto I. Transfer of a single fresh in vitro-produced embryo may prevent twin pregnancy without compromising the fertility of the cow. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:450-455. [PMID: 34978732 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examines whether the transfer of a fresh in vitro-produced (IVP) embryo can avoid the risk of twin pregnancy without reducing the fertility of a cow. The study population was comprised of 416 lactating dairy cows synchronized for oestrus: 294 were fixed-time inseminated (AI cows), and 122 were given GnRH treatment at the time of embryo transfer (ET) an IVP embryo (ET cows). Of the 416 cows, 167 (40.1%) became pregnant. Twin pregnancy was recorded in 20.8% of the AI pregnant cows (21/101), whereas no ET cows had twins (0/66). Significant interaction (p < .01) was observed between breeding technique and the period of the year for the likelihood of pregnancy. This meant that using AI cows during the warm period (May-September) as reference, the odds ratio for pregnancy in ET cows during the warm period was 3.4 (p = .001). In conclusion, transfer of a single fresh IVP embryo proved useful to prevent the risk of twin pregnancy without affecting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain.,Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain
| | - Roberta Saleri
- Veterinary Medical-Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio De Rensis
- Veterinary Medical-Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain.,Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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Liu Y, Jones C, Coward K. An investigation of the effects of laser-assisted zona pellucida drilling on the preimplantation mouse embryo and the competency of embryo implantation. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:316-329. [PMID: 35559857 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of laser-assisted zona pellucida (ZP) drilling on the mouse embryo, with particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms, and the efficiency of embryo attachment capability using an in vitro model of implantation. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING Academic research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse embryos and B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos. INTERVENTION(S) Eight-cell stage mouse embryos were randomly assigned to a laser-assisted ZP drilling group (n = 343), ZP partial drilling group (n = 312), ZP quarter thinning group (n = 289), and control group (n = 353). Embryos were cultured in vitro from E2.5 to E4.5 for 48 hours. To investigate the capacity to implant, E4.5 embryos (laser-assisted drilling group [n = 46], ZP partial drilling group [n = 28], ZP quarter thinning group [n = 26], and control group [n = 36]) were then transferred onto an attachment model on the basis of Ishikawa cells and cultured for another 72 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Blastocyst formation, hatching status, and hatching morphology at E4.5. Blastocyst cell components, the extent of apoptosis in embryonic cells (DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and expression of apoptosis-related genes), the expression of heat shock protein 70, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated by RNA sequencing. Fully hatched embryo rate and stable attachment rate in the in vitro attachment model. RESULT(S) There were no significant differences between the laser-assisted ZP manipulation groups and control group with respect to the formation of blastocysts, cell number, embryonic cell apoptosis, and cellular stress. All 3 of the laser-assisted ZP manipulations significantly increased the hatching rate at E4.5 compared with the control group, especially the ZP drilling group. However, only the ZP drilling group was associated with a significantly higher proportion of "8"-shaped hatching blastocysts. Furthermore, RNA sequencing identified 48 DEGs between blastocysts from the laser-assisted drilling group and control group; the metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in these DEGs. In addition, there were no significant differences between the laser-assisted ZP manipulation groups and control group with respect to the rate of stable attachment at E7.5, although a significantly higher entrapment rate was observed in the ZP drilling group. CONCLUSION(S) Laser-assisted ZP manipulations did not induce cellular apoptosis or stress in mouse blastocysts. Nevertheless, for the first time, we found that laser-assisted ZP drilling could alter the embryonic transcriptome and may affect metabolic activity. Furthermore, although laser-assisted ZP manipulations can enhance the initiation of hatching, it is evident that ZP drilling comes with a potential risk of embryo entrapment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Liu
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Dirican EK, Olgan S. On the origin of zygosity and chorionicity in twinning: evidence from human in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2809-2816. [PMID: 34398401 PMCID: PMC8608953 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproduction is presumed to increase monozygotic twin rates, with the possible contribution of laboratory and medical interventions. Monozygotic dichorionic gestations are supposed to originate from the splitting of an embryo during the first four days of development, before blastocyst formation. Single embryo transfers could result in dichorionic pregnancies, currently explained by embryo splitting as described in the worldwide used medical textbooks, or concomitant conception. However, such splitting has never been observed in human in vitro fertilization, and downregulated frozen cycles could also produce multiple gestations. Several models of the possible origins of dichorionicity have been suggested. However, some possible underlying mechanisms observed from assisted reproduction seem to have been overlooked. In this review, we aimed to document the current knowledge, criticize the accepted dogma, and propose new insights into the origin of zygosity and chorionicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Kerem Dirican
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07100 Turkey
| | - Safak Olgan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07100 Turkey
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Garcia-Ispierto I, López-Gatius F. Benefits and Risks of Preventing Twin Pregnancies. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010148. [PMID: 33440763 PMCID: PMC7827721 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical problems associated with twin pregnancies have been well established, and twin births are now considered undesirable or even disastrous for the dairy cattle industry and the individual cow. The high incidence of early fetal loss, abortion during the mid-lactation period, dystocia, stillbirth, and placenta retention should be considered a preventable consequence of management, as these disorders greatly compromise the welfare and productive lifespan of a cow carrying or delivering twins. The use of sexed semen generates herd replacements and additional heifers, so a proposed strategy for twin pregnancy prevention is the transfer of a single in vitro-produced female beef cow embryo to cows not suitable for producing replacements. Another proposed strategy is drainage at insemination of co-dominant follicles to prevent twin pregnancies in cows with genetic merit. As a result, embryo survival should improve, economic losses associated with twin pregnancies will be prevented, beef output from the herd will be increased, and the health and welfare of the cow will certainly benefit. In this review, the clinical prospects of preventing or avoiding twin pregnancies using both procedures are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, 22300 Barbastro, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Li H, Shen T, Sun X. Monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic pregnancies following single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer: a retrospective case series. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:768. [PMID: 33302917 PMCID: PMC7726857 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary aim of the study is to report cases of monozygotic dichorionic-diamniotic (DC-DA) pregnancies after single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. METHODS This is a retrospective case series. All single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles performed between June 2013 and December 2018 at the Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, were reviewed retrospectively. We included frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles which clinical pregnancy was confirmed with multiple gestational sacs showed on ultrasonography at around 6 to 7 weeks of gestation. We then conducted an in-depth analysis to further exclude cases which contained newborns of different genders or natural FET cycles. RESULTS Five thousand four hundred fifteen frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles were preformed between June 2013 and December 2018 at the Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Of these, fourteen women underwent a single blastocyst transfer and then achieved clinical pregnancy with an ultrasound diagnosis of multi-chorionic pregnancy. With one natural cycle FET excluded, we finally included thirteen single blastocyst transfer cycles performed in down-regulated controlled FET or hormone replacement FET, in which the possibility of concurrently spontaneous pregnancy was extremely small. These included 13 cases reveal the phenomenon of monozygotic DC-DA twinning after single blastocyst transfer, which challenges the classical theory that only monochorionic pregnancy could happen after 3 days of fertilization. CONCLUSION This case series suggest that single blastocyst transfer could result DC-DA pregnancies during IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Tingting Shen
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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