Are there associations between clinical and embryological factors with pregnancy loss following transfer of a single euploid embryo?

Abstract

First-trimester pregnancy losses are commonly attributed to chromosomal abnormalities. The causes of pregnancy loss following transfer of a euploid embryo are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and embryological parameters for pregnancy failure following the transfer of a single euploid embryo. Pregnancy outcomes of single euploid embryo transfers from a single centre between January 2017 and March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Several clinical and embryological parameters were evaluated in consideration to pregnancy outcomes; total pregnancy loss and live birth (LB). Endometrial preparation type, number of previous frozen embryo transfer cycles, history of recurrent pregnancy loss, higher body mass index, presence of endometriosis and/ or adenomyosis and embryo quality were found to be significantly different between two groups. Morphokinetic parameter analysis of 523 euploid embryos using time-lapse imaging did not show any statistical differences between the two groups; however, a significantly higher rate of uneven blastomeres in the cleavage stage was observed in the total pregnancy loss group. Evaluation of clinical and embryological data can reveal possible factors associated with pregnancy loss that can facilitate improved patient consultation. Feasible interventions can potentially increase the chance of achieving an LB.

Keywords

• euploid embryo transfer
• recurrent pregnancy loss
• morphokinetic parameters
• time-lapse imaging
• preimplantation genetic testing
• frozen embryo transfer