How Effective Is Elective Single Embryo Transfer with In Vitro Fertilization?

Compared with double embryo transfer, eSET resulted in higher rates of singleton live births and lower risk for delivery of low-birth-weight infants.

Multiple gestation following in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. To lower rates of multiple births, elective single embryo transfer (eSET) has been promoted in many countries. But how effective is eSET? In a meta-analysis of individual patient data that encompassed 1367 treatment cycles in eight randomized European and Australian trials, investigators compared outcomes of eSET versus double embryo transfer (DET). Only cycles with good prognosis (i.e., those in women younger than 36, undergoing their first or second rounds of IVF, and with embryos of good quality) were included.

Likelihood of term singleton delivery (>37 weeks' gestation) after eSET was almost five times greater than after DET.…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

How Effective Is Elective Single Embryo Transfer with In Vitro Fertilization?

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Reviewing Author