Evaluation of possible criteria for elective single embryo transfer

Purpose: A major problem of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is multiple gestation, which impacts neonatal and perinatal medicine. The literature contains a number of reports that elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is effective for the control of multiple pregnancies; however, to date, uniform criteria have not been established.

Methods: Using logistic regression analysis based on the results of ART in our department from January 2005 to July 2006, our eSET criteria were established. We conducted a comparative study of the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple gestation rate, and delivery rate before and after eSET (before-eSET and after-eSET groups, respectively).

Results: As a result of the analysis, our eSET criteria included all three of the following: (A) patient age ≤37, (B) previous IVF/ICSI trials ≤5, and (C) acquisition of two or more good-quality embryos. Based on our criteria, the after-eSET group was not found to have a decrease in the pregnancy rate; however, the multiple gestation rate decreased as compared to the before-eSET group. In addition, as a result of various evaluations of the eSET group, interesting findings were revealed.

Conclusions: In the after-eSET group, our eSET criteria achieved a decrease in the multiple pregnancy rate without a decrease in the pregnancy rate.