Blastocyst morphology has no relationship with serum β-hCG levels and live birth rates once pregnant. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steiner, Naama; Al Mamari, Naama; Rotshenker-Olshinka, Keren; Khayat, Suhaib; Alzawawi, Nabigah; Son, Weon-Young; Dahan, Michael H.
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 258(2021)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: IVF -- Blastocyst morphology -- β-hCG -- Pregnancy outcome; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.12.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: What is the role of blastocyst morphology on day16 β-hCG serum levels and pregnancy outcomes among patients who conceived through IVF cycles with single fresh Gardner's scored blastocyst transfers. Study design: A retrospective cohort study conducted at a single academic fertility center between January 2013 and December 2017. A total of 643 pregnancies were included in the study. Results: The patients were divided into 5 groups according to Gardner's blastocysts grade of the ICM and the TE (grade), and into 4 groups according to blastocyst Gardner's degree of blastocoel expansion (stage). No significant differences were found between the different morphologic groups and day16 β-hCG serum levels, clinical pregnancy rates and live births. A weak significant correlation was observed between Gardner's blastocysts grade and day 16 β-hCG (Correlation Coefficient r= -0.098, p = .014) this correlation remained significant after controlling for confounders. (r= -0.099 p = . 013). A weak significant correlation was observed between Gardner's stage and day 16 β-hCG (Correlation Coefficient r = 0.086, p = 0.029) this correlation lost significance after controlling for confounders. (r = 0.055, p = 0.340). When evaluating predictors of live birth using multivariate logistic regression, blastocyst grade (p = 0.33) and stage (p = 0.65), at transfer, were not associated with live births, when controlling for confounding effects. Conclusion: Once the patient conceives after IVF with single blastocyst, none of the morphological parameters have a strong impact on the day16 serum level of β-hCG. Among women who conceived, blastocyst grade and stage were not associated with live births.