Outcomes of frozen embryo transfer in patients with and without ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract

"Introduction: One of the methods utilized to treat infertility is the use of frozen embryos. This technique is particularly employed in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which leads to heightened blood estrogen levels. The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage of pregnancy and abortion between patients who used the frozen embryo method due to OHSS and others who practiced the same method for other reasons. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was conducted on a total of 338 patients who visited in vitro fertilization (IVF) section of Kowsar Hospital of Urmia-Iran to employ the frozen embryo method (May 2013 to December 2015). The patients were classified into two groups, i.e. the OHSS group (N=150) and the non-OHSS group (N=188). Data were obtained and examined by evaluating the files in a questionnaire. Results: The two groups did not differ significantly with regard to their mean age (p = 0.57). There was also no statistically significant difference between the OHSS and non-OHSS groups regarding the quality of frozen embryo transferred (P = 0.17). Also, there was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of their pregnancy rate (OHSS = 30.0% vs. non-OHSS = 25.0%) and miscarriage rate (OHSS = 31.11% vs. non-OHSS = 24.44%) (p = 0.32 and p = 0.31, respectively). Conclusion: Ovum exposure to high estrogen during ovulation stimulation does not affect embryo implantation and miscarriage in patients with OHSS."