Abstract

Background: Embryo Glue is a Hyaluronan enriched transfer medium, which aids in the implantation rate by enhancing uterine receptivity. Advance maternal age is an important factor that negatively influences the implantation rate in assisted reproductive technology because the rate of implantation decreases with the patient’s age.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the transfer of embryos using embryo glue improves the implantation rates outcome and live birth rate in freeze-Thaw cycles. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study. A total of 391 patients who had undergone frozen-thawed embryo transfers were recruited. Patients who had embryo transfer with hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium (HETM) were grouped as Embryo glue (n = 207, Test group) and patients who had embryo transfer with standard ET medium grouped as without Embryo glue (n = 184, control group) were divided. Patients were further divided into two groups (as per age) as young (Age = ≤34 years) and AMA (Age = ≥35 years). The pregnancy was confirmed by measuring beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) level after 14 days of embryo transfer. The chi-square test was preformed to analyze outcomes.

Results: Overall implantation rate (IR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), and live birth rate (LBR) significantly increased with the use of embryo glue as an embryo transfer medium [IR: 19.5% vs. 24.5% (P = 0.01), MPRs: 19.0% vs. 28.1% (P = 0.028), LBRs: 65.4% vs. 80.0% (P = 0.005), for control groups and Embryo Glue, respectively]. The beneficial effect was significant in women who were >35 years of age [IRs: 11.2% vs. 16.8% (P = 0.019)].

Conclusion(s): The enrichment of transfer medium with hyaluronan increases IRs, for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The beneficial effect was most evident in women who were >35 years of age, the use of embryo glue in routine practice is safe and beneficial.