Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) - the Way to Decrease the Risk for Multiple Pregnancy

Overview

Objective:
To present an overview of trials and discussion focused on the method of single embryo transfer leading to reduction of multiple pregnancy rate.

Subject:
Review article.

Setting:
Centre of Assisted Reproduction SANUS, Hradec Králové.

Subject and method:
Transfer of two embryos after IVF results in high multiple birth (25%) associated with increased morbidity for mother and children. Results of randomized controlled trials show that SET offers live birth rate approximately 35% with minimizing the risk of twins. The trials suggest to perform SET in a group of young women (≤ 36 years old), in the first or second cycle and only with sufficient number of good quality embryos.

Conclusions:
Data demonstrates that a single embryo transfer strategy, currently including one fresh single embryo transfer and one addition frozen-thawed SET, results in a live birth rate comparable with double embryo transfer and significantly reduces multiple birth rate.

Key words:
IVF, eSET, pregnancy rate, twins