Evaluation of possible criteria for elective single embryo transfer.

PurposeA 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.MethodsUsing 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).ResultsAs 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.ConclusionsIn the after-eSET group, our eSET criteria achieved a decrease in the multiple pregnancy rate without a decrease in the pregnancy rate.