Clinical Outcomes Deriving from Transfer of Blastocysts Developed in Day 7: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Frozen-Thawed IVF Cycles

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the reproductive competence of blastocysts developed on day 7 compared with blastocysts developed on day 5/6. A systematic search was carried out to select relevant studies published before January 2020. Ten retrospective observational cohort studies were included. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). Secondary outcomes were live birth rate (LBR), euploid rate, and survival rates after thawing. Frozen-thawed day 7 blastocyst transfer was associated with a significant reduction in CPR compared to day 5/6 (OR 0.36 95% CI 0.21 to 0.62, p = 0.0002, I-2 = 71% and OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.58, p < 0.0001, I-2 = 17% respectively). A significantly lower proportion of LBR was found comparing blastocysts transfers in day 7 to those in day 5/6 (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.16-0.27, p < 0.0001, I-2 = 0% and OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.26-0.45, p < 0.0001, I-2 = 0% respectively). These findings were confirmed in a subgroup of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A)-screened blastocysts. Blastocysts biopsied in day 7 was associated with a significant decrease of euploid rate compared with day 5/6 (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39-0.57, p < 0.0001, I-2 = 69% and OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.75, p < 0.0001, I-2 = 19% respectively). The survival rate after thawing was not statistically different. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. This study shows an association between delayed blastulation and a poorer prognosis in terms of euploid rate and pregnancy outcomes following frozen-thawed transfers. On the other hand, the results do not support the discharge of slow-blastulation embryos.

Automated summary

This study found that blastocysts developed on day 7 compared to day 5/6 showed significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates after transfer. However, it does not support discarding slow-developing embryos.