Impact of trophoectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing on serum ss-hCG levels, time of delivery and birthweight following frozen embryo transfer cycles

Aim: This study investigated whether trophoectoderm (TE) biopsy adversely impacts serum ss-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level on the 15th day of embryo transfer (ET), delivery week and birthweight, between biopsied and unbiopsied embryo groups, in a cohort of women who delivered a singleton baby, following frozen-thawed ET. Methods: All women having had a live birth after blastocyst ET s following frozen ET cycles with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were included. A control group was selected among women who had a live birth following single frozen blastocyst transfer without PGT-A at the same period in our clinic Results: One hundred fifteen and 173 cycles with- and without-PGT, respectively, were included. Serum ss-hCG level on the 15th day after ET was comparable between the groups (p =.336). Average birthweight of the babies born following biopsied embryos were significantly lower (3200 vs. 3380; p =.027). Women who received trophectoderm biopsied embryos had a significantly higher probability of having a baby weighing <= 1500 g and 1500-2500 g (p =.022) or <= 2500 g (p =.008). Proportion of preterm delivery was significantly higher in the biopsy group (p =.023). However, after adjusting for potential covariates, trophectoderm biopsy did not seem to increase the risk of preterm birth (OR 1.525; 95% CI, 0,644-3.611; p =.338) Conclusions: TE biopsy does not seem to impact serum ss-hCG level on the 15th day after ET. Average birthweight is lower when a biopsied embryo was transferred. After adjusting for potential covariates, trophectoderm biopsy does not seem to increase the risk of preterm birth

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of trophectoderm biopsy on serum β-hCG level on the 15th day after embryo transfer (ET), delivery week, and birthweight. The results showed that serum β-hCG level on the 15th day after ET was comparable between biopsied and unbiopsied embryo groups, but the average birthweight was lower in the biopsied embryo group. The biopsied embryo group had a higher likelihood of having a baby with a birthweight less than 2500 g and a higher proportion of preterm delivery. However, after adjusting for potential covariates, trophectoderm biopsy did not seem to increase the risk of preterm birth.