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Doctors say single-embryo implants safer

Europeans say multiple births are much riskier

By Katrina Woznicki
MedPage Today

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(MedPage Today) -- Assisted reproduction, in least in Europe, may be moving closer to the era of one-at-a-time babies.

European doctors indicated in reports to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology that implanting infertile women with multiple embryos is too likely to result in multiple births.

Doctors said a multiple birth -- even of twins -- is far more risky than a singleton birth.

The consensus: A single-embryo transfer may be better for both mother and baby.

Among the results of the studies:

The gestational ages and risks of low birth weight were nearly identical between single babies born from a conception and babies born from a fertility treatment single-embryo transfer.

Babies born from single-embryo transfer as healthy as babies of conception

The expense of multiple pregnancies was significantly higher. Triplets had eight times the price tag of single infants and twins cost three times more.

Multiple pregnancies bear hefty price tags

Even when one baby was born after a multiple-embryo transfer, single infants whose twin had died during pregnancy had an elevated risk of neurological problems and death. The study's authors said their findings indicate younger women undergoing fertility treatments may reduce the risks of such poor outcomes if clinicians implanted one embryo instead of two.

Bigger risk for single babies who lose IVF twin

The doctors in Europe, where assisted reproduction is usually covered by socialized medical systems, did not get into the issue of the price of a single assisted reproduction cycle, which is a major factor in the United States(often $10,000). Also, if a single embryo does not result in a pregnancy, the woman is that much older on the next try.

Genes and heredity

In other research, scientists reported a possible explanation for why some women over 45 are able to conceive easily. It's in their genes. A study of blood samples taken from eight such women found they had unique genetic profiles that appeared to reduce ovarian aging and extend fertility well into middle age.

Middle-age fertility may be in the genes

Another research team found heredity might be to blame for polycystic ovarian syndrome, a common cause of infertility. A study of 414 daughters and their mothers found excess maternal weight and reduced fetal and placental growth during pregnancy may put the daughter at a greater risk for the metabolic disorder.

Polycystic ovary syndrome linked to gestational development

And finally, a team of scientists found another use for embryonic stem cells. They were able to grow a type of cell line called primordial germ cells from these immature stem cells, which could then be used to create sperm and eggs. These lab-grown sperm and eggs, they said, could help treat infertile couples.

Stem cells could be source for sperm and eggs

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