P-245 Evaluating the impact of embryos undergoing multiple freeze-thaw cycles in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) on treatment outcomes in IVF
Authors: Britz E , Glynn K , Parikh J , Faris R , Bora S , Jones B , Nicopoullos J , Thum M  Y , Bracewell-Milnes T 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Do cryopreserved embryos subjected to thaw, biopsy, re-freeze (TBR) exhibit inferior pregnancy outcomes compared to embryos undergoing standard PGT-A with a single vitrification-warming cycle?

Summary answer

Transfer of twice-thawed euploid embryos demonstrated comparable clinical pregnancy outcomes, yet elevated miscarriage rates following a repeated vitrification-warming cycle warrants further scientific inquiry.

What is known already

There is often hesitancy to test cryopreserved embryos that were not initially PGT-A tested due to concerns about embryo survival during the additional freeze-thaw cycle those embryos will endure. However, the TBR technique has shown efficacy, particularly for IVF patients with recurrent failed attempts using fresh, untested embryos. Previous studies on TBR consistently report comparable embryo survival rates to fresh cycles. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on whether transferring euploid TBR embryos adversely affects pregnancy outcomes compared to euploid fresh biopsy embryos, potentially due to the relatively low number of transferred TBR embryos in such studies.

Study design, size, duration

This study retrospectively analysed euploid freeze-thaw single embryo transfer (SET) data from embryos that underwent PGT-A at a large fertility clinic in London, between January 2019 and June 2022. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between freshly biopsied embryos (control group, n = 349) and cryopreserved embryos that underwent thaw and biopsy before freeze-thaw SET (twice-thawed group, n = 35). Embryos previously biopsied with PGT-A, subsequently cryopreserved, and then subjected to thaw and re-biopsy were classified in the twice-thawed group.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Blastocysts cultured from fresh embryos (control group) or derived from frozen-thawed blastocysts (twice-thawed group) underwent PGT-A using standard protocols before freeze-thaw SET. The study assessed biopsy rates, post first thaw and survival rates post second thaw in the twice-thawed group, comparing to the control group. The clinical outcomes evaluated were Implantation rate (IR), Live Birth Rate (LBR), and Miscarriage Rate (MR). Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA for continuous and Pearson’s chi-squared test for categorical variables

Main results and the role of chance

Blastocyst characteristics, including morphological quality (characterised into ‘GOOD’, ‘FAIR’ and ‘POOR’) and day of biopsy (5 or 6), did not significantly differ between blastocyst transfers of the twice-thawed and control group. Furthermore, maternal factors including age, number of previous PGT-A attempts and endometrial thickness did not significantly differ between groups. However, compared with the control group, the number of eggs collected was significantly higher in the twice-thawed group (15.8±8.20 vs. 25.8±18.7, p = &lt;0.001). The biopsy rate of previously cryopreserved embryos that underwent TBR was 79%. However, there was no significant difference between the survival rate after the second thaw and before SET between the twice-thawed and control groups. There was no difference in IRs (71.1% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.687) and LBRs (56.4% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.062) between groups. Although, compared to the control, MRs were significantly higher in the twice-thawed group (20.6% vs. 46.2% p = 0.003).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The twice-thawed group includes patients with diminished ovarian reserve, previously undergoing single freeze-thaw SET resulting in recurrent miscarriages. Thus, further research is essential to clarify whether elevated miscarriage rates result from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, as single freeze-thaw SET is preferred, small sample size in the twice-thawed group limits conclusions.

Wider implications of the findings

This study suggests employing TBR on previously frozen blastocysts yields non-inferior IRs and LBRs, with an additional freeze-thaw cycle not adversely affecting embryo survival before SET. Therefore, such techniques should be considered in previously frozen IVF embryos to reduce wastage, mitigate unforeseen fertility complications, and concurrently achieve favourable pregnancy outcomes.

Trial registration number

Not applicable