Embryo "Glue" - Does it work? By manara99 on June 29, 2015

THE STUDY


 

The study included a review all of the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which the adherence compound utilized was a hyaluronic acid.  They compared patients whose transfer media contained no or very low concentrations of hyaluronic acid to those whose media contained functional concentrations of this compound. The study included 3898 women from 17 RCTs. The concentration of hyaluronic acid considered low was.125 mg/ml while the concentration considered functional was .5 mg/ml.  The end points that were evaluated included live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy, and adverse events.


 

RESULTS


 

For simplicity in understanding the review, the data may be expressed as the outcome per 1000 events in each end point that was reviewed. The table below expresses these results.


 

                              


 

                          No or Low Hyaluronic Acid               High Hyaluronic Acid


 

Live Birth                      374/1000                                           458/1000


 

Clinical Pregnancy       350/1000                                           428/1000


 

Multiple Pregnancy       20/1000                                               37/1000


 

Adverse events             63/1000                                               48/1000



 

CONCLUSIONS


 

This review suggests that there is moderate quality evidence of improved clinical and live birth rates when embryo transfer media contains hyaluronic acid at a concentration on .5 mg/ml. The authors suggest that the slight increase in multiple birth rate might be the result of the use of the adherence compound in conjunction with the transfer of more one embryo. The slight increase in adverse effects noted in the "high hyaluronic acid group" was not statistically significant.


This review article did not address any potential toxicity related to the addition of hyaluronic acid to the embryo transfer media. Adherence compounds offer yet another option in our IVF laboratories toward improving prospects for success.  A long term study of children born following the use of these compounds in IVF culture media would provide important reassurance that these agents do not cause any harmful effects to the embryo.
 

Related to This

Dr. Louis R. Manara

Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility

Dr. Louis R. Manara and the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility team are dedicated to helping families achieve parenthood through safe, versatile, and personalized treatment options. We are affiliated with several noteworthy organizations including:

  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  • Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
  • American Osteopathic Association®

​If you are struggling with infertility, a professional diagnosis is the best way to explore your treatment options. Schedule your initial consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (856) 767-0009.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite