The effect of intracytoplasmic sperm injection on the early hCG level in twin pregnancies

Abstract

Objectives: Since it has been suggested that intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) might impair the early development of embryos and twin pregnancies have physiologically different aspects from singleton pregnancies, we aimed to investigate the effect of ICSI on the human chrionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in twin pregnancies. Methods: A total of 220 clinical pregnancies which underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and in vitro fertilization/ICSI were analyzed retrospectively. Results: In twin pregnancies, the mean number of retrieved oocytes and estradiol (E₂) levels on hCG day were significantly higher in ICSI group in spite of lower dose of gonadotropin. The hCG levels according to insemination method did not demonstrate any difference after adjustment for age of patient and partner, BMI, treatment regimens, serum E₂ on hCG day, number of oocytes retrieved and date of sampling. Conclusions: The hCG values according to fertilization methods were not significantly different both in twin pregnancies with adjustment for confounders.

Keywords::

• human chorionic gonadotropin
• intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• twin pregnancy

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant (01-PJ10-PG6-01GN13-0002) from the Korea Health 21 R & D Project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.