Results of 2426 in vitro fertilization cycles from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, 1986-1992

• Published in: Annals of Saudi medicine 1995-01, Vol.15 (1), p.36-42
• Main Authors: Jaroudi, K A, Arora, M, Hamilton, C J, Sieck, U V, Willemsen, W, Sheth, K V, Carver-Ward, J A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0256-4947; 0975-4466
• DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.1995.36

The report consists of summary in vitro fertilization (IVF) results for the period of 1986 to 1992, concerning 2426 IVF cycles on 954 patients. Tubal factor accounted for 48.7% of cases; male factor, 15.2%; unexplained factors, 15.8%; tubal plus male factor, 12.2%; with 7.7% miscellaneous pathologies. Stimulation regimes were of seven varieties over the period described. All cycles were monitored by transvaginal ultrasound and serum estradiol/LH. All oocyte retrievals were carried out at 34 hours post-HCG. Standard laboratory procedures were utilized for oocyte and pre-embryo culture and a maximum of four embryos were replaced approximately 48 hours after ovum pickup (OPU). Luteal support was by either progesterone suppository or intramuscular injection for 14 days following embryo transfer. Average number of oocytes per retrieval was 7.8, with a fertilization rate of 54% over all groups. Two hundred and sixty-eight pregnancies were initiated (16.1% per embryo transfer [ET]) with 53 of these being biochemical. Pregnancy rates followed a learning curve in the early years with a plateau at 17.8% per ET. Thus, the IVF program has evolved to yield acceptable results after refinement of stimulation regimes, laboratory techniques (especially with regard to sperm preparation), ET techniques and luteal support, thereby tailoring its protocols to suit the local population.