Platelet-rich plasma infusion as an adjunct treatment for persistent thin lining in frozen embryo transfer cycles: first US experience report

• Published in: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics 2024-02, Vol.41 (2), p.483-491
• Main Authors: Aghajanova, Lusine, Zhang, Amy, Lathi, Ruth B., Huddleston, Heather G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abortion, Spontaneous - epidemiology; Cohort Studies; Embryo Transfer; Endometrium; Endometrium - physiology; Female; Gynecology; Human Genetics; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Miscarriage; Patients; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Platelets; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Medicine; Reproductive Physiology and Disease; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 1058-0468; 1573-7330
• DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02993-8

Purpose To study effect of intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on endometrial growth in the setting of thin endometrial lining in patients with prior cancelled or failed frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Materials and methods Single-arm cohort study of forty-six patients (51 cycles) with endometrial lining thickness (EMT) < 6 mm in prior cancelled or failed FET cycles requesting intrauterine PRP treatment in upcoming FET cycle. The primary outcomes were final EMT in FET cycle and change in EMT after PRP. The secondary outcomes were overall pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates. Results The mean pre-PRP EMT in all FET cycles was 4.0 ± 1.1 mm, and mean post-PRP EMT (final) was 7.1 ± 1.0 mm. Of 51 cycles, 33 (64.7%) reached ≥ 7 mm after PRP administration. There was a significant difference between pre-PRP EMT and post-PRP EMT in all FET cycles, with mean difference of 3.0 ± 1.5 mm. Three cycles were cancelled for failure to reach adequate lining. Total pregnancy rate was 72.9% in our cohort of 48 cycles that proceeded to transfer. Clinical pregnancy rate was 54.2% (26/48 FET cycles); clinical miscarriage rate was 14.3% (5/35 pregnancies). Twenty six women had live birth (18 with EMT ≥ 7 mm and 8 with EMT < 7 mm). Response to PRP was not correlated with any pre-cycle characteristics. Conclusion We demonstrate a significant improvement in lining thickness and pregnancy rates in this challenging cohort of women after PRP infusion, with no adverse events. Cost-effectiveness of PRP with benefits and alternatives should be carefully considered.