Risk Factors and Early Predictors for Heterotopic Pregnancy after In Vitro Fertilization

PLoS One. 2015 Oct 28;10(10):e0139146. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139146. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

This study investigated the risk factors and early predictors for heterotopic pregnancy (HP) after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). From January 2008 to January 2013, 41 cases of HP and 72 cases of intrauterine twin pregnancy after IVF-ET were recruited and retrospectively analyzed. Compared with intrauterine twin pregnancy group, the HP group had a lower basal luteinizing hormone (LH) level (P = 0.005) and more cases had a history of hydrosalpinx (P = 0.008). After 14 days of IVF-ET, the serum β-HCG (β-human chorionic gonadotropin), E2 (Estradiol) and P (Progesterone) levels were lower in HP group (P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain were the significant features of HP before diagnosis (P<0.001, respectively). Further by logistic regression, serum β-hCG, P levels on the 14th day after ET, and vaginal bleeding were identified as the independent factors of HP. These results indicate that when two or more embryos transferred in IVF procedure, β-hCG, P levels on the 14th day after ET, and vaginal bleeding could be taken as predictors for HP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Heterotopic / etiology*
  • Risk Factors

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (2012CB944700) (Zi-Jiang Chen), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81201441) (Wei Zhang), the Scientific Research Foundation of Shandong Province of Outstanding Young Scientist (2012BSE27089) (Han Zhao) and the Young Scholars Program of Shandong University (2015WLJH54) (Han Zhao), the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-0355) (Han Zhao).