A RECENT study investigated whether COVID-19 infections influence embryo implantation and early development in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET). The study specifically examined infections occurring at different periods around the time of FET.
The retrospective analysis involved 709 women who underwent FET during a significant surge in COVID-19 infection around the time of FET, ensuring no infections occurred prior to oocyte retrieval. The participants were divided into six groups based on the timing of infection: uninfected, ≥60 days before FET, <60 days before FET, 0–14 days after FET, 15–28 days after FET, and 29–70 days after FET. The researchers aimed to compare clinical outcomes across these groups.
Results showed that COVID-19 infections did not significantly impact early pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing FET. The ongoing pregnancy rates for uninfected women and those infected ≥ 60 days, <60 days before FET, and 0–14 days before FET were 40.7%, 44.4%, 40.5%, and 34.2%, respectively (P=0.709). Biochemical pregnancy rates were 59.1%, 61.1%, 67.6%, and 55.7% (P=0.471), and clinical pregnancy rates were 49.6%, 55.6%, 55.4%, and 48.1% (P=0.749), showing no significant differences. Early spontaneous abortion rates across all six groups were 18.3%, 20.0%, 25.0%, 28.9%, 5.4%, and 19.0% (P=0.113). Multivariable logistic analysis confirmed no significant correlation between COVID-19 infection and ongoing pregnancy outcomes, indicating that mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections around the time of FET do not adversely impact early pregnancy success.
The researchers concluded that asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infections occurring around the time of FET do not have a significant adverse impact on early pregnancy outcomes. These findings provide reassurance to women undergoing FET, suggesting that mild COVID-19 infections are unlikely to compromise the success of early pregnancy following embryo transfer.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference:
Ko Y et al. Influence of COVID-19 infection on early pregnancy outcomes in different periods around frozen embryo transfer. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024;24:440.
