Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
Open Access

Abstract

Disposition of Frozen Embryos: One Programs Experience with Contacting Patients about Embryos in Storage

Manisha Apte, Sarah H Gibson, Misty Blanchette-Porter and Judy E Stern

Background: We conducted a retrospective study that focused on the disposition of excess embryos produced from ART at a hospital storage facility, and analyzed response rates and embryo decisions made as a result of these procedures.

Methods: Data collected from 552 patients from 2000-2011 included the number and content of written correspondences during time of storage, and on the final dispositions. We calculated the time it took to receive a response each year, assessed the decisions made, and reasons for non-response. Comparisons were made using chi square for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables with significance at P < 0.05.

Results: The percentage of responses declined with increasing years in storage, and increased for nonresponse. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) and donation were the most common decisions; discard was made more frequently in year 1 than later years. After the maximum five years of storage, 34 of the 246 (13.8%) patients who still held embryos had never responded, resulting in default discard. There was no difference in the final decision made according to age, diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, or live birth at first cycle.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the challenges in receiving time-sensitive responses from patients with regard to the disposition of their embryos; more studies are needed to further evaluate short-term storage facility protocols that assist in decision-making in effective ways.