Black Women Experiencing Lower Birth Rates in FET Cycles
Oct 19, 2020
By: ASRM
Origin: ASRM Press Release
Frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FET) cycles are a type of invitro-fertilization (IVF) treatment in which a cryopreserved embryo created in a full IVF cycle is thawed and transferred to the uterus. Since it is only safe to transfer one or two embryos at a time, FET cycles can be effective for couples wishing to preserve embryos from an IVF cycle where several embryos were created. FET cycles can also be used when fresh cycles are cancelled due to risk. Cryopreserved embryos may be transferred after a fresh IVF transfer fails or in order to induce a second pregnancy.
Previous studies of fresh IVF cycles demonstrate lower pregnancy rates in black compared to white women, whereas a small FET study from a single site showed comparable pregnancy rates. However, a study had not yet been done to examine these disparities on a national scale.
Utilizing data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, researchers from the University of Connecticut, the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, the Veterans Administration of Kensington and Boston IVF, analyzed 7,002 SART FET cycles from 2014-2016 and found significant racial disparities in live-birth rates. While live-birth rate was significantly lower in Black versus White and Asian groups, it was comparable in Hispanic groups. Similarly, implantation rate and clinical loss rate were higher among Black patients, but there was no significant difference between groups in multiple pregnancy rate or clinical pregnancy rate.
“Understanding the racial disparities in outcomes of different IVF treatments is a critical first step in assuring access to care for all patients. Due to lower implementation rates and higher clinical loss rates, Black women are experiencing disproportionate barriers in pregnancy through IVF.” Said Michael Thomas, MD, ASRM Secretary and Chair of the ASRM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force.