Does body mass index impact assisted reproductive technology treatment outcomes in gestational carriers

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess whether increased body mass index (BMI) negatively affects assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes among gestational carriers. Methods: A retrospective matched case-control cohort, including all gestational carrier (GC) cycles performed at CReATe Fertility Centre (Toronto, ON, Canada) between 2003 and 2016. Setting: A Canadian fertility clinic, with a large surrogacy program. Patients: All gestational carriers that had undergone a cycle completed to a transfer at our clinic, and had BMI and outcome data available, were matched by BMI to infertile patients treated at our clinic during the same years provided they had undergone a cycle completed to a transfer, and had outcomes data available. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: Clinical pregnancies rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rates. Results: BMI was not a reliable prediction factor of any of the measured outcomes. Importantly, the gestational carrier population had better outcomes and a significantly lower overall incidence of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications when compared with infertile patients, treated at our clinic during the same years. Conclusion: BMI is not a reliable predictor of outcomes among gestational carriers.