Assisted hatching reduces the age-related decline in IVF outcome in women younger than age 43 without increasing miscarriage or monozygotic twinning

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to examine the benefits of assisted hatching in our program and to determine whether the procedure increases the implantation of nonviable embryos or monozygotic twinning. Methods: Consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles using assisted hatching were compared with historical controls. The impact of assisted hatching was analyzed according to the woman's age. Outcome measures were clinical pregnancy, implantation rate, delivery rate, multiple pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and incidence of monozygotic twins. Results: The implantation rate was increased in women aged 35-39 and markedly increased in women aged 40-42. There was no change in spontaneous abortions and no increase in monozygotic twins. Conclusions: Assisted hatching is a safe and highly effective adjunct to in vitro fertilization for women aged 35-42 and did not increase spontaneous abortion or monozygotic twinning.