V Eyheremendy, F G E Raffo, M Papayannis, J Barnes, C Granados, J Blaquier
JBRA Assist. Reprod. 2009; 13 (3):14-17
Received June 05, 2009
Accepted June 19, 2009
Abstract
Objective: to study the effect of endometrial cell co-culture (ECC) upon embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy rates (PR) in patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART) for the first time.
Methods: the population was composed of 81 patients. Forty one underwent conventional ART while 40 employed ECC simultaneously. The endometrial sample was obtained 7-10 days after ovulation in a previous cycle, purified, multiplied in culture and cryopreserved. Thawing was performed on the day of HCG and the embryos cultured on a monolayer of these cells until transfer on day 3.
Results: pregnancy rate for the entire population was 36% for control and 62% for ECC (P<0.001) and implantation rate 20% and 34% respectively (P<0.02) When segregated by age group PR were: below 35 yearsold: control 42% and ECC 67% (P< 0.001); 36 to 39 years-old: 33% and 61.5% respectively (P<0.001); 40 years old and older: 28,5% vs 55.5% (P< 0.001). Regarding the cause of infertility, it was observed that in cases presenting both male and female factors, the results were 21% PR for control and 63,6 for ECC (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The use of ECC improves the possibility of obtaining pregnancy or those patients attempting ART for the first time.
