Received May 05, 2020
Accepted November 20, 2020

Previous studies have indicated that culture media vary in efficiency and outcomes such as live birth rate, birthweight and embryo quality. Does Vitrolife G5 series culture media result in higher live birth rate and birthweight compared to other common culture media? This study is a systematic review based on the PRISMA criteria. Relevant search terms, mesh terms (PubMed and Cochrane) and Emtree terms (Embase) were identified. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane on the 10th of November 2019. Inclusion criteria were published articles in English comparing Vitrolife G5 to other common culture media. Both randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Primary outcomes were live birth rate and birthweight. Secondary outcomes were fertilization rate, implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancies and congenital malformations. Of 187 articles screened, 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: Five RCTs and six retrospective cohort studies. Only one study reported on live birth rate showing a non-significantly higher live birth rate for Vitrolife G5 media. Birthweight had equivocal results with three of six studies showing significantly lower (2)/higher (1) birthweight, whereas the others were non-significant. Overall, no significant differences were found concerning the secondary outcomes. The results are equivocal, and more studies are needed to assess culture media and their effect on short- and long-term health.