ASSESSMENTS OF EMBRYO-TRANSFER AFTER IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION - EFFECTS OF GLYCERYL TRINITRATE

The role of embryo transfer and its associated difficulties on the outcome of human in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined using a standardized procedure and a scoring system (embryo transfer scores 1 - 5). This system was used to assess any effects of the smooth muscle relaxant glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on embryo transfer. Patients (n = 120) were randomized in a double-blind manner at their first embryo transfer to receive sublingual GTN or placebo before the transfer. Retrospective analysis showed that higher pregnancy rates were associated with uncomplicated transfers (score 1; P < 0.01). The outcome measures included pregnancy rate, total time of cervical manipulation (embryo transfer time) and embryo transfer score. All pregnancies had a transfer score of 1 or 2, but no recorded parameter differentiated between pregnant or non-pregnant cycles, and GTN had no significant effect on any parameter.