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Vitrification of human 8-cell embryos, a modified protocol for better pregnancy rates

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Abstract

Human day 3 embryos were vitrified in modified ethylene glycol-based protocol. The present study reports a post-thaw survival rate of 95.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the conventional slow-freezing protocol (60.0%, P < 0.05). The implantation and pregnancy rates were also higher (14.9% and 35.0%) than that in the slow-freezing protocol (4.2% and 17.4%). On average, three embryos were transferred per patient. Out of the 40 transfer cycles, five deliveries and nine ongoing pregnancies were achieved. Four ended with delivery of a singleton and one a miscarriage. Ethylene glycol is a good cryoprotectant to preserve human 8-cell embryos because of its low toxicity as shown by the high survival rate, and vitrification is a promising alternate to the conventional slow-freezing method.

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GA Rama Raju obtained his medical degree from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India, and DNB in obstetrics and gynaecology from NBE, Government of India, New Delhi. Currently he is the director of Krishna IVF Clinic, which is also a nodal centre for laparoscopy training, recognized by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India. He is named in Who's Who in Medical And Health Care, 2002–2003 and Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century. He has been visiting faculty

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    GA Rama Raju obtained his medical degree from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India, and DNB in obstetrics and gynaecology from NBE, Government of India, New Delhi. Currently he is the director of Krishna IVF Clinic, which is also a nodal centre for laparoscopy training, recognized by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India. He is named in Who's Who in Medical And Health Care, 2002–2003 and Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century. He has been visiting faculty in obstetrics and gynaecology at Justus Liebig University, Frankfurt, Germany and underwent training in ART in Kiel University, Bielefeld Institute of Reproduction, Germany and in PGD at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Dutch-speaking Free University of Brussels. His research interests include reproductive endocrinology, vitrification of gametes and ovarian tissue and PGD.

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