Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41731524›Full record

ArticleJournal of ovarian research2026

Single vs. double good-quality embryo transfer in fresh cleavage-stage cycles: a propensity score-matched analysis of efficacy and risks.

Chen-Yue Dong, Xue Wang, Meng-Yu Zhu, Hong-Wei Geng, Miao-Miao Shi, Cui-Lian Zhang

Abstract read
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Article in Journal of ovarian research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Chen-Yue DongDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
Xue WangDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
Meng-Yu ZhuDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
Hong-Wei GengDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
Miao-Miao ShiDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
Cui-Lian ZhangDepartment of Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China. zclian@zzu.edu.cn.

Funding

Henan Provincial Health Commission 251111312200
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo compare the clinical outcomes of elective single embryo transfer (eSET) and elective double embryo transfer (eDET) using good-quality cleavage-stage embryos in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles.

methodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed 5,725 fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (September 2016–March 2024). Patients were categorized into Group G (eSET, n = 2,688) and Group GG (eDET, n = 3,037). Propensity score matching (1:1) adjusted for confounders. Primary outcomes included live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and neonatal outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age and prior treatment cycles.

resultsAfter propensity score matching (2,394 cycles per group), eDET was associated with higher clinical pregnancy (69.76% vs. 52.21%, P < 0.001) and live birth rates (58.77% vs. 43.48%, P < 0.001), but also with a markedly increased risk of multiple pregnancy (35.63% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.001) and preterm birth (23.70% vs. 7.31%, P < 0.001). Among patients under 38 years of age, eDET was associated with higher live birth rates (62.58% vs. 45.23%, P < 0.001), accompanied by a substantial increase in multiple pregnancy risk (36.41% vs. 0.76%, P < 0.001). In patients aged 38–41 years, eDET did not result in a statistically significant improvement in live birth rates (38.20% vs. 26.97%, P = 0.110), while the multiple pregnancy rate remained significantly higher (20.83% vs. 0%, P = 0.008). In patients aged ≥ 41 years, no significant differences in live birth rates were observed between groups. Across different treatment cycles subgroups, eDET was consistently associated with a higher risk of multiple pregnancy.

conclusionIn this retrospective analysis of fresh cleavage-stage good-quality embryo transfers, eDET was associated with higher live birth rates but consistently incurred an increased risk of multiple pregnancy and related adverse outcomes. In the age subgroup of 38–41 years, eDET did not significantly improve live birth rates yet still significantly raised the multiple pregnancy risk. For women ≥ 41 years, no statistically significant benefit of eDET was observed. These findings are descriptive and should not be interpreted as prescriptive recommendations for eDET. In line with current ESHRE guidelines, eSET remains the preferred strategy to optimize safety and resource utilization, and to reduce the public health burden associated with multiple pregnancies.

Indexed as

Embryo TransferSingle Embryo TransferAdultFemaleFertilization in VitroHumansPregnancyPregnancy, MultiplePregnancy OutcomePregnancy RatePropensity ScoreRetrospective StudiesAdvanced female ageElective single embryo transfer (eSET)Good quality embryoIn vitro fertilization (IVF)Propensity score matching

Identifiers

PMID41731524
PMCPMC13036887

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.