Pregnancy Outcome After Transferring Genetically Tested Embryos Vs. Non-Tested Embryos

Abstract

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has transformed fertility treatment, providing opportunities for many couples who otherwise would face difficulty conceiving. A critical factor in ART success is the selection of viable embryos. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has emerged as a widely used method to improve embryo selection, enhance pregnancy outcomes, and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Aim: To compare pregnancy outcomes between genetically tested (PGT-A) and non-tested embryos to assess the clinical value of PGT-A in optimizing ART outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study included 225 patients under 35 years of age, including recipients, patients of advanced maternal age, and those with recurrent miscarriage. All underwent ovarian stimulation with a GnRH-antagonist protocol. Blastocysts in the PGT-A group were tested using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Outcomes included biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth.
Results: In the PGT-A group (n=110), 116 embryos were transferred. Fifty-nine pregnancies (53.6%) were achieved; 4 miscarriages (6.8%) and two biochemical pregnancies (3.4%) occurred. In total, 53 pregnancies continued to delivery (89.8% of pregnancies, 48.2% of all transfers). In the non-PGT-A group (n=115), 220 embryos were transferred, resulting in 41 pregnancies (35.7%). Of these, seven miscarried at 6 weeks (17.1%), 2 miscarried at 14–16 weeks (4.9%), and one fetus (2.4%) had a chromosomal abnormality. Thirty-two patients delivered healthy babies (78% of pregnancies, 27.8% of transfers).
Conclusion: PGT-A significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and reduces miscarriage rates by enabling the selection of euploid embryos. Its use should, however, be tailored to patient-specific factors. Larger prospective studies are needed to refine patient selection criteria.