French National IVF Registry: analysis of 1986 to 1990 data. FIVNAT (French In Vitro National).

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a broad knowledge of IVF practice in France and to analyze the main success factors.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

A national IVF registry was established in France in January 1986 and has been in operation since that time.

PATIENTS

Data on more than 77,000 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles were collected from 97 centers, representing 80% of all French ART activity.

INTERVENTIONS

In this registry, a form is completed for every oocyte recovery attempt, containing information about the infertility diagnosis, the attempt itself, and its results.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per ovum pick-up.

RESULTS

This report provides data for the period 1986 to 1990 and studies the relationships between pregnancy occurrence and a number of characteristics relating to the couple or the cycle. The mean PR increased from 15.0% in 1986 to 18.7% in 1990. The methodological aspects are discussed, focusing on possible sources of bias and analysis of results. The results obtained in this registry are compared with those from other similar registries worldwide.