The use of fibrin sealant in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of fibrin sealant for embryo transfer (ET) and the effect of patient mobilization after ET on pregnancy rates.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, controlled study.

METHODS

Two hundred eleven patients who were admitted to the IVF Unit over a period of 6 months participated in the study. Patients who had three or more embryos were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (study group), in which ET was performed using fibrin sealant, and group 2, who served as the controls. Ovulation induction was carried out using the long GnRH-a suppression protocol.

RESULTS

Comparison of the results regarding the implantation and pregnancy rates and ectopic pregnancy rate revealed a nonsignificant difference between the two groups. However, analysis of the results according to the patients' age revealed a significant increase in pregnancy (P < .05) and implantation (P < .01) rate in elderly patients (aged 39-42) using fibrin sealant for ET as compared with controls. Furthermore, we found that bed rest has no advantage over patient mobilization after ET.

CONCLUSION

The use of fibrin sealant for ET is advantageous in elderly women, but has no apparent effect on the success rate or ectopic pregnancy rate in younger patients. Immediate mobilization does not jeopardize the results of IVF-ET.