Recent trends in assisted reproductive techniques and associated outcomes

Objective: We examined recent trends in success rates for assisted reproduc tion and determined the influence of changes in patient selection and treat ment characteristics on these trends. Methods: We collected baseline information and abstracted treatment-related details and outcomes on 1244 couples accepted for in vitro fertilization ( IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) at three clinics in greater B oston from 1994-1998. Results: Delivery rates per initiated cycle improved significantly from 14. 9% for IVF and 20.6% for GIFT in 1994-1995 to 22.5% for IVF and 28.0% for G IFT in 1997-1998 (P less than or equal to.001). After adjusting for female age, the two treatment-related: variables that appeared most likely to expl ain this trend were decreased use of GnRH agonists in short course (flare) regimens and increased use of highly purified forms of urinary gonadotropin s. Conclusion: There were significant improvements in the success rates for IV F and GIFT from 1994-1998 that correlated with changes in ovulation inducti on regimens. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;95:61-6. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).