BACKGROUND
In the context of the ongoing new coronavirus infection COVID-19 pandemic, the information about assisted reproductive technologies cycles outcomes of recovered from COVID-19 patients is very relevant. This information will allow experts to assess the risks of COVID-19 that can impact on fertility.
OBJECTIVE
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of COVID-19 infection and vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection on IVF cycles outcomes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
One observational retrospective study. Medical records of patients during in vitro fertilization cycles from August 01, 2020 till December 31, 2021 were studied. Patients were divided into groups according to COVID-19 disease, as well as the status of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome of the study assesses the clinical pregnancy rate in terms of embryo transfer in stimulated and cryopreserved cycles. The secondary outcome of the study assesses embryological parameters — the number of oocytes, the incidence of fertilization and cleavage, the number of embryos and blastocysts.
RESULTS
The analysis of outpatient cards and cards of day hospital of 280 patients (104 were not infected by COVID-19 and 176 recovered from COVID-19). In evaluating the results of ART in «fresh» cycles the clinical pregnancy rate was 33.3% (14/42) in the group of patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and 32.1% (9/28) in the group who had not been infected by COVID-19 (p=1.0). In evaluating the results of ART in cryopreserved cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate was 53.2% (50/94) in the group of patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and 41.5% (22/53) in the group who had not been infected by COVID-19 (p=0.17). The observed trend of decrease in the number of oocytes and embryos in the group of women with a poor/suboptimal response after recovery from COVID-19 may point to declining fertility rates in this sub-group of patients and causes a certain wariness.
CONCLUSION
Study results indicate the absence of effects of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on IVF cycles outcomes. Further research and larger studies with adequate study design are needed to assess the risks of post-COVID-19 syndrome and to optimize the management of patients in ongoing pandemic.
