Hepatitis B infection and outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment

Objective

To examine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the associated causes of subfertility, and the outcomes of the first IVF and embryo transfer treatment cycles in these infertile couples.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Assisted reproduction technology (ART) unit.

Patient(s)

Two hundred eighty-seven couples undergoing IVF and embryo transfer cycles.

Intervention(s)

Analysis of data on patients' characteristics, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), embryology, and pregnancy (PR) and implantation rates of IVF and embryo transfer cycles according to HBV serostatus of the infertile couples, which was routinely screened.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The PRs and the implantation rates.

Result(s)

Twenty-nine (10.1%) women were HBV seropositive, whereas 32 (11.1%) of their husbands were HBV seropositive. Concerning the causes of infertility, there was a trend toward more tubal blockage (57.1% vs. 42.2%) in the HBV-infected group. Among the 190 women undergoing their first IVF and embryo transfer cycles, both the ongoing PR or live birth rate and implantation rate in HBV group were significantly higher than the controls (53.3% vs. 24.2% per cycle with embryo transfer; and 43.3% vs. 18.4%, respectively).

Conclusion(s)

Our results demonstrate for the first time significantly higher PRs and implantation rates of IVF and embryo transfer cycles for couples with at least one partner being HBV seropositive. Further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms are warranted.

Key Words: Hepatitis B, in vitro fertilization, pregnancy rate