Critical appraisal:Sabatini ME, Wolkovich AM, Macklin EA, Wright DL, Souter I, Toth TL 2011

Critical Appraisal

Article being appraised

Sabatini ME, Wolkovich AM, Macklin EA, Wright DL, Souter I, Toth TL. Pronuclear embryo cryopreservation experience: outcomes for reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and for fertility preservation in cancer patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011 Mar;28(3):279-84 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21107899.

Applicable clinical question

In female cancer patients does the use of embryo cryopreservation result in pregnancy and live birth?

Key Facts

Study Design

case series

Study aims:

28 patients who froze fertilised eggs pre chemo

Number of Patients:

28

28 patients. Cancer diagnoses included: 17 breast, 5 cervical, 1 endometrial, and 5 non-gynecologic cancers

Results of outcome(s):

Forty-three percent of cancer patients have undergone a transfer. Of those who have undergone transfer, 67% had one, and 33% had 2 transfers. Two-thirds of the cancer patients who underwent transfer utilized a gestation carrier. Two patients elected to discard embryos without transfer, and one patient expired.

Comments on results:

Note 2/3rds utilisation of embryo rate.

Includes an economic evaluation

no