Risk Factors of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Singletons Conceived Through Frozen Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: The risks of adverse perinatal outcomes in offspring conceived following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) assisted reproductive technology (ART) are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for preterm birth and low birth weight in singletons after FET. METHODS: 386 FET cycles was conducted at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Meizhou People’s Hospital. The relationship between clinical characteristics and outcomes (term birth and preterm birth, normal birth weight and low birth weight) was analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of primary infertility, basal FSH and T levels, gestational age, birth weight, and proportion of male fetuses were significantly different in the preterm and full-term groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that high maternal age (≥35 years) (OR 3.652, 95% CI: 1.683–7.925, P=0.001), primary infertility (OR 2.869, 95% CI: 1.461–5.632, P=0.002), low FSH level (<6.215 mIU/mL) (OR 3.272, 95% CI: 1.743–6.144, P<0.001), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) method (OR 2.780, 95% CI: 1.088–7.100, P=0.033) may increase risk of preterm birth after FET. Gestational age and birth weight were significantly different in fetuses with low birth weight (<2500g, n=38) and normal birth weight (≥2500g and <4000g, n=333). Logistic regression analysis showed that low basal FSH level (<6.215 mIU/mL) (OR 0.425, 95% CI: 0.209–0.865, P=0.018), and HRT method of endometrial preparation for FET (OR 0.272, 95% CI: 0.079–0.934, P=0.039) may reduce the risk of low birth weight after FET. CONCLUSION: High maternal age, primary infertility, low FSH level, HRT method of endometrial preparation for FET, and male fetus may increase risk of preterm birth after FET. In addition, primary infertility, low basal FSH level, and HRT method of endometrial preparation may reduce the risk of low birth weight after FET.