A07. Study of Acupuncture Improving Oocytes Quality of Poor Ovarian Responders in IVF

Abstract

Introduction:   Poor Ovarian Response (POR) occurs among women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transplantation (IVF-ET), it affects the quantity and quality of retrieved follicles and embryos. Few approaches were proved beneficial for POR patients, while acupuncture might be an effective alternative and complementary therapy. 

Objective: This random controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to investigate the effect of acupuncture on oocytes quality of Poor Ovarian Response (POR) patients in IVF.

Methods: POR patients were randomly assigned into acupuncture + IVF group and IVF group. The study period was 20 weeks, including baseline for 1 week, acupuncture treatment for 8 weeks, IVF cycle for 3 weeks and an 8-week follow-up. Acupuncture was performed in the acupuncture plus IVF group, from two menstrual cycles before IVF cycle, three times a week, except the menstrual period, until the HCG injection day, besides, IVF group received no acupuncture. Both groups received a micro stimulation program for follicle stimulation in IVF. The main outcomes were mature oocytes rate and high quality embryo rate, secondary outcomes included number of eggs retrieved, number and rate of fertilization, rate of high-quality embryos, number and rate of available embryos, Gn dosage and GN days. Above outcomes were evaluated on the third day after follicles were retrieved.

Results: The main outcomes: the number of mature oocytes in the two groups was similar(P > 0.05); the high quality embryo rate of acupuncture plus IVF group was significantly higher than that of IVF group (P < 0.01). 

Secondary outcomes: Number of high-quality embryos & rate of available embryos in acupuncture + IVF group were significantly higher than those in IVF group (P < 0.05); the number of retrieved eggs, fertilized embryos, available embryos, the rate of fertilized embryos, the dosage and days of Gn were similar between two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  Acupuncture improved the oocytes quality of POR patients in IVF, mainly manifested as increased number and rate of high quality embryos.