J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2025 Oct;35(10):1335-1339. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2025.10.1335.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the threshold β-hCG values that can predict the live birth (LB) rates in in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles, and to compare these serum β-hCG values separately in fresh and frozen embryo transfers.
STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Health Sciences Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye, between January 2017 and January 2023.
METHODOLOGY: Serum β-hCG values of patients who underwent single embryo transfer on Day 5 were measured on Days 12 and 14 after transfer. The patients were divided into two groups: pregnancies that resulted in live birth (LB (+)) and pregnancies that did not result in live birth (LB (-)). The two groups were compared in terms of serum β-hCG values and β-hCG increase rates on the 12th and 14th days after transfer.
RESULTS: The median β-hCG value measured on day 12 in fresh transfers resulting in LB was found to be 277 IU/L. However, this value was found to be 332 IU/L in frozen transfers. When all transfers were considered without discrimination, it was concluded that the β-hCG test could predict LB with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 72% at a value of 197 IU/L.
CONCLUSION: A cut-off value of 197 IU/L was found to be a strong parameter to predict LB in all transfers, regardless of whether the transfer was fresh or frozen. It will guide clinicians in predicting pregnancy outcomes and counselling patients.
KEY WORDS: β-hCG, Live birth, Fresh transfer, Frozen transfer, In vitro fertilisation.
PMID:41058293 | DOI:10.29271/jcpsp.2025.10.1335