Embryo Glue: The Use of Hyaluronan in Embryo Transfer Media

Abstract

EmbryoGlue is available to patients at many in vitro fertilization clinics, usually at an additional cost. The efficacy of hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium (HETM) is supported by moderate quality evidence that indicates a significant improvement in clinical outcomes such as live birth rates for patients, including poorer prognosis women (i.e., maternal age factor [>35 years] and recurrent implantation failure). An increased multiple pregnancy rate has been reported with the use of HETM; therefore, a single embryo transfer policy should be considered in conjunction with the use of EmbryoGlue. There is no evidence to suggest that HETM has any detrimental impact, and therefore the use of HETM in clinics may be justified for a specific demographic of patients. Further robust evidence, in the form of meta-analyses or large-scale randomized controlled trials, is needed to build a sufficient consensus regarding the benefit of hyaluronan supplementation in embryo transfer media.

Embryo Transfer in In-Vitro Fertilization: Factors Affecting Successful Outcome

“…Yung et al in a randomized, double blind controlled trial involving 550 women concluded embryo glue use does not improve live birth rate following frozen embryo transfer [62]. In a review article Atkinson and Woodland concluded that the use of embryo glue may be justified for selected group of patients since there is no evidence to show any harmful effect [63]. However, higher pregnancy and live birth rates using embryo glue (hyaluronic acid) were observed in a Cochrane review of 16 randomized controlled trial [64].…”