Role Of Assisted Hatching In In Vitro Fertilization

Publication Date: August 1, 2014
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Summary and Recommendations

Despite its widespread and longtime use, there have been a limited number of studies that have examined the effect of assisted hatching (AH) on live birth rate (LBR). As a result, there is insufficient evidence that AH improves birth rates. (, C)
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There is good evidence that AH slightly improves clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) in poor prognosis patients, including those with prior failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and who have a poor prognosis. (, A)
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AH appears to be associated with an increased risk of multiple pregnancy, (, A)
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but there is insufficient evidence that it is associated with an increased risk of monozygotic (MZ) twin pregnancy.
(, C)
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Until data about LBR are available and in the context of increased risk of multiple pregnancy, it is premature to recommend AH in all patients with poor prognosis. (, )
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AH should not be recommended routinely for all patients undergoing IVF. (, C)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Role Of Assisted Hatching In In Vitro Fertilization

Authoring Organization

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Publication Month/Year

August 1, 2014

Last Updated Month/Year

June 27, 2023

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

There is good evidence that assisted hatching (AH) slightly improves clinical pregnancy rates, particularly in poor prognosis patients, including those with prior failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Due to a limited number of studies, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that AH improves live-birth rates. This document replaces the 2008 American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Practice Committees' document titled, “Assisted hatching in in vitro fertilization: a review of the literature. A committee opinion

Target Patient Population

Patients with infertility

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Laboratory services, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Counseling, Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D005307 - Fertilization in Vitro, D066298 - In Vitro Techniques

Keywords

infertility, in vitro fertilization

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement