Impact of trophectoderm biopsy on serum ?-hCG dynamics: PGT cycles vs. non-PGT cycles

Abstract

Purpose Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), which involves trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, is commonly used to detect genetic abnormalities in embryos. However, its impact on serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels in early pregnancy remains a topic of debate. This study evaluated the effects of TE biopsy on beta-hCG dynamics. Serum beta-hCG levels on days 9 and 11 post-blastocyst transfer were compared between PGT and non-PGT cycles. Additionally, beta-hCG thresholds were explored as potential prognostic markers for success in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Memorial & Scedil;i & scedil;li Hospital, & Idot;stanbul, T & uuml;rkiye, between January 2012 and January 2021. The patients undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer were divided into PGT (1698 cycles) and non-PGT (1830 cycles) groups. The serum beta-hCG levels on days 9 and 11 after embryo transfer (ET) and the rate of beta-hCG increase were compared. Results In both groups, higher baseline beta-hCG levels and rates of increase were correlated with live birth outcomes than with clinical or biochemical pregnancy loss (p < 0.001). PGT cycles showed lower baseline beta-hCG levels across all pregnancy outcomes, but no significant difference in beta-hCG increase rates (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, PGT cycles were not found to be significantly associated with beta-hCG levels. Conclusion Serum beta-hCG dynamics strongly predict live birth and clinical pregnancy. PGT did not significantly affect beta-hCG levels after adjustment for confounders.