Prior COVID-19 infection increases degenerated oocytes but does not
affect IVF outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether prior COVID-19 infection and
time interval after infection affect the in vitro fertilization (IVF)
outcomes. Design: A prospective observational cohort.
Setting: Reproductive center in China. Population:
Participants recovered from COVID-19 and healthy controls.
Methods: All participants received normal IVF treatment. The
oocyte and embryo quality as well as pregnancy outcome data were
collected and analyzed. Main outcome measure: Oocytes and
embryo quality, clinical pregnancy outcomes. Results: The
oocyte and embryo quality were comparable between the two groups,
including the number of oocytes, 2PN zygotes, fertilization rate,
cleavage embryos, day 3 good-quality embryos, blastocyst formation rate,
and good-quality blastocysts. Nevertheless, the study group exhibited
more degenerated oocytes (0.15±0.40 vs. 0.10±0.33, P=0.035). Further
regression analysis indicated that prior COVID-19 infection is
positively related to the number of degenerated oocytes (Adjusted β:
0.06, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0 -0.10, P=0.032). No significant
differences were observed in clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate,
early miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy
rate. Similarly, we observed no difference in oocyte and embryo quality
as well as pregnancy outcomes across various post-infection time
intervals. Conclusions: Preceding COVID-19 could increase the
number of degenerated oocytes. However, it does not affect subsequent
pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, post-infection time interval plays no
significant role in IVF outcomes.