In dividual participant data meta-analysis of trials comparing f r o zen versus f r esh e m bryo transfer strategy (INFORM): a protocol
Year: 2022
Type: review
Study design: Study Protocol
Abstract: Introduction Existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy and a fresh embryo transfer strategy have shown conflicting results. A freeze-all or a fresh transfer policy may be preferable for some couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), but it is unclear which couples would benefit most from each policy, how and under which protocols. Therefore, we plan a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of RCTs comparing a freeze-all and a fresh transfer policy. Methods and analysis We will search electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL) and trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) from their inception to present to identify eligible RCTs. We will also check reference lists of relevant papers. The search was performed on 23 September 2020 and will be updated. We will include RCTs comparing a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy and a fresh embryo transfer strategy in couples undergoing IVF. The primary outcome will be live birth resulting from the first embryo transfer. All outcomes listed in the core outcome set for infertility research will be reported. We will invite the lead investigators of eligible trials to join the In dividual participant data meta-analysis of trials comparing f r o zen versus f r esh e m bryo transfer strategy (INFORM) collaboration and share the deidentified individual participant data (IPD) of their trials. We will harmonise the IPD and perform a two-stage meta-analysis and examine treatment–covariate interactions for important baseline characteristics. Ethics and dissemination The study ethics have been granted by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 30391). The findings will be disseminated via presentations at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021296566.
Source: BMJ Open
Authors: Rui Wang, David J McLernon, Shimona Lai, Marian G Showell, Zi-Jiang Chen, Daimin Wei, Richard S Legro, Ze Wang, Yun Sun, Keliang Wu, Lan N Vuong, Pollyanna Hardy, Anja Pinborg, Sacha Stormlund, Xavier Santamaría, Carlos Simón, Christophe Blockeel, Femke Mol, Anna P Ferraretti, Bruce S Shapiro, Forest C Garner, Rong Li, Christos A Venetis, Ben W Mol, Siladitya Bhattacharya, Abha Maheshwari
Institutions: Monash University, University of Aberdeen, University of Auckland, Shandong University, Hospital for Reproductive Medicine Affiliated to Shandong University, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Renji Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, University of Oxford, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Igenomix, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Peking University Third Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, NHS Grampian
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W4285809689