Authors: Kumar S, Medikondu H, Jain D, et al.
Cureus 17(7): e89146. doi:10.7759/cureus.89146
This retrospective study examined whether the use of nitrous oxide (N₂O) during oocyte retrieval in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures impacts fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy rates. The study included 250 patients, divided into two groups: one receiving isoflurane alone and the other receiving isoflurane combined with N₂O. While the N₂O group exhibited a significantly higher number of Grade 3 (lower-quality) oocytes, fertilization rates, cleavage rates on Days 2 and 3, and pregnancy rates were comparable between the two groups. After adjusting for covariates like hypothyroidism and age, the outcomes remained consistent.
The findings suggest that although N₂O exposure during oocyte retrieval may result in retrieving more lower-quality oocytes, it does not adversely affect fertilization success, embryo development, or clinical pregnancy rates. The authors emphasize caution in patients with limited ovarian reserve and recommend prospective randomized trials to further clarify N₂O’s cellular-level impacts on IVF outcomes.
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