The Feasibility of taVNS on Pregnancy Outcomes of Infertility Patients Undergoing IVF

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Infertility Assisted Reproductive Technology

• Registration Number: NCT06742788
• Lead Sponsor: Xijing Hospital

Brief Summary

To assess the feasibility of taVNS on pregnancy outcomes of infertility subjects undergoing IVF, the primary aim of this trial will focus on encompassing recruitment, compliance, and preliminary engagement outcomes.

The exploratory aim is to carry out clinical research, which entails evaluating the preliminary effects of the intervention in order to ascertain its potential benefits.

The main question it aims to answer is: Does the taVNS is feasible and tolerated in the context of IVF?

What medical problems do participants have when using the taVNS device? Researchers will compare the taVNS to the sham transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (a look-alike device that produces a sub-threshold therapeutic stimulus and functions as a sham stimulus) and blank control to see if the taVNS device works to enhance outcomes of IVF.

Participants will:

Use the device a total of 1.5 hours daily, with the sessions divided into three parts, each lasting 30 minutes. At least one of these periods occur within 2 hours before bedtime.

Visit the clinic according to the scheduled treatment time points of IVF. Keep a diary of their adverse events and the number of times they use the device.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-18
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-19
• Study Start: 2025-03-04
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-26
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-02
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-30
• Study Completion: 2025-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 90

Inclusion Criteria

1. Subjects aged 20 to 40 years, diagnosed with infertility, and preparing to undergo IVF treatment;
2. Female subjects with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) > 1.2 ng/mL;
3. Scoring at mild-to-moderate levels of impairment on anxiety, and depression scales;
4. Both the subject and their family sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria

1. The subject had been treated with taVNS in the past;
2. Subjects preparing to undergo frozen embryo transfer;
3. Subjects with a history of mental disorder or who score at a severe level of impairment on anxiety and depression scales;
4. Taking sedatives, anxiety, depression, or psychiatric medications;
5. Comorbidities including arrhythmia, hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart and kidney diseases;
6. Ineligibility for enrollment assessed by a gynecologist or neurologist;
7. Metallic implants or devices contraindicating taVNS.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
the recruitment rate	The time frame for the recruitment rate is 12 months after the intervention begins.	The recruitment rate refers to the number of eligible individuals screened.
the enrollment rate	The time frame for the enrollment rate is 12 months after the intervention begins.	The the enrollment rate refers to the proportion of eligible patients who consent to participate.
the retention rate	The time frame for the retention rate spans from baseline to 4 weeks after ET.	The retention rate refers to the proportion of enrolled individuals who do not withdraw from the intervention.
the patient adherence	The time frame for patient adherence spans from baseline to 4 weeks after ET.	The patient adherence refers to the proportion of patients who complete the intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
the total number of oocytes retrieved	On the day of oocyte retrieval
high-quality embryo rate	On the day of embryo transfer (day 14)
17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17)	The scale and questionnaire measurement will be observed at baseline, the day of embryo transfer (day 14) and 2 weeks after embryo transfer.	The total score range of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) is from 0 to 68. Higher scores mean more severe depression and a worse outcome.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)	The scale and questionnaire measurement will be observed at baseline, the day of embryo transfer (day 14) and 2 weeks after embryo transfer.	The total score range of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is from 0 to 21. Higher scores mean poorer sleep quality and a worse outcome.
14-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14)	The scale and questionnaire measurement will be observed at baseline, the day of embryo transfer (day 14) and 2 weeks after embryo transfer.	The total score range of the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14) is from 0 to 56. Higher scores mean more severe anxiety and a worse outcome.
the positive rate of hCG	The positive rate of hCG will also be observed two weeks after ET	The hCG level, specifically defined as \>10 mIU/mL, is an important indicator of pregnancy success.
Clinical Pregnancy Rate	The primary efficacy outcome of the study is to measure and compare the difference in CPR among three groups 4 weeks after ET.	Description: The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) is a measure used in reproductive medicine to evaluate the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It is defined as the percentage of women who achieve a clinical pregnancy from the first fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycle. A clinical pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound and is characterized by the presence of a gestational sac within the uterine cavity, as observed 4 weeks after the embryo transfer has taken place.
The Fertility Quality of Life Scale (FertiQoL, Simplified Chinese version)	The scale will be observed at baseline, the day of embryo transfer (day 14) and 2 weeks after embryo transfer.	The Fertility Quality of Life Scale yields six subscale and three total scores with a range of 0 to 100. Higher scores mean higher quality of life and a better outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Xijing Hospital; 🇨🇳 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China