Anticoagulation Therapies Effect on the Endometrial Blood Flow and Pregnancy Outcomes in Unexplained Recurrent Implantation Failure Women

• Conditions: Recurrent Implantation Failure
• Interventions: Drug: Low dose aspirin plus low molecular weight heparin; Drug: no treatment; Drug: Low dose aspirin; Drug: Low molecular weight heparin

• Registration Number: NCT03365466
• Lead Sponsor: Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital

Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to investigate whether Low Dose Aspirin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin could increase the uterine perfusion, and finally improve the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure.

Detailed Description

Infertility is a growing issue for many couples all over the world. Nowadays, Assisted reproductive technology is widely used to treat couples affected by infertility, but, the success rate is still very low. Recurrent implantation failure is an important cause of repeated IVF failure. In addition to the embryo quality, a functioning and receptive endometrium is crucial for embryo implantation. There is a growing amount of evidence shows that uterine perfusion playing an important part in regulating endometrial receptivity and in successful pregnancy.

Recently, transvaginal ultrasonography is often used to examine endometrial thickness, pattern and blood flow status to predict uterine receptivity. Some studies have demonstrated that uterine artery blood flow resistance in RM (Recurrent miscarriage) patients is significantly higher than in normal fertile patients. It has been postulated that abnormal uterine perfusion could be related to the reproductive failure, enhancing the uterine perfusion may improve the successful pregnancy. In accordance with this hypothesis, some therapeutic approaches including low dose aspirin (LDA), nitric oxide donor, low molecular weight heparin, sildenafil are applying in clinic. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is derived from unfractionated heparin. It also has anticoagulation or the antithrombin effect. Aspirin has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Initially, aspirin and low molecular weight heparin have been used either as single agents or in combination to treat patients with recurrent miscarriage, diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. The treatment confers a significant benefit in live births rate. Furthermore, various studies have shown that thrombophilia are more common in women with RIF compared with healthy fertile controls. In these women, heparin treatment could potentially enhance the implantation process, and may finally improve the live birth rate. The aim of the study is to investigate whether Low Dose Aspirin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin could increase the uterine perfusion, and finally improve the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2017-09
• Study Start: 2017-12
• Study First Submitted: 2017-12-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2017-12-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2017-12-06
• Study First Posted: 2017-12-07
• Last Update Posted: 2017-12-07
• Primary Completion: 2018-12
• Study Completion: 2019-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 200

Inclusion Criteria

1. ≥3 pervious IVF-ET failures or failure with transfer of at least 10 frozen embryos in multiple transfers;
2. 25-45 years old;
3. Having a regular menstrual cycle and BBT;
4. Top-quality frozen embryos for transfer;
5. Endometrial thickness 8-14mm；
6. Abnormal uterine perfusion(PI>2.5)；
7. Decided to recieve LMWH or LDA or a combination of LMWH and LDA therapy.

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Exclusion Criteria

1. Chromosome aberrations in anyone of the couple;
2. Abnormal uterine cavity;
3. Hydrosalpinx;
4. Chronic systemic disease(liver,renal,heart,thyroid and thrombocytopenia)
5. Having experienced severe allergies, trauma history；
6. With a history of mental illness;
7. Any contraindication for LDA or LMWH.

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Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Group C	Low dose aspirin plus low molecular weight heparin	Patients who received a daily dose of 75 mg LDA plus 5000u LMWH after menstruation prior to ET.
Group D	no treatment	Patients who did not receive any treatment.
Group A	Low dose aspirin	Patients who received a daily dose of 75mg LDA per day after menstruation prior to ET.
Group B	Low molecular weight heparin	Patients who received a daily dose of 5000u LMWH after menstruation prior to ET.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Clinical pregnancy rate	until 12 weeks	Ongoing pregnancy beyond the 12th gestational week rate

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Uterine artery blood flow	luteal phase before ET and one day before ET	by transvaginal sonography
Implantation rate	8 weeks	by transvaginal sonography

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Shanghai first Maternity and Infant health hospital, Tong Ji University; 🇨🇳 Shanghai, China