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Impact of maternal body mass index on pregnancy outcomes following frozen embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Chucheng Tang,

    Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

    Affiliation Department of Reproductive, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

  • Fengming Tu

    Roles Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology

    tufengming2024@163.com

    Affiliation Department of Obstetrics, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract

Objective

There is still a significant gap in understanding how maternal body mass index (BMI) impacts outcomes of pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer (FET). This review aims to evaluate the effects of various BMI categories on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in women undergoing FET.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies, published up to March, 2024, using the keywords “obesity”, “overweight”, “obese”, “maternal body mass index,” “pregnancy outcomes,” “frozen embryo transfer,”. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and ther results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled findings indicate significantly reduced live birth rate in underweight (OR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.98) and obese (OR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.93) women but not in those who were overweight (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.00), compared to those with normal BMI. Further, only those women who were underweight (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97) had reduced odds of clinical pregnancy rate but not those who were overweight (OR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.05) or obese (OR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.03).

Conclusion

Maternal BMI impacts pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfer, with underweight and obese women having lower live birth rates and only underweight women showing reduced clinical pregnancy rates compared to those with normal BMI. These findings underscore the importance of addressing BMI in women undergoing FET to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the intricate relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy outcomes, particularly in the context of assisted reproduction technology (ART) [1,2]. Excessive weight and obesity have been consistently linked with various adverse reproductive outcomes, ranging from disruptions in hormonal balance and ovulation to compromised embryo implantation and increased risks of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preeclampsia [36]. Conversely, low BMI may also affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes by disrupting hormonal equilibrium and impairing reproductive function, albeit through different mechanisms [79]. For women undergoing ART procedures, elevated BMI presents additional challenges, including the need for higher doses of fertility medications, an increased likelihood of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, higher rates of miscarriage, and lower rates of successful embryo implantation [10,11]. These challenges can contribute to significant emotional and financial burden on patients and on couples seeking fertility treatments [12,13].

Currently, frozen embryo transfer (FET) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fresh embryo transfer [14,15]. FET offers several advantages, such as the ability to better synchronize embryo transfer with the optimal uterine environment and increased flexibility in treatment scheduling [16,17]. Understanding the mechanisms through which maternal BMI may influence pregnancy outcomes following FET is crucial for improving reproductive success in patients undergoing ART [18,19]. However, the impact of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcomes following FET is still unclear [17,20]. Moreover, the existing literature often lacks comprehensive classification of outcomes based on BMI categories [17], particularly distinguishing between underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients. Therefore, it is challenging to establish specific effects of BMI on pregnancy outcomes in FET cycles [21,22], which prevents the clinicians from developing tailored treatment strategies.

This systematic review aims to address the existing gaps in the literature by evaluating the impact of BMI on specific pregnancy outcomes, including live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate, stratified by BMI categories.

Methods

The aims and methods of this meta-analysis have been registered with the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews, with ID number CRD42024528123 (available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO). The meta-analysis was conducted using the guidelines and checklist outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Group (S1 File).

Literature search

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies, published from inception of the databases up to March 31st 2024. We used the following Medical Subject Heading and free words to determine the search strategy: “obesity”, “overweight”, “obese”, “body mass index,” “pregnancy,” “frozen”, “frozen embryo transfer”, “blastocyst transfer”, “assisted reproductive technology” “and “birth rate”. Further details are presented in S1 Table. We also explored reference lists in retrieved studies and prior systematic reviews for potentially relevant studies. Two reviewers conducted the search in all databases independently. They collated all search results and deduplicated them using EndNote. The remaining unique studies underwent further screening, first by title/abstract and then by full-texts to include relevant articles in the review. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by discussion.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria was determined as follows: 1) Study population: adult females undergoing FET 2) Exposure group: Obese, overweight, or underweight females as determined by BMI 3) Comparator group: Normal BMI females 4) Outcomes: clinical pregnancy and live birth rates 5) Study design: All types of comparative studies. 5) Studies reporting confounder adjusted effect sizes for the outcomes of interest.

Exclusion criteria was as follows: 1) Studies on other ART modalities 2) Studies not segregating data based on BMI 3) Studies not reporting required outcomes or reporting unadjusted outcomes 4) Abstracts, unpublished data, theses, reviews and editorials.

Quality assessment and data management

Quality of the cohort studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I instrument. Two reviewers independently scrutinized the methodological quality of the included studies and any disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Data were extracted from the relevant studies, and included study name, location, design, sample size, age distribution, BMI categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese), duration of infertility (in years), and outcomes of interest (i.e., live births and clinical pregnancies) based on BMI categories.

Statistical analysis

STATA version 15.0 was used for the analysis. We adopted a random-effects model to assess the relationship between maternal BMI categories, usually defined as underweight (BMI <  18.5 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥  30 kg/m2), and pregnancy outcomes following FET. Specifically, we assessed the rate of live births and clinical pregnancy across different BMI categories compared to healthy normal-BMI women. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated by I2 statistics [23]. Forest plot and Egger’s test was used to assess the publication bias [24]. A p <  0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance.

Results

General characteristics of included studies

A total of 1084 studies were identified by the literature search. Of them, 309 studies were removed as duplicates. Of the remaining 775 studies, 582 were eliminated at the stage of the title and abstract review. Full texts of the 193 studies were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 17 studies were included in the analysis [7,19,2539] (Fig 1, S2 File).

As summarized in Table 1, all the included studies had a retrospective cohort design. The detailed data extracted from these studies are presented in Table 1.

Participant information

The analysis included information of 237,562 women, with the mean age of around 32 years. Based on the BMI, women were categorized as underweight (n = 15,272), normal-weight (n = 130,733), overweight (n-46,767), and obese (n = 22,395).

Assessment of study quality

Quality of the cohort studies was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool, detailed by Sterne et al. (2016). As summarized in Table 2, most studies had a high risk of bias. Additionally, several studies had missing data and indications of selection bias (Table 2).

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Table 2. Bias risk assessment for inclusion in the study.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.t002

Meta-analysis outcome

Live birth rate.

The analysis reported significantly reduced reduced live birth rate in underweight (OR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.98, I2 = 35.5%, N = 13) and obese (OR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.93, I2 = 61.2%, N = 14) women but not in those who were overweight (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.00, I2 = 65.0%, N = 14), compared to those with normal BMI (Figs 24).

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Fig 2. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in underweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g002

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Fig 3. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in overweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g003

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Fig 4. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in obese and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g004

There was no evidence of publication bias for comparison of live birth in any of the three BMI categories (underweight, Egger’s p = 0.71; overweight, p = 0.66 and obese, p = 0.56). The funnel plots also support lack of potential publication bias (S1S3 Figs).

Clinical pregnancy rate.

The pooled analysis showed that only those women who were underweight (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97, I2 = 53.2%, N = 12) had reduced odds of clinical pregnancy rate. Those who were overweight (OR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.05, I2 = 67.6%, N = 13) or obese (OR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.03, I2 = 64.6%, N = 12) had similar clinical pregnancy rate compared to women with normal BMI (Figs 57).

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Fig 5. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in underweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g005

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Fig 6. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in overweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g006

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Fig 7. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in obese and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.g007

There was no evidence of publication bias for comparison of live birth in any of the three BMI categories (underweight, Egger’s p = 0.43; overweight, p = 0.92 and obese, p = 0.79). The funnel plots also support lack of potential publication bias (S4S6 Figs).

Discussion

Our systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of the association between the maternal body weight and FET outcomes.

Live birth rates

Our meta-analysis revealed a significant association between abnormal maternal BMI and live birth rates for underweight and obese women but not for those who were overweight. These findings underscore the importance of considering maternal BMI as a critical determinant of pregnancy success in FET procedures. Firstly, the observed reduction in live birth rates among underweight women highlights the potential adverse effects of insufficient maternal weight on embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy maintenance [40]. Underweight women may experience hormonal imbalances and inadequate uterine receptivity, impairing embryo implantation and leading to lower live birth rates [41].

Conversely, significant reduction in live birth rates in obese women underscores the detrimental effects of excessive maternal weight on fertility outcomes post-FET [42]. Elevated BMI levels are associated with various metabolic and endocrine dysregulations, including insulin resistance and altered hormonal profiles, which can negatively impact oocyte quality, embryo development, and implantation [32,43]. Moreover, excessive increase in maternal adiposity may contribute to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, further compromising reproductive outcomes [44,45]. Overweight women might not reach the threshold of physiological disturbances seen in obesity, such as hormonal imbalances and inflammatory responses, which can adversely affect implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Additionally, variations in study populations and methodologies might have contributed to the observed lack of association.

Clinical pregnancy rate

Our results showed, that being underweight was associated with decreased clinical pregnancy rates, compared to those of the normal-weight group. However, clinical pregnancy rate in the obese and overweight group was comparable to that of the normal-weight group. We may speculate that while obesity is widely recognized as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, the impact of being obese on fertility is less clear-cut. Similar clinical pregnancy rate in overweight and obese women, compared to normal BMI women, might be linked to the presence of adipose tissue, which could provide a more favorable hormonal and metabolic milieu for embryo implantation and development [7,4648]. Additionally, increased availability of energy reserves in these women might have a supportive effect [49,50]. However, these studies caution that despite a possible protective benefit of the overweight or obese status, a higher BMI might negatively impact pregnancy outcomes, as observed in our study. At the same time, reduced rate of clinical pregnancy in underweight women may stem from potential changes in hormonal profiles and reproductive function associated with low BMI [51,52]. Studies have shown that inadequate energy reserves in underweight patients might compromise follicular development and oocyte quality, thereby affecting the likelihood of successful implantation and clinical pregnancy [53,54].

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the potential role of confounding variables and effect modifiers that may influence the association between maternal weight and live birth rates. Factors such as age, parity, underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and access to healthcare services could confound or modify the observed relationship. For instance, older women, who are more likely to be overweight or obese, may also face age-related declines in fertility, which could attenuate the negative impact of excess weight on clinical pregnancy rates. Similarly, socioeconomic disparities and disparities in healthcare access could contribute to variations in pregnancy outcomes across different weight categories.

Implications for clinical practice

The observed associations between maternal BMI and pregnancy outcomes carry implications for clinical practice. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, personalized interventions that meticulously consider individual BMI profiles are essential. By tailoring treatment plans to accommodate the specific needs and challenges associated with varying BMI categories, clinicians can significantly enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes in fertility treatments. For instance, healthcare providers should prioritize pre-conception counseling and interventions aimed at optimizing maternal BMI to enhance the success of FET procedures [55]. In underweight women, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle modifications may improve fertility outcomes [56]. Similarly, overweight and obese women may benefit from weight management strategies, including diet modifications, physical activity interventions, and, in some cases, bariatric surgery, to mitigate the adverse effects of excess adiposity on fertility and pregnancy [57].

Challenges and considerations in BMI stratification

While our meta-analysis offers valuable insights into the association between maternal BMI and FET outcomes, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges inherent in BMI stratification that require careful consideration. One notable challenge is the lack of standardized classification of outcomes based on BMI categories across the existing literature. This deficiency affects our the ability to accurately evaluate specific effects of varying BMI levels on pregnancy outcomes.

Indeed, numerous studies included in our analysis utilized different cutoff values to define BMI categories, further complicating the interpretation of results. This variability in classification criteria not only hampers the comparability of findings across studies but also introduces potential inconsistencies in clinical decision-making. Without a standardized approach to BMI stratification, clinicians may face challenges in accurately assessing the impact of maternal BMI on FET outcomes and in tailoring treatment strategies. To address these challenges, future research should prioritize the implementation of harmonized classification criteria across BMI categories. Establishing universally accepted cutoff values for defining BMI categories would facilitate more precise clinical decision-making and enhance the comparability of findings across studies. Additionally, efforts to standardize outcome measures related to pregnancy outcomes in relation to maternal BMI would enhance the robustness of future research in this area. By addressing these challenges and promoting standardized approaches to BMI stratification, future studies can advance our understanding of the complex relationship between maternal BMI and FET outcomes, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals undergoing ART.

Future directions

The observed associations between maternal BMI and FET outcomes raise intriguing questions regarding underlying mechanisms and potential research directions. Mechanistic studies exploring the impact of BMI on endometrial receptivity, embryo quality, and implantation potential can provide deeper insights into the biological pathways mediating these associations. Furthermore, investigations into epigenetic modifications and gene expression patterns influenced by maternal BMI during embryonic development could identify additional factors that may contribute to pregnancy outcomes. Longitudinal studies investigating the effects of maternal BMI on long-term offspring health outcomes following FET are warranted to comprehensively assess intergenerational implications and inform clinical practice.

Limitations and strengths of the study

It is imperative to recognize both the limitations and strengths inherent in our systematic review and meta-analysis. While the incorporation of a substantial number of studies reinforces the robustness of our findings, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential biases and confounding factors introduced by the retrospective design of the included studies. Moreover, variations in study methodologies, including differences in sample sizes and BMI categorization criteria among the included studies, may affect the generalizability of our results.

Variability in sample sizes across studies underscores the need for cautious interpretation, as studies with larger sample sizes may have more substantial influence on the overall outcomes. Additionally, variations in cut-off values used to define BMI categories among the included studies pose challenges in synthesizing findings and may contribute to heterogeneity in results. However, despite these limitations, our study provides invaluable insights into the intricate association between maternal BMI and FET outcomes. By systematically synthesizing data from a diverse range of studies, our analysis offers a comprehensive overview of this complex relationship, laying a solid foundation for future research and the development of clinical practice guidelines. Moving forward, efforts to address these limitations, such as employing more rigorous study designs and standardizing methodologies for BMI categorization, will be essential to further enhance the reliability and applicability of findings in this critical area of research.

In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis provide compelling evidence of the significant influence of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcomes following FET. These findings emphasize the need to consider maternal BMI as a critical determinant of reproductive success and advocate for personalized clinical approaches tailored to individual BMI profiles. By addressing gaps in existing literature and highlighting avenues for future research, our study contributes to advancing understanding of the complex interplay between maternal BMI and FET outcomes, with the ultimate goal of optimizing fertility treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Supporting information

S1 Fig. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in underweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s002

(JPG)

S2 Fig. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in overweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s003

(JPG)

S3 Fig. Forest plot comparing live birth rate in obese and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s004

(JPG)

S4 Fig. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in underweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s005

(JPG)

S5 Fig. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in overweight and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s006

(JPG)

S6 Fig. Forest plot comparing clinical pregnancy rate in obese and normal-BMI women.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s007

(JPG)

S3 File. Data extraction variables and all the eligible studies from which data extraction was done (20/4/2024 till 15/5/2024).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319012.s010

(DOC)

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