The effects of intra-ovarian autologous platelet rich plasma injection on IVF outcomes of poor responder women and women with premature ovarian insufficiency

Abstract

Objective: There are controversial results regarding the administrations of platelet rich plasma (PRP) to increase in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates in the current literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intra-ovarian PRP injections on IVF outcomes of poor responder women and women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Material and Methods: The medical history and outcome of women receiving intra-ovarian PRP injections performed in a single tertiary center between 2018 and 2021 was retrospectively reviewed. Results: In total 71 women were included, of whom 21 were diagnosed with POI according to European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology criteria and 50 were poor responders according to Bologna criteria. Number of retrieved oocytes, number of 2 pronuclear embryos and number of cleavage stage embryos were significantly higher in poor responder women after PRP injections. However clinical pregnancy rates and live birth delivery rates were similar before and after PRP injections in poor responders. In women with POI, 8 embryos were obtained in cycles commenced after PRP injections but no clinical pregnancies were achieved in this group of patients. Conclusion: Intra-ovarian PRP injections do not appear to increase live birth rates or clinical pregnancy rates in poor responder women or in those with POI, in this cohort.