Effects of platelet-rich plasma as a new additive on human embryo development and clinical outcomes

Objective: In this study, we investigated whether adding autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the culture medium affects embryo development and clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: This study included 201 patients with previous RIF. Of these, 77 opted to receive the treatment and were assigned to the PRP group, and 124 declined and were assigned to the control group. In the PRP group, normally fertilized embryos were cultured in medium supplemented with 5% PRP, whereas embryos in the control group were cultured without PRP. Embryo transfer was performed on day 3 after evaluation of embryo quality. A comparative analysis was then conducted between the two groups, focusing on embryo quality and clinical outcomes. Results: Although no significant differences were observed in fertilization or cleavage rates, the PRP group had a significantly higher proportion of good-quality embryos with at least six cells on day 3 than the control group. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in the PRP group were also significantly higher than those in the control group. Furthermore, the ongoing pregnancy rate was notably higher in the PRP group, and successful live births were achieved. Miscarriage rates were similar between groups. Conclusion: Incorporating PRP as an additive into the culture medium improved embryo quality and increased implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.