The growing trend of application of assisted reproduction technology (ART), while helping to solve some problems, has its risks. Thus, ART is associated with problems related to the implementation of a single embryo transfer and a reduction in the number of multiple pregnancies. In addition, ART is thought to cause preterm birth, low birth weight, and being small at gestational age (SGA).
Thus, the purpose of the article was to analyze this problem using a different approach than previously used. Therefore, the author applied a large single-center dataset and the use of two different consecutive embryo culture media in regard to singleton birth weight. This approach allowed one to approach the issue in more detail and to reveal the selected topic more deeply. In addition, it contributed to avoiding a number of problems, such as the influence of a culture duration being 3 or 5 days.
The study design includes certain strengths and weaknesses. Primarily, it is worth mentioning that the strengths of this article are, as already indicated, the use of a new approach. With the help of this, it was possible to avoid some of the problems that arose when studying the issue earlier and to achieve more accurate results. However, the weakness of the study is the use of multiple linear regression, which may be accompanied by some difficulties in the calculations.
Among the outcomes of the study is the fact that the use of two different commercially available consecutive embryo culture media does not influence the main indicators. Among these indexes is the mean birthweight in live-born singletons born after fresh embryo (day 3) or blastocyst (day 5). The overall conclusion lies in not supporting the concerns that the type of culture medium may have an impact on singleton birth weight.