AI advancements could revolutionise IVF success rates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to significantly enhance the success rates of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, potentially alleviating the distress faced by many childless couples, according to breakthrough research conducted at Imperial College London. The research, led by Dr Ali Abbara, a consultant in reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, signifies an important innovation in reproductive medicine.

Each year, around 50,000 couples in the UK opt for fertility treatment, yet many find the associated costs daunting, often exhausting their savings or incurring debt for multiple procedures. As reported by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), pregnancy success rates stand at approximately 31% per fresh embryo transfer, but many couples are compelled to delay treatment due to financial constraints, subsequently reducing their chances of success.

In the traditional IVF process, clinicians utilise ultrasound scans to gauge the size of ovarian follicles—small sacs containing eggs—to determine the optimal timing for administering a hormone injection known as the “trigger”. This injection is crucial for preparing the eggs for collection and fertilisation. However, the current clinical practice primarily evaluates the largest follicles, which may not yield optimal results.

The recent study harnessed data from 19,000 patients who had undergone IVF treatments, scrutinising which follicle sizes were most conducive to retrieving mature eggs and leading to successful births. Dr Thomas Heinis, co-senior author from the Department of Computing at Imperial College London, highlighted the advantages of the AI methodology by stating, “Where the stakes are so high for making the best possible decision, this technique can support doctors’ decision making and lead to better outcomes for patients.”

The researchers found that administering the hormone injection when a larger proportion of follicles measured between 13mm and 18mm was linked to improved rates of mature egg retrieval and higher birth rates. Current practices generally set a threshold based solely on the size of the largest follicles, which could limit the successful application of the trigger injection.

In response to these promising findings, Professor Waljit Dhillo, a senior investigator at Imperial College London, remarked, “Our findings could pave the way for a new approach to maximise the success of IVF treatment, leading to more pregnancies and births.” The study’s implications suggest a paradigm shift towards personalising IVF protocols through AI, allowing a more holistic assessment of follicle growth rather than relying on limited data points.

Additionally, broader societal issues surrounding infertility and the timing of fertility treatments were highlighted by Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, who noted, “Early access to fertility treatment is crucial for those who need it.” The HFEA’s annual report reflected a demographic shift, with the average age of women seeking IVF treatment surpassing 35 for the first time, in contrast to the mean age of first-time mothers at 29. This late access is potentially influenced by growing living costs and a decline in NHS-funded cycles, as well as the increased emotional toll associated with infertility.

The research stands to profoundly impact the future of fertility treatment. With advancements in AI and machine learning, the next steps may involve developing tailored treatment plans that are predictive and based on individual patient data. If successfully implemented, these innovations could drastically improve the outcomes for many couples facing the heartbreak of infertility.

Source: Noah Wire Services