The Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on the Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Outcome

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D (vit D) regulates the female reproductive system and inflammation reduction. Vit D deficiency has been reported  to be related to various diseases, such as infertility in females.

Objective: This work aimed to study the effect of vitamin D deficiency and  vaginal inflammation on the pregnancy rate following frozen embryo transfer.

Subjects and Methods: This prospective study included  188 infertile females who underwent ICSI protocol between February 2021 and January 2022. The individuals were categorized into two  groups: Group I (Vit D deficiency, vit D < 30 ng/mL), and group II (Normal vit D ≥ 30 ng/mL). Vitamin D levels in serum and vaginal  inflammation were detected, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. The impact of vitamin D deficiency and  vaginal inflammation on the pregnancy rates was investigated.

Results: Among participants, 74.3% had vitamin D deficiency, and 25.5%  had normal vit D levels. 37.23% of patients had a positive β-hCG, while 62.77% had negative β-hCG. 14.9% of cases had no vaginal  infection, while 85.1% had a vaginal infection. There was a statistically significant correlation between lower pregnancy rates in Egyptian  females and vit D deficiency (p<0.001). However, there was no correlation association between vaginal inflammation and pregnancy rates  (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that reduced pregnancy outcome could be due to vit D (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Lower  pregnancy rates following ICSI among Egyptian women may be related to vitamin D deficiency, while vaginal inflammation has no  impact on pregnancy rates.