BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IVI-RMA Global, the largest group dedicated to assisted reproduction in the world, released more than 40 pieces of research at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2017 Scientific Congress & Expo this week in San Antonio, Texas. Thirty of those studies were presented by Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ), an IVI-RMA Global network member and a world-renowned leader in the field of infertility treatment and research. Key studies from RMANJ debunk infertility myths and explore innovative approaches to treating infertility. The goal is to enhance the practice's in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates beyond its current levels of 86.6% in women under age 35.
One of the more innovative trials shared at the meeting showed that lowering oxygen levels of incubators during laboratory incubation to more closely resemble the uterine environment increases success. The LO2 trial shows that reducing oxygen levels to 2% decreases the number of embryos that arrest prior to the most advanced developmental stage – the blastocyst stage. This change was performed on the third day of gestation to replicate the embryo's position during its journey in the female reproductive tract. Widely accepted practices use 5% oxygen levels throughout the entire embryo culture.
"By more closely mimicking what happens naturally in the body, we aim to improve outcomes. The LO2 trial is part of that process by evaluating the impact of oxygen levels in the incubator," said IVI-RMA Global CEO, Richard T. Scott, Jr., MD, FACOG, HCLD/ALD. "Along with our more than 40 other pieces of research, this finding will help us push closer to helping every hopeful parent we see."
Additional studies released at ASRM by RMANJ focus on a wide array of emerging and important topics in the field of reproductive medicine. These studies examine embryology, genetic screening, embryo biopsy and patient psychology.
Some challenge widely held beliefs. For example, RMANJ conducted the first large-scale research project that disproves the misconception that maintaining a gluten-free diet can improve IVF outcomes. A second study found no correlation between the frequency of celiac disease in infertile patients, while a third study demonstrated using next-generation genetic sequencing leads to a significant reduction in miscarriages.
"RMANJ's mission is to help patients achieve successful pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. The level and variety of research we released this year at ASRM is a testament to our desire to help everyone overcome infertility, one healthy baby at a time," said Scott Morin, M.D. lead author of the LO2 trial and third year fellow at RMANJ. "Our delivery rates, which have been above the US average for more than 10 years, are proof that RMANJ's forward-thinking approach to fertility gives patients a way to measure hope."
Annual data released recently by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) for the year ending December 2014 showed RMANJ with per patient success rates of 86.6% (n=723) in women under age 35 – more than 20% higher than industry standard.
RMANJ's success rates can also be attributed to its state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, as well as its use of breakthrough technologies, such as comprehensive chromosome screening (SelectCCS), which determines chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a process that helps determine which embryos are most likely to help a woman conceive during IVF.
For full information about RMANJ's 2017 ASRM research and additional reproductive health-focused data, visit RMANJ.com.
About IVI-RMA Global
IVI-RMA Global was founded in 2017 when the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI) merged with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ). Together, the companies comprise the largest group dedicated to assisted reproduction in the world. IVI-RMA Global currently has more than 70 centers in 12 countries with practices in the United States, Spain, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, UAE and India. For more information visit: IVI-Fertility.com. RMANJ is the organization's US flagship practice and currently has 25 physicians and 10 locations in New Jersey: Basking Ridge, Eatontown, Englewood, Freehold, Hamilton, Morristown, Somerset, Springfield, West Orange, and its newest location in Marlton, New Jersey. For more information visit RMANJ.com.
SOURCE Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey