INVESTIGATION OF THE OUTCOMES OF PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC TESTING FOR ANEUPLOIDY (PGT-A) IN QATAR

Abstract

Background: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is increasingly used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to identify chromosomally normal embryos, with the goal of improving clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. However, data on its clinical outcomes in specific populations, particularly in Qatar and other Middle Eastern populations remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of PGT-A, since its implementation in Qatar (at Hamad Medical Corporation; HMC) in 2015 - 2024, and to assess the factors associated with its success. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 469 patients who underwent IVF with PGT-A at HMC. Clinical outcomes (including the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates) were assessed among 200 patients who proceeded with at least one frozen embryo transfer (FET). Association between the clinical outcomes and paternal and maternal age, day of biopsy, indication for IVF with PGT-A, fertilization method, PICSI use, and sperm viscosity were assessed. In addition, the embryo utilization rate was analyzed across the full cohort to evaluate embryological efficiency and identify factors associated with higher yield of transferrable embryos. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was 49%, and live birth rate was 30%. Only paternal age was significantly associated with clinical pregnancy (p=0.032). However, utilization rate was significantly higher in patients with euploid embryos, younger maternal and paternal age, and specific biopsy timings (all p<0.001). Conclusion: This is the first study to examine and report PGT-A outcomes in Qatar demonstrating clinical pregnancy and live birth rates comparable to international benchmarks. Paternal age was found as an important predictor of clinical pregnancy, highlighting its relevance in fertility patient counseling and overall assessment of treatment expectations. Further research incorporating a larger sample size, tracking longitudinal outcomes, and integrating patient-centered measures such as satisfaction, psychological impact, and cost effectiveness may help optimize the application and role of PGT-A in clinical practice and personalized reproductive care.