Cumulative live birth rate: a new index for evaluating the efficacy of assisted reproductive technology

As a new assessment for measuring the effectiveness and safety of assisted reproductive technology, the recognition and application of cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) have increased in recent years, especially after the widespread use of embryo cryopreservation technology. The evaluation of CLBR includes the outcomes of overall treatment in both fresh embryo transfer cycles and subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. It reflects the opportunity for live birth throughout the treatment process, which is more accurate, comprehensive and of greater significance both to patients and clinicians. However, at present, there is no unified standard for the calculation of CLBR. This article summarizes the different calculation methods of CLBR and discusses their clinical significance and related influencing factors. Key words: Cumulative live birth rate; Reproductive techniques, assisted; Evaluation index