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Cozzolino M, Capalbo A, Garcia-Velasco JA, Pellicer A, Vaiarelli A, Galliano D, Cimadomo D, Ubaldi FM, Parini V, Levi-Setti PE. In vitro fertilization and perinatal outcomes of patients with advanced maternal age after single frozen euploid embryo transfer: a propensity score-matched analysis of autologous and donor cycles. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:678-686. [PMID: 38838805 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vitro fertilization (IVF) and perinatal outcomes of donor egg and autologous cycles in patients with advanced reproductive age after undergoing single frozen euploid embryo transfer. DESIGN A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated and private IVF centers. PATIENT(S) Patients aged 39-46 years who underwent IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using whole-chromosome sequencing with donor (n = 278) or autologous (n = 278) oocytes between October 2017 and October 2021. INTERVENTION(S) Single frozen euploid embryo transfer with donor or autologous euploid embryo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The main outcome measure was the live birth rate (LBR) after the first embryo transfer, calculated per embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes included the implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and gestational age and birth weight at the time of delivery. RESULT(S) Patients using donor or autologous oocytes had a similar likelihood of implantation (57.91% [51.87-63.78] vs. 57.19% [51.15-63.09]) and LBR (41.01% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 35.17-47.04] vs. 42.45% [95% CI, 36.56-48.49]). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the ectopic pregnancy rate (0.72% [0.09-2.57] vs. 0.36% [0.01-1.99]), miscarriage rate (16.19% [12.06-21.05] vs. 14.39% [95% CI, 10.48-19.08]), gestational age (38.50 [38.08-38.92] vs. 39.16 [38.25-40.07] weeks), or birth weight of infants (2,982.25 [2,606.69-3,357.81] vs. 3,128.24 [2,962.30-3,294.17] kg). The univariate analysis showed no association between advanced maternal age and the LBR (relative risk, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.84-1.25]). Multivariate analysis using putative confounders for embryo competency found no associations with LBR (adjusted relative risk, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.75-1.98]). CONCLUSION(S) Patients with euploid blastocysts derived from donor or autologous oocytes did not reveal statistically significant differences in the LBR, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, duration of gestation, or infant birth weight. These findings suggest that age-related reproductive decline and/or poor IVF outcomes associated with women with advanced reproductive age undergoing IVF are heavily driven by embryonic aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, Rome, Italy; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, Rome, Italy; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital - Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Chu D, Fu Y. Impact of culture media pre-equilibration methods on embryo development. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100897. [PMID: 38810436 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of four culture media pre-equilibration methods on embryo development and clinical pregnancy outcomes. The methods are as follows: Method A involved covering media with fresh mineral oil in humid-type incubators for 24 h. Method B replicated Method A in dry-type incubators. Method C utilized pre-equilibrated (humidified) mineral oil to cover the media, also in humid-type incubators for 24 h. Method D followed the same process as Method C but in dry-type incubators. Subsequently, media from all groups were transferred to dry-type incubators for 72 h. Osmolality was measured at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. For G1 PLUS, no significant differences were observed among groups at 24, 48, and 72 h. However, at 96 h, Groups B and D exhibited significantly higher osmolality than Groups A and C (A vs B, p = 0.043; A vs D: p = 0.046; B vs C, p = 0.043; C vs D, p = 0.046). No significant variations were found between Groups A and C or B and D. Similar results were obtained for G2 PLUS. A retrospective analysis of embryo development and clinical outcomes using Methods A revealed significant improvements in good blastocysts and available embryos compared with Method B for all (p = 0.005 and 0.004) and IVF cycles (p = 0.025 and 0.017). Method A also enhanced blastocyst formation in ICSI cycles (p = 0.017). However, clinical pregnancy outcomes did not significantly differ between Methods A and B. Pre-equilibrating culture media overnight in humid-type incubators, even when covered with fresh mineral oil, significantly mitigates osmolality rise and improves embryo development potential during embryo culture in dry-type incubators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Chu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Sonigo C, Ahdad-Yata N, Pirtea P, Solignac C, Grynberg M, Sermondade N. Do IVF culture conditions have an impact on neonatal outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:563-580. [PMID: 38246922 PMCID: PMC10957805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03020-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Are embryo culture conditions, including type of incubator, oxygen tension, and culture media, associated with obstetric or neonatal complications following in vitro fertilization (IVF)? METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed from January 01, 2008, until October 31, 2021. The studies reporting quantitative data on at least one of the primary outcomes (birthweight and preterm birth) for the exposure group and the control group were included. For oxygen tension, independent meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager, comparing hypoxia/normoxia. For culture media, a network meta-analysis was carried out using R software, allowing the inclusion of articles comparing two or more culture media. RESULTS After reviewing 182 records, 39 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 28 studies were kept for review. Meta-analysis about the impact of incubator type on perinatal outcomes could not be carried out because of a limited number of studies. For oxygen tension, three studies were included. The pairwise meta-analysis comparing hypoxia/normoxia did not show any statistical difference for birthweight and gestational age at birth. For culture media, 18 studies were included. The network meta-analysis failed to reveal any significant impact of different culture media on birthweight or preterm birth. CONCLUSION No difference was observed for neonatal outcomes according to the embryo culture conditions evaluated in this review. Further research is needed about the safety of IVF culture conditions as far as future children's health is concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Sonigo
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | - Naouel Ahdad-Yata
- Unité d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, Hôpital Américain, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Reproduction, Hôpital Foch, Université Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
| | | | - Michael Grynberg
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Clamart, France
| | - Nathalie Sermondade
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.
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Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Ruffa A, Rania E, Pittana E, Gallo C, Fiorenza A, Alviggi E, Alfano S, Carmelo R, Trabucco E, Alviggi C, Rosaria Campitiello M, Rienzi L, Maria Ubaldi F, Venturella R. Oocyte competence is comparable between progestin primed ovarian stimulation with Norethisterone acetate (NETA-PPOS) and GnRH-antagonist protocols: A matched case-control study in PGT-A cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 294:4-10. [PMID: 38171151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To outline oocyte competence after progestin primed ovarian stimulation with Norethisterone acetate (NETA-PPOS) compared to conventional GnRH-antagonist protocol. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective matched case-control study involving advanced-maternal-age women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A. 89 NETA-PPOS were matched with 178 control patients based on maternal age and ovarian reserve biomarkers. Both groups underwent recombinant-FSH OS with GnRH-agonist ovulation trigger and collected ≥1 MII. In the study group, NETA (10 mg/day) was administered orally starting from day2 of the menstrual cycle. Euploid blastocyst rate per cohort of metaphase-II oocytes (EBR per MII) was the primary outcome. All other embryological and clinical outcomes were reported. Gestational age, birthweight and length were also assessed. RESULTS The EBR per MII was comparable among PPOS and control (13.9 % ± 19.3 % versus 13.3 % ± 17.9 %; the sample size allowed to exclude up to a 10 % difference). Blastocysts morphology and developmental rate were similar. No difference was reported for all clinical outcomes among the 61 and 107 vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfers respectively conducted. The cumulative live birth delivery rate per concluded cycles was also comparable (24.7 % versus 21.9 %). Neonatal outcomes were analogous. CONCLUSIONS Oocyte competence after NETA-PPOS and standard OS is comparable. This evidence is reassuring and, because of its lower cost and possibly higher patients' compliance, supports PPOS administration whenever the patients are indicated to freeze-all (e.g., fertility preservation, PGT-A, oocyte donation). More data are required about follicle recruitment, oocyte yield, gestational and perinatal outcomes. Randomized-controlled-trials are advisable to confirm our evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruffa
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Rania
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Erika Pittana
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gallo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Fiorenza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Erminia Alviggi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Alfano
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | - Ramona Carmelo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Venturella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Abdala A, Elkhatib I, Bayram A, El-Damen A, Melado L, Lawrenz B, Fatemi HM, Nogueira D. Embryo Culture Medium Has No Impact on Mosaicism Rates: a Sibling Oocyte Study. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3296-3304. [PMID: 37253937 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Human embryos cultured in vitro can contain two or more cytogenetically distinct cell lineages known as "chromosomal mosaicism". Since mosaicism is produced by mitotic errors after fertilization occurs, culture conditions might contribute to mosaicism origins. Many studies demonstrated that euploidy rates are not affected by culture media; however, whether oocytes cultured under continuous culture media (CCM) or sequential culture media (SCM) has a higher risk of mosaicism occurring remains unsolved. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether mosaicism rates differ when sibling oocytes are cultured in CCM or SCM. A single center observational study was performed including 6072 sibling oocytes. Mature oocytes (MII) were inseminated and cultured in CCM (n = 3,194) or SCM (n = 2,359) until blastocyst stage for trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on day (D) 5, D6, or D7 for preimplantation genetic testing analysis with a semi-automated next-generation sequencing. Mosaicism was classified as low (30-50%) or high (50-80%) based on the percentage of abnormal cells constitution detected in TE samples. As a result, 426 women with a mean age of 34.7 ± 6.4 years were included in the study. Fertilization rates were comparable between CCM and SCM (74.0% vs 72.0%, p = 0.091). Although total blastulation rate and usable blastocyst rate (biopsied blastocysts) were significantly higher in CCM than SCM (75.3 % vs. 70.3%, p < 0.001 and 58.0% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.026), euploidy rates did not differ significantly (45.2% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.810, respectively). Mosaicism rate was not significantly different for blastocysts cultured in CCM or SCM (4.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.650), neither the proportion of low or high mosaic rates (3.7% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.353 and 1.0% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.355, respectively). Hence, it was concluded that CCM or SCM does not have an impact on mosaicism rate of embryos cultured until the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Abdala
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | - Aşina Bayram
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Laura Melado
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Barbara Lawrenz
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Obstetrical Department, Women's University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Nogueira
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Inovie Fertilité, Toulouse, France
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Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Conforti A, Forman E, Canosa S, Innocenti F, Poli M, Hynes J, Gemmell L, Vaiarelli A, Alviggi C, Ubaldi FM, Capalbo A. Opening the black box: why do euploid blastocysts fail to implant? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:570-633. [PMID: 37192834 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo implantation. Yet, its positive predictive value is not higher than 50-60%. This gap of knowledge on the causes of euploid blastocysts' reproductive failure is known as 'the black box of implantation'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Several embryonic, maternal, paternal, clinical, and IVF laboratory features were scrutinized for their putative association with reproductive success or implantation failure of euploid blastocysts. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographical search was conducted without temporal limits up to August 2021. The keywords were '(blastocyst OR day5 embryo OR day6 embryo OR day7 embryo) AND (euploid OR chromosomally normal OR preimplantation genetic testing) AND (implantation OR implantation failure OR miscarriage OR abortion OR live birth OR biochemical pregnancy OR recurrent implantation failure)'. Overall, 1608 items were identified and screened. We included all prospective or retrospective clinical studies and randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) that assessed any feature associated with live-birth rates (LBR) and/or miscarriage rates (MR) among non-mosaic euploid blastocyst transfer after TE biopsy and PGT-A. In total, 41 reviews and 372 papers were selected, clustered according to a common focus, and thoroughly reviewed. The PRISMA guideline was followed, the PICO model was adopted, and ROBINS-I and ROB 2.0 scoring were used to assess putative bias. Bias across studies regarding the LBR was also assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim and fill method. Categorical data were combined with a pooled-OR. The random-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was addressed using I2. Whenever not suitable for the meta-analysis, the included studies were simply described for their results. The study protocol was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (registration number CRD42021275329). OUTCOMES We included 372 original papers (335 retrospective studies, 30 prospective studies and 7 RCTs) and 41 reviews. However, most of the studies were retrospective, or characterized by small sample sizes, thus prone to bias, which reduces the quality of the evidence to low or very low. Reduced inner cell mass (7 studies, OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.52, I2 = 53%), or TE quality (9 studies, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, I2 = 70%), overall blastocyst quality worse than Gardner's BB-grade (8 studies, OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, I2 = 83%), developmental delay (18 studies, OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63, I2 = 47%), and (by qualitative analysis) some morphodynamic abnormalities pinpointed through time-lapse microscopy (abnormal cleavage patterns, spontaneous blastocyst collapse, longer time of morula formation I, time of blastulation (tB), and duration of blastulation) were all associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Slightly lower LBR, even in the context of PGT-A, was reported among women ≥38 years (7 studies, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-1.00, I2 = 31%), while obesity was associated with both lower LBR (2 studies, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, I2 = 0%) and higher MR (2 studies, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.99, I2 = 52%). The experience of previous repeated implantation failures (RIF) was also associated with lower LBR (3 studies, OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, I2 = 0%). By qualitative analysis, among hormonal assessments, only abnormal progesterone levels prior to transfer were associated with LBR and MR after PGT-A. Among the clinical protocols used, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer was more effective than fresh transfer (2 studies, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33, I2 = 23%) after PGT-A. Lastly, multiple vitrification-warming cycles (2 studies, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, I2 = 50%) or (by qualitative analysis) a high number of cells biopsied may slightly reduce the LBR, while simultaneous zona-pellucida opening and TE biopsy allowed better results than the Day 3 hatching-based protocol (3 studies, OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69, I2 = 0%). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Embryo selection aims at shortening the time-to-pregnancy, while minimizing the reproductive risks. Knowing which features are associated with the reproductive competence of euploid blastocysts is therefore critical to define, implement, and validate safer and more efficient clinical workflows. Future research should be directed towards: (i) systematic investigations of the mechanisms involved in reproductive aging beyond de novo chromosomal abnormalities, and how lifestyle and nutrition may accelerate or exacerbate their consequences; (ii) improved evaluation of the uterine and blastocyst-endometrial dialogue, both of which represent black boxes themselves; (iii) standardization/automation of embryo assessment and IVF protocols; (iv) additional invasive or preferably non-invasive tools for embryo selection. Only by filling these gaps we may finally crack the riddle behind 'the black box of implantation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Forman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Centrum voor Kinderwens, Dijklander Hospital, Purmerend, The Netherlands
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Hynes
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Gemmell
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Chen D, Xu Q, Mao X, Zhang J, Wu L. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes after embryos cultured in one-step versus sequential culture media systems in vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103227. [PMID: 37270369 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does type of culture medium used influence obstetric and perinatal outcomes after vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfers? DESIGN Retrospective cohort study involving singletons after vitrified-warmed single blastocyst embryo transfers, using embryos cultured in either Irvine Continuous Single Culture medium (CSC) or Vitrolife G5TM PLUS medium culture system between 2013 and 2020. RESULTS A total of 2475 women who had singleton deliveries were included for final analysis: 1478 had embryos cultured in CSC and 997 had embryos cultured in G5TM PLUS medium. Birth outcomes, including preterm birth, mean birth weight, gestational age- and sex-adjusted birth weight (Z-scores), rates of large-for-gestational-age, small-for-gestational-age, low birth weight and macrosomia, and the distribution of newborn gender did not differ significantly between groups in crude and adjusted analyses. Women whose embryos were cultured in G5TM PLUS frequently suffered from pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders compared with those who had embryos cultured in CSC (4.7% versus 3.0%; P = 0.031). This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for several key confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.49, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.38, P = 0.087). Other obstetric complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal placentation, postpartum haemorrhage and the mode of delivery were all similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The present study adds new information to the current evidence by suggesting that the embryo culture medium does not affect birth outcomes and obstetric complications when comparison is limited to Irvine CSC and Vitrolife G5TM PLUS in vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qiuyu Xu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China.
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8
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Vaiarelli A, Cimadomo D, Scarafia C, Innocenti F, Amendola MG, Fabozzi G, Casarini L, Conforti A, Alviggi C, Gennarelli G, Benedetto C, Guido M, Borini A, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM. Metaphase-II oocyte competence is unlinked to the gonadotrophins used for ovarian stimulation: a matched case-control study in women of advanced maternal age. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:169-177. [PMID: 36586005 PMCID: PMC9840736 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An impact of different gonadotrophins selection for ovarian stimulation (OS) on oocyte competence has yet to be defined. In this study, we asked whether an association exists between OS protocol and euploid blastocyst rate (EBR) per metaphase-II (MII) oocytes. METHODS Cycles of first preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies conducted by women ≥ 35 years old with their own metaphase-II oocytes inseminated in the absence of severe male factor (years 2014-2018) were clustered based on whether recombinant FSH (rec-FSH) or human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) was used for OS, then matched for the number of fresh inseminated eggs. Four groups were outlined: rec-FSH (N = 57), rec-FSH plus rec-LH (N = 55), rec-FSH plus HMG (N = 112), and HMG-only (N = 127). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, continuous blastocyst culture, comprehensive chromosome testing to assess full-chromosome non-mosaic aneuploidies and vitrified-warmed euploid single embryo transfers (SETs) were performed. The primary outcome was the EBR per cohort of MII oocytes. The secondary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR) per first SETs. RESULTS Rec-FSH protocol was shorter and characterized by lower total gonadotrophin (Gn) dose. The linear regression model adjusted for maternal age showed no association between the Gn adopted for OS and EBR per cohort of MII oocytes. Similarly, no association was reported with the LBR per first SETs, even when adjusting for blastocyst quality and day of full blastulation. CONCLUSION In view of enhanced personalization in OS, clinicians shall focus on different endpoints or quantitative effects related to Gn action towards follicle recruitment, development, and atresia. Here, LH and/or hCG was administered exclusively to women with expected sub/poor response; therefore, we cannot exclude that specific Gn formulations may impact patient prognosis in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy.
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Scarafia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Innocenti
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guido
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life Sciences and Environment (MeSVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Via G. de Notaris 2B, 00197, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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9
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Sacha CR, Gopal D, Liu CL, Cabral HR, Stern JE, Carusi DA, Racowsky C, Bormann CL. The impact of single-step and sequential embryo culture systems on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies: the Massachusetts Outcomes Study of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1246-1254. [PMID: 35473909 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of deliveries conceived with embryos from single-step vs. sequential culture media systems. DESIGN Historical cohort of Massachusetts vital records linked to assisted reproductive technology clinic data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System and laboratory embryology data from two large academic hospital fertility centers. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENTS Patients with singleton live birth deliveries between 2004 and 2017 conceived with autologous assisted reproductive technology cycles with fresh blastocyst transfer using either single-step (n = 1,058) or sequential (n = 474) culture media systems. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations of single-step vs. sequential culture with obstetric outcomes (mode of delivery, placental abnormalities, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes) and perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birthweight, small-for-gestational-age, and large-for-gestational-age [LGA]) were assessed with multivariate logistic modeling, adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, parity, insurance type, protein supplementation, oxygen concentration, fertilization method, and number of transferred embryos. RESULTS Compared with sequential culture, single-step culture was associated with increased odds of LGA (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.04-4.22). There were no statistically significant differences between single-step and sequential culture media systems in the odds of placental abnormalities, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, prematurity, small-for-gestational-age, or low birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Single-step culture is associated with increased odds of LGA, indicating that embryo culture media systems may affect perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R Sacha
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Daksha Gopal
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chia-Ling Liu
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard R Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Judy E Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Daniela A Carusi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Charles L Bormann
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Romanski PA, Aluko A, Bortoletto P, Elias R, Rosenwaks Z. Age-specific blastocyst conversion rates in embryo cryopreservation cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:432-439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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11
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Comparison of two culture media on morphokinetics and ploidy status of sibling embryos. ZYGOTE 2021; 30:410-415. [PMID: 34879892 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of culture media with different lactate concentrations on early embryonic development, data collected from our patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were assessed using the EmbryoScope™ time-lapse culturing system. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), sibling oocytes were cultured in the same EmbryoScope (Vitrolife) slides including two different commercially available media. The patients with fewer than five mature oocytes were not included in the analyses. All embryos were hatched on day 3, and trophectoderm biopsies (n = 212) were performed accordingly. PGT for aneuploidy (PGT-A) on biopsied materials was carried out using next generation sequencing. Morphokinetic parameters, fertilization, irregular division, degeneration, blastulation, euploidy, and pregnancy rates of embryos cultured in LifeGlobal Global Total medium (LGGT) and Continuous Single Culture-NX Complete medium (CSCM-NXC) were compared. There were no differences observed in time to pronuclear fade, or in time spent as 2-cell (cc2) and 3-cell (s2), to 4-cell, 5-cell, morula and blastocyst stages (P > 0.05). Embryos reached the 2-cell (t2) and 3-cell (t3) stages significantly faster in LGGT (P < 0.05), whereas embryos grown in CSCM-NXC with lower lactate reached starting blastulation significantly sooner (P = 0.026). However, there were no statistical differences observed in fertilization, blastulation, degeneration, irregular division euploidy, and pregnancy rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). Even though pregnancy and fertilization rates did not indicate statistical differences, results are significant to provide better insight on potential roles of lactate in embryo development. These finding will advance the fundamental knowledge of human embryo development and assisted reproductive technologies.
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12
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Stimpfel M, Bacer-Kermavner L, Jancar N, Vrtacnik-Bokal E. The influence of the type of embryo culture media on the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 59:848-854. [PMID: 33218400 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Embryo culture media are important factors in IVF, which can significantly influence clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles. Despite this, it is still not completely clear which formulation is most optimal and whether sequential or continuous media should be favored. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles with regard to different types of culture media used to culture embryos, namely sequential and two types of single step continuous embryo culture media. RESULTS If the data were combined for both types of single step continuous embryo culture media the only significant difference we observed was the proportion of poor quality embryos on day 3, which was significantly higher (16.9% vs. 22.5%; P = 0.017) in the sequential media. The pregnancy (55.1% vs. 40.5%; P = 0.113) and live birth rates (42.9% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.308) were lower in continuous media, although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the blastocyst rate (sequential vs. continuous; 47.4% vs. 47.3%; P = 1), and birthweight (3280 ± 630g vs. 3272 ± 575g; P = 0.96) did not significantly differ regardless of the medium used to culture embryos. Additional comparison of each type of continuous medium to sequential media revealed that the difference in the quality of cleavage stage embryos for combined data of both continuous culture media may be derived from the group of cycles were SAGE 1-Step was used to culture embryos. CONCLUSION These results therefore indicate that continuous media can be equivalent to sequential media and could help lower the workload in busy IVF labs without impairing the clinical results. Although, caution is needed because this study is limited by its retrospective design. To confirm the results, especially in terms of live birth rates and perinatal outcome, a prospective study is needed with a higher number of included couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lili Bacer-Kermavner
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Jancar
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eda Vrtacnik-Bokal
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Cimadomo D, Capalbo A, Dovere L, Tacconi L, Soscia D, Giancani A, Scepi E, Maggiulli R, Vaiarelli A, Rienzi L, Ubaldi FM. Leave the past behind: women's reproductive history shows no association with blastocysts' euploidy and limited association with live birth rates after euploid embryo transfers. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:929-940. [PMID: 33608730 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between patients' reproductive history and the mean euploidy rates per biopsied blastocysts (m-ER) or the live birth rates (LBRs) per first single vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfers? SUMMARY ANSWER Patients' reproductive history (as annotated during counselling) showed no association with the m-ER, but a lower LBR was reported after euploid blastocyst transfer in women with a history of repeated implantation failure (RIF). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several studies have investigated the association between the m-ER and (i) patients' basal characteristics, (ii) ovarian stimulation strategy and dosage, (iii) culture media and conditions, and (iv) embryo morphology and day of full blastocyst development. Conversely, the expected m-ER due to women's reproductive history (previous live births (LBs), miscarriages, failed IVF cycles and transfers, and lack of euploid blastocysts among prior cohorts of biopsied embryos) still needs investigations. Yet, this information is critical to counsel new patients about a first cycle with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), but even more so after former adverse outcomes to prevent treatment drop-out. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This observational study included all patients undergoing a comprehensive chromosome testing (CCT)-based PGT-A cycle with at least one biopsied blastocyst in the period April 2013-December 2019 at a private IVF clinic (n = 2676 patients undergoing 2676 treatments and producing and 8151 blastocysts). m-ER were investigated according to women's reproductive history of LBs: no/≥1, miscarriages: no/1/>1; failed IVF cycles: no/1/2/>2, and implantation failures after previous transfers: no/1/2/>2. Among the 2676 patients included in this study, 440 (16%) had already undergone PGT-A before the study period; the data from these patients were further clustered according to the presence or absence of euploid embryo(s) in their previous cohort of biopsied blastocysts. The clinical outcomes per first single vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfers (n =1580) were investigated according to the number of patients' previous miscarriages and implantation failures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The procedures involved in this study included ICSI, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy without hatching in Day 3, CCT-based PGT-A without reporting segmental and/or putative mitotic (or mosaic) aneuploidies and single vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as linear regressions and generalised linear models among ranges of maternal age at oocyte retrieval were performed to identify significant differences for continuous variables. Fisher's exact tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were instead used for categorical variables. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Maternal age at oocyte retrieval was the only variable significantly associated with the m-ER. We defined five clusters (<35 years: 66 ± 31%; 35-37 years: 58 ± 33%; 38-40 years: 43 ± 35%; 40-42 years: 28 ± 34%; and >42 years: 17 ± 31%) and all analyses were conducted among them. The m-ER did not show any association with the number of previous LBs, miscarriages, failed IVF cycles or implantation failures. Among patients who had already undergone PGT-A before the study period, the m-ER did not associate with the absence (or presence) of euploid blastocysts in their former cohort of biopsied embryos. Regarding clinical outcomes of the first single vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer, the implantation rate was 51%, the miscarriage rate was 14% and the LBR was 44%. This LBR was independent of the number of previous miscarriages, but showed a decreasing trend depending on the number of previous implantation failures, reaching statistical significance when comparing patients with >2 failures and patients with no prior failure (36% versus 47%, P < 0.01; multivariate-OR adjusted for embryo quality and day of full blastocyst development: 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.86, P < 0.01). No such differences were shown for previous miscarriage rates. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size for treatments following a former completed PGT-A cycle should be larger in future studies. The data should be confirmed from a multicentre perspective. The analysis should be performed also in non-PGT cycles and/or including patients who did not produce blastocysts, in order to investigate a putative association between women's reproductive history with outcomes other than euploidy and LBRs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data are critical to counsel infertile couples before, during and after a PGT-A cycle, especially to prevent treatment discontinuation due to previous adverse reproductive events. Beyond the 'maternal age effect', the causes of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and RIF are likely to be endometrial receptivity and selectivity issues; transferring euploid blastocysts might reduce the risk of a further miscarriage, but more information beyond euploidy are required to improve the prognosis in case of RIF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was received and there are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Dovere
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Tacconi
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Daria Soscia
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura Rienzi
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy
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Euploidy rates are not affected when embryos are cultured in a continuous (CCM) or sequential culture medium (SCM): a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2199-2207. [PMID: 33834327 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if euploidy rates and embryo development differ when blastocysts are cultured in CCM or SCM. METHOD A single-center retrospective observational study was performed from September 2018 to March 2019. Patients [23-46 years] with at least four fresh mature oocytes (MII) without severe male factor infertility were included. Sibling MII were injected and cultured in Global®Total®LP (CCM) or Sage Quinn's Advantage® Cleavage and Blastocyst media (SCM) under 6% CO2, 5% O2, and 89% N2. Fertilization, cleavage, day (D) 5 blastulation, usable blastocyst (blastocysts biopsied/normally fertilized oocytes), and euploidy rates were recorded. Blastocysts were graded prior to trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on D5, 6, or 7 for genetic testing and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantification. RESULTS According to clinical practice, 1452 MII were randomly distributed: 751 in CCM and 701 in SCM. No differences were observed in fertilization and cleavages rates for CCM and SCM (77.4% vs 75.5%, p = 0.429 and 97.6% vs 99.1%, p = 0.094, respectively). Blastulation rate on D5 was higher in CCM (70.6% vs 62.2, p = 0.009); however, usable blastocyst rates were comparable (CCM: 58.3% vs SCM: 56.7%, p = 0.625). From a Poisson regression model adjusted for confounding factors, euploidy rates were not different between media (aOR = 1.18, [0.94-1.48], p = 0.157). Euploid blastocyst's mtDNA values were similar (CCM: 32.2, [30.5, 34.1] and SCM: 33.5, [31.8, 35.2], p = 0.345) and top-quality blastocysts (AA/BA) were increased in SCM (OR=1.04, [1.00-1.09], p = 0.037). CONCLUSION Under controlled in vitro conditions, euploidy rates and embryo development are comparable when embryos are cultured in CCM or SCM.
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15
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Nguyen EB, Jacobs EA, Summers KM, Sparks AE, Van Voorhis BJ, Klenov VE, Duran EH. Embryo blastulation and quality between days 5 and 6 of extended embryo culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2193-2198. [PMID: 33754252 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02156-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to know what proportion of culture day 5 pre-blastocyst-stage embryos develop into blastocysts by culture day 6 and what patient and cycle characteristics are associated with delayed blastocyst formation. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort analysis was performed including a total of 9886 embryos from 1008 IVF cycles in 835 patients, who underwent treatment between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Autologous fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles at a single academic center were included in the analysis. Embryos were group-cultured using single-step culture media. Blastulation was defined as the presence of a new blastocyst. Usable blastulation was defined as the presence of a new good or excellent quality, expanded, hatching, or hatched blastocysts. RESULTS The mean blastulation rate between days 5 and 6 of extended embryo culture was 30.9%. The mean percentage of embryos developing into usable blastocyst-stage embryos was 19.8%. The factors associated with blastulation on day 6 included the total number of embryos and the number of pre-blastocysts on day 5, as well as the use of ICSI. Age, the number of total embryos, those remained in culture and pre-blastocysts, as well as the blastulation rate on day 5 were associated with usable blastulation. CONCLUSION It is important to know the usable blastocyst development rate between culture days 5 and 6 in order to adequately counsel patients debating whether to proceed with fresh ET on day 5 or forego ET with the expectation that embryos will be biopsied for PGT and/or cryopreserved on culture day 6. Our findings provide evidence to help guide patients in this difficult decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - E A Jacobs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - K M Summers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - A E Sparks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - B J Van Voorhis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - V E Klenov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - E H Duran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 200 Hawkins Drive, 31322 PFP, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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16
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Oocyte competence is independent of the ovulation trigger adopted: a large observational study in a setting that entails vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1419-1427. [PMID: 33661465 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess whether the GnRH-agonist or urinary-hCG ovulation triggers affect oocyte competence in a setting entailing vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer. METHODS Observational study (April 2013-July 2018) including 2104 patients (1015 and 1089 in the GnRH-a and u-hCG group, respectively) collecting ≥1 cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) and undergoing ICSI with ejaculated sperm, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy, comprehensive-chromosome-testing, and vitrified-warmed transfers at a private clinic. The primary outcome measure was the euploid-blastocyst-rate per inseminated oocytes. The secondary outcome measure was the maturation-rate per COCs. Also, the live-birth-rate (LBR) per transfer and the cumulative-live-birth-delivery-rate (CLBdR) among completed cycles were investigated. All data were adjusted for confounders. RESULTS The generalized-linear-model adjusted for maternal age highlighted no difference in the mean euploid-blastocyst-rate per inseminated oocytes in either group. The LBR per transfer was similar: 44% (n=403/915) and 46% (n=280/608) in GnRH-a and hCG, respectively. On the other hand, a difference was reported regarding the CLBdR per oocyte retrieval among completed cycles, with 42% (n=374/898) and 25% (n=258/1034) in the GnRh-a and u-hCG groups, respectively. Nevertheless, this variance was due to a lower maternal age and higher number of inseminated oocytes in the GnRH-a group, and not imputable to the ovulation trigger itself (multivariate-OR=1.3, 95%CI: 0.9-1.6, adjusted p-value=0.1). CONCLUSION GnRH-a trigger is a valid alternative to u-hCG in freeze-all cycles, not only for patients at high risk for OHSS. Such strategy might increase the safety and flexibility of controlled-ovarian-stimulation with no impact on oocyte competence and IVF efficacy.
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Bilibio JP, Lorenzzoni PL, Meireles AJC, Maciel Y, Sales P, Nascimento FCD. The usefulness of metaphase I oocytes in women who undergo controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:115-121. [PMID: 33021764 PMCID: PMC7863097 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertilization and blastocyst formation rates of oocytes in metaphase I (MI) obtained from women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for intracytoplasmic injection. Methods: A prospective cohort study that included women from whom at least 1 MI and 1 MII oocyte were obtained after COH was performed. We collected 1,907 oocytes from 164 women (1291 MII, 352 MI and 258 prophase I or atretic). After oocyte classification, the MII and MI oocytes were incubated for 4 hours. Results: After 4 hours, the rescue maturation rate was 57.2%; 205 MI oocytes matured to MII oocytes in vitro (rescued MI-MII group), and 153 remained in MI (arrested MI group). The normal fertilization rates were directly associated with oocyte maturation, with rates of 79.1%, 60.2%, and 31.9% in MII, MI-MII and MI oocytes, respectively (p<0.001). Group arrested MI had an odds ratio (OR) of 7.6 (CI 5.2 - 11.2, p<0.001) for abnormal fertilization compared with Group MII. The blastocyst formation rate was directly associated with oocyte maturation, at 36.4% for MII, 11.4% for MI-MII and 0.6% for MI. Conclusion: Oocytes collected at the MI stage after OCH that did not mature to MII after rescue maturation had a blastocyst formation rate of only 0.6%, while those in MII and MI-MII had rates of 36.4% and 11.4%, respectively. However, we found a pregnancy with the birth of a healthy baby from a blastocyst formed after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of an MI oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paolo Bilibio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.,Clínica de Reprodução Assistida Pronatus, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa Bilibio, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Pânila Longhi Lorenzzoni
- Clínica de Reprodução Assistida Pronatus, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa Bilibio, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Programa de Pós Graduação de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Arivaldo José Conceição Meireles
- Clínica de Reprodução Assistida Pronatus, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa Bilibio, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Maciel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa Bilibio, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Pablo Sales
- Clínica de Reprodução Assistida Pronatus, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Grupo de Pesquisa Bilibio, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Minasi MG, Greco P, Varricchio MT, Barillari P, Greco E. The clinical use of time-lapse in human-assisted reproduction. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2020; 14:2633494120976921. [PMID: 33336190 PMCID: PMC7724395 DOI: 10.1177/2633494120976921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in the assisted reproduction laboratory is to set up
reproducible and efficient criteria to identify the embryo with the
highest developmental potential. Over the years, several methods have
been used worldwide with this purpose. Initially, standard morphology
assessment was the only available strategy. It is now universally
recognized that besides being a very subjective embryo selection
strategy, morphology evaluation alone has a very poor prognostic
value. More recently, the availability of time-lapse incubators
allowed a continuous monitoring of human embryo development. This
technology has spread quickly and many fertility clinics over the
world produced a remarkable amount of data. To date, however, a
general consensus on which variables, or combination of variables,
should play a central role in embryo selection is still lacking. Many
confounding factors, concerning both patient features and clinical and
biological procedures, have been observed to influence embryo
development. In addition, several studies have reported unexpected
positive outcomes, even in the presence of abnormal developmental
criteria. While it does not seem that time-lapse technology is ready
to entirely replace the more invasive preimplantation genetic testing
in identifying the embryo with the highest implantation potential, it
is certainly true that its application is rapidly growing, becoming
progressively more accurate. Studies involving artificial intelligence
and deep-learning models as well as combining morphokinetic with other
non-invasive markers of embryo development, are currently ongoing,
raising hopes for its successful applicability for clinical purpose in
the near future. The present review mainly focuses on data published
starting from the first decade of 2000, when time-lapse technology was
introduced as a routine clinical practice in the infertility
centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paolo Barillari
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,
Villa Mafalda, Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Center for Reproductive Medicine,
Villa Mafalda, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International
University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome,
Italy
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19
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Fabozzi G, Albricci L, Cimadomo D, Amendola MG, Sanges F, Maggiulli R, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. Blastulation rates of sibling oocytes in two IVF culture media: an evidence-based workflow to implement newly commercialized products. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:311-322. [PMID: 33288477 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION An evidence-based novel commercially available continuous IVF culture medium in compliance with an efficient quality-management system is proposed. DESIGN Non-interventional study on sibling oocytes. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles among women aged 42 years or younger that used ejaculated spermatozoa and retrieved four to eight oocytes were included. Sibling oocytes were randomized for culture in the novel Geri-medium or continuous single culture medium (CSCM). Primary outcome measure was blastulation rate per cohort of inseminated oocytes; 1182 oocytes were required to outline down to a 7% difference (power = 80%). RESULTS A total of 181 cohorts of sibling oocytes were included. Geri-medium (n = 631 oocytes) and CSCM (n = 643 oocytes) resulted in similar blastulation rates (mean ± SD: 42.8% ± 30.1% versus 43.1% ± 29.0%; Wilcoxon signed rank test = 0.77). Blastocysts cultured in the former (n = 275 versus n = 277) showed longer timings during preimplantation development (P < 0.01) and were poorer quality (26% versus 18%; P = 0.03). Euploidy rate was no different in cycles that underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (n = 113) (117/237 [49%] versus 117/249 blastocysts [47%]; P = 0.6). Ongoing implantation rate was comparable in the study arms after euploid (29/47 [63%] versus 14/ 34 [41%]; P = 0.1) or untested (12/31 [39%] versus 7/18 [39%]; P = 0.3) transfers. CONCLUSION Blastulation rate among cohorts of sibling oocytes cultured in the same incubator is a fast, reliable and comprehensive performance indicator to validate novel commercially available culture medium. The media tested were considered similarly efficient. The differences in blastocyst morphology and developmental timings warrant further investigation, although euploidy and ongoing implantation rates were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy.
| | - Laura Albricci
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Amendola
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Federica Sanges
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
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20
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Asampille G, Cheredath A, Joseph D, Adiga SK, Atreya HS. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in assisted reproduction. Open Biol 2020; 10:200092. [PMID: 33142083 PMCID: PMC7729034 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age worldwide. Over the last 40 years, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has helped millions of childless couples. However, ART is limited by a low success rate and risk of multiple gestations. Devising methods for selecting the best gamete or embryo that increases the ART success rate and prevention of multiple gestation has become one of the key goals in ART today. Special emphasis has been placed on the development of non-invasive approaches, which do not require perturbing the embryonic cells, as the current morphology-based embryo selection approach has shortcomings in predicting the implantation potential of embryos. An observed association between embryo metabolism and viability has prompted researchers to develop metabolomics-based biomarkers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a non-invasive approach for the metabolic profiling of tissues, gametes and embryos, with the key advantage of having a minimal sample preparation procedure. Using NMR spectroscopy, biologically important molecules can be identified and quantified in intact cells, extracts or secretomes. This, in turn, helps to map out the active metabolic pathways in a system. The present review covers the contribution of NMR spectroscopy in assisted reproduction at various stages of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Asampille
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - David Joseph
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Satish K. Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
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21
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Elimination of stress factors by continuous embryo culture and its influence on in vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:512-519. [PMID: 32912714 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recently, infertility has become one of the most important endemic conditions, affecting approximately 15-20 % of couples worldwide. Among others, the careerist lifestyle, the increasing maternal age and the parallel increment in the aneuploidy rate of embryos play a crucial role in this phenomenon. In this study, embryological parameters and pregnancy outcomes were investigated in IVF cycles using either sequential embryo culture or a single step culture system. By sequential media, oocytes/embryos are needlessly exposed to the potentially negative effects of light exposure, temperature decrement and altered oxygen tension. In comparison with sequential media, single step media induced 1.28, 1.21 and 1.21-fold increments in implantation, biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates, respectively. Pregnancy outcomes showed strong maternal age-dependency, so the difference between the two investigated culture systems was equalized by the increasing maternal ages (35-44 years) and the supposed incidence of embryo aneuploidy. Nevertheless, the significant enlargements in the outcomes of the younger ages (25-34) induced by the single step cultures suggest that, beside the resultant maternal aneuploidy, aneuploidy (reduced pregnancy rates) may evolve from exposure to the mentioned environmental stress factors.
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22
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Kulturmedien, Kryokonservierung und Co. – relevante Einflussfaktoren im In‑vitro-Fertilisations-Labor. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-020-00337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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A novel culture medium with reduced nutrient concentrations supports the development and viability of mouse embryos. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9263. [PMID: 32518371 PMCID: PMC7283311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Further refinement of culture media is needed to improve the quality of embryos generated in vitro. Previous results from our laboratory demonstrated that uptake of nutrients by the embryo is significantly less than what is supplied in traditional culture media. Our objective was to determine the impact of reduced nutrient concentrations in culture medium on mouse embryo development, metabolism, and quality as a possible platform for next generation medium formulation. Concentrations of carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins could be reduced by 50% with no detrimental effects, but blastocyst development was impaired at 25% of standard nutrient provision (reduced nutrient medium; RN). Addition of pyruvate and L-lactate (+PL) to RN at 50% of standard concentrations restored blastocyst development, hatching, and cell number. In addition, blastocysts produced in RN + PL contained more ICM cells and ATP than blastocysts cultured in our control (100% nutrient) medium; however, metabolic activity was altered. Similarly, embryos produced in the RN medium with elevated (50% control) concentrations of pyruvate and lactate in the first step medium and EAA and Glu in the second step medium were competent to implant and develop into fetuses at a similar rate as embryos produced in the control medium. This novel approach to culture medium formulation could help define the optimal nutrient requirements of embryos in culture and provide a means of shifting metabolic activity towards the utilization of specific metabolic pathways that may be beneficial for embryo viability.
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24
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Time of morulation and trophectoderm quality are predictors of a live birth after euploid blastocyst transfer: a multicenter study. Fertil Steril 2020; 112:1080-1093.e1. [PMID: 31843084 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the morphodynamic characterization of a euploid blastocyst's development allows a higher prediction of a live birth after single-embryo-transfer (SET). DESIGN Observational cohort study conducted in two phases: training and validation. SETTING Private in vitro fertilization centers. PATIENT(S) Euploid blastocysts: 511 and 319 first vitrified-warmed SETs from 868 and 546 patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) in the training and validation phase, respectively. INTERVENTION(S) Data collected from time of polar body extrusion to time of starting blastulation, and trophectoderm and inner-cell-mass static morphology in all embryos cultured in a specific time-lapse incubator with a continuous medium. Logistic regressions conducted to outline the variables showing a statistically significant association with live birth. In the validation phase, these variables were tested in an independent data set. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Live births per SET. RESULT(S) The average live birth rate (LBR) in the training set was 40% (N = 207/511). Only time of morulation (tM) and trophectoderm quality were outlined as putative predictors of live birth at two IVF centers. In the validation set, the euploid blastocysts characterized by tM <80 hours and high-quality trophectoderm resulted in a LBR of 55.2% (n = 37/67), while those with tM ≥ 80 hours and a low-quality trophectoderm resulted in a LBR of 25.5% (N = 13/51). CONCLUSION(S) Time of morulation and trophectoderm quality are better predictors of a euploid blastocyst's reproductive competence. Our evidence was reproducible across different centers under specific culture conditions. These data support the crucial role of morulation for embryo development, a stage that involves massive morphologic, cellular, and molecular changes and deserves more investigation.
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25
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Guo L, He C, Mei C, Zhang L, Huang D. Correlation analysis between C natriuretic peptide and pregnancy outcome. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:2007-2017. [PMID: 32509195 PMCID: PMC7270019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) plays a key role in female reproduction and is related to oocyte quality. This study analyzed the relationship of CNP with pregnancy outcome to provide a new indicator of pregnancy outcome. Follicular fluids were collected from 158 patients undergoing the IVF/ICSI procedure at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. CNP and cGMP levels in human follicular fluids were tested by ELISA. Then, the distribution patterns of CNP and NPR-B from GV oocytes to blastocysts in mice were tested by confocal microcopy. Finally, CNP was added to the fertility or embryo development medium to observe fertility rate and the development of the embryo. CNP levels in follicular fluids from nonpregnant women were significantly higher than those in follicular fluids from pregnant women. A strong positive correlation between CNP and cGMP concentrations in human follicular fluids was observed. Both CNP and NPR-B were expressed in the plasma of cells at different stages from GV to blastocyst. CNP could increase the 2-cell rate of embryos and the rate of blastocysts when added to either fertility culture medium or embryo culture medium. In a word, CNP in human follicular fluid could predict the pregnancy outcome of IVF patients, and the mechanism of CNP in follicular fluid is related to the quality of oocyte or embryo competence and could promote the development of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Guo
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunyu He
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chunlei Mei
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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26
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Apter S, Ebner T, Freour T, Guns Y, Kovacic B, Le Clef N, Marques M, Meseguer M, Montjean D, Sfontouris I, Sturmey R, Coticchio G. Good practice recommendations for the use of time-lapse technology †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa008. [PMID: 32206731 PMCID: PMC7081060 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Freour
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yves Guns
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Univerzitetni klinicni center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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27
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Kalleas D, McEvoy K, Horne G, Roberts SA, Brison DR. Live birth rate following undisturbed embryo culture at low oxygen in a time-lapse incubator compared to a high-quality benchtop incubator. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:147-153. [PMID: 32098536 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1729423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Time-lapse (TL) incubators are increasingly used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories but there have been few studies of their effectiveness in comparison to other incubator types. Moreover, the design of most studies has been limited by the quality of the control incubator. We have therefore performed a one-year pseudo-randomized prospective study of IVF cycles using a TL incubator (EmbryoScope™) (n = 243) or a conventional incubator (K-System G-185 Flatbed) (n = 203). The two groups were well matched in terms of clinical parameters: IVF cycle attempt number, IVF/ICSI, age, number and day (3 or 5) of embryo transfer. Embryos were selected for transfer using conventional (non-TL) morphological grading. The EmbryoScope group had an increased chance of a live birth (43.2% vs. 34.5%; OR = 1.43 [95%CI: 0.96-2.13]) with significantly reduced early pregnancy loss (5.8% vs. 13.8%; OR = 0.37 [0.19-0.74]) compared to the K-System incubator. There was a higher proportion of 4-cell embryos on day 2 and 8-cell embryos on day 3 in the EmbryoScope, compared to the K-Systems. The use of TL incubators is appropriate in ART by virtue of their high specification, facility for low oxygen culture and provision of minimally disturbed culture conditions which limit exposure of human embryos to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalleas
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Keith McEvoy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gregory Horne
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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28
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Huang J, Yang X, Wu J, Kuang Y, Wang Y. Impact of Day 7 Blastocyst Transfer on Obstetric and Perinatal Outcome of Singletons Born After Vitrified-Warmed Embryo Transfer. Front Physiol 2020; 11:74. [PMID: 32116782 PMCID: PMC7028682 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended embryo culture has been reported to affect perinatal outcome regarding higher risks of large for gestational age (LGA) and preterm birth (PTB) yet decreased risk of small for gestational age (SGA). However, existing data about the obstetric outcome and the safety for offspring resulting from the transfer of day 7 blastocysts is rare. OBJECTIVES To compare obstetric and perinatal outcome using embryos vitrified on day 7 with those vitrified on day 3, day 5, and day 6. METHODS Data were collected from 4489 infertile women who gave birth to live-born singletons after vitrified-warmed embryo transfer cycles from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2017. Singletons were compared depending on the age of embryos. Main perinatal outcome parameters included PTB (gestational age < 37 weeks), very PTB (VPTB, gestational age < 32 weeks), LGA (birthweights > 90th percentiles), and SGA (birthweights < 10th percentiles). Obstetric outcomes included gestational diabetes (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, and postpartum hemorrhage. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust the confounding factors across groups and then analyze the association between in vitro culture period and the outcome measures. RESULTS After PSM, the transfer of day 7 blastocysts was associated with higher birth weight Z-scores and increased incidence of very large for gestational age (VLGA) compared with the transfer of day 3 cleavage-stage embryos while the incidence of PTB, low birth weight (LBW), SGA did not reach statistical significance. Moreover, comparable perinatal outcome was found in the comparison of day 7 vs. day 5 and day 7 vs. day 6. Day 7 blastocysts did not result in adverse obstetric outcome compared with day 3, day 5, and day 6 embryos, respectively. CONCLUSION In vitrified-warmed transfer cycles, day 7 blastocysts were associated with adverse perinatal outcome regarding higher risk of VLGA compared with day 3 cleavage-stage embryo, while blastocysts with diverse growth rates embrace similar developmental viability regardless of blastocysts vitrified on day 5, day 6, or day 7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yun Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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29
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The impact of culture conditions on blastocyst formation and aneuploidy rates: a comparison between single-step and sequential media in a large academic practice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:161-169. [PMID: 31950455 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare a single-step medium with a sequential medium on human blastocyst development rates, aneuploidy rates, and clinical outcomes. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of IVF cycles that used Sage advantage sequential medium (n = 347) and uninterrupted Sage 1-step medium (n = 519) from July 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, in an academic fertility center. Main outcome measures are blastocyst formation rates per two-pronuclear (2PN) oocyte and aneuploidy rates per biopsy. RESULTS Of all IVF cycles, single-step medium yielded higher blastocyst formation rate (51.7% vs 43.4%) but higher aneuploidy rate (54.0% vs 45.8%) compared with sequential medium. When stratified by maternal age, women under age 38 had no difference in blastocyst formation (52.2% vs 50.2%) but a higher aneuploidy rate (44.5% vs 36.4%) resulting in a lower number of euploid blastocysts per cycle (2.6 vs 3.3) when using single-step medium compared to sequential medium. In cycles used single-step medium, patients ≥ age 38 had higher blastocyst rate (48.0% vs 33.6%), but no difference in aneuploidy rate (68.8% vs 66.0%) or number of euploid embryos (0.8 vs 1.1). For patients reaching euploid embryo transfer, there was no difference in clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, or live birth rates between two culture media systems. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates an increase in aneuploidy in young women whose embryos were cultured in a single-step medium compared to sequential medium. This study highlights the importance of culture conditions on embryo ploidy and the need to stratify by patient age when examining the impact of culture conditions on overall cycle potential.
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30
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Swain JE. Controversies in ART: can the IVF laboratory influence preimplantation embryo aneuploidy? Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:599-607. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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31
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Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Romanelli V, Alviggi E, Levi-Setti PE, Albani E, Dusi L, Papini L, Livi C, Benini F, Smeraldi A, Patassini C, Ubaldi FM, Capalbo A. Inconclusive chromosomal assessment after blastocyst biopsy: prevalence, causative factors and outcomes after re-biopsy and re-vitrification. A multicenter experience. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1839-1846. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Giuseppe de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
- Clinica Ruesch, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Viale Maria Cristina di Savoia 39, Naples, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Veneto, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Fermi 1, Marostica, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Umbria, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Papa Paolo VI, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Giuseppe de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
- Clinica Ruesch, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Viale Maria Cristina di Savoia 39, Naples, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Veneto, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Fermi 1, Marostica, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Umbria, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Papa Paolo VI, Umbertide, Italy
| | | | - Erminia Alviggi
- Clinica Ruesch, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Viale Maria Cristina di Savoia 39, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Elena Albani
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas Fertility Center, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Ludovica Dusi
- G.en.e.r.a. Veneto, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Fermi 1, Marostica, Italy
| | - Letizia Papini
- G.en.e.r.a. Umbria, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Papa Paolo VI, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Claudia Livi
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita Demetra, Via Giulio Caccini 18, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Benini
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita Demetra, Via Giulio Caccini 18, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeraldi
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas Fertility Center, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Giuseppe de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
- Clinica Ruesch, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Viale Maria Cristina di Savoia 39, Naples, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Veneto, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Fermi 1, Marostica, Italy
- G.en.e.r.a. Umbria, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Via Papa Paolo VI, Umbertide, Italy
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- Igenomix, Via Fermi 1, 36063 Marostica, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico-legali e Dell’apparato Locomotore, Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia Medica, University ‘Sapienza’ of Rome, Via Scarpa 16, Rome, Italy
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