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Lee T, Peirce K, Natalwala J, Chapple V, Mark PJ, Sanders K, Liu Y. Abnormal cleavage up to Day 3 does not compromise live birth and neonatal outcomes of embryos that have achieved full blastulation: a retrospective cohort study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:955-962. [PMID: 38553025 PMCID: PMC11063553 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do embryos displaying abnormal cleavage (ABNCL) up to Day 3 have compromised live birth rates and neonatal outcomes if full blastulation has been achieved prior to transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER ABNCL is associated with reduced full blastulation rates but does not impact live birth rates and neonatal outcomes once full blastulation has been achieved. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY? It is widely accepted that ABNCL is associated with reduced implantation rates of embryos when transferred at the cleavage stage. However, evidence is scarce in the literature reporting birth outcomes from blastocysts arising from ABNCL embryos, likely because they are ranked low priority for transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study included 1562 consecutive autologous in vitro fertilization cycles (maternal age 35.1 ± 4.7 years) performed at Fertility North, Australia between January 2017 and June 2022. Fresh transfers were performed on Day 3 or 5, with remaining embryos cultured up to Day 6 before vitrification. A total of 6019 embryos were subject to blastocyst culture, and a subset of 664 resulting frozen blastocysts was included for live birth and neonatal outcome analyses following single transfers. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ABNCL events were annotated from the first mitotic division up to Day 3, including direct cleavage (DC), reverse cleavage (RC) and <6 intercellular contact points at the 4-cell stage (<6ICCP). For DC and RC in combination, the ratios of affected blastomeres over the total number of all blastomeres up to Day 3 were also recorded. All pregnancies were followed up until birth with gestational age, birthweight, and sex of the baby being recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Full blastulation rates for embryos showing DC (19.5%), RC (41.7%), <6ICCP (58.8%), and mixed (≥2) ABNCL types (26.4%) were lower than the rates for those without ABNCL (67.2%, P < 0.01 respectively). Subgroup analysis showed declining full blastulation rates with increasing ratios of combined DC/RC affected blastomeres over all blastomeres up to the 8-cell stage (66.2% when 0 affected, 47.0% when 0.25 affected, 27.4% when 0.5 affected, 14.5% when 0.75 affected, and 7.7% when all affected, P < 0.01). However, once full blastulation had been achieved, no difference was detected between DC, RC, <6ICCP, and no ABNCL blastocysts following single frozen transfers in subsequent live birth rates (25.9%, 33.0%, 36.0% versus 30.8%, P > 0.05, respectively), gestational age (38.7 ± 1.6, 38.5 ± 1.2, 38.3 ± 3.5 versus 38.5 ± 1.8 weeks, P > 0.05, respectively) and birthweight (3343.0 ± 649.1, 3378.2 ± 538.4, 3352.6 ± 841.3 versus 3313.9 ± 509.6 g, P > 0.05, respectively). Multiple regression (logistic or linear as appropriate) confirmed no differences in all of the above measures after accounting for potential confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is limited by its retrospective nature, making it impossible to control every known or unknown confounder. Embryos in our dataset, being surplus after selection for fresh transfer, may not represent the general embryo population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the incremental impact of ABNCL, depending on the ratio of affected blastomeres up to Day 3, on subsequent full blastulation. The reassuring live birth and neonatal outcomes of ABNCL blastocysts imply a potential self-correction mechanism among those embryos reaching the blastocyst stage, which provides valuable guidance for clinical practice and patient counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETTING INTEREST(S) This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. All authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Lee
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Kelli Peirce
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Jay Natalwala
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Vincent Chapple
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J Mark
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Katherine Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Yanhe Liu
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
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Tvrdonova K, Belaskova S, Rumpikova T, Rumpik D, Myslivcova Fucikova A, Malir F. Prediction of live birth - selection of embryos using morphokinetic parameters. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2024; 168:74-80. [PMID: 36622075 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2022.052] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKROUND The goal of assisted reproduction is for a couple treated with IVF techniques to end the treatment by giving birth to a healthy baby. A neccessary presumption for success is the identification of the best embryo with high implantation and developmental potential. One option is to select an euploid embryo by invasive preimplantaion genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) or it is possible to select the best embryo by non-invasive time-lapse monitoring (TLM), specifically based on morphokinetic parameters and morphological markers that are able to identify an embryo with high developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved a total of 1060 embryos (585 euploid and 475 aneuploid embryos after PGT-A) with good morphology from 329 patients in the period 01/2016-10/2021. All embryos were cultured in a time-lapse incubator, trophectoderm (TE) cells biopsies for PGT-A examination were performed on day 5 (D5) or day 6 (D6) of culture. During the study period, 225 frozen embryo transfers (FET) of one euploid embryo were performed. Based on the treatment outcome, the embryos were divided into 2 groups - euploid embryos, which led to the birth of a healthy child, and euploid embryos that did not show fetal heartbeat (FHB) after FET. RESULTS Based on the statistical analysis of the embryos without implantation and the embryos with live birth, it is clear that the morphokinetic parameters t5 (time of division into 5 cells) and tSB (time of start of blastulation) are significantly different. CONCLUSION The results suggest that of the morphokinetic parameters tSB and t5 are predictive indicators for selecting an embryo with high developmental potential and with a high probability of achieving the birth of a healthy child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tvrdonova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Belaskova
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tatana Rumpikova
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - David Rumpik
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Myslivcova Fucikova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Yang L, Zhou Y, Jiang M, Wen W, Guo Y, Pakhale S, Wen SW. Why Female Smokers Have Poorer Long-Term Health Outcomes than Male Smokers: The Role of Cigarette Smoking During Pregnancy. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1605579. [PMID: 38487619 PMCID: PMC10938403 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1605579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Women's health status is better than men but the opposite is true for female smokers who usually have poorer long-health outcomes than male smokers. The objectives of this study were to thoroughly reviewed and analyzed relevant literature and to propose a hypothesis that may explain this paradox phenomenon. Methods: We conducted a search of literature from three English databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar) from inception to 13 November 2023. A combination of key words and/or subject headings in English was applied, including relevant terms for cigarette smoking, sex/gender, pregnancy, and health indicators. We then performed analysis of the searched literature. Results: Based on this review/analysis of literature, we proposed a hypothesis that may explain this paradox phenomenon: female smokers have worse long-term health outcomes than male smokers because some of them smoke during pregnancy, and the adverse effects of cigarette smoking during pregnancy is much stronger than cigarette smoking during non-pregnancy periods. Conclusion: Approval of our pregnancy-amplification theory could provide additional evidence on the adverse effect on women's long-term health outcomes for cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Respiratory Medicine Department of Xiangtan Central Hospital of Hunan Province, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yunchun Zhou
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of Yuxi People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yuxi, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingyan Jiang
- Respiratory Medicine Department of Xiangtan Central Hospital of Hunan Province, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
| | - Wendy Wen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yanfang Guo
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- BORN (Better Outcome Registry Network) Ontario, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Smita Pakhale
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Respiratory, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Lee T, Natalwala J, Chapple V, Liu Y. A brief history of artificial intelligence embryo selection: from black-box to glass-box. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:285-292. [PMID: 38061074 PMCID: PMC11016335 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead254] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the exponential growth of computing power and accumulation of embryo image data in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to be utilized in embryo selection in IVF. Amongst different AI technologies, machine learning (ML) has the potential to reduce operator-related subjectivity in embryo selection while saving labor time on this task. However, as modern deep learning (DL) techniques, a subcategory of ML, are increasingly used, its integrated black-box attracts growing concern owing to the well-recognized issues regarding lack of interpretability. Currently, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials to confirm the effectiveness of such black-box models. Recently, emerging evidence has shown underperformance of black-box models compared to the more interpretable traditional ML models in embryo selection. Meanwhile, glass-box AI, such as interpretable ML, is being increasingly promoted across a wide range of fields and is supported by its ethical advantages and technical feasibility. In this review, we propose a novel classification system for traditional and AI-driven systems from an embryology standpoint, defining different morphology-based selection approaches with an emphasis on subjectivity, explainability, and interpretability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Lee
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jay Natalwala
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vincent Chapple
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yanhe Liu
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Bamford T, Smith R, Young S, Evans A, Lockwood M, Easter C, Montgomery S, Barrie A, Dhillon-Smith R, Coomarasamy A, Campbell A. A comparison of morphokinetic models and morphological selection for prioritizing euploid embryos: a multicentre cohort study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:53-61. [PMID: 37963011 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead237] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are morphokinetic models better at prioritizing a euploid embryo for transfer over morphological selection by an embryologist? SUMMARY ANSWER Morphokinetic algorithms lead to an improved prioritization of euploid embryos when compared to embryologist selection. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PREFER (predicting euploidy for embryos in reproductive medicine) is a previously published morphokinetic model associated with live birth and miscarriage. The second model uses live birth as the target outcome (LB model). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Data for this cohort study were obtained from 1958 biopsied blastocysts at nine IVF clinics across the UK from January 2021 to December 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The ability of the PREFER and LB models to prioritize a euploid embryo was compared against arbitrary selection and the prediction of four embryologists using the timelapse video, blinded to the morphokinetic time stamp. The comparisons were made using calculated percentages and normalized discounted cumulative gain (NDCG), whereby an NDCG score of 1 would equate to all euploid embryos being ranked first. In arbitrary selection, the ploidy status was randomly assigned within each cycle and the NDGC calculated, and this was then repeated 100 times and the mean obtained. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Arbitrary embryo selection would rank a euploid embryo first 37% of the time, embryologist selection 39%, and the LB and PREFER ploidy morphokinetic models 46% and 47% of the time, respectively. The AUC for LB and PREFER model was 0.62 and 0.63, respectively. Morphological selection did not significantly improve the performance of both morphokinetic models when used in combination. There was a significant difference between the NDGC metric of the PREFER model versus embryologist selection at 0.96 and 0.87, respectively (t = 14.1, P < 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant difference between the LB model and embryologist selection with an NDGC metric of 0.95 and 0.87, respectively (t = 12.0, P < 0.001). All four embryologists ranked embryos similarly, with an intraclass coefficient of 0.91 (95% CI 0.82-0.95, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Aside from the retrospective study design, limitations include allowing the embryologist to watch the time lapse video, potentially providing more information than a truly static morphological assessment. Furthermore, the embryologists at the participating centres were familiar with the significant variables in time lapse, which could bias the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study shows that the use of morphokinetic models, namely PREFER and LB, translates into improved euploid embryo selection. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study received no specific grant funding from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Dr Alison Campbell is minor share holder of Care Fertility. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Time lapse is a technology for which patients are charged extra at participating centres. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bamford
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Rachel Smith
- Care Fertility, John Webster House, Nottingham, UK
| | - Selina Young
- Care Fertility, John Webster House, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amy Evans
- Care Fertility, John Webster House, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Amy Barrie
- Care Fertility, John Webster House, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rima Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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Taniguchi R, Hatakeyama S, Ohgi S, Yanaihara A. Effect of Male Cigarette Smoking on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcomes and Embryo Morphokinetic Parameters. Cureus 2024; 16:e52788. [PMID: 38389644 PMCID: PMC10882248 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study examines the association between male smoking status and embryo development in vitro. The study included non-smoking women aged under 40 years who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) at Yanaihara Women's Clinic from May 2019 to May 2022, and they were divided into two groups according to the husband's smoking status. The effect of male smoking status on IVF outcomes was compared retrospectively based on embryonic development using a time-lapse incubator. A total of 184 patients were included; 272 oocytes of 45 female non-smokers were cultured with the sperm of male smokers, and 816 oocytes of 139 female non-smokers were cultured with the sperm of male non-smokers. No significant differences were observed between male smokers and non-smokers groups with regard to fertilization and the top-quality embryo on day 3 and day 5 (p > 0.05). The male smoker group's embryos reached the early cleavage-stage parameters (time of pronuclei appearance to the five-cell stage) significantly earlier than the male non-smoker group's embryos (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in other parameters of top-quality blastocysts (p > 0.05). It was concluded that male smoking has some differences on the timing of early embryonic events on time-lapse examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Taniguchi
- Reproductive Center, Yanaihara Women's Clinic, Kamakura, JPN
| | | | - Shirei Ohgi
- Reproductive Center, Yanaihara Women's Clinic, Kamakura, JPN
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Jiang Y, Wang L, Wang S, Shen H, Wang B, Zheng J, Yang J, Ma B, Zhang X. The effect of embryo selection using time-lapse monitoring on IVF/ICSI outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2792-2803. [PMID: 37778750 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the effect of embryo selection using the time-lapse monitoring (TLM) system compared with conventional morphological selection (CMS) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes. METHODS We searched PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and The Cochrane Library for the following studies: At Comparison 1, embryo selection using TLM images in a TLM incubator based on morphology versus embryo selection using CMS in a conventional incubator based on morphology; at Comparison 2, embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics versus embryo selection using CMS based on morphology. The primary outcomes were the live birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and implantation rate (IR), and the secondary outcome was the miscarriage rate (MR). RESULTS A total of 14 randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. Both based on morphology, TLM incubators increased the IR (risk ratio [RR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.18; I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) compared to conventional incubators. Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests that TLM incubators did not improve LBR, OPR, CPR, and MR compared to conventional incubators. In addition, low- to moderate-quality evidence indicates that embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics did not improve LBR, OPR, CPR, IR, or MR compared to CMS based on morphology. CONCLUSIONS Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests that neither TLM incubators nor embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics improved clinical outcomes (LBR, OPR, CPR, and MR) compared with CMS based on morphology. TLM is still an investigational procedure for IVF/ICSI practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbiao Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxiu Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinwei Yang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital (Gansu Province Central Hospital), Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
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Bamford T, Smith R, Easter C, Dhillon-Smith R, Barrie A, Montgomery S, Campbell A, Coomarasamy A. Association between a morphokinetic ploidy prediction model risk score and miscarriage and live birth: a multicentre cohort study. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:834-843. [PMID: 37307891 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.006] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the aneuploidy risk score from a morphokinetic ploidy prediction model, Predicting Euploidy for Embryos in Reproductive Medicine (PREFER), is associated with miscarriage and live birth outcomes. DESIGN Multicentre cohort study. SETTING Nine in vitro fertilization clinics in the United Kingdom. PATIENTS Data were obtained from the treatment of patients from 2016-2019. A total of 3587 fresh single embryo transfers were included; preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) cycles were excluded. INTERVENTION PREFER is a model developed using 8,147 biopsied blastocyst specimens to predict ploidy status using morphokinetic and clinical biodata. A second model using only morphokinetic (MK) predictors was developed, P PREFER-MK. The models will categorize embryos into the following three risk score categories for aneuploidy: "high risk," "medium risk," and "low risk." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes are miscarriage and live birth. Secondary outcomes include biochemical clinical pregnancy per single embryo transfer. RESULTS When applying PREFER, the miscarriage rates were 12%, 14%, and 22% in the "low risk," "moderate risk," and "high risk" categories, respectively. Those embryos deemed "high risk" had a significantly higher egg provider age compared with "low risk," and there was little variation in risk categories in patients of the same age. The trend in miscarriage rate was not seen when using PREFER-MK; however, there was an association with live birth, increasing from 38%-49% and 50% in the "high risk," "moderate risk," and "low risk" groups, respectively. An adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PREFER-MK was not associated with miscarriage when comparing "high risk" to "moderate risk" embryos (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.63) or "high risk" to "low risk" embryos (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.79-1.46). An embryo deemed "low risk" by PREFER-MK was significantly more likely to result in a live birth than those embryos graded "high risk" (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.65-2.25). CONCLUSION The PREFER model's risk scores were significantly associated with live births and miscarriages. Importantly, this study also found that this model applied too much weight to clinical factors, such that it could no longer rank a patient's embryos effectively. Therefore, a model including only MKs would be preferred; this was similarly associated with live birth but not miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bamford
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, CARE Fertility Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom; CARE Fertility Headquarters, Nottingham, United kingdom.
| | - Rachel Smith
- CARE Fertility Headquarters, Nottingham, United kingdom
| | - Christina Easter
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, CARE Fertility Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rima Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, CARE Fertility Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Barrie
- CARE Fertility Headquarters, Nottingham, United kingdom
| | | | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, CARE Fertility Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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Wang J, Guo Y, Zhang N, Li T. Research progress of time-lapse imaging technology and embryonic development potential: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35203. [PMID: 37746957 PMCID: PMC10519478 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultivation and selection of high-quality human embryos are critical for the success of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Time-lapse imaging technology (TLI) provides a stable culture environment for embryos, which can continuously observe and record the development process of early embryos, so that doctors can record embryo development time parameters more accurately. In this study, we review the current observation and research on the main embryo dynamics parameters in TLI and discusses their significance and development for embryo development potential. To analysis and summary, the application and research situation of TLI, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, using TLI, embryo dynamics parameters, embryo development potential as Keywords, cited 50 out of the initial 89 selected literatures and summarized. With comparative analysis and research, we found that the embryo dynamic parameters provided by TLI has been intensively studied in clinical empirical and observational research, extensive experimental data verified its effectiveness and advantages in embryo development potential assessment. TLI provides technical support of embryo dynamic parameters, which may become the quantitative indicators for superior embryos and pregnancy prediction as well. Existing studies have shown that certain kinetic parameters provided by TLI culture can predict embryo implantation, but no parameter has been confirmed as the absolute correlation biological indicators yet. In this review we believe that further research is needed to verify these preliminary and sometimes contradictory results, and explore the predictive significance of various embryo kinetic parameters relying on TLI technology for embryo development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinLuan Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - TingTing Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Yao X, Liu W, Xie Y, Xi M, Xiao L. Fertility loss: negative effects of environmental toxicants on oogenesis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1219045. [PMID: 37601637 PMCID: PMC10436557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1219045] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a global decline in fertility rates, with ovulatory disorders emerging as the leading cause, contributing to a global lifetime infertility prevalence of 17.5%. Formation of the primordial follicle pool during early and further development of oocytes after puberty is crucial in determining female fertility and reproductive quality. However, the increasing exposure to environmental toxins (through occupational exposure and ubiquitous chemicals) in daily life is a growing concern; these toxins have been identified as significant risk factors for oogenesis in women. In light of this concern, this review aims to enhance our understanding of female reproductive system diseases and their implications. Specifically, we summarized and categorized the environmental toxins that can affect oogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of oogenesis, highlighting specific stages that may be susceptible to the influence of environmental toxins. Furthermore, we discuss the genetic and molecular mechanisms by which various environmental toxins, including metals, cigarette smoke, and agricultural and industrial toxins, affect female oogenesis. Raising awareness about the potential risks associated with toxin exposure is crucial. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying these effects, including the identification of biomarkers to assess exposure levels and predict reproductive outcomes. By providing a comprehensive overview, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of environmental toxins on female oogenesis and guide future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weijing Liu
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yidong Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingrong Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Montgomery K, Montgomery S, Campbell A, Nash DM. A comparison of the morphokinetic profiles of embryos developed from vitrified versus fresh oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:51-60. [PMID: 37188558 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do morphokinetic profiles and treatment outcomes differ between embryos developed from vitrified or fresh oocytes? DESIGN Retrospective multicentre analysis using data from eight CARE Fertility clinics across the UK between 2012 and 2019. Patients receiving treatment using embryos developed from vitrified oocytes (n = 118 women, n = 748 oocytes), providing 557 zygotes during this time period, were recruited and matched with patients undergoing treatment with embryos developed from fresh oocytes (n = 123 women, n = 1110 oocytes), providing 539 zygotes in the same time frame. Time-lapse microscopy was used to assess morphokinetic profiles, including early cleavage divisions (2- through to 8-cell), post-cleavage stages including time to start of compaction, time to morula, time to start of blastulation and time to full blastocyst. Duration of key stages such as the compaction stage were also calculated. Treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups (live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate). RESULTS A significant delay of 2-3 h across all early cleavage divisions (2- through to 8-cell) and time to start of compaction occurred in the vitrified group versus fresh controls (all P ≤ 0.01). The compaction stage was significantly shorter in vitrified oocytes (19.02 ± 0.5 h) compared with fresh controls (22.45 ± 0.6 h, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the time that fresh and vitrified embryos reached the blastocyst stage (108.03 ± 0.7 versus 107.78 ± 0.6 h). There was no significant difference in treatment outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION Vitrification is a useful technique for extending female fertility with no effects on IVF treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Montgomery
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
| | - Susan Montgomery
- CARE Fertility Manchester, 108-112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Campbell
- CARE Fertility Manchester, 108-112 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, UK.
| | - Deborah Mary Nash
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
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Kim J, Lee J, Jun JH. Non-invasive evaluation of embryo quality for the selection of transferable embryos in human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2022; 49:225-238. [PMID: 36482497 PMCID: PMC9732075 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2022.05575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of human assisted reproductive technology is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and birth, ideally from the selection and transfer of a single competent embryo. Recently, techniques for efficiently evaluating the state and quality of preimplantation embryos using time-lapse imaging systems have been applied. Artificial intelligence programs based on deep learning technology and big data analysis of time-lapse monitoring system during in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos have also been rapidly developed. In addition, several molecular markers of the secretome have been successfully analyzed in spent embryo culture media, which could easily be obtained during in vitro embryo culture. It is also possible to analyze small amounts of cell-free nucleic acids, mitochondrial nucleic acids, miRNA, and long non-coding RNA derived from embryos using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or digital PCR, as well as next-generation sequencing. Various efforts are being made to use non-invasive evaluation of embryo quality (NiEEQ) to select the embryo with the best developmental competence. However, each NiEEQ method has some limitations that should be evaluated case by case. Therefore, an integrated analysis strategy fusing several NiEEQ methods should be urgently developed and confirmed by proper clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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13
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Frappier J, Martinaud A, Barberet J, Bruno C, Guilleman M, Amblot C, Guilloteau A, Fauque P. Effect of paternal smoking on pre-implantation embryonic development: a prospective cohort study. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:971-979. [PMID: 36031716 DOI: 10.1071/rd22093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Recent studies have failed to demonstrate the negative impact of male tobacco smoking on embryo development, raising the question of its actual implication on natural fecundity and assisted reproductive techniques outcomes. AIMS To assess the impact of paternal smoking on embryo development. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, 252 men from couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were included. Each patient was interviewed and took a carbon monoxide breath-test, creating three groups: non-smokers (n=113), former smokers (n=81) and active smokers (n=58). The Top-grade embryo ratio (primary endpoint), embryo morphokinetic parameters and clinical outcomes were assessed. KEY RESULTS In a multivariate analyses based on 1521 embryos, no significant difference was found in the top-grade embryo ratio between the groups. Tobacco smoking had no impact on clinical outcomes. Compared to non-smokers the time to the pronuclei fading (tPNf, P=0.006) and the time to the first embryonic cleavage (t2, P=0.002) were shorter in smokers, and the t2 was also slightly shorter in former smokers (P=0.045). No other differences were found in the morphokinetic parameters. CONCLUSION Even if a few differences were observed in the first timing of embryonic events, this study did not highlight a major embryonic and clinical impact of the paternal smoking status. IMPLICATION The results obtained here are reassuring towards IVF outcomes. As maternal smoking is highly controlled in the IVF patients in this study, we speculate that the sperm selection process may limit the adverse effects of tobacco consumption on embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Frappier
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - Aurélie Martinaud
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - Julie Barberet
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - Céline Bruno
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - Céline Amblot
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | | | - Patricia Fauque
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, 14 rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon CEDEX, France; and INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
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Bamford T, Barrie A, Montgomery S, Dhillon-Smith R, Campbell A, Easter C, Coomarasamy A. Morphological and morphokinetic associations with aneuploidy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:656-686. [PMID: 35613016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A time lapse system (TLS) is utilized in some fertility clinics with the aim of predicting embryo viability and chance of live birth during IVF. It has been hypothesized that aneuploid embryos display altered morphokinetics as a consequence of their abnormal chromosome complement. Since aneuploidy is one of the fundamental reasons for IVF failure and miscarriage, attention has focused on utilizing morphokinetics to develop models to non-invasively risk stratify embryos for ploidy status. This could avoid or reduce the costs associated with pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Furthermore, TLS have provided an understanding of the true prevalence of other dysmorphisms. Hypothetically, the incorporation of morphological features into a model could act synergistically, improving a model's discriminative ability to predict ploidy status. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate associations between ploidy status and morphokinetic or morphological features commonly denoted on a TLS. This will determine the feasibility of a prediction model for euploidy and summarize the most useful prognostic markers to be included in model development. SEARCH METHODS Five separate searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, PubMed and Cinahl from inception to 1 July 2021. Search terms and word variants included, among others, PGT-A, ploidy, morphokinetics and time lapse, and the latter were successively substituted for the following morphological parameters: fragmentation, multinucleation, abnormal cleavage and contraction. Studies were limited to human studies. OUTCOMES Overall, 58 studies were included incorporating over 40 000 embryos. All except one study had a moderate risk of bias in at least one domain when assessed by the quality in prognostic studies tool. Ten morphokinetic variables were significantly delayed in aneuploid embryos. When excluding studies using less reliable genetic technologies, the most notable variables were: time to eight cells (t8, 1.13 h, 95% CI: 0.21-2.05; three studies; n = 742; I2 = 0%), t9 (2.27 h, 95% CI: 0.5-4.03; two studies; n = 671; I2 = 33%), time to formation of a full blastocyst (tB, 1.99 h, 95% CI 0.15-3.81; four studies; n = 1640; I2 = 76%) and time to expanded blastocyst (tEB, 2.35 h, 95% CI: 0.06-4.63; four studies; n = 1640; I2 = 83%). There is potentially some prognostic potential in the degree of fragmentation, multinucleation persisting to the four-cell stage and frequency of embryo contractions. Reverse cleavage was associated with euploidy in this meta-analysis; however, this article argues that these are likely spurious results requiring further investigation. There was no association with direct unequal cleavage in an embryo that progressed to a blastocyst, or with multinucleation assessed on Day 2 or at the two-cell stage. However, owing to heterogeneous results and poor-quality evidence, associations between these morphological components needs to be investigated further before conclusions can be reliably drawn. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This first systematic review and meta-analysis of morphological and morphokinetic associations with ploidy status demonstrates the most useful morphokinetic variables, namely t8, t9 and tEB to be included in future model development. There is considerable variability within aneuploid and euploid embryos making definitively classifying them impossible; however, it is feasible that embryos could be prioritized for biopsy. Furthermore, these results support the mechanism by which algorithms for live birth may have predictive ability, suggesting aneuploidy causes delayed cytokinesis. We highlight significant heterogeneity in our results secondary to local conditions and diverse patient populations, therefore calling for future models to be robustly developed and tested in-house. If successful, such a model would constitute a meaningful breakthrough when accessing PGT-A is unsuitable for couples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rima Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | | | - Christina Easter
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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15
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Valera MÁ, Albert C, Marcos J, Larreategui Z, Bori L, Meseguer M. A propensity score-based, comparative study assessing humid and dry time-lapse incubation, with single-step medium, on embryo development and clinical outcomes. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1980-1993. [PMID: 35904473 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does culture in a high relative humidity atmosphere improve clinical outcomes when using a time-lapse integrated incubator and single-step culture medium? SUMMARY ANSWER Using an integrated time-lapse system and single-step culture medium, culture in a high relative humidity atmosphere increases the likelihood of embryos, especially those subjected to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies, to achieve a pregnancy compared to those cultured in dry conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The use of a humid atmosphere inside incubators can reduce changes in culture media osmolality, which has been reported to have a significant effect on embryo quality and morphokinetics. Studies assessing the effect of humid culture (HC) in clinical outcomes are, however, scarce and inconclusive, mostly due to a high variability in culture conditions and reduced sample size. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective cohort study performed over 1627 ICSI cycles performed during 3 consecutive years in which embryo cohorts were cultured in a time-lapse incubator with three dry and three humidified chambers, and using single-step culture medium. Clinical outcomes were compared between treatments in which embryo cohorts were cultured in either humid (n = 833) or dry (n = 794) conditions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study includes autologous treatments, with (N = 492) and without (N = 372) preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and ovum donation treatments (N = 763), performed in three university-affiliated private IVF centres. Stimulation, oocyte pickup and fertilization were performed according to the standard procedures of the clinic. All embryo cohorts were cultured in the same model of time-lapse incubator, distributed to either a dry or humidified chamber, while the rest of the culture variables remained equal. The population was weighted by the inverse probability of treatment to control for all measured confounders. The association between HC and the main outcome was assessed by logistic regression over the weighted population. The E-value was reported as a way of considering for unmeasured confounders. Differences in embryo development and other secondary outcomes between the study groups were assessed by Pearson Chi-squared test, ANOVA test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE An univariable logistic regression analysis, weighted by the inverse probability of treatment, determined that embryos cultured in humid conditions are more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy than those cultured in dry conditions (odds ratio (OR) = 1.236 (95% CI 1.009-1.515), P = 0.041, E = 1.460). Through stratification, it was determined that said effect is dependent on the type of treatment: no improvement in clinical pregnancy was present in ovum donation or autologous treatments, but a statistically significant positive effect was present in treatments with preimplantation genetic testing (OR = 1.699 (95% CI 1.084-2.663), P = 0.021, E = 1.930). Said increase does not relate with an improvement in later outcomes. Differences were also found in variables related to embryo developmental morphokinetics. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective nature of the study makes it susceptible to some bias linked to the characteristics of the treatments. To lessen the effect of possible biases, cases were weighted by the inverse probability of treatment prior to the evaluation of the outcome, as means to assess for measured confounders. In addition, the E-value of the weighted OR was calculated as a sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounders. A randomized prospective study could be performed for further assessing the effect of humid conditions in clinical outcome. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results support that embryo culture under conditions of high relative humidity contributes to optimize clinical results in undisturbed culture in a time-lapse incubator with single-step medium. To our knowledge, this is the largest study on the matter and the first performing a propensity score-based analysis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the ''Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico Industrial'' from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities (CDTI-20170310) and Generalitat Valenciana and European Social Fund (ACIF/2019/264). None of the authors have any competing interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Valera
- Clinical Research, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.,IVF Laboratory, IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Bori
- Clinical Research, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.,IVF Laboratory, IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Clinical Research, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.,IVF Laboratory, IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Kljajic M, Saymé N, Krebs T, Wagenpfeil G, Baus S, Solomayer EF, Kasoha M. Zygote Diameter and Total Cytoplasmic Volume as Useful Predictive Tools of Blastocyst Quality. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022; 83:97-105. [PMID: 36643875 PMCID: PMC9833892 DOI: 10.1055/a-1876-2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction According to the Embryo Protection Act, the selection of embryos with the greatest potential for successful implantation in Germany must be performed in the pronucleus stage. The main aim of this study was to identify morphokinetic parameters that could serve as noninvasive biomarkers of blastocyst quality in countries with restrictive reproductive medicine laws. Materials and Methods The sample comprised 191 embryos from 40 patients undergoing antagonist cycles for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Blastocysts were cultured in an EmbryoScope chamber and video records were validated to determine the post-injection timing of various developmental stages, cleavage stages, and blastocyst formation. The Gardner and Schoolcraft scoring system was used to characterize blastocyst quality. Results Morphokinetic data showed that the zygote diameter and total cytoplasmic volume were significantly different between good and poor blastocysts quality groups, where zygotes, which formed better blastocyst quality, had smaller diameter and smaller total cytoplasmic volume. Zygotes with more rapid pronuclear disappearance developed in better-quality blastocysts. Differences between good- and poor-quality blastocysts were also observed for late-stage parameters and for the spatial arrangement of blastomere where tetrahedral embryos more frequently forming good-quality blastocyst compare to the non-tetrahedral. Conclusions The study findings could be used to enhance embryo selection, especially in countries with strict Embryo Law Regulations. Further studies, including those in which the implantation potential and pregnancy rate are considered, are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kljajic
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany,Korrespondenzadresse Marija Kljajic 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University
HospitalKirrberger Str. 10066421 Homburg,
SaarlandGermany
| | - Nabil Saymé
- Team Kinderwunsch Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Gudrun Wagenpfeil
- 9379Institute of Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Simona Baus
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Erich-Franz Solomayer
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Mariz Kasoha
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
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Wiener-Megnazi Z, Dori A, Gluska H, Lahav-Baratz S, Blais I, Koifman M, Dirnfeld M. Should Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) be the primary insemination method in women undergoing IVF cycles with donor sperm? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1245-1251. [PMID: 35737126 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06571-8] [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: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare efficacy of Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) with conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) on treatment outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization with donor sperm. METHODS We examined retrospectively the outcome data from 203 patients undergoing fresh cycles of conventional IVF (cIVF) or ICSI and an additional 77 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles during 2003-2014, all using donor sperm. Fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy and live birth rates and number of high-quality embryos were compared between cIVF and ICSI. RESULTS Altogether 185 women underwent 479 transfer cycles of fresh embryos (237 cIVF vs. 224 ICSI and 18 "rescue ICSI" cycles). In addition, 77 FET cycles were compared (24 cIVF vs. 53 ICSI cycles). No differences were found between cIVF and ICSI in fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy and live birth rates (92.6% vs 92.2%, 73.4% vs 72.4%, 25.3% vs 27.2% and 13.1% vs 14.7%, respectively). Pregnancy and life birth rates remained similar even when FET cycles were included (25.8% vs 26.2% and 13.1% vs 13.7%, respectively). The use of ICSI was associated with lower rates of high-quality embryos (52.7% vs. 63.3%, P < 0.0001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis found that patients' age, number of transferred embryos and smoking were independently associated with the chance to conceive. Patient age correlated inversely with fertilization rate (r = - 0.13, P < 0.006).Non-smokers were more likely to become pregnant (OR = 2.23, P < 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that ICSI does not bypass the age-related decrease in oocyte quality in patients using donor sperm for IVF. Use of ICSI was associated with lower rates of high-quality embryos. The findings imply that ICSI should not be the primary method of insemination in patients undergoing IVF with donor sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofnat Wiener-Megnazi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Assaf Dori
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadar Gluska
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shirly Lahav-Baratz
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
| | - Idit Blais
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mara Koifman
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
| | - Martha Dirnfeld
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center and the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal Sreet, Haifa, Israel
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18
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van Duijn L, Rousian M, Kramer CS, van Marion ES, Willemsen SP, Speksnijder JP, Laven JSE, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Baart EB. The Impact of Culture Medium on Morphokinetics of Cleavage Stage Embryos: An Observational Study. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2179-2189. [PMID: 35534767 PMCID: PMC9352745 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To study the impact of culture media on preimplantation morphokinetics used for predicting clinical outcomes. All IVF and ICSI cycles performed between 2012 and 2017 with time-lapse information available were included. In November 2014, culture medium was changed from Vitrolife G-1 PLUS to SAGE 1-Step. Each embryo was retrospectively assigned a morphokinetic-based KIDScore for prediction of implantation. Clinical outcomes were retrieved from medical records. Linear mixed models were used to study differences in morphokinetic parameters, a proportional odds model for KIDScore ranking and logistic regression for differences in clinical outcomes. All analyses were adjusted for patient and treatment characteristics. In 253 (63.1%) cycles, embryos (n = 671) were cultured in Vitrolife, and in 148 (36.9%) cycles, embryos (n = 517) were cultured in SAGE. All cleavage divisions occurred earlier for SAGE embryos than for Vitrolife embryos (2-cell: -2.28 (95%CI: -3.66, -0.89), 3-cell: -2.34 (95%CI: -4.00, -0.64), 4-cell: -2.41 (95%CI: -4.11, -0.71), 5-cell: -2.54 (95%CI: -4.90, -0.18), 6-cell: -3.58 (95%CI: -6.08, -1.08), 7-cell: -5.62 (95%CI: -8.80, -2.45) and 8-cell: -5.32 (95%CI: -9.21, -1.42) hours, respectively). Significantly more embryos cultured in SAGE classified for the highest KIDScore compared to embryos cultured in Vitrolife (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in clinical outcomes. Our results demonstrate an impact of culture medium on preimplantation embryo developmental kinetics, which affects classification within the KIDScore algorithm, while pregnancy outcomes were comparable between the groups. This study underscores the need to include the type of culture medium in the development of morphokinetic-based embryo selection tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linette van Duijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte S Kramer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva S van Marion
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P Speksnijder
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | | | - Esther B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands. .,Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Abstract
The metaphase II (MII) oocyte is the mature female gamete, produced from a complex maturation process called oogenesis that starts in the first weeks of embryogenesis in the female embryo tract, continues during puberty, and is completed at fertilization with the spermatozoon. Oogenesis is closely related to folliculogenesis. In assisted reproduction techniques, oocytes are retrieved in cumulus-oocyte complexes after ovarian stimulation. Before being used for in vitro fertilization or cryopreservation, the metaphase (MII) oocytes can be classified according to different morphological traits and by the presence/absence of the meiotic spindle. Except for a few and rare morphological characteristics that make the oocyte discarded, none of the morphological characteristics is predictive of oocyte competence in giving a viable embryo. On the other side, specific key performance indicators based on MII oocytes test the efficacy of in vitro treatments. Molecular, cellular, or genetic abnormalities in the oocytes have observable consequences on the embryo development dynamics and its genetic content. Besides what can be seen in vitro, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to the patient are responsible for the oocyte quality. The clinician and the patient herself must be aware of these factors to preserve the reproductive functions as much as possible. In the present review, we have revised oogenesis and the role of mature oocytes in supporting the fertilization process and early embryo development; we have also listed the oocyte morphological traits and key performance indicators related to the oocyte quality and studied the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that irreversibly impact female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Chamayou
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, HERA Center, Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy -
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20
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Ahlström A, Lundin K, Lind AK, Gunnarsson K, Westlander G, Park H, Thurin-Kjellberg A, Thorsteinsdottir SA, Einarsson S, Åström M, Löfdahl K, Menezes J, Callender S, Nyberg C, Winerdal J, Stenfelt C, Jonassen BR, Oldereid N, Nolte L, Sundler M, Hardarson T. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:708-717. [PMID: 35143661 PMCID: PMC9383441 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can use of a commercially available time-lapse algorithm for Day 5 blastocyst selection improve pregnancy rates compared with morphology alone? SUMMARY ANSWER The use of a time-lapse selection model to choose blastocysts for fresh single embryo transfer on Day 5 did not improve ongoing pregnancy rate compared to morphology alone. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence from time-lapse monitoring suggests correlations between timing of key developmental events and embryo viability. No good quality evidence exists to support improved pregnancy rates following time-lapse selection. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial including 776 randomized patients was performed between 2018 and 2021. Patients with at least two good quality blastocysts on Day 5 were allocated by a computer randomization program in a proportion of 1:1 into either the control group, whereby single blastocysts were selected for transfer by morphology alone, or the intervention group whereby final selection was decided by a commercially available time-lapse model. The embryologists at the time of blastocyst morphological scoring were blinded to which study group the patients would be randomized, and the physician and patients were blind to which group they were allocated until after the primary outcome was known. The primary outcome was number of ongoing pregnancies in the two groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS From 10 Nordic IVF clinics, 776 patients with a minimum of two good quality blastocysts on Day 5 (D5) were randomized into one of the two study groups. A commercial time-lapse model decided the final selection of blastocysts for 387 patients in the intervention (time-lapse) group, and blastocysts with the highest morphological score were transferred for 389 patients in the control group. Only single embryo transfers in fresh cycles were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the full analysis set, the ongoing pregnancy rate for the time-lapse group was 47.4% (175/369) and 48.1% (181/376) in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups: mean difference −0.7% (95% CI −8.2, 6.7, P = 0.90). Pregnancy rate (60.2% versus 59.0%, mean difference 1.1%, 95% CI −6.2, 8.4, P = 0.81) and early pregnancy loss (21.2% versus 18.5%, mean difference 2.7%, 95% CI −5.2, 10.6, P = 0.55) were the same for the time-lapse and the control group. Subgroup analyses showed that patient and treatment characteristics did not significantly affect the commercial time-lapse model D5 performance. In the time-lapse group, the choice of best blastocyst changed on 42% of occasions (154/369, 95% CI 36.9, 47.2) after the algorithm was applied, and this rate was similar for most treatment clinics. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION During 2020, the patient recruitment rate slowed down at participating clinics owing to coronavirus disease-19 restrictions, so the target sample size was not achieved as planned and it was decided to stop the trial prematurely. The study only investigated embryo selection at the blastocyst stage on D5 in fresh IVF transfer cycles. In addition, only blastocysts of good morphological quality were considered for transfer, limiting the number of embryos for selection in both groups: also, it could be argued that this manual preselection of blastocysts limits the theoretical selection power of time-lapse, as well as restricting the results mainly to a good prognosis patient group. Most patients were aimed for blastocyst stage transfer when a minimum of five zygotes were available for extended culture. Finally, the primary clinical outcome evaluated was pregnancy to only 6–8 weeks. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study suggests that time-lapse selection with a commercially available time-lapse model does not increase chance of ongoing pregnancy after single blastocyst transfer on Day 5 compared to morphology alone. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was financed by a grant from the Swedish state under the ALF-agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils (ALFGBG-723141). Vitrolife supported the study with embryo culture dishes and culture media. During the study period, T.H. changed his employment from Livio AB to Vitrolife AB. All other authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03445923. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 26 February 2018. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 11 June 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Ahlström
- Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence address. Livio Gothenburg, Carlandersparken 24, 402 29 Gothenburg, Sweden. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5074-912X
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Lind
- Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Livio Falun, Falun, Sweden
| | | | | | - Hannah Park
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Thurin-Kjellberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Mari Åström
- Livio Umeå, Norrlands Universitetssjukhus, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Judith Menezes
- Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thorir Hardarson
- Livio Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Vitrolife Sweden AB, Göteborg, Sweden
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21
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Differences in Morphokinetic Parameters and Incidence of Multinucleations in Human Embryos of Genetically Normal, Abnormal and Euploid Embryos Leading to Clinical Pregnancy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215173. [PMID: 34768693 PMCID: PMC8584289 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best embryo for embryo transfer (ET) is one of the most important steps in IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an invasive method that can greatly facilitate the decision about the best embryo. An alternative way to select the embryo with the greatest implantation potential is by cultivation in a time-lapse system, which can offer several predictive factors. Non-invasive time-lapse monitoring can be used to select quality embryos with high implantation potential under stable culture conditions. The embryo for ET can then be selected based on the determined morphokinetic parameters and morphological features, which according to our results predict a higher implantation potential. This study included a total of 1027 morphologically high-quality embryos (552 normal and 475 abnormal PGT-tested embryos) from 296 patients (01/2016-06/2021). All embryos were cultivated in a time-lapse incubator and PGT biopsy of trophectoderm cells on D5 or D6 was performed. Significant differences were found in the morphological parameters cc2, t5 and tSB and the occurrence of multinucleations in the stage of two-cell and four-cell embryos between the group of genetically normal embryos and abnormal embryos. At the same time, significant differences in the morphological parameters cc2, t5 and tSB and the occurrence of multinucleations in the two-cell and four-cell embryo stage were found between the group of genetically normal embryos that led to clinical pregnancy after ET and the group of abnormal embryos. From the morphokinetic data found in the PGT-A group of normal embryos leading to clinical pregnancy, time intervals were determined based on statistical analysis, which should predict embryos with high implantation potential. Out of a total of 218 euploid embryos, which were transferred into the uterus after thawing (single frozen embryo transfer), clinical pregnancy was confirmed in 119 embryos (54.6%). Our results show that according to the morphokinetic parameters (cc2, t5, tSB) and the occurrence of multinucleations during the first two cell divisions, the best euploid embryo for ET can be selected with high probability.
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22
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van Duijn L, Rousian M, Hoek J, Willemsen SP, van Marion ES, Laven JSE, Baart EB, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Higher preconceptional maternal body mass index is associated with faster early preimplantation embryonic development: the Rotterdam periconception cohort. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:145. [PMID: 34537064 PMCID: PMC8449446 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity affect millions of people globally, which has also serious implications for reproduction. For example, treatment outcomes after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are worse in women with a high body mass index (BMI). However, the impact of maternal BMI on embryo quality is inconclusive. Our main aim is to study associations between preconceptional maternal BMI and morphokinetic parameters of preimplantation embryos and predicted implantation potential. In addition, associations with clinical IVF outcomes are investigated. METHODS From a tertiary hospital, 268 women undergoing IVF or IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included; 143 normal weight, 79 overweight and 46 obese women. The embryos of these women were cultured in the EmbryoScope, a time-lapse incubator. The morphokinetic parameters of preimplantation embryos and predicted implantation potential, assessed by the KIDScore algorithm were longitudinally evaluated as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. The tertiary outcomes included clinical outcomes, i.e., fertilization, implantation and live birth rate. RESULTS After adjustment for patient- and treatment-related factors, we demonstrated in 938 embryos that maternal BMI is negatively associated with the moment of pronuclear appearance (βtPNa -0.070 h (95%CI -0.139, -0.001), p = 0.048), pronuclear fading (βtPNf -0.091 h (95%CI -0.180, -0.003), p = 0.043 and the first cell cleavage (βt2 -0.111 h (95%CI -0.205, -0.016), p = 0.022). Maternal BMI was not significantly associated with the KIDScore and tertiary clinical treatment outcomes. In embryos from couples with female or combined factor subfertility, the impact of maternal BMI was even larger (βtPNf -0.170 h (95%CI -0.293, -0.047), p = 0.007; βt2 -0.199 h (95%CI -0.330, -0.067), p = 0.003). Additionally, a detrimental impact of BMI per point increase was observed on the KIDScore (β -0.073 (se 0.028), p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Higher maternal BMI is associated with faster early preimplantation development. In couples with female or combined factor subfertility, a higher BMI is associated with a lower implantation potential as predicted by the KIDScore. Likely due to power issues, we did not observe an impact on clinical treatment outcomes. However, an effect of faster preimplantation development on post-implantation development is conceivable, especially since the impact of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcomes has been widely demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linette van Duijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Hoek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva S van Marion
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands.
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23
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Setti AS, Braga DPDAF, Vingris L, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Early and late paternal contribution to cell division of embryos in a time-lapse imaging incubation system. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14211. [PMID: 34437729 DOI: 10.1111/and.14211] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of male age, semen quality and days of ejaculatory abstinence on embryo morphokinetics. A total of 1,220 zygotes obtained from 139 couples in a private in vitro fertilisation centre were analysed. The timing of specific events from the point of insemination, such as timings to pronuclei appearance and fading, to two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight cells and to blastulation were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of paternal factors on embryo morphokinetic events. Paternal age was positively correlated with delayed cell cleavage and blastulation, and negatively associated with implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy and live-birth chances. The ejaculatory abstinence was inversely correlated with the implantation rate. Inverse relationships were observed between semen parameters (sperm count, progressive sperm motility, total motile sperm count and morphology) and the timing of specific events during embryo development. Sperm morphology was also positively associated with implantation rate and pregnancy and live-birth chances. Increased paternal age and ejaculatory abstinence, and poor semen quality correlate with delayed cell cleavage and blastulation and negatively impact intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Setti
- Scientific Research Department, Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo, Brazil.,Scientific Research Department, Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Scientific Research Department, Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo, Brazil.,Scientific Research Department, Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Scientific Research Department, Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brazil.,Clinical Department, Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Scientific Research Department, Sapientiae Institute - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo, Brazil.,Clinical Department, Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Meseguer M, Valera MÁ. The journey toward personalized embryo selection algorithms. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:898-899. [PMID: 33715873 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Meseguer
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reporductive Medicine Associates Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Foundation, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Valera
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Reporductive Medicine Associates Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Foundation, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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25
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van Marion ES, Speksnijder JP, Hoek J, Boellaard WPA, Dinkelman-Smit M, Chavli EA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Laven JSE, Baart EB. Time-lapse imaging of human embryos fertilized with testicular sperm reveals an impact on the first embryonic cell cycle. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1218-1227. [PMID: 33690817 PMCID: PMC8181962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular sperm is increasingly used during in vitro fertilization treatment. Testicular sperm has the ability to fertilize the oocyte after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but they have not undergone maturation during epididymal transport. Testicular sperm differs from ejaculated sperm in terms of chromatin maturity, incidence of DNA damage, and RNA content. It is not fully understood what the biological impact is of using testicular sperm, on fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, and postimplantation development. Our goal was to investigate differences in human preimplantation embryo development after ICSI using testicular sperm (TESE-ICSI) and ejaculated sperm. We used time-lapse embryo culture to study these possible differences. Embryos (n = 639) originating from 208 couples undergoing TESE-ICSI treatment were studied and compared to embryos (n = 866) originating from 243 couples undergoing ICSI treatment with ejaculated sperm. Using statistical analysis with linear mixed models, we observed that pronuclei appeared 0.55 h earlier in TESE-ICSI embryos, after which the pronuclear stage lasted 0.55 h longer. Also, significantly more TESE-ICSI embryos showed direct unequal cleavage from the 1-cell stage to the 3-cell stage. TESE-ICSI embryos proceeded faster through the cleavage divisions to the 5- and the 6-cell stage, but this effect disappeared when we adjusted our model for maternal factors. In conclusion, sperm origin affects embryo development during the first embryonic cell cycle, but not developmental kinetics to the 8-cell stage. Our results provide insight into the biological differences between testicular and ejaculated sperm and their impact during human fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S van Marion
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J P Speksnijder
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Hoek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W P A Boellaard
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Dinkelman-Smit
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A Chavli
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Coticchio G, Behr B, Campbell A, Meseguer M, Morbeck DE, Pisaturo V, Plancha CE, Sakkas D, Xu Y, D'Hooghe T, Cottell E, Lundin K. Fertility technologies and how to optimize laboratory performance to support the shortening of time to birth of a healthy singleton: a Delphi consensus. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1021-1043. [PMID: 33599923 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore how the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories can be optimized and standardized to enhance embryo culture and selection, to bridge the gap between standard practice and the new concept of shortening time to healthy singleton birth. METHODS A Delphi consensus was conducted (January to July 2018) to assess how the ART laboratory could be optimized, in conjunction with existing guidelines, to reduce the time to a healthy singleton birth. Eight experts plus the coordinator discussed and refined statements proposed by the coordinator. The statements were distributed via an online survey to 29 participants (including the eight experts from step 1), who voted on their agreement/disagreement with each statement. Consensus was reached if ≥ 66% of participants agreed/disagreed with a statement. If consensus was not achieved for any statement, that statement was revised and the process repeated until consensus was achieved. Details of statements achieving consensus were communicated to the participants. RESULTS Consensus was achieved for all 13 statements, which underlined the need for professional guidelines and standardization of lab processes to increase laboratory competency and quality. The most important points identified were the improvement of embryo culture and embryo assessment to shorten time to live birth through the availability of more high-quality embryos, priority selection of the most viable embryos and improved cryosurvival. CONCLUSION The efficiency of the ART laboratory can be improved through professional guidelines on standardized practices and optimized embryo culture environment, assessment, selection and cryopreservation methodologies, thereby reducing the time to a healthy singleton delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Coticchio
- 9.baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante, 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barry Behr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dean E Morbeck
- Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Reproductive Medicine Department, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlos E Plancha
- Inst. Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa and CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelyn Cottell
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Montjean D, Geoffroy-Siraudin C, Gervoise-Boyer MJ, Boyer P. Competence of embryos showing transient developmental arrest during in vitro culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:857-863. [PMID: 33532884 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02090-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In vitro developing embryos may apparently show no developmental progress during 24 h and resume their development up to the blastocyst stage. The present study was conducted to assess their ability to implant and to give rise to a live birth when replaced at day 5 (fresh or vitrified/warmed) as compared to continuously developing embryos. METHODS Embryo development follow-up and grade were prospectively recorded in a photo database. The studied period was from April 2011 to July 2017. The studied embryos included transient arrested embryos (TAE) that showed the same developmental stage at two subsequent observations, i.e. between day 2 and day 3 (d2 and d3), between day 3 and day 4 (d3 and d4) and between day 4 and day 5 (d4 and d5). TAE were compared to continuously developing embryos (CDE). Elective day 5 embryo transfers were performed. RESULTS Woman age was higher in TAE (34.3±3.9) than in CDE (32.9±4.8) (p<0.01). TAE were more frequently (63.1%) observed after ICSI than after conventional IVF (55.9%) (p<0.01). Implantation rate was reduced in TAE as compared to CDE, after both fresh (10.0% vs 23.8% [p<0.01]) and vitrified/warmed (12.9% vs 19.0% [p<0.01]) embryo transfers. Delivery rate was also lower after the transfer of fresh (8.3% vs 19.4% [p<0.01]) and vitrified/warmed (8.5% vs 14.1% [p<0.01]) TAE as compared to CDE. Implantation and delivery rates were not statistically different whether embryo arrested between day 2 and day 3 (d2 and d3), between day 3 and day 4 (d3 and d4) or between day 4 and day 5 (d4 and d5). CONCLUSION TAE may be considered for transfer at a lower priority than CDE and associated with inferior prognosis than CDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Montjean
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre Ste Colette, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, 26 boulevard de Louvain, 13008, Marseille, France.
| | - Cendrine Geoffroy-Siraudin
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre Ste Colette, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, 26 boulevard de Louvain, 13008, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-José Gervoise-Boyer
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre Ste Colette, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, 26 boulevard de Louvain, 13008, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Boyer
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre Ste Colette, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, 26 boulevard de Louvain, 13008, Marseille, France
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Khalife D, Abu-Musa A, Khalil A, Ghazeeri G. Towards the selection of embryos with the greatest implantation potential. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 41:1010-1015. [PMID: 33432866 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1835842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Choosing the most suitable embryo remains challenging as the standard approach to select top-quality embryos for transfer rely on static morphological assessment. It is completed after fertilisation, on days 3 and 5 post oocyte retrieval and evaluates the size and number of blastomeres, presence of nucleation and percentage of fragmentation for cleavage stage embryos. Because of the limited number of observations during the morphological assessment, morphokinetic development of embryos has been implemented. It shows a broader image of embryo behaviour with precise evaluation of the timing of events. Yet, studies are inconsistent and debatable in predicting the parameters to identify chromosomal abnormalities. Pre-implantation genetic testing detects dysmorphic embryos and correlate their developmental potential to the assessed morphology. However, the clinical utility of PGT-aneuploidy remains controversial. The future relies on newly described scoring systems such as artificial intelligence and non-invasive PGT, yet their application and actual success rate still lacks supportive evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Khalife
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jumeirah American Clinic, Dubai, UAE
| | - Antoine Abu-Musa
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Khalil
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghina Ghazeeri
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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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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Abstract
During human in vitro culture, a morphological microscope analysis is normally performed to select the best embryo to transfer, with the hope of obtaining a successful pregnancy. The morphological evaluation may combine number and size of blastomeres, fragmentation, multinucleation, blastocyst expansion, inner-cell mass and trophectoderm appearance. However, standard microscopy evaluation involves the removal of the embryos from the incubator, exposing them to changes in pH, temperature, and oxygen level. Additionally, morphological assessments might include high inter-observer variability. Recently, continuous embryo culture using time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has allowed embryologists to analyse the dynamic and morphokinetic events of embryo development and, based on that, the embryologist is able to scrutinize the complete sequence of embryonic evolution, from fertilization to the blastocyst formation. Therefore, TLM allows an uninterrupted culture condition, reducing the need to remove embryos from the incubator. The monitoring system is normally composed of a standard incubator with an integrated microscope coupled to a digital camera, which is able to collect images at regular times, and subsequently processed into video. These data can be annotated and analyzed using an integrated software, therefore this allows embryologists to facilitate the process of embryo selection for transfer. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits and uses of the TLM in the embryology laboratory.
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Barberet J, Bruno C, Valot E, Antunes-Nunes C, Jonval L, Chammas J, Choux C, Ginod P, Sagot P, Soudry-Faure A, Fauque P. Can novel early non-invasive biomarkers of embryo quality be identified with time-lapse imaging to predict live birth? Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1439-1449. [PMID: 31287145 PMCID: PMC6688874 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can time-lapse imaging systems make it possible to identify novel early non-invasive biomarkers to predict live birth? SUMMARY ANSWER From mostly high-grade embryos, out of 35 morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic variables, only pronuclei (PN) position at time of PN juxtaposition and the absence of multinucleated blastomeres at the 2-cell stage (MNB2cell), were potentially associated with live birth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies indicate that some kinetic markers may be predictive of blastocyst development and embryonic implantation. Certain teams have suggested including some of them in decisional algorithms for embryo transfers. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Using a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope, Unisense FertiliTech), we retrospectively explored the associations between the morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic parameters of oocytes, zygotes and embryos, and their associations with live birth. This study assessed 232 embryos from single embryo transfers after ICSI cycles performed between January 2014 and December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The morphometric, morphologic and morphokinetic parameters (18, 4 and 13, respectively) of oocytes, zygotes and early embryos were studied retrospectively. The associations between these parameters were examined using a Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney or chi-squared test as appropriate. We examined whether these parameters were associated with outcomes in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Central PN juxtaposition was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of live birth (OR = 2.20; 95% CI, [1.26-3.89]; P = 0.006), while the presence of MNB2cell was associated with half the odds of live birth (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, [0.27-0.95]; P = 0.035). These two parameters were independent of embryo kinetics. The 33 remaining parameters had no significant association with the capacity of transferred embryos to develop to term. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Even though the population size was relatively small, our analyses were based on homogeneous cycles, i.e. young women whose transferred embryos were found to be high-grade according to conventional morphology evaluation. In addition, our conclusions were established from a specific, highly selected population, so other study populations, such as women in an older age bracket, may yield different results. Finally, because we assessed day 2/3 transfers, our findings cannot be generalized to embryos cultured up to the blastocyst stage. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS It would be interesting to explore, prospectively, whether PN localisation is a relevant measure to predict embryo development when added into further algorithms and whether this parameter could be suitable for use in other IVF clinics. Further studies are needed, notably to explore the added value of timing evaluation in cohorts of embryos with low or intermediate morphology grade, as well as in other maternal populations (i.e. older women). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was used for this study. P. Sagot received funding from the following commercial companies: Merck Serono, Finox Biotech, Ferring, MSD France SAS, Teva Sante ́ SAS, Allergan France, Gedeon Richter France, Effik S.A., Karl Storz Endoscopie France, GE Medical Systems SCS, Laboratoires Genevrier, H.A.C. Pharma and Ipsen.All the authors confirm that none of this funding was used to support the research in this study. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter the authors' adherence to all the journal policies on sharing data and materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Barberet
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.,INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - C Bruno
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.,INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
| | - E Valot
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - C Antunes-Nunes
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - L Jonval
- USMR, Dijon University Hospital, France
| | - J Chammas
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - C Choux
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - P Ginod
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - P Sagot
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | | | - P Fauque
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.,INSERM UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche comté, Dijon, France
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Bourdon M, Ferreux L, Maignien C, Patrat C, Marcellin L, Pocate-Cheriet K, Chapron C, Santulli P. Tobacco consumption is associated with slow-growing day-6 blastocysts. F S Rep 2020; 1:30-36. [PMID: 34223209 PMCID: PMC8244283 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate if there are any obvious clinical factors associated with delayed blastulation at day 6 (D6) compared with day 5 (D5). Design Monocentric observational cohort study from November 2012 to December 2018. Setting Tertiary-care academic medical center. Patient(s) A total of 941 women with an entire cohort of exclusively D5 blastocysts compared with 162 patients with a cohort of exclusively D6 blastocysts. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical characteristics and data related to the ovarian stimulation protocols. Result(s) After univariate analysis, a significantly higher proportion of women who were active smokers was found in the D6 group compared with the D5 group (n = 22/162 [13.6%] vs. n = 82/941 [8.7%]). In addition, the women in the D6 group had a higher rank number of assisted reproductive technology (ART; total no. of ART cycles performed: 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1) and a lower antral follicle count (AFC; 18.7 ± 11.3 vs. 22.2 ± 12.8). Moreover, fertilization with the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection was used more frequently in the D6 group compared with the D5 group. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders highlighted several independent predictors for reaching blastocyst stage at D6 rather than D5: being an active smoker, previous ART cycles, and a lower AFC. Conclusion(s) Obtaining an exclusively D6 blastocyst cohort is independently associated with women who are active smokers, previous ART cycles, and a lower AFC. These findings provide evidence, to be confirmed by further studies, that women who are active smokers could greatly benefit from smoking cessation before undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Bourdon
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris.,Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris
| | - Lucile Ferreux
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Maignien
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Louis Marcellin
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris.,Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris
| | - Khaled Pocate-Cheriet
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Charles Chapron
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris.,Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II et de Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre, Cochin, Paris.,Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris, Paris
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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: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [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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Dietrich JE, Freis A, Beedgen F, von Horn K, Holschbach V, Liebscher J, Strowitzki T, Germeyer A. Intraindividual Embryo Morphokinetics Are Not Affected by a Switch of the Ovarian Stimulation Protocol Between GnRH Agonist vs. Antagonist Regimens in Consecutive Cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:246. [PMID: 32411093 PMCID: PMC7198727 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The impact of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) during medically assisted reproduction (MAR) on human embryogenesis is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated if early embryonic development is affected by the type of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog used to prevent a premature LH surge. We compared embryo morphology and morphokinetics between GnRH agonist and antagonist cycles, both involving human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-trigger. To reduce possible confounding factors, we used intraindividual comparison of embryo morphokinetics in consecutive treatment cycles of the same patients that underwent a switch in the COS protocol. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed morphokinetics of embryos from patients (n = 49) undergoing a switch in COS protocols between GnRH agonists followed by GnRH antagonists, or vice versa, after culture in a time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope®, Vitrolife) in our clinic between 06/2011 and 11/2016 (n = 49 GnRH agonist cycles with n = 172 embryos; n = 49 GnRH antagonist cycles with n = 163 embryos). Among time-lapse cycles we included all embryos of the two consecutive cycles before and after a switch in the type of COS in the same patient. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed and embryos were imaged up to day 5. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test. The significance level was set to p = 0.05. Patients with preimplantation genetic screening cycles were excluded. Results: The mean age (years ± standard deviation) of patients at the time of treatment was 35.7 ± 4.3 (GnRH agonist) and 35.8 ± 4.0 (GnRH antagonist) (p = 0.94). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of oocytes collected or the fertilization rate. The numbers of top quality embryos (TQE), good-quality embryos (GQE), or poor-quality embryos (PQE) were also not different in GnRH agonist vs. antagonist cycles. We found no statistically significant difference between the analyzed morphokinetic parameters between the study groups. Conclusions: Our finding supports the flexible use of GnRH analogs to optimize patient treatment for COS without affecting embryo morphokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens E. Dietrich
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jens E. Dietrich
| | - Alexander Freis
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Beedgen
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kyra von Horn
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Holschbach
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Liebscher
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Effect of a 6-week "Mediterranean" dietary intervention on in vitro human embryo development: the Preconception Dietary Supplements in Assisted Reproduction double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Fertil Steril 2019; 113:260-269. [PMID: 31870562 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and olive oil for 6 weeks before in vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on morphokinetic markers of early embryo development. DESIGN A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING Academic IVF unit. PATIENT(S) A total of 111 couples undergoing IVF or IVF-ICSI were recruited. INTERVENTIONS(S) Fifty-five couples received the 6-week study intervention of a daily supplement drink enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D plus additional olive oil and olive oil-based spread, and 56 couples received the control intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary end point for the study was the time taken for completion of the second cell cycle after fertilization (CC2). Secondary end points included time to complete the third and fourth cell cycles (CC3 and CC4), the synchrony of the second and third cell cycles (S2 and S3), and the day 3 and day 5 Known Implantation Data Scores (KIDScores). RESULT(S) There was no difference in CC2 between the two groups. However, CC4 was accelerated in the study group compared with the control group, and a significantly shortened S3 as well as an increase in KIDScore on day 3 were observed, indicating improved embryo quality in the study group. CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrates that a short period of dietary supplementation alters the rate of embryo cleavage. Further research is required to investigate the mechanisms that regulate this effect, and whether the impact on embryo development translates into improved clinical outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN50956936.
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A Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis on time lapse. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2019; 31:148-155. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Alexopoulou E, Pinborg A, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Zedeler A. Comparing early embryo morphokinetics with time-lapse microscopy in patients with low and normal ovarian response to ovarian stimulation. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:127-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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38
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Purewal S, Chapman SCE, van den Akker OBA. A systematic review and meta-analysis of lifestyle and body mass index predictors of successful assisted reproductive technologies. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 40:2-18. [PMID: 29172958 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2017.1403418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lifestyle (smoking, drinking alcohol) and body mass index (BMI) predictors of successful outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments were examined in this meta-analysis. METHOD A bibliographic search was undertaken using six databases. The review was informed by PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines. Meta-analytic data were analysed using random effects models. RESULTS We included 77 studies examining effects of BMI, smoking and drinking alcohol. Patients with a BMI< =24.9 were significantly more likely to achieve LB/pregnancy than with BMI> =25 OR = 1.219 (95% CI:1.128-1.319, z = 4.971, p < .001; I2 = 53.779%, p = .001). Non-smokers were significantly more likely to achieve a LB or pregnancy than smokers OR = 1.457 (95% CI:1.228-1.727, z = 4.324, p < .001; I2 = 51.883; p = .001). Meta-regression revealed the number of embryos transferred significantly moderated the effects of smoking on ART outcomes, and there was a trend indicating primary infertility and high BMI were also significant moderators. The evidence for drinking alcohol was inconclusive due to the small number of studies. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis confirms that ART treatment success can be predicted with lifestyle factors. Further, non-smokers' relative odds of pregnancy/live birth increase as more embryos were transferred but there was a trend that the odds of pregnancy/live birth decrease with primary infertility and high BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satvinder Purewal
- a Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing , University of Wolverhampton , Wolverhampton , UK
| | - S C E Chapman
- b Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology , University of Bath , Bath , UK
| | - O B A van den Akker
- c Department of Psychology, School of Science and Technology , Middlesex University , London , UK
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A comparison of morphokinetic markers predicting blastocyst formation and implantation potential from two large clinical data sets. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:637-646. [PMID: 30671702 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate whether the standard morphokinetic markers used for embryo selection have a similar relationship to blastocyst formation and implantation in two large clinical data sets. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort analysis striving to answer two distinct questions utilizing data sets from two large IVF clinics. Blastocysts (BL) and implanted blastocysts (I) in both clinics, IVI-Valencia (BL = 11,414, I = 479) and WMC (BL = 15,902; I = 337), were cultured in a time-lapse system (EmbryoScope, Vitrolife, Sweden). The study was designed to assess the relationship between early morphokinetic hallmarks and BL development, with a secondary analysis of implantation rates following single-embryo day 3 and day 5 transfers. RESULTS We performed a detailed graphical analysis for t3, t5, duration of the second cell cycle (cc2) (t3-t2), and the ratio (t5-t3)/(t5-t2). The t5 timing was not affected between the clinics. However, Weill Cornell Medicine's (WCM) proportions were significantly affected by having BL vs. not. A significant decrease of blastocysts with longer t5 in WCM data, while t5 was more informative in the IVI data set for the implantation rate. CONCLUSIONS Morphokinetic intervals for early cleavages were distributed differently between the clinics. Incorporation of embryo-selection algorithms depends on the individual clinic's selected developmental hallmarks, all of which must be validated before incorporation into clinical practice.
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Ezoe K, Ohata K, Morita H, Ueno S, Miki T, Okimura T, Uchiyama K, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Montag M, Kato K. Prolonged blastomere movement induced by the delay of pronuclear fading and first cell division adversely affects pregnancy outcomes after fresh embryo transfer on Day 2: a time-lapse study. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:659-668. [PMID: 30853350 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the incidence, origin and clinical significance of blastomere movement after the first cell division in the human embryo? DESIGN A total of 1096 embryos, cultured in the EmbryoScope+ ® time-lapse system and subjected to a single fresh cleaved embryo transfer, were retrospectively analysed. Type and duration of blastomere movement (dBMov) between the first (t2) and second cell division (t3) was monitored, and the ratio of dBMov during the 2-cell stage [dBMov/(t3-t2)] was calculated. Morphological evaluation of embryos was performed by referring to the size of the blastomere and fragmentation after first division in addition to Veeck's criteria on Day 2. The correlation between dBMov and ongoing pregnancy was evaluated and the association of dBMov with patient and embryonic characteristics was determined. RESULTS Both movement type and the value of dBMov/(t3-t2) were significantly associated with asymmetrical first division, fragment formation and morphological grade on Day 2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher value of dBMov/(t3-t2) significantly correlated with a decreased ongoing pregnancy rate, even after adjustment for co-founders (odds ratio 0.399, P = 0.0419). The time intervals of pronuclear (PN) alignment and PN fading were significantly correlated with the dBMov/(t3-t2) value. CONCLUSIONS Embryos with extended blastomere movement after the first cell division, which is associated with the delay of PN fading and first cell division, have a lower competence to initiate an ongoing pregnancy after fresh embryo transfer on Day 2. Thus, blastomere movement could be a useful predictive parameter for selecting embryos at the early cleavage stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Markus Montag
- ilabcomm GmbH, Eisenachstrasse 34, St. Augustin 53757, Germany
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Zhang RP, Zhao WZ, Chai BB, Wang QY, Yu CH, Wang HY, Liu L, Yang LQ, Zhao SH. The effects of maternal cigarette smoking on pregnancy outcomes using assisted reproduction technologies: An updated meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2018; 47:461-468. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Esbert M, Pacheco A, Soares SR, Amorós D, Florensa M, Ballesteros A, Meseguer M. High sperm DNA fragmentation delays human embryo kinetics when oocytes from young and healthy donors are microinjected. Andrology 2018; 6:697-706. [PMID: 30259705 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) technology has been implemented in the clinical setting for the culture and selection of human embryos. Many studies have assessed the association between sperm DNA fragmentation (sDNAf) and clinical outcomes after ART, but little is known about the influence of sDNA on embryo morphokinetics. OBJECTIVES The objective of this retrospective study, which includes 971 embryos from 135 consecutive ICSI cycles (56 cases with own oocytes, 79 with oocytes from young and healthy donors), was to assess if sDNAf has an impact on embryo morphokinetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples used to perform ICSI were analyzed by the flow cytometry TUNEL assay, and embryo development was assessed through an EmbyoScope® system. The association between sDNAf and the timings of cell cleavage was analyzed by categorizing the first variable into quartiles: ≤6.50%; 6.51-10.70%; 10.71-20.15%; >20.15%. RESULTS In cases where sDNAf was above 20.15% (the upper quartile), embryos derived from donated oocytes (n = 644) showed significantly slower divisions. Such association was not observed in embryos obtained from the patients' own oocytes (n = 327). The embryo cleavage pattern (either normal, direct from 1 to 3 blastomeres, direct from 1 to 4 blastomeres, incomplete, reversed or asynchronous) was independent of the sDNAf level. Blastocyst arrival rate was 63.0% and the rate of good quality embryos (transferred and frozen embryos divided by the number of zygotes) was 45.49%. Neither parameter was related to the levels of sDNAf. DISCUSSION According to our results, the association between high sDNAf and donated oocytes led to delayed cell division. To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that sDNAf can delay human embryo cleavage timings when oocytes from donors are inseminated. CONCLUSIONS This finding may indicate that, in the presence of increased DNA damage, time is needed before the first embryonic cell division for the activation of the optimal DNA repairing machinery in higher quality oocytes.
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Yang SH, Wu CH, Chen YC, Yang CK, Wu TH, Chen PC, Tsai HD. Effect of morphokinetics and morphological dynamics of cleavage stage on embryo developmental potential: A time-lapse study. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 57:76-82. [PMID: 29458909 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using a non-invasive method to select the most competent embryo is essential in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Since the beginning of clinical application of time-lapse technology, several studies have proposed models using the time-lapse imaging system for predicting the IVF outcome. This study used both morphokinetic and morphological dynamic parameters to select embryos with the highest developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 23 intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles with 138 fertilized oocytes were included in this study. All embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage, and embryo development was recorded every 10 min by using a time-lapse imaging system. Morphokinetic parameters and eight major abnormal division behaviors were studied to determine their effects on blastocyst formation. The most influential variables were used in hierarchical classification for blastocyst formation prediction. RESULTS Several parameters were significantly related to the developmental potential. Embryos with the timing of pronuclear fading (tPNF) of >26.4 h post insemination (hpi), the timing of division to two cells (t2) of >29.1 hpi, and the timing of division to four cells (t4) of >41.3 hpi showed the lowest blastocyst formation rate. The abnormal division behaviors of fragmentation >50%, direct cleavage, reverse cleavage, and delayed division or developmental arrest were found to be detrimental to blastocyst formation. On the basis of these results, we propose a hierarchical model classification, in which embryos are classified into groups A-D according to their developmental potential. The blastocyst formation rates of groups A, B, C, and D were 80.0%, 77.8%, 53.7%, and 22.2% (p < 0.001). The good blastocyst rates of groups A, B, C, and D were 60.0%, 44.4%, 14.6%, and 11.1% (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION We propose a hierarchical classification system for blastocyst formation prediction, which provides information for embryo selection by using a time-lapse imaging system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao-Hsuan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Cheng-Hsuan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ching Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chueh-Ko Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsui-Huang Wu
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pei-Chi Chen
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Horng-Der Tsai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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Tanbo TG, Zucknick M, Eskild A. Maternal concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin in very early IVF pregnancies and duration of pregnancy: a follow-up study. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:208-215. [PMID: 29773310 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are maternal concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on a fixed day after embryo transfer associated with duration of pregnancy? DESIGN A follow-up study of 1917 singleton pregnancies after IVF was performed. Embryos were cultured for 2 days and maternal HCG concentration quantified on day 12 after embryo transfer. Duration of pregnancy was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Association of HCG concentration (log2-transformed) with duration of pregnancy was estimated as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by applying Cox regression proportional hazard models, where time to delivery for pregnancies shortened because of planned Caesarean delivery or induction of labour was treated as censored. RESULTS The estimated median duration of pregnancy from embryo transfer was 266 days (95% CI 266-267 days). Maternal concentration of HCG on day 12 after embryo transfer varied from 1 to 588 IU/l (median 117 IU/l). Duration of pregnancy decreased by increasing HCG concentration, significantly in pregnancies delivered at full term ((257-270 days after embryo transfer; HR 1.127, 95% CI 1.026-1.238, P = 0.012). For each doubling of HCG concentration on day 12 after embryo transfer, duration of pregnancy was shortened by 0.51 days. Adjustment for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, being a first-time mother and number of embryos transferred did not change the association. CONCLUSION High maternal HCG concentration on a fixed day after embryo transfer is likely to indicate early embryo implantation. After embryo transfer, pregnancies with early implantation are shorter than pregnancies with late implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom G Tanbo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manuela Zucknick
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Eskild
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
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Liu Y, Feenan K, Chapple V, Matson P. Assessing efficacy of day 3 embryo time-lapse algorithms retrospectively: impacts of dataset type and confounding factors. HUM FERTIL 2018; 22:182-190. [PMID: 29338469 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1425919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of four published day 3 embryo time-lapse algorithms based on different types of datasets (known implantation data [KID] and single embryo transfer [SET]), and the confounding effect of female age and conventional embryo morphology. Four algorithms were retrospectively applied to three types of datasets generated at Fertility North between February 2013 and December 2014: (a) KID dataset (n = 270), (b) a subset of SET (n = 144, end-point = implantation), and (c) SET (n = 144, end-point = live birth), respectively. All four algorithms showed progressively reduced predictive power (expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and 95% confidence interval [CI]) after application to the three datasets (a-c): Liu (0.762 [0.701-0.824] vs. 0.724 [0.641-0.807] vs. 0.707 [0.620-0.793]), KIDScore (0.614 [0.539-0.688] vs. 0.548 [0.451-0.645] vs. 0.536 [0.434-0.637]), Meseguer (0.585 [0.508-0.663] vs. 0.56 [0.462-0.658] vs. 0.549 [0.445-0.652]), and Basile (0.582 [0.505-0.659] vs. 0.519 [0.421-0.618] vs. 0.509 [0.406-0.612]). Furthermore, using KID dataset, the association (expressed as odds ratio and 95% CI) between time-lapse algorithms and implantation outcomes lost statistical significance after adjusting for conventional embryo morphology and female age in 3 of the 4 algorithms (KIDScore 1.832 [1.118-3.004] vs. 1.063 [0.659-1.715], Meseguer 1.150 [1.021-1.295] vs. 1.122 [0.981-1.284] and Basile 1.122 [1.008-1.249] vs. 1.038 [0.919-1.172]). In conclusion, SET is a preferred dataset to KID when developing or validating time-lapse algorithms, and day 3 conventional embryo morphology and female age should be considered as confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhe Liu
- a Fertility North , Joondalup , Australia.,b School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia
| | | | | | - Phillip Matson
- a Fertility North , Joondalup , Australia.,b School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia
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Storr A, Venetis C, Cooke S, Kilani S, Ledger W. Time-lapse algorithms and morphological selection of day-5 embryos for transfer: a preclinical validation study. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:276-283.e3. [PMID: 29331237 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the agreement between published time-lapse algorithms in selecting the best day-5 embryo for transfer, as well as the agreement between these algorithms and embryologists. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Private in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) Four hundred and twenty-eight embryos from 100 cycles cultured in the EmbryoScope. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Interalgorithm agreement as assessed by the Fleiss kappa coefficient. RESULT(S) Of seven published algorithms analyzed in this study, only one of the 18 possible pairs showed very good agreement (κ = 0.867); one pair showed good agreement (κ = 0.725), four pairs showed fair agreement (κ = 0.226-0.334), and the remaining 12 pairs showed poor agreement (κ = 0.008-0.149). Even in the best-case scenario, the majority of algorithms showed poor to moderate kappa scores (κ = 0.337-0.722) for the assessment of agreement between the embryo(s) selected as "best" by the algorithms and the embryo that was chosen by the majority (>5) of embryologists, as well as with the embryo that was actually selected in the laboratory on the day of transfer (κ = 0.315-0.802). CONCLUSION(S) The results of this study raise concerns as to whether the tested algorithms are applicable in different clinical settings, emphasizing the need for proper external validation before clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Storr
- IVF Australia, Sydney; and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Christos Venetis
- IVF Australia, Sydney; and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Cooke
- IVF Australia, Sydney; and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suha Kilani
- IVF Australia, Sydney; and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Ledger
- IVF Australia, Sydney; and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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Cobo A, Coello A, Remohí J, Serrano J, de Los Santos JM, Meseguer M. Effect of oocyte vitrification on embryo quality: time-lapse analysis and morphokinetic evaluation. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:491-497.e3. [PMID: 28865549 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether oocyte vitrification may affect subsequent embryo development from a morphokinetic standpoint by means of time-lapse imaging. DESIGN Observational cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated private IVF center. PATIENT(S) Ovum donation cycles conducted with the use of vitrified (n = 631 cycles; n = 3,794 embryos) or fresh oocytes (n = 1,359 cycles; n = 9,935 embryos) over 2 years. INTERVENTIONS(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Embryo development was analyzed in a time-lapse imaging incubator. The studied variables included time to 2 cells (t2), 3 cells (t3), 4 cells (t4), 5 cells (t5), morula (tM), and cavitated, early, and hatching blastocyst (tB, tEB, tHB) as well as 2nd cell cycle duration (cc2 = t3 - t2). All of the embryos were classified according to the hierarchic tree model currently used for embryo selection. The analyzed variables were compared with the use of analysis of variance or chi-square and included 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULT(S) The embryos that originated from vitrified oocytes showed a delay of ∼1 hour from the first division to 2 cells (t2) to the time of blastulation (tB). The embryos that originated from vitrified oocytes showed a delay of ∼1 hour from the 1st division to 2 cells (t2) to the time of blastulation (tB) (P<.05). The proportions of embryos allocated to categories A-E in the hierarchical tree were similar between groups. No differences in implantation rates between the fresh (51.3% [95% CI 47.1%-55.7%]) and vitrified (46.4% [95% CI 38.4%-54.4%]) groups were found. CONCLUSION(S) The embryo quality of vitrified oocytes was not impaired: cc2, quality according to our hierarchic morphokinetic model, and implantation rates were similar between fresh and vitrified oocytes. However, morphokinetic differences were observed from t2 to tB. Our main study limitation was the retrospective nature of the analysis, although a large database was studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cobo
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia, INCLIVA-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Aila Coello
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia, INCLIVA-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Remohí
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia, INCLIVA-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Serrano
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia, INCLIVA-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Valencia, INCLIVA-University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Munevver S, Findikli N, Bahceci M. New Horizons/Developments in Time-Lapse Morphokinetic Analysis of Mammalian Embryos. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Petersen BM, Boel M, Montag M, Gardner DK. Development of a generally applicable morphokinetic algorithm capable of predicting the implantation potential of embryos transferred on Day 3. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2231-44. [PMID: 27609980 PMCID: PMC5027927 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can a generally applicable morphokinetic algorithm suitable for Day 3 transfers of time-lapse monitored embryos originating from different culture conditions and fertilization methods be developed for the purpose of supporting the embryologist's decision on which embryo to transfer back to the patient in assisted reproduction? SUMMARY ANSWER The algorithm presented here can be used independently of culture conditions and fertilization method and provides predictive power not surpassed by other published algorithms for ranking embryos according to their blastocyst formation potential. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Generally applicable algorithms have so far been developed only for predicting blastocyst formation. A number of clinics have reported validated implantation prediction algorithms, which have been developed based on clinic-specific culture conditions and clinical environment. However, a generally applicable embryo evaluation algorithm based on actual implantation outcome has not yet been reported. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective evaluation of data extracted from a database of known implantation data (KID) originating from 3275 embryos transferred on Day 3 conducted in 24 clinics between 2009 and 2014. The data represented different culture conditions (reduced and ambient oxygen with various culture medium strategies) and fertilization methods (IVF, ICSI). The capability to predict blastocyst formation was evaluated on an independent set of morphokinetic data from 11 218 embryos which had been cultured to Day 5. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The algorithm was developed by applying automated recursive partitioning to a large number of annotation types and derived equations, progressing to a five-fold cross-validation test of the complete data set and a validation test of different incubation conditions and fertilization methods. The results were expressed as receiver operating characteristics curves using the area under the curve (AUC) to establish the predictive strength of the algorithm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE By applying the here developed algorithm (KIDScore), which was based on six annotations (the number of pronuclei equals 2 at the 1-cell stage, time from insemination to pronuclei fading at the 1-cell stage, time from insemination to the 2-cell stage, time from insemination to the 3-cell stage, time from insemination to the 5-cell stage and time from insemination to the 8-cell stage) and ranking the embryos in five groups, the implantation potential of the embryos was predicted with an AUC of 0.650. On Day 3 the KIDScore algorithm was capable of predicting blastocyst development with an AUC of 0.745 and blastocyst quality with an AUC of 0.679. In a comparison of blastocyst prediction including six other published algorithms and KIDScore, only KIDScore and one more algorithm surpassed an algorithm constructed on conventional Alpha/ESHRE consensus timings in terms of predictive power. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Some morphological assessments were not available and consequently three of the algorithms in the comparison were not used in full and may therefore have been put at a disadvantage. Algorithms based on implantation data from Day 3 embryo transfers require adjustments to be capable of predicting the implantation potential of Day 5 embryo transfers. The current study is restricted by its retrospective nature and absence of live birth information. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials should be used in future studies to establish the value of time-lapse technology and morphokinetic evaluation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Algorithms applicable to different culture conditions can be developed if based on large data sets of heterogeneous origin. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Vitrolife A/S, Denmark and Vitrolife AB, Sweden. B.M.P.’s company BMP Analytics is performing consultancy for Vitrolife A/S. M.B. is employed at Vitrolife A/S. M.M.’s company ilabcomm GmbH received honorarium for consultancy from Vitrolife AB. D.K.G. received research support from Vitrolife AB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Molt Petersen
- Bjørn Molt Petersen BMP Analytics, Vilhelm Becks Vej 20, 8260 Viby J, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Boel
- Vitrolife A/S, Jens Juuls Vej 20, 8260 Viby J, Denmark
| | - Markus Montag
- ilabcomm GmbH, Eisenachstr. 34, 53757 St. Augustin, Germany
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Minasi MG, Colasante A, Riccio T, Ruberti A, Casciani V, Scarselli F, Spinella F, Fiorentino F, Varricchio MT, Greco E. Correlation between aneuploidy, standard morphology evaluation and morphokinetic development in 1730 biopsied blastocysts: a consecutive case series study. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2245-54. [PMID: 27591227 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there correlations among human blastocyst ploidy status, standard morphology evaluation and time-lapse kinetics? SUMMARY ANSWER Correlations were observed, in that euploid human blastocysts showed a higher percentage with top quality inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), higher expansion grades and shorter time to start of blastulation, expansion and hatching, compared to aneuploid ones. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryo quality has always been considered an important predictor of successful implantation and pregnancy. Nevertheless, knowledge of the relative impact of each morphological parameter at the blastocyst stage needs to be increased. Recently, with the introduction of time-lapse technology, morphokinetic parameters can also be evaluated. However, a large number of studies has reported conflicting outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a consecutive case series study. The morphology of 1730 blastocysts obtained in 530 PGS cycles performed from September 2012 to April 2014 that underwent TE biopsy and array comparative genomic hybridization was analyzed retrospectively. A total of 928 blastocysts were cultured in a time-lapse incubator allowing morphokinetic parameters to be analyzed. PARTCIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD Mean female age was 36.8 ± 4.24 years. Four hunderd fifty-four couples were enrolled in the study: 384, 64 and 6 of them performed single, double or triple PGS cycles, respectively. In standard morphology evaluation, the expansion grade, and quality of the ICM and TE were analyzed. The morphokinetic parameters observed were second polar body extrusion, appearance of two pronuclei, pronuclear fading, onset of two- to eight-cell divisions, time between the two- and three-cell (cc2) and three- and four-cell (s2) stages, morulae formation time, starting blastulation, full blastocyst stage, expansion and hatching timing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 1730 biopsied blastocysts, 603 were euploid and 1127 aneuploid. We observed that 47.2% of euploid and 32.8% of aneuploid blastocysts showed top quality ICM (P < 0.001), and 17.1% of euploid and 28.5% of aneuploid blastocysts showed poor quality ICM (P < 0.001). Top quality TE was present in 46.5% of euploid and 31.1% of aneuploid blastocysts (P < 0.001), while 26.6% of euploid and 38.1% of aneuploid blastocysts showed poor quality TE (P < 0.001). Regarding expansion grade, 81.1% of euploid and 72.4% of aneuploid blastocysts were fully expanded (Grade 5-6; P < 0.001). The timing of cleavage from the three- to four-cell stage, of reaching four-cell stage, of starting blastulation, reaching full blastocyst stage, blastocyst expansion and hatching were 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-3.5), 40.0 (95% CI: 39.3-40.6), 103.4 (95% CI: 102.2-104.6), 110.2 (95% CI: 108.8-111.5), 118.7 (95% CI: 117.0-120.5) and 133.2 (95% CI: 131.2-135.2) hours in euploid blastocysts, and 4.2 (95% CI: 3.6-4.8), 41.1 (95% CI: 40.6-41.6), 105.0 (95% CI: 104.0-106.0), 112.8 (95% CI: 111.7-113.9), 122.1 (95% CI: 120.7-123.4) and 137.4 (95% CI: 135.7-139.1) hours in aneuploid blastocysts (P < 0.05 for early and P < 0.0001 for later stages of development), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between euploid and aneuploid blastocysts for the remaining morphokinetic parameters.A total of 407 embryo transfers were performed (155 fresh, 252 frozen-thawed blastocysts). Higher clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth rates were obtained in frozen-thawed compared to fresh embryo transfers (P = 0.0104, 0.0091 and 0.0148, respectively). The miscarriage rate was 16.1% and 19.6% in cryopreserved and fresh embryo transfer, respectively. The mean female age was lower in the euploid compared to aneuploid groups (35.0 ± 3.78 versus 36.7 ± 4.13 years, respectively), We found an increasing probability for aneuploidy with female age of 10% per year (odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1-1.2, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of morphology assessment is that it is a static system and can be operator-dependent. In this study, eight embryologists performed morphology assessments. The main limitation of the time-lapse technology is that it is impossible to rotate the embryos making it very difficult to observe them in case of blastomere overlapping or increased cytoplasmic fragmentation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although there seems to be a relationship between the ploidy status and blastocyst morphology/development dynamics, the evaluation of morphological and morphokinetic parameters cannot currently be improved upon, and therefore replace, PGS. Our results on ongoing pregnancy and miscarriage rates suggest that embryo evaluation by PGS or time-lapse imaging may not improve IVF outcome. However, time-lapse monitoring could be used in conjunction with PGS to choose, within a cohort, the blastocysts to analyze or, when more than one euploid blastocyst is available, to select which one should be transferred. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No specific funding was obtained for this study. None of the authors have any competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Minasi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colasante
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Teresa Riccio
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ruberti
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Valentina Casciani
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Filomena Scarselli
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Francesca Spinella
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, "GENOMA", Via di Castel Giubileo 11, Rome 00138, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, "GENOMA", Via di Castel Giubileo 11, Rome 00138, Italy
| | | | - Ermanno Greco
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Via Portuense 700, Rome 00149, Italy
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