Cleavage kinetics analysis of human embryos predicts development to blastocyst and implantation

Purpose Various time-lapse studies have postulated embryo selection criteria based on early morphokinetic markers. However, late paternal effects are mostly not visible before embryonic genome activation. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to investigate whether those early morphokinetic algorithms investigated by time-lapse imaging are reliable enough to allow for the accurate selection of those embryos that develop into blastocysts, while of course taking into account the correlation with the type of injected spermatozoa. Methods During a period of 18 months, a total of 461 MII oocytes from 43 couples with severe male factor infertility and previous Bexternal^IVF failures after cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET) were fertilized by intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI). Thereof, 373 embryos were monitored in a time-lapse incubator until ET on day 5. Blastocyst outcome in combination with three previously postulated MKc (cc2: t3-t2, 5-12 h; t3, 35-40 h; t5, 48-56 h) and the morphology of the selected sperm were analyzed. Results A significant increase in the rate of blastocysts (54.0 vs. 36.3 %; P<0.01) and top blastocysts (25.3 vs. 10.8 %; P<0.001) was observed in the group of those meeting all three morphokinetic criteria (MKc3). However, MKc3 were only met in 23.3 % of all embryos. Moreover, TBR was influenced by the type of injected spermatozoa. In both groups, TBR decreased dramatically (MKc3, 35.0 vs. 17.0 %; MKc<3, 14.2 vs. 8.4 %) when class II/III sperm instead of class I were injected. Conclusion Early morphokinetic parameters might give some predictive information but fail to serve as a feasible selective tool for the prediction of blastocyst development given the influence of the type of spermatozoa injected.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of paternal factors on cleavage stage and blastocyst development analyzed by time-lapse imaging—a retrospective observational study

Neyer

Zintz

Stecher

et al. 2015

“…Various morphokinetic parameters have been identified as prognostic markers of embryo implantation [15,16]. Among them, t8, s2, and cc2 have been reported to be correlated with implantation by some authors [17,18], whereas others did not identify them as significant predictors [15]. Specifically, none of these parameters showed predictive power when considered individually.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does sperm origin affect embryo morphokinetic parameters?

Lammers

Reignier

Splingart

et al. 2015

Purpose The purpose of our study was to use time-lapse in order to evaluate the impact of sperm origin (fresh ejaculate or surgically retrieved) on embryo morphokinetic parameters and clinical outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Methods This retrospective monocentric study was conducted in 485 unselected couples undergoing 604 ICSI cycles with embryo culture in the Embryoscope®. Among them, 445 couples underwent ICSI cycle with fresh ejaculated sperm and 40 with surgically retrieved sperm (26 with testicular sperm and 14 with epididymal sperm). Embryo morphokinetic parameters and clinical cycle outcome were compared between fresh ejaculated sperm and surgically retrieved sperm. A subgroup analysis was also conducted between testicular and epididymal sperm ICSI cycles.Results Clinical outcome was comparable between groups according to sperm origin. Although most early morphokinetic parameters were comparable between ejaculated and surgical sperm groups, a few parameters were significantly different between both groups, but with a considerable overlap in their distribution. Late cellular events occurred significantly later in the surgical sperm group than in the ejaculated sperm group. Conclusions Morphokinetic analysis did not allow us to identify clinically relevant differences between fresh ejaculate and surgically retrieved sperm groups. Further studies are needed, especially concerning the relationship between sperm origin and late morphokinetic parameters, such as blastocyst development.

“…The target was to explore the dynamics of an embryo to implant successfully along with its various cleavage patterns and characteristics, by observing it at various stages of development [12,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Recent studies reported information on the association of the type of fertilization [22], the IVF protocol used [23], female obesity [24], and smoking [25] on embryo kinetics and development.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphokinetic parameters of early embryo development via time lapse monitoring and their effect on embryo selection and ICSI outcomes: a prospective cohort study

Siristatidis

Komitopoulou

Makris

et al. 2015

Purpose To compare the outcomes of embryos selected via time lapse monitoring (TLM) versus those selected with conventional methods of selection in subfertile women undergoing ICSI. Methods The study population (239 women) was classified into two groups, based on the monitoring method used: Group 1 (TLM) and Group 2 (conventional monitoring). Groups were compared according to the clinical and ICSI cycle characteristics and reproductive outcomes, while transfers were performed at day 2 or 3. Subgroup analyses were performed, in women of both groups according to age and clinical parameters, and in embryos of Group 1 based on their cellular events.Results There was a statistically significant difference between the two study groups with regard to the outcome parameters, favoring Group 1 and especially in women >40 years of age. No differences were found in subgroup analyses in participants of both groups, regarding the stimulation protocol used, number of the oocytes retrieved and type of subfertility, while in Group 1 the percentages of "in range" cellular events were higher in certain divisions in ages 35-40, non-smokers, and the GnRH-agonist group, and in embryos that resulted in pregnancy. Conclusion Morphokinetic parameters of early embryo development via TLM are related to the characteristics of subfertile patients and associated with ICSI outcomes.