Modelling a risk classification of aneuploidy in human embryos using non-invasive morphokinetics

Abstract

This study determined whether morphokinetic variables between aneuploid and euploid embryos differ as a potential aid to select euploid embryos for transfer. Following insemination, EmbryoScope time-lapse images from 98 blastocysts were collected and analysed blinded to ploidy. The morphokinetic variables were retrospectively compared with ploidy, which was determined following trophectoderm biopsy and analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization or single-nucleotide polymorphic array. Multiple aneuploid embryos were delayed at the initiation of compaction (tSC; median 85.1 hours post insemination (hpi); P=0.02) and the time to reach full blastocyst stage (tB; median 110.9hpi, P=0.01) compared with euploid embryos (tSC median 79.7 hpi, tB median 105.9 hpi). Embryos having single or multiple aneuploidy (median 103.4 hpi, P=0.004 and 101.9 hpi, P=0.006, respectively) had delayed initiation of blastulation compared with euploid embryos (median 95.1hpi). No significant differences were observed in first or second cell-cycle length, synchrony of the second or third cell cycles, duration of blastulation, multinucleation at the 2-cell stage and irregular division patterns between euploid and aneuploid embryos. This non-invasive model for ploidy classification may be used to avoid selecting embryos with high risk of aneuploidy while selecting those with reduced risk.

Aneuploidy rates and blastocyst formation after biopsy of morulae and early blastocysts on day 5

“…The difference in findings between studies may be attributable to the later day of biopsy in our study (Day 5) compared to theirs (Day 3), or the lower overall aneuploidy rate among day 5 blastocysts in our study. These findings are similar to a recent morphokinetic study that observed a delay in the initial compaction and blastulation among aneuploid embryos relative to euploid counterparts [12] but contrasts with a retrospective multicenter analysis that did not observe any significant difference in euploid or implantation rates between day 5 or day 6 blastocysts [7] and another morphokinetic study that did not find any correlation between aneuploid rates and the timing of initiation or completion of blastulation [13]. Due to the inconsistency of study results, a larger analysis with a diverse patient population and uniformity of chromosomal analysis is obviously needed.…”

Histidine-rich glycoprotein derived peptides affect endometrial angiogenesisin vitrobut has no effect on embryo development

“…Time-lapse monitoring of embryos in culture and the evaluation of distinct morphokinetic patterns, monitored by time-lapse methodology such as the EmbryoScope®, might be used as a tool to follow and visualize embryo quality [Kaser and Racowsky 2014;Machtinger and Racowsky 2013;Meseguer et al 2011;Wong et al 2010]. The capacity to develop into a fully expanded blastocyst is a potential indicator of embryo quality and a delayed time to reach blastocyst stage is associated with increased risk of aneuploidy [Campbell et al 2013;Cruz et al 2012].…”

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

“…In consequence, various new morphological and morphokinetic markers (time to cleavage, duration of cell cycle, synchronization of division or the timepoint when the embryo has reached a certain stage of development) evaluated by TLC were associated with viability and competence of the embryo. Based on a large amount of data generated by time-lapse incubators, several (multivariable) prediction models for an optimal selection were published [13][14][15][16][17]. Those embryos that reveal a deviation of these selection criteria were regularly discarded.…”