Embryo selection by the first cleavage parameter between 25 and 27 hours after ICSI

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology

Background:

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a key assisted reproductive technology.
• Embryo selection is crucial for successful IVF outcomes.
• Identifying reliable markers for embryo viability is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate first embryo cleavage (FEC) occurring 25-27 hours post-ICSI as a predictive parameter for embryo selection.
• To determine if FEC presence correlates with improved implantation and pregnancy rates.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 670 patients undergoing ICSI between 1998 and 1999.
• Analysis of zygotes for FEC at 25-27 hours post-ICSI, correlated with an earlier scoring system.
• Comparative study of embryo transfer in two groups: one with absence of FEC, the other with presence of FEC.

Main Results:

• Zygotes with an ideal score (15) showed a significant presence of FEC (p < 0.02).
• Embryo transfer in the group with FEC presence resulted in significantly higher implantation (17.5% vs 5.9%, p < 0.01) and pregnancy rates (33% vs 12%, p < 0.01) compared to the group without FEC.
• The group with FEC also demonstrated a lower abortion rate (6% vs 16.6%).

Conclusions:

• The presence of first embryo cleavage (FEC) 25-27 hours after ICSI is a valuable indicator of embryo implantation potential.
• Routine assessment of FEC could enhance the embryo selection process in ICSI cycles.
• FEC analysis offers a promising method to improve IVF success rates.