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A morphological and chromosomal study of blastocysts developing from morphologically suboptimal human pre-embryos
Thorir Hardarson1, Gunilla Caisander, Anita Sjögren
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Göteborg University, SU/Sahlgrenska, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden. thorir.hardarson@obgyn.gu.se
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Many surplus embryos discarded in IVF may develop into chromosomally normal blastocysts. This study found nearly half of surplus embryos reaching blastocyst stage were chromosomally normal, suggesting potential loss of viable embryos.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Embryology
- Genetics
Background:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories often discard suboptimal pre-embryos based on morphology.
- This practice may lead to the loss of potentially viable embryos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the chromosomal and morphological normality of blastocysts derived from surplus pre-embryos.
- To compare these blastocysts with those from morphologically good quality embryos (GQE).
Main Methods:
- Surplus human pre-embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage.
- Good quality embryos (GQE) served as controls.
- Chromosomal status was analyzed using multi-colour fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for specific chromosomes.
Main Results:
- Blastocysts from surplus pre-embryos showed significantly more chromosomal aberrations than GQE blastocysts.
- Surplus blastocysts also exhibited poorer morphology.
- Approximately half of surplus pre-embryos reaching blastocyst stage were chromosomally normal for the tested chromosomes.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates that some chromosomally normal blastocysts may be discarded with surplus pre-embryos.
- Current morphological assessment criteria might lead to the unnecessary discarding of viable embryos.