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Updated: May 28, 2026
10:59
Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification
Published on: July 26, 2019
Trophectoderm morphology: an important parameter for predicting live birth after single blastocyst transfer.
A Ahlström1, C Westin, E Reismer
1Fertility Centre Scandinavia, Carlanderska Hospital, PO Box 5418, S-402 29 Göteborg, Sweden. aish.ahlstrom@fcivf.com
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|October 6, 2011
Summary
Trophectoderm (TE) appearance is the strongest independent predictor of live birth in human blastocyst transfers. This finding highlights the importance of TE quality for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine and embryology.
- Human infertility research.
- Assisted reproductive technologies.
Background:
- Blastocyst morphology assessment uses trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and blastocoele expansion.
- While high scores correlate with implantation, individual predictive power for pregnancy is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the independent predictive value of TE, ICM, and blastocoele expansion for live birth after single blastocyst transfer.
- To determine which morphological parameter is the most significant predictor of pregnancy outcome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1117 fresh day 5 single blastocyst transfers.
- Correlation of morphological parameters (TE, ICM, expansion) with live birth outcomes.
- Statistical adjustment for known confounding factors.
Main Results:
- All three morphological parameters (TE, ICM, expansion) significantly affected live birth rates.
- After adjusting for confounders, only TE grade remained a statistically significant independent predictor of live birth.
- TE grade demonstrated superior predictive strength compared to ICM grade.
Conclusions:
- Trophectoderm (TE) grade is the most significant independent predictor of live birth following blastocyst transfer.
- A robust TE layer is crucial for successful blastocyst hatching and implantation.
- This study emphasizes the importance of TE assessment in selecting embryos for transfer.
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