Non-invasive metabolomic analysis using a commercial NIR instrument for embryo selection

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Metabolomics offers a noninvasive method for identifying viable embryos in human in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• This technique aims to enhance the selection of embryos with the highest developmental potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if embryo selection using a commercial metabolomic analysis improves implantation rates with fetal cardiac activity (FCA) compared to morphology alone.
• To evaluate the impact of metabolomic analysis on IVF outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial compared metabolomic analysis plus morphology (ViaMetrics-E) with morphology alone in IVF patients.
• Patients aged 18-43 with at least 4 × 2PN embryos were randomized; cycles with frozen embryos, oocyte donation, or testicular biopsy were excluded.
• Statistical significance was determined using Fisher's exact test and t-test (P > 0.05).

Main Results:

• The study included 125 patients; 39 in the metabolomics + morphology group and 86 in the morphology group.
• Implantation rates with FCA were similar for Day 2 and 3 transfers but significantly higher for Day 5 transfers in the metabolomics + morphology group (46.8% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.041).
• Pregnancy and live birth rates were comparable between groups for all transfer days.

Conclusions:

• Commercial near-infrared (NIR) metabolomic analysis did not demonstrate a significant benefit for overall pregnancy and live birth rates.
• An improvement in implantation rates with FCA was observed for Day 5 transfers.
• The study's conclusions are limited due to premature termination and insufficient statistical power.