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Could sperm grade under high magnification condition predict IMSI clinical outcome?
Christophe Sifer1, Laïla El Khattabi2, Charlotte Dupont1
1Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique-CECOS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Jean Verdier, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, 93143 Bondy, France; Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle, UMR U557 Inserm; U1125 Inra; Cnam; Université Paris 13, CRNH IdF, 93017 Bobigny, France.
Selecting top-grade sperm for intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) did not improve live birth rates compared to using second-best grade sperm. Sperm morphology grading under high magnification may not predict IMSI success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Andrology
Background:
- Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) is a technique used in assisted reproduction.
- Sperm morphology assessment under high magnification is believed to improve outcomes.
- The Vanderzwalmen classification is used to grade sperm morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if using first-best morphology grade spermatozoa in IMSI improves live birth rate (LBR) compared to using second-best grade spermatozoa.
- To evaluate the correlation between sperm grading using Vanderzwalmen's classification and IMSI outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 132 patients with severe male factor and previous ICSI failure.
- Comparison of LBR following IMSI using either first- or second-best morphology grade spermatozoa (Vanderzwalmen's classification).
- Exclusion of IMSI attempts using mixed sperm grades (n=41).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in LBR was observed between IMSI with first-best (33.3%) and second-best (28.9%) morphology grade spermatozoa.
- Sperm grading under high magnification using Vanderzwalmen's classification did not correlate with IMSI outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The Vanderzwalmen classification was not validated in this prospective series for predicting IMSI success.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of sperm vacuoles observed under high magnification on assisted reproductive technology outcomes.
