Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection versus conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Infertility Treatment
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background:

• Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) is used to enhance reproductive outcomes in infertile couples undergoing conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (cICSI).
• The efficacy of IMSI in improving live birth rates compared to cICSI remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate whether IMSI offers a superior live birth delivery rate compared to cICSI in infertile couples with male factor.
• To test the hypothesis that IMSI improves reproductive outcomes in a specific patient population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted involving infertile couples scheduled for their first cICSI cycle due to male factor.
• Participants were randomized, and data were collected and analyzed in a triple-blind manner.
• The trial was prematurely stopped due to concerns about IMSI efficacy.

Main Results:

• The final analysis included 121 patients (48 in IMSI arm, 73 in cICSI arm).
• No significant difference was observed in clinical pregnancy rates (18.8% vs. 15.1%) or live birth delivery rates (18.8% vs. 15.1%) between the IMSI and cICSI groups.
• Statistical analysis showed no significant improvement with IMSI (P=0.594).

Conclusions:

• The current evidence does not support the routine clinical use of IMSI for enhancing cICSI outcomes in unselected infertile couples with male factor.
• Further research may be needed to identify specific patient subgroups who could benefit from IMSI.