[Embryo development in two single-step media: Analysis of 2059 sibling oocytes].

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine and Embryology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Background:

• Single-step embryo culture media are crucial for optimizing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) success rates.
• Evaluating the comparative efficacy of commercially available single-step media is essential for clinical decision-making in ART.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Fert/Sage One Step® and Continuous Single Culture® (CSC) in supporting human embryo development.
• To assess embryo morphology, fertilization rates, and the generation of useful embryos (transferred or frozen) between the two media.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, auto-controlled study involving sibling oocytes from women undergoing IVF or ICSI.
• Oocytes were divided, with half cultured in Fert/Sage One Step® (SAGE) and the other half in CSC.
• Fertilization, embryo morphology (day 2, day 3), blastocyst development, and useful embryo rates were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in fertilization rates between SAGE and CSC for both IVF and ICSI.
• Embryo morphology at day 2 and day 3, blastocyst development rates, and the proportion of good-quality blastocysts were comparable between the two media.
• The rate of useful embryos (suitable for transfer or freezing) did not differ significantly between SAGE and CSC groups.

Conclusions:

• Both Fert/Sage One Step® and Continuous Single Culture® (CSC) demonstrate comparable performance in supporting embryo development.
• Clinicians can consider either single-step medium for embryo culture in IVF/ICSI cycles, as they yield similar rates of useful embryos.