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Embryo scoring as a prognostic tool in IVF treatment
F Puissant1, M Van Rysselberge, P Barlow
1IVF Clinic, St Pierre Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|November 1, 1987
Summary
A new scoring method for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos aids in selecting viable embryos and predicting pregnancy outcomes. High-scoring embryos are linked to higher pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rates.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Reproductive Medicine
- In-Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, require methods to assess embryo quality.
- Selecting the best embryos for transfer is crucial for improving IVF success rates and minimizing multiple gestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define a semi-quantitative, non-invasive method for scoring embryos post-IVF.
- To evaluate the prognostic value of embryo scoring for pregnancy outcomes and multiple pregnancies.
- To identify criteria for selecting embryos to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- A semi-quantitative, non-invasive grading system was developed for embryos observed under an inverted microscope.
- Embryo scoring was based on the presence of anucleate fragments during early cleavage and developmental speed.
- Embryo scores were correlated with pregnancy outcomes, including ongoing, aborted, chemical pregnancies, and multiple pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Higher embryo scores were significantly associated with increased rates of pregnancy and multiple pregnancies.
- No significant difference in embryo scores was found between ongoing, aborted, or chemical pregnancies.
- Average embryo scores differed significantly between successful and failed double and triple embryo transfers.
- Triple embryo transfers showed a higher implantation rate per embryo, indicating better embryo quality.
Conclusions:
- Embryo scoring based on fragmentation and developmental speed is a valuable tool for IVF.
- High-scoring embryos correlate with a greater likelihood of pregnancy and multiple gestations.
- A combination of clinical data and embryo scores can identify high-risk cases for multiple pregnancies, suggesting a limit of two embryo transfers in such instances.