A novel system for rapid conversion of Gardner embryo grades to linear scale numeric variables

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Embryo grading is crucial in IVF for predicting success.
• Current Gardner embryo grading lacks quantitative interval scaling for statistical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for converting qualitative Gardner embryo grades into quantitative interval variables.
• To improve the statistical incorporation of embryo grading in IVF research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the numerical embryo quality scoring index (NEQsi) equation.
• Retrospective analysis of 1711 IVF cycles with EmbryoScope-assigned Gardner grades.
• Validation using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations to assess pregnancy probability.

Main Results:

• The NEQsi system generates interval scores from 2 to 11.
• NEQsi scores showed a significant positive linear relationship with pregnancy rates (P < 0.001).
• NEQsi scores were a significant predictor of pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Gardner embryo grades can be reliably converted to interval variables using the NEQsi system.
• The NEQsi system enhances the statistical utility of embryo grading in IVF analyses.
• This conversion facilitates more robust statistical modeling of embryo quality and IVF success.