The Relationship Between Abnormal Morphokinetic Embryos, Genetic Testing Results, and Clinical Outcomes

Embryo quality is a crucial factor in the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Morphokinetics, which refers to the timing and sequence of embryonic cell division and development, has gained attention as a potential indicator of embryo viability and genetic competence.

This study evaluates the relationship between abnormal embryonic morphokinetics and genetic analysis results, and their impact on clinical outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Conducted at Duc Phuc Hospital with Hanoi Medical University from January to December 2023, the prospective study included 152 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 968 blastocysts were analyzed using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Time-lapse monitoring assessed cell division milestones and abnormal morphokinetic patterns, including direct cleavage, reverse cleavage, multinucleation, and vacuole. Patients received a single euploid embryo transfer. Clinical outcomes were tracked to the live birth stage, analyzed using SPSS 20.0, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant.

Of 583 blastocysts, 294 (50.4%) showed abnormal cleavage patterns. The aneuploidy rate was higher in embryos with reverse cleavage (56.1%) and multinucleation (50%), while direct cleavage and vacuolization showed no significant correlation. Early blastocyst formation (≥100 hours) was linked to a higher aneuploidy rate (60.8%). Nonetheless, clinical outcomes, such as β-hCG positivity and live birth rates, were similar between abnormal and normal cleavage groups when euploid embryos were transferred.

Abnormal morphokinetic patterns are linked to higher aneuploidy rates, but do not significantly affect clinical outcomes when euploid embryos are selected. Integrating genetic testing with morphokinetic assessment can optimize ART success rates.