Introducing the Blastocyst Fragmentation Indicator (BFI): A Novel Time-Lapse Metric for Enhanced Aneuploidy Risk...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Embryology
• Genetics

Background:

• Conventional blastocyst grading relies on static morphological criteria.
• Dynamic developmental events during early embryogenesis are crucial for embryo viability.
• Current grading systems may not fully capture an embryo's developmental potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved blastocyst grading system.
• To integrate dynamic time-lapse parameters with static morphological criteria.
• To enhance embryo selection in assisted reproduction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1,182 embryos from 433 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.
• Analysis of time-lapse parameters (morula compaction, blastocyst collapse, fragmentation) alongside standard morphology.
• Embryo outcomes stratified by chromosomal status determined via preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

Main Results:

• Fragmentation of inner cell mass/trophectoderm strongly predicted lower chromosomal normalcy.
• Blastocyst collapse correlated with increased fragmentation and reduced embryo quality.
• Fragmentation was a more potent predictor of aneuploidy than conventional grading systems.

Conclusions:

• An integrated model combining static morphology and dynamic events offers superior embryo viability assessment.
• This approach can identify embryos at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
• Enhanced embryo selection can improve reproductive outcomes and personalize assisted reproduction care.