Embryo quality but not pronuclear score is associated with clinical pregnancy following IVF

D. S. Berger, A. Zapantis, Z. Merhi, J. Younger, A. J. Polotsky, S. K. Jindal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The association between pronuclear (PN) scoring of embryos from assisted reproductive technology (ART) and clinical pregnancy remains controversial. We hypothesized that embryos with PNs scored on the day of fertilization check offer better embryo selection on day 3 and higher CPR compared to non-PN scored embryos. Methods: Patients (19-46 years) undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles at Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health between January 2006 and December 2009 were included in our study. We analyzed fresh day 3 cycles only with autologous oocytes and partner's fresh sperm (n=344). A total of 1,899 embryos were included. We compared CPR from non-PN scored embryos (Group 1, n=835) with PN scored embryos (Group 2, n=1,064). Composite scores by patient were developed based on embryo disposition. We also assessed traditional embryo grading derived from cell number, fragmentation and cell symmetry. Data analysis included chi square and t test to determine if PN scoring was associated with improved CPR, and to compare the additional variables. Results: CPR between Group 1 and Group 2 were not different (p=0.91). CPR was significantly associated with female age, number of mature oocytes retrieved, number of day 3 embryos and grade of embryos transferred on day 3 (p<0.05). Conclusion: PN scoring was not associated with improved CPR in day 3 embryo transfers. Mean grade of transferred embryos continues to be a well-established, independent predictor of CPR. We conclude that further refinement of embryo grading by PN scoring is not beneficial.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)279-283
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Clinical pregnancy rates
  • Embryo grading
  • ICSI
  • IVF
  • PN scoring

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics(clinical)

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