Embryology. The effect of pronuclear morphology on embryo quality parameters and blastocyst transfer outcome

Authors: Balaban, Basak; Urman, Bulent; Isiklar, Aycan; Alatas, Cengiz; Aksoy, Senai; Mercan, Ramazan; Mumcu, Alper

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 16, Number 11, November 2001 , pp. 2357-2361(5)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $44.11 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Embryo quality may be accurately assessed as early as the pronuclear zygote phase, as shown in recent studies. However, it is not known whether good quality zygotes are destined to become good quality cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 86 intracytoplasmic sperm injection–embryo transfer cycles were studied where each available embryo was scored from the zygote until the blastocyst stage. Embryonic normality parameters such as pronuclear pattern, early cleavage, cleavage stage embryo grade, the presence of embryos with │8 cells on day 3 and blastocyst quality were recorded. Embryo transfer was undertaken at the blastocyst stage and the outcome was studied according to the pronuclear pattern exhibited by the zygotes. RESULTS: Embryos that showed an ideal pronuclear pattern (0 PN pattern) cleaved earlier and faster and resulted in better quality cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts. The incidence of blastocyst formation was 72% in zygotes showing a 0 PN pattern, compared with 12.7% in zygotes with double pronuclear abnormality. Higher implantation and pregnancy rates were obtained when at least one blastocyst derived from a 0 PN pattern zygote was included in the set of embryos to be transferred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the pronuclear pattern of the zygote is closely related to blastocyst formation and quality. Blastocysts derived from 0 PN zygotes have a higher potential for implantation.

Keywords: blastocyst; embryo quality; embryo transfer; zygote

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: The Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital of Istanbul, Turkey

Publication date: 2001-11-01

More about this publication?

Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Embryology. The effect of pronuclear morphology on embryo quality parameters and blastocyst transfer outcome

Buy & download fulltext article:

Tools

Key

Text size:

Useful pages