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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 10/2013

01-10-2013 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

The combination of pronuclear and blastocyst morphology: a strong prognostic tool for implantation potential

Authors: Daniela Paes Almeida Ferreira Braga, Amanda S. Setti, Rita de Cássia S. Figueira, Assumpto Iaconelli Jr, Edson Borges Jr

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 10/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

To (i) investigate a possible association between different features of pronuclear (PN) morphology and different features of blastocyst morphology, (ii) evaluate the combination of PN and blastocyst morphologies as a predictive factor for ICSI outcomes and (iii) identify possible contributing factors to poor PN morphology.

Methods

This study included 908 normally fertilised zygotes reaching full blastocyst stage, obtained from 350 patients undergoing ICSI cycles, in which the implantations rates were 0 % or 100 %. The influence of PN morphology on blastocyst morphology and on the rates of pregnancy and miscarriage was investigated. Embryos were graded and split into three groups, taking into consideration both the PN and the blastocyst status. The pregnancy rate was compared among these groups.

Results

Inner cell mass (ICM) alterations were correlated with the number of nucleolar precursor bodies (NPB), while trophectoderm alterations were correlated with the size of the pronuclei and the distribution of the NPB. The distribution of the NPB had an impact on the chances of pregnancy. A significant difference was observed among the groups regarding the pregnancy rate. The maternal age, number of aspirated follicles and number of retrieved oocytes influenced the incidence of PN defects.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a lower oocyte yield may lead to higher-quality PN zygotes. In addition, different PN features may influence further embryo development, especially the quality of the blastocyst. Moreover, the association between PN and blastocyst morphology may be used as a prognostic tool for implantation.
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Metadata
Title
The combination of pronuclear and blastocyst morphology: a strong prognostic tool for implantation potential
Authors
Daniela Paes Almeida Ferreira Braga
Amanda S. Setti
Rita de Cássia S. Figueira
Assumpto Iaconelli Jr
Edson Borges Jr
Publication date
01-10-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0073-3

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