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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 5/2015

01-05-2015 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 5/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

To quantify blastocyst morphologic parameters with a feasible and standardized tool, investigating their predictive value on implantation outcome.

Method

The study retrospectively analyzes 124 blastocysts from 75 patients. Quantitative measurements of blastocyst expansion, inner cell mass and trophoectoderm were taken using digital image analysis software.

Result(s)

Blastocysts areas were found to be ranging from 11626.2 up to 35076.4 μm2. The area of an early blastocyst is A ≤ 18500 μm2 with a mean diameter d = 140 ± 9 μm, and the area of an expanded blastocyst is A ≥ 24000 with d = 190 ± 9 μm. While blastocyst mean area was not related to implantation rate, more expanded blastocysts displayed a significantly higher implantation rate. Trophoectoderm cell number is a predictor of positive outcome: since a higher of cells (25.6 ± 11.3 vs 16.3 ± 12.8) `forming a tightly knit epithelium is prognostic of implantation potential. Conversely, inner cell mass size is significantly related to implantation only in expanded blastocysts (3122.7 ± 739.0 vs. 2978.1 ± 366.0 μm2).

Conclusion(s)

Evaluation of blastocyst morphology with a digital image system could be a valuable tool to standardize blastocyst grading based on quantitative parameters. Therefore, digital analysis may be helpful in identifying the best blastocyst to transfer.
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Metadata
Title
A quantitative approach to blastocyst quality evaluation: morphometric analysis and related IVF outcomes
Publication date
01-05-2015
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0469-3

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