Predictive value of spindle retardance in embryo implantation rate

We evaluated the relationship between meiotic spindle characteristics and in vitro fertilization cycle outcome.

Five hundred sixty-nine oocytes from 86 in vitro fertilization cycles were analyzed for fertilization and subsequent implantation rates. Oocytes were assessed for maturation status. The oocytes and embryos were cultured in sequential and nonsequential media (G Series, Vitrolife, Sweden) and incubated in 6% CO₂, 5% O₂ at 37 °C.

Two hours following oocyte decumulation (38–39 h post-hCG/GnRH administration) and prior to microinjection, the structure of the meiotic spindle was assessed using the Oosight Imaging System (CRI, UK).

Four hundred fifty-six oocytes (80.5%) had a visible meiotic spindle, 82 (14.7%) had no meiotic spindle, and 31 (5.5%) were in telophase I. Oocytes exhibiting a meiotic spindle had a significantly higher fertilization rate and a lower rate of abnormal fertilization. Implantation data were obtained for 195 of the embryos transferred. The implantation rate for embryos derived from oocytes with a meiotic spindle was 32.9%, while in embryos originating from oocytes without a meiotic spindle and oocytes in telophase, this value dropped significantly (8.8 and 0%, respectively). To determine the correlation between retardance values and implantation rate for each oocyte, we established four groups, finding a range of retardance values with significantly higher implantation rates (27.5, 21, 29.3, and 53.8%, respectively).

Meiotic spindle imaging may be a valuable tool for prediction of oocyte quality, and retardance values of meiotic spindles, together with classical morphological classification, can be useful to select embryos with a higher implantation potential.