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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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Open Access 01-07-2017 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

The effect of follicle size and homogeneity of follicular development on the morphokinetics of human embryos

Authors: Semra Kahraman, Caroline Pirkevi Cetinkaya, Murat Cetinkaya, Hakan Yelke, Yesim Kumtepe Colakoglu, Melih Aygun, Markus Montag

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 7/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Our aim was to investigate follicular size (large, ≥17 mm and small, <17 mm) at the time of OPU and homogeneity of follicular development (homogenous development: follicles being present in a homogenous spread of all sizes; heterogeneous: a predominance of small and large follicles) by analysing the morphokinetics of embryo development.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 2526 COCs belonging to 187 patients were cultured to day 5. Embryos were evaluated morphokinetically. Four subgroups were defined: large follicles from heterogeneous cycles (LHet) and homogenous cycles (LHom) and small follicles from heterogeneous cycles (SHet) and homogenous cycles (SHom).

Results

Rates of fertilization, blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocysts were found to be significantly higher in embryos from the LHom group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Small follicles from both homogenous and heterogeneous cycles had significantly lower blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocyst rates (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Embryos from SHet had significantly more direct cleavages (p = 0.011). Time to reach blastocyst was shorter in SHom than LHet and LHom (p = 0.002; p = 0.027, respectively). However, once the blastocyst stage was achieved, implantation rates were not significantly different between subgroups, the highest rate being observed in the LHom group. Multivariable analysis revealed that homogeneity of follicular development and follicular size had a significant effect on blastocyst development and quality (p = 0.049; p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Follicular dynamics, illustrated by follicular size and homogeneity of follicular development, influence early human embryo development. Patterns of follicular growth have an impact on embryo quality and viability which is reflected in morphokinetic variables.

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Title: The effect of follicle size and homogeneity of follicular development on the morphokinetics of human embryos
Authors: Semra Kahraman
Caroline Pirkevi Cetinkaya
Murat Cetinkaya
Hakan Yelke
Yesim Kumtepe Colakoglu
Melih Aygun
Markus Montag
Publication date: 01-07-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 7/2017
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-0935-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effect of follicle size and homogeneity of follicular development on the morphokinetics of human embryos

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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