Clinical Usability of Embryo Development Using a Combined Qualitative and Quantitative Approach in a Single Vitrified-Warmed Blastocyst Transfer: Assessment of Pre-Vitrified Blastocyst Diameter and Post-Warmed Blastocyst Re-Expansion Speed

Overview

Journal J Clin Med

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2022 Dec 11

PMID 36498659

Authors

Jae Kyun Park

So-Yeon Ahn

Su Hee Seok

Sol Yi Park

Soyoung Bang

Jin Hee Eum

In Pyung Kwak

Ji Won Kim

Woo Sik Lee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Improving the safety and efficacy of assisted reproductive technology programs has been a continuous challenge. Traditionally, morphological grading has been used for embryo selection. However, only a few studies have assessed the morphokinetic variables and morphological dynamics of blastocysts. In the present study, we aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of blastocyst diameter and re-expansion speed. This in-depth morphokinetic evaluation can correlate with currently observed pregnancy outcomes. In total, 658 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles were performed between October 2017 and December 2021, which were divided into four groups according to the pre-vitrified blastocyst diameter. After warming, the groups were subdivided according to the blastocyst re-expansion speed. These quantitative measurements were performed using a time-lapse system. Both diameter and speed are essential in determining the blastocyst quality, while age, day of freezing, and blastocyst quality are crucial from a clinical perspective. The application of both quantitative (diameter and speed) and qualitative (blastocyst quality scores) parameters can help evaluate the clinical usability of blastocysts. This method can prove useful for embryologists in counseling their patients and determining pregnancy patient-oriented strategies.

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