Using time-lapse technology to explore vacuolization in embryos on Day 3 and Day 4

• Published in: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 299; no. 3; pp. 857 - 862
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jingye, Zhong, Wanxia, Liu, Hui, Zhao, Haibin, Li, Mei, Ma, Shuiying, Wu, Keliang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.03.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Blastocyst - metabolism; Embryo Culture Techniques - methods; Embryos; Endocrinology; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine; Gynecology; Human Genetics; Humans; In vitro fertilization; Laboratories; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Monitoring systems; Morphology; Obstetrics; Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery; Quality; Reproductive health; Retrospective Studies; Sperm; Time-Lapse Imaging - methods; Blastocyst quality; Time-lapse; Blastulation rate; Developmental potential; Vacuoles
• ISSN: 0932-0067; 1432-0711
• DOI: 10.1007/s00404-018-5008-x

Purpose To investigate the occurrence and development state of embryo vacuoles between the 8-cell and morula stages, and to explore how vacuoles affected the development of embryos. Methods A retrospective study of a cohort of 422 patients undergoing conventional in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. With the help of time-lapse imaging, the development processes and outcomes of good quality embryos with or without vacuoles were analyzed. Results Vacuole positive embryos had significantly lower blastulation rate and good quality blastulation rate than vacuole negative embryos, p  < 0.05. Compared to vacuole negative embryos, the number of best and good quality blastocysts was significantly reduced, while the number of fair and discarded ones was significantly increased, p  < 0.05. The average starting time of vacuolization was 73.7 ± 9.3 h after insemination. The proportion of blastomeres affected by vacuoles was associated with embryonic developmental potential. Conclusions Vacuolization on Day 3 and Day 4 was frequently observed and was detrimental to embryo development. The proportion of blastomeres affected by vacuoles may be an indicator of embryo developmental potential.