Culturing human embryos with and without glucose.
OBJECTIVE
To review published data and to compare pregnancy rates (PRs) after culturing human embryos with and without glucose and phosphate.


METHODS
Comparison of results from various programs.


METHODS
Assisted Reproductive Technology Program.


METHODS
Patients were enrolled in various studies.


METHODS
Human embryos were cultured with and without glucose and phosphate.


METHODS
Pregnancy rates after different techniques of embryo culture.


RESULTS
Some studies reported higher PRs in patients undergoing IVF after embryos were cultured in media without glucose and phosphate versus media with glucose and phosphate. One study showed that PRs were lower when embryos were cultured in media lacking glucose and phosphate compared with media containing glucose and phosphate. Some studies have also shown similar PRs with the two types of culture media.


CONCLUSIONS
The PRs in IVF patients will not necessarily be enhanced if the embryos are cultured in media without glucose and phosphate.
De Silva
M
M
University of Miami, Florida 33028, USA.
D003470:Culture Media; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010710:Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy
D003470:Culture Media; D010710:Phosphates; D005947:Glucose