Development and integration of an extended embryo culture program.
OBJECTIVE
To study and evaluate a sequential, extended embryo culture system.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University-affiliated IVF clinic.


METHODS
All couples who were treated between October 1997 and July 1998.


METHODS
A standard human tubal fluid plus 10% serum substitute supplement (SSS) culture medium was used. The embryos were transferred to extended culture medium (S2 or G2) on day 3.


METHODS
Blastocyst formation and implantation and pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
Forty percent of the 20 donated cryopreserved embryos progressed to the blastocyst stage by day 6. Clinically, 7 (5.6%) of the 125 cycles did not result in a transfer. Blastocyst formation rates ranged from 33%-63% in the five study groups. Implantation rates ranged from 15%-52% and pregnancy rates ranged from 37%-75%.


CONCLUSIONS
Extended culture to day 5 or 6 results in acceptable blastocyst formation rates, implantation rates, and pregnancy rates.
Patton
P E
PE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
Sadler-Fredd
K
K
Burry
K A
KA
Gorrill
M J
MJ
Johnson
A
A
Larson
J M
JM
Wolf
D P
DP
D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D015925:Cryopreservation; D046508:Culture Techniques; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors