The combination of polar body and embryo biopsy does not affect embryo viability.
BACKGROUND
The biopsy of both polar bodies and a blastomere from the same embryo was investigated as an approach aimed at increasing the quantity of DNA available for genetic analysis in preimplantation embryos.


METHODS
In 113 cycles, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was performed for aneuploidy: 19 cycles underwent polar body biopsy, 32 cycles had both polar body and blastomere biopsy done, and the remaining 62 cycles underwent blastomere biopsy. The chromosomal analysis was performed in a two-round fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol with probes specific for the chromosomes X, Y, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21 and 22.


RESULTS
The morphological evaluation of the analysed embryos demonstrated similar rates of development irrespective of the biopsy procedure. Accordingly, the implantation rate did not differ significantly in the three biopsy groups and was 15% after polar body biopsy, 26% after the combined biopsy procedures of polar bodies and blastomeres, and 25% after blastomere biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
The removal of a blastomere subsequent to polar body biopsy does not seem to have negative effects on embryo viability. This approach could be especially valuable for a combined diagnosis of aneuploidy and single-gene disorders in preimplantation embryos generated by couples at high reproductive risk.
Magli
M Cristina
MC
S.I.S.Me.R., Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Gianaroli
Luca
L
Ferraretti
Anna P
AP
Toschi
Marco
M
Esposito
Francesca
F
Fasolino
M Carmen
MC
D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001757:Blastomeres / Q000166:cytology*; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted