Cytoplasmic pitting has a negative influence on implantation outcome.
OBJECTIVE
Since cytoplasmic pitting is a morphological phenomenon discussed controversially, this study was set up in order to assess the actual influence of cytoplasmic pitting on treatment outcome.


METHODS
Four hundred and one patients undergoing 484 consecutive treatment cycles were evaluated retrospectively in order to assess the actual influence of pitting on treatment outcome.


RESULTS
Pitting was found to be reduced in single culture as compared to group culture (p < 0.01). No correlation of cytoplasmic texture with rates of implantation and pregnancy could be observed, but a significantly higher proportion (p < 0.05) of gestational sacs vanished in the group with exclusive transfer of pitted embryos compared to the unaffected group. Obstetric and perinatal outcome was not affected.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible that culture conditions favor cytoplasmic pitting, a morphological phenomenon which, in the extreme case, may result in early loss of gestation sacs.
Ebner
Thomas
T
Women's General Hospital, IVF-Unit, Lederergasse 47, A-4020 Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. thomas.ebner@gespag.at
Tews
Gernot
G
Sommergruber
Michael
M
Moser
Marianne
M
D000328:Adult; D046508:Culture Techniques; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000473:pathology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome