title: Cytoplasmic pitting has a negative influence on implantation outcome.
abstract: 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.
authors: Women's General Hospital, IVF-Unit, Lederergasse 47, A-4020 Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. thomas.ebner@gespag.at
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Ebner
authors: Gernot
authors: G
authors: Tews
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Sommergruber
authors: Marianne
authors: M
authors: Moser
mesh_terms: 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