Relationship between pre-embryo pronuclear morphology (zygote score) and standard day 2 or 3 embryo morphology with regard to assisted reproductive technique outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that pregnancy rates are low if grade Z1 pre-embryos are not available for transfer and to determine if pronuclear morphology is a better predictor of pregnancy than traditional embryo morphology.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Academic human reproduction laboratory.


METHODS
One hundred couples undergoing IVF with conventional insemination or ICSI.


METHODS
Embryo quality was assessed using both pre-embryo pronuclear morphology (zygote scoring or Z-scoring) at the time of fertilization evaluation and standard day 2 and day 3 embryo morphology (number of blastomeres and grading based on degree of fragmentation and blastomere size).


METHODS
We tested two decision models, one based on Z-scores and another on morphology, to determine which grading system better predicted pregnancy outcomes in assisted reproductive technique. Zygote score and embryo morphology were measured for all embryos and the transferred embryo pool. Implantation and pregnancy rates resulting from the embryo transfers of all cycles were calculated.


RESULTS
The Z-score distribution of 552 embryos was 27% Z1, 8% Z2, 50% Z3, and 15% Z4. Z1 and Z3 embryos had significantly (P approximately .03) higher quality over Z2 and Z4 embryos. Using the Z-score decision model with Z1 embryos having highest priority for transfer, pregnancy rates were similar between Z1 and Z3 embryos. Using embryo morphology as a decision model, pregnancy rates were highest in transfers containing one or two "best"-quality embryos.


CONCLUSIONS
Z1 and Z3 embryos had similar morphology and pregnancy rates. The decision model based on the Z-score model was not better than standard embryo morphology in predicting pregnancy outcome.
Payne
John F
JF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Raburn
Douglas J
DJ
Couchman
Grace M
GM
Price
Thomas M
TM
Jamison
Margaret G
MG
Walmer
David K
DK
D000328:Adult; D001757:Blastomeres / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D015053:Zygote / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development