A new real-time morphology classification for human spermatozoa: a link for fertilization and improved embryo quality.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the correlation between normalcy of the sperm, fertilization, and early embryo development, and to establish a detailed classification scoring scale for the individual spermatozoon with the highest predictive fertilizing potential in real time during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).


METHODS
A retrospective and analysis.


METHODS
Laboratory Drouot.


METHODS
27 couples with male factor infertility referred for ICSI treatment.


METHODS
Before ICSI, motile spermatozoa were scored after aspiration.


METHODS
Oocyte fertilization, embryo development and morphology, outcome of scored motile injected spermatozoa.


RESULTS
Our suggested formula is (Normal head score = 2) + (Lack of vacuole score = 3) + (Normal base score = 1) = (Total score = 6) for a morphologic "normal top" spermatozoon, calculated with the major criteria affecting the outcome of ICSI. We take into account the normalcy of head size and shape, the base of the head, and the lack of vacuoles. Our scoring of three classes of injected spermatozoa revealed a statistically significant difference in fertilization rate: 39 out of 46 (84%), 94 out of 128 (73%), and 27 out of 44 (61%), respectively. Our examination of the contribution of maternal age in correlation to sperm score revealed a distinction between oocytes originating from women younger than 30 years and oocytes from women aged 30 years and older.


CONCLUSIONS
Our suggested classification provides allows the best spermatozoon to be chosen for ICSI, particularly for oocytes from women aged 30 years and older.
Cassuto
Nino Guy
NG
Laboratory Drouot Unit AMP, Paris, France. guycassuto@labodrouot.com
Bouret
Dominique
D
Plouchart
Jean Michel
JM
Jellad
Sonia
S
Vanderzwalmen
Pierre
P
Balet
Richard
R
Larue
Lionel
L
Barak
Yona
Y
D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003199:Computer Systems; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011786:Quality Control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000379:methods; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology*