Morphological Evaluation of Cleavage-Stage Embryos and Blastocysts

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Quality Management in the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory
  • 134 Accesses

Abstract

Over the last two decades, methodologies for assessing embryo implantation potential have emerged, including time-lapse imaging systems, various “-omics” techniques (genomics, metabolomics, etc.), and artificial intelligence. However, all the aforementioned methods are flawed or controversial in varying degrees [1–3]. Thus, conventional morphological indicators of embryos are still used as the main rating parameters or criteria.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Armstrong S, Bhide P, Jordan V, et al. Time-lapse systems for embryo incubation and assessment in assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;5(5):Cd011320.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Brouillet S, Martinez G, Coutton C, et al. Is cell-free DNA in spent embryo culture medium an alternative to embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing? A systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online. 2020;40(6):779–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Zaninovic N, Rosenwaks Z. Artificial intelligence in human in vitro fertilization and embryology. Fertil Steril. 2020;114(5):914–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Lundin K, Ahlström A. Quality control and standardization of embryo morphology scoring and viability markers. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015;31(4):459–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Machtinger R, Racowsky C. Morphological systems of human embryo assessment and clinical evidence. Reprod Biomed Online. 2013;26(3):210–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Prados FJ, Debrock S, Lemmen JG, et al. The cleavage stage embryo. Hum Reprod. 2012;27(Suppl_1):i50–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ebner T, Yaman C, Moser M, et al. Embryo fragmentation in vitro and its impact on treatment and pregnancy outcome. Fertil Steril. 2001;76(2):281–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Johansson M, Hardarson T, Lundin K. There is a cutoff limit in diameter between a blastomere and a small anucleate fragment. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2003;20(8):309–13.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Hardarson T, Hanson C, Sjögren A, et al. Human embryos with unevenly sized blastomeres have lower pregnancy and implantation rates: indications for aneuploidy and multinucleation. Hum Reprod. 2001;16(2):313–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Schoolcraft WB, Gardner DK, Lane M, et al. Blastocyst culture and transfer: analysis of results and parameters affecting outcome in two in vitro fertilization programs. Fertil Steril. 1999;72(4):604–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Chinese Medical Association, Reproductive Medicine Branch. Expert consensus on human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer laboratory operations (2016). J Reprod Med. 2017;26(1):1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and ESHRE Special Interest Group of Embryology. The Istanbul consensus workshop on embryo assessment: proceedings of an expert meeting. Hum Reprod. 2011;26(6):1270–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Rhenman A, Berglund L, Brodin T, et al. Which set of embryo variables is most predictive for live birth? A prospective study in 6252 single embryo transfers to construct an embryo score for the ranking and selection of embryos. Hum Reprod. 2015;30(1):28–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Setti AS, Figueira RCS, Braga D, et al. Blastomere nucleation: predictive factors and influence of blastomere with no apparent nuclei on blastocyst development and implantation. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2018;22(2):102–7.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. ESHRE Special Interest Group of Embryology and Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine. The Vienna consensus: report of an expert meeting on the development of ART laboratory performance indicators. Reprod Biomed Online. 2017;35(5):494–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Skiadas CC, Jackson KV, Racowsky C. Early compaction on day 3 may be associated with increased implantation potential. Fertil Steril. 2006;86(5):1386–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Iwata K, Yumoto K, Sugishima M, et al. Analysis of compaction initiation in human embryos by using time-lapse cinematography. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2014;31(4):421–6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Kemper JM, Liu Y, Afnan M, et al. Should we look for a low-grade threshold for blastocyst transfer? A sco** review. Reprod Biomed Online. 2021;42(4):709–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Kirkegaard K, Hindkjaer JJ, Ingerslev HJ. Hatching of in vitro fertilized human embryos is influenced by fertilization method. Fertil Steril. 2013;100(5):1277–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Li M, Huang J, Zhuang X, et al. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after the transfer of vitrified-warmed blastocysts develo** from nonpronuclear and monopronuclear zygotes: a retrospective cohort study. Fertil Steril. 2021;115(1):110–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Si J, Zhu X, Lyu Q, et al. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes after transfer of cleavage-stage and blastocyst-stage embryos derived from monopronuclear zygotes: a retrospective cohort study. Fertil Steril. 2019;112(3):527–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Simopoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Tsioulou P, et al. Should the flexibility enabled by performing a day-4 embryo transfer remain as a valid option in the IVF laboratory? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2019;36(6):1049–61.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Li, D., Gao, Y. (2024). Morphological Evaluation of Cleavage-Stage Embryos and Blastocysts. In: Quality Management in the Assisted Reproduction Laboratory. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6659-2_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6659-2_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-99-6658-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-99-6659-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Navigation