New approaches to embryo selection

Abstract

Embryo selection has been an important topic since the introduction of assisted reproduction, with embryo morphology being the most obvious criterion. Although morphology serves as indicator for overall IVF laboratory quality, its statistical assessment limits the possibility to identify the most implantation-competent embryos. In order to reach a direct picture of the developing embryo, invasive procedures such as preimplantation genetic screening or transcriptome and proteome analysis of biopsied embryonic tissue were initially prioritized and are still under investigation. More recently, focus has shifted towards noninvasive techniques that maintain the integrity of the embryo. Metabolomic profiling of culture medium from growing embryos attracted much research. Although successful in a pilot study, that approach failed in a randomized controlled trial. Other metabolomics studies are on their way but not yet available for routine clinical use. The most promising strategy at present is the combined evaluation of morphology and developmental kinetics using time-lapse imaging. This has brought new insights into certain characteristics that enable deselection of embryos at an early stage of development and to identify others with high potential for successful implantation. However, there is still considerable room for improvement. Further strategies will most likely involve the combination of several different approaches.

Keywords: embryo selection; morphokinetics; morphology; noninvasive; time-lapse imaging.