Predictive value of oocyte morphology in human IVF: a systematic review of the literature
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 16 July 2010
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Human Reproduction Update
- Vol. 17 (1), 34-45
- https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmq029
Abstract
Non-invasive selection of developmentally competent human oocytes may increase the overall efficiency of human assisted reproduction and is regarded as crucial in countries where legal, social or religious factors restrict the production of supernumerary embryos. The purpose of this study was to summarize the predictive value for IVF success of morphological features of the oocyte that can be obtained by light or polarized microscopic investigations. Studies about oocyte morphology and IVF/ICSI outcomes were identified by using a systematic literature search. Fifty relevant articles were identified: 33 analysed a single feature, 9 observed multiple features and investigated the effect of these features individually, 8 summarized the effect of individual features. Investigated structures were the following: meiotic spindle (15 papers), zona pellucida (15 papers), vacuoles or refractile bodies (14 papers), polar body shape (12 papers), oocyte shape (10 papers), dark cytoplasm or diffuse granulation (12 papers), perivitelline space (11 papers), central cytoplasmic granulation (8 papers), cumulus–oocyte complex (6 papers) and cytoplasm viscosity and membrane resistance characteristics (2 papers). None of these features were unanimously evaluated to have prognostic value for further developmental competence of oocytes. No clear tendency in recent publications to a general increase in predictive value of morphological features was found. These contradicting data underline the importance of more intensive and coordinated research to reach a consensus and fully exploit the predictive potential of morphological examination of human oocytes.Keywords
This publication has 64 references indexed in Scilit:
- Relationship between first polar body morphology before intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo qualityInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2008
- Gamete origin in relation to early embryo developmentTheriogenology, 2007
- Is there any predictive value of first polar body morphology for embryo genotype or developmental potential?Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2003
- Meiotic spindle location and identification and its effect on embryonic cleavage plane and early development.Human Reproduction, 2003
- Relationship between meiotic spindle location with regard to the polar body position and oocyte developmental potential after ICSIHuman Reproduction, 2003
- Developmental competence of oocytes showing increased cytoplasmic viscosityHuman Reproduction, 2003
- Visualization of the metaphase II meiotic spindle in living human oocytes using the Polscope enables the prediction of embryonic developmental competence after ICSI.Human Reproduction, 2003
- Influence of oocytes and spermatozoa on early embryonic developmentFertility and Sterility, 2002
- Morphological and cytogenetic analysis of human giant oocytes and giant embryosHuman Reproduction, 2002
- Coarse Granulation in the Perivitelline Space and IVF-ICSI OutcomeJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2002