The IMSI procedure improves poor embryo development in the same infertile couples with poor semen quality: A comparative prospective randomized study
2011

IMSI Procedure Improves Embryo Development in Infertile Couples

Sample size: 57 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Knez Katja, Zorn Branko, Tomazevic Tomaz, Vrtacnik-Bokal Eda, Virant-Klun Irma

Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Ljubljana

Hypothesis

Does the IMSI procedure improve embryo development in infertile couples with poor semen quality?

Conclusion

The IMSI procedure improved embryo development and clinical outcomes in infertile couples with male infertility and poor embryo development in previous ICSI attempts.

Supporting Evidence

  • IMSI group had a higher number of blastocysts per cycle compared to the ICSI group.
  • 0% of cycles in the IMSI group had all embryos arrested, compared to 27% in the ICSI group.
  • Pregnancy rates per cycle were higher in the IMSI group (25%) compared to the ICSI group (8.1%).
  • All pregnancies from blastocyst transfers in the IMSI group were ongoing, while two pregnancies from ICSI ended in spontaneous abortion.

Takeaway

Using a special method to select sperm can help make better embryos for couples having trouble getting pregnant.

Methodology

Couples with poor semen quality were randomly assigned to receive either IMSI or conventional ICSI, and outcomes were compared.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the small sample size and specific inclusion criteria.

Limitations

The study involved a relatively small sample size and specific patient criteria, which may limit generalizability.

Participant Demographics

Couples with male infertility and poor semen quality; mean female age was 35.8 years in the IMSI group.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.048

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7827-9-123

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