Abstract
Purpose: The objective was to evaluate whether extending the embryo culture period from 2 to 3 days would yield a more optimal selection of viable embryos, thereby increasing the implantation and live birth rates.
Methods: Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with at least one oocyte fertilized were prospectively randomized to 2 or 3 days of embryo culture in serum-free media. On the basis of their morphology and cleavage rate, a maximum of three embryos was selected for transfer.
Results: Embryos transferred on day 2 or day 3 were similar morphologically, however, a higher proportion of retarded embryos was observed on day 3. The implantation rate was 15.8 and 14.3% for day 2 and day 3 transfers, respectively. The increase in live birth rate from 18.5 to 22.6%, possibly suggesting a better embryo selection on day 3, was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Extending the embryo culture period from 2 to 3 days had no effect on implantation and live birth rates.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Braude P, Bolton V, Moore S: Human gene expression first occurs between the four-and eight cell of preimplantation development. Nature 1988;332:459-461
Steer CV, Mills CL, Tan SL, Campell S, Edwards RG: The cumulative embryo score: A predictive embryo scoring technique to select the optimal number of embryos to transfer in an in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer programme. Hum Reprod 1992;7:117-119
Wheeler CA, Cole BF, Frishman GN, Seifer DB, Lovegreen SB, Hackett RJ: Predicting probabilities of pregnancy and multiple gestation from in vitro fertilization—A new model. Obstet Gynecol 1998;91:696-700
Holst N, Bertheussen K, Forsdal F, Håkonsen MB, Hansen LJ, Nielsen HI: Optimization and simplification of culture conditions in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preembryo replacement by serum-free media. J Vitro Fertil Embryo Transfer 1990;7:47-53
Weathersbee PS, Pool TB, Ord T: Synthetic serum substitute (SSS): A globulin-enriched protein supplement for human embryo culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 1995;12:354-360
Desai N, Sheean LA, Martin D, Gindlesperger V, Austin CM, Lisbonna H, Peskin B, Goldfarb JM: Clinical experience with synthetic serum substitute as a protein supplement in IVF culture media: A retrospective study. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996;13:23-31
Forsdahl F, Bertheussen K, Bungum LJ, Bungum MH, Willumsen J, Maltau JM: A study on extended culture time with embryo replacement at the morula and blastocyst stage. Hum Reprod 1994;9(Suppl 4):142-143
Muggleton-Harris AM, Glazier AM, Wall M: A retrospective analysis of the in-vitro development of “spare” human in-vitro fertilization preimplantation embryos using “in-house” prepared medium and “Medi-Cult” commersial medium. Hum Reprod 1995;10:2976-2984
Desai N, Kinzer D, Loeb A, Goldfarb J: Use of synthetic serum substitute and α-minimum essential medium for the extended culture of human embryos to the blastocyst stage. Hum Reprod 1997;12:328-355
Jones GM, Trounson AO, Gardner DK, Kausche A, Lolatgis NL, Wood C: Evolution of a culture protocol for successful blastocyst development and pregnancy. Hum Reprod 1998;13:169-177
Gardner DK, Schoolcraft WB, Wagley L, Schlenker T, Stevens J, Hesla J: A prospective randomized trial of blastocyst culture and transfer in in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod 1998;13:3434-3440
Åbyholm T, Tanbo T, Dale PO, Kjekshus E, Magnus Ø: The first attempt at IVF treatment. Results and requirements for a satisfactory success rate. Eur J Reprod Biol Obstet Gynecol 1990;38:125-132
Dawson KJ, Conaghan J, Ostera GR, Winston RML, Hardy K: Delaying transfer to the third day post-insemination, to select non-arrested embryos, increases development to the fetal heart stage. Hum Reprod 1995;10:177-182
Laverge H, De Sutter P, Van der Elst J, Dhont M: Embryo transfer on day 2 or day 3: relationship between quality score and implantation. Hum Reprod 1998;13 (Abstr Book 1):214
Scholtes MCW, Zeilmaker GH: Blastocyst transfer in day-5 embryo transfer depends primarily on the number of oocytes retrieved and not on age. Fertil Steril 1998;69:78-83
Dokras A, Sargant IL, Barlow DH: Human blastocyst grading: An indicator of developmental potential? Hum Reprod 1993;8:2119-2127
Jackson KV, Ginsburg ES, Hornstein MD, Rein MS, Clarke RN: Multinucleation in normally fertilized embryos is associated with an accelerated ovulation induction response and lower implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles. Fertil Steril 1998;70:60-66
Pelinck MJ, De Vos M., Dekens M, Van der Elst J, De Sutter P, Dhont M: Embryos cultured in vitro with multinucleated blastomeres have poor implantation potential in human in-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Hum Reprod 1998;13:960-963
Lundin K, Rogberg L, Hamberger L: Does the cleavage rate of the embryo affect the pregnancy and implantation rates? Hum Reprod 1998;13 (Abstr Book 1):332-333
Shoukir Y, Campana A, Farley T, Sakkas D: Early cleavage of in-vitro fertilized human embryos to the 2-cell stage: A novel indicator of embryo quality and viability. Hum Reprod 1997;12:1531-1536
Durruty G, Pouly JL, Vye-Pouly P, Laurichesse H, Canis M, Janny L, Jimenz C: Morphological aspects of the embryo at day 2 and its subsequent development in coculture. Hum Reprod 1998;13 (Abstr Book 1):67
Tuisku F, Hognert H, Isoketo A, Krigh A, Kjellberg S: Combined analysis of cleavage stage and glucose uptake can improve the selection of viable human preimplantation embryos in vitro. Hum Reprod 1998;13 (Abstr Book 1):214-215
Shoukir Y, Chardonnens D, Campana A, Bischof P, Sakkas D: The rate of development and time of transfer play different roles in influencing the viability of human blastocysts. Hum Reprod 1998;13:676-681
Carrillo AJ, Lane B, Pridham DD, Risch PP, Pool TB, Silverman IH, Cook CL: Improved clinical outcomes for in vitro fertilization with delay of embryo transfer from 48 to 72 hours after oocyte retrieval; Use of glucose-and phosphate-free media. Fertil Steril 1998;69:329-334
Dunglison GF, Barlow DH, Sargent IL: Leukaemia inhibitory factor significantly enhances the blastocyst formation rates of human embryos cultured in serum-free medium. Hum Reprod 1996;11:191-196
Pickering SJ, Taylor A, Johnson MH, Braude PR: An analysis of multinucleated blastomere formation in human embryos. Mol Hum Reprod 1995;10:1912-1922
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ertzeid, G., Dale, P.O., Tanbo, T. et al. Clinical Outcome of Day 2 Versus Day 3 Embryo Transfer Using Serum-Free Culture Media: A Prospective Randomized Study. J Assist Reprod Genet 16, 529–534 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020597104326
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020597104326