Genetic analysis of human embryos by metaphase comparative genomic hybridization (mCGH) improves efficiency of IVF by increasing embryo implantation rate and reducing multiple pregnancies and spontaneous miscarriages.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefit of selecting blastocysts for cryotransfer based upon prior comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) karyotyping of blastomeres derived from their cleaved embryos of origin. Implantation and birth rates per transfer of previtrified CGH-tested blastocysts were compared with those following the transfer of nonCGH-tested fresh and warmed embryos.

DESIGN: In vitro studies.

SETTING: Private infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S): Women undergoing infertility treatment.

INTERVENTION(S): Three groups of women with similar clinical and demographic characteristics were compared. Group A underwent transfer of warmed blastocysts derived from CGH-normal day 3 embryos. Group B underwent embryo transfer of warmed blastocysts derived from nonkaryotyped vitrified embryos. Group C underwent fresh transfers with non-CGH-tested blastocysts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation and birth rates per embryo after the cryotransfer of CGH-tested blastocysts.

RESULT(S): The birth rate per transferred blastocyst in group A was 48%, versus 15% for group B and 19% for group C. The birth rate per embryo transfer was 60% for group A, and 33% for group B and 36% for group C. The miscarriage rate was 4% in group A, 8% in group B, and 12% in group C.

CONCLUSION(S): The transfer of previously vitrified blastocysts derived from CGH-normal embryos significantly improves implantation and birth rates per embryo transferred and reduces the miscarriage rate. Vitrification does not compromise this enhancement.