Formation of the first plane of division relative to the pronuclear axis predicts embryonic ploidy

Abstract

Research question

Is there a relationship between the pronuclear axis and the first cleavage plane formation in human pronuclear-stage embryos, and what are the effects on ploidy and clinical pregnancy rates?

Design

Transferred embryos were followed up until their prognoses. A total of 762 embryos formed two cells and reached the blastocyst stage after normal fertilization in a time-lapse incubator. Embryos were classified into three groups: group A: embryos in which the first plane of division was formed parallel to the axis of the pronucleus; group B: embryos in which cases of oblique formation were observed; and group C: embryos in which cases of perpendicular formation were observed.

Results

The euploidy rate was significantly higher in groups A and B than those in group C (P < 0.01), whereas the aneuploidy rate was significantly higher in group C (P < 0.01) than in groups A and B. No differences were found between the three groups in frequency of positive HCG-based pregnancy tests, frequency of clinical pregnancies, miscarriage rates or delivery rates.

Conclusions

The formation pattern of the first plane of division relative to the pronuclear axis was a predictor of embryonic ploidy, with a reduced rate of euploidy and a high probability of aneuploidy observed when the first plane of division was perpendicular to the pronuclear axis.