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Efficiency of hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
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Abstract

Purpose

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has a role as “physiologic selector” for spermatozoa prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study is to analyze the results achievable by the introduction of a routine HA-ICSI programme.

Methods

We retrospectively observed 293 couples treated with HA-ICSI versus 86 couples treated with conventional PVP-ICSI (historical control group). ICSI was performed on a limited number of oocytes per patient (1–3) according to Italian IVF law at the time of the study. Main outcome measures observed were: fertilization, embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy.

Results

This study showed that Injection of HA-bound spermatozoa (HA-ICSI) significantly improves embryo quality and implantation.

Conclusions

If wider multi-center randomized studies will confirm these beneficial effects on ICSI outcome, HA could be considered as a routine choice for “physiologic” sperm selection prior to ICSI.

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Correspondence to Lodovico Parmegiani.

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Capsule

Injection of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-bound spermatozoa (HA-ICSI) significantly improves embryo quality and implantation.

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Parmegiani, L., Cognigni, G.E., Ciampaglia, W. et al. Efficiency of hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection. J Assist Reprod Genet 27, 13–16 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9380-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9380-0

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