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The effect of two distinct levels of oxygen concentration on embryo development in a sibling oocyte study

  • Embryo Biology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

This prospective randomized study used sibling oocytes of 258 women with ≥8 oocytes to compare the effect of 5 % O2 versus 20 % O2 concentrations on embryo development and clinical outcome.

Methods

Oocytes of each case were divided between incubators with either 5 % or 20 % O2 concentration. Outcome measures were fertilization, cleavage, embryo quality, blastocyst formation, and implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates.

Results

Fertilization and cleavage rates were similar in both groups. The 5 % O2 group had significantly more blastomeres (P < 0.05) and more top-quality embryos on day 3 (P < 0.02), as well as significantly more available embryos for transfer (31.6 % vs. 23.1 % for the 20 % O2 group; P < 0.0001). There were significantly more cycles with good embryos in the 5 % group (76/258) than in the 20 % group (38/258) (P < 0.0001). Implantation and pregnancy rates were significantly higher for 5 % O2 embryos (P < 0.03 and P < 0.05, respectively). Live birth rates per embryo transfer were 34.2 % and 15.8 %, respectively, P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates are higher, and more good quality embryos are available for transfer and freezing with reduced rather than with atmospheric oxygen concentrations during embryo incubation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infertility and IVF Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel

    Esti Kasterstein, Deborah Strassburger, Daphna Komarovsky, Orna Bern, Alisa Komsky, Arieh Raziel, Shevach Friedler & Raphael Ron-El

  2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Esti Kasterstein, Deborah Strassburger, Daphna Komarovsky, Orna Bern, Alisa Komsky, Arieh Raziel, Shevach Friedler & Raphael Ron-El

Authors
  1. Esti Kasterstein
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  2. Deborah Strassburger
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  3. Daphna Komarovsky
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  4. Orna Bern
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  5. Alisa Komsky
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  6. Arieh Raziel
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  7. Shevach Friedler
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  8. Raphael Ron-El
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Esti Kasterstein.

Additional information

Capsule Implantation, pregnancy and live birth rate are higher, and more good quality embryos are available for transfer and freezing with reduced rather than with atmospheric oxygen concentrations during embryo incubation.

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Kasterstein, E., Strassburger, D., Komarovsky, D. et al. The effect of two distinct levels of oxygen concentration on embryo development in a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 1073–1079 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0032-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0032-z

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