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Sperm selection using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To determine whether the use of Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) as a sperm selection technique improves ART success rates in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials. Two reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction independently.

Results

Five studies (prospective randomized trials) that comprised 499 patients were included. Sperm selection using MACS resulted in statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates when compared with density gradient centrifugation and swim-up techniques (RR = 1.50, 95 % CI 1.14–1.98). No differences were found between the groups according to the implantation (RR = 1.03, 95 % CI 0.80–1.31) and miscarriage (RR = 2.00, 95 % CI 0.19–20.90) rates.

Conclusions

MACS appears to be a safe and efficient method to select functional sperm with consistently good results. This technique may improve pregnancy rates when used to complement standard sperm selection methods in ART.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital Universitari del Mar: International Master in Reproductive Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Monica Gil, Valerie Sar-Shalom & Yolisid Melendez Sivira

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitari del Mar, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Ramon Carreras & Miguel Angel Checa

Authors
  1. Monica Gil
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  2. Valerie Sar-Shalom
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  3. Yolisid Melendez Sivira
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  4. Ramon Carreras
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  5. Miguel Angel Checa
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Correspondence to Monica Gil.

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Capsule Sperm selection using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) is an efficient method to select functional sperm and improves pregnancy rates when used to complement standard sperm selection methods in ART.

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Gil, M., Sar-Shalom, V., Melendez Sivira, Y. et al. Sperm selection using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 479–485 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9962-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9962-8

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