TY - JOUR T1 - Can We Prepare IVF Culture Media Two Days Before Ovum Pick up Without Affecting Embryological Parameters? A Retrospective Case-Matched Study T2 - Journal of Reproduction & Infertility JT - Journal of Reproduction & Infertility SP - 209 EP - 218 VL - 20 IS - 4 PY - 2019 SN - 2251-676X L1 - https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/60058.pdf L2 - https://www.jri.ir/article/60058 UR - https://www.jri.ir/en/currentissue.aspx?id=81 PB - Avicenna Research Institute AU - Paffoni, Alessio AU - Ballabio, Elisabetta AU - Cesana, Sabrina AU - Ferrari, Stefania AU - Wyssling, Hilda AU - Bianchi, Marco AB -

Background: According to several laboratory protocols and specific conditions, in vitro fertilization (IVF) dishes with culture media can be prepared 24 hr in advance compared to routine protocols. However, it is not clear if this procedure can affect embryological outcomes. 
Methods: A nested case-control study was done in a cohort of couples undergoing IVF at the Infertility Unit of the ASST Lariana from August 2016 to July 2018. Cases were patients undergoing ovum pick up after a laboratory day off. Controls were patients undergoing ovum pick up after working days from Monday to Thursday. Culture media for oocyte culture and insemination were prepared about 42 and 18 hr before oocyte retrieval for cases and controls, respectively. Cases and controls were matched with a 1:2 ratio (for age, inseminated oocytes, length of stimulation). The "Good-Quality-Index" (GQI) was the main outcome to be compared between the two groups and was defined as good quality transferred or cryopreserved embryos on day 2 or 3+number of good quality blastocysts/inseminated oocytes.
Results: A total of 76 cases and 152 matched controls were enrolled. The median GQI was equal to 33.0% (IQR: 20.0-50.0%) and 33.0% (IQR: 25.0-50.0%), in cases and controls, respectively (p=0.40). Study groups and GQI were not significantly correlated (correlation coefficient r=0.047, p=0.48). Main embryological parameters and cumulative pregnancy rates were similar between the two groups.
Conclusion: Our data support the vision that culture media can be prepared 24 hr in advance compared to routine protocols without affecting embryological outcomes.

CY - Tehran, Iran LA - English