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Can we use incubators with atmospheric oxygen tension in the first phase of in vitro fertilization? A retrospective analysis

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

Abstract

Purpose

Aim of the present study was to compare two culture strategies used in our routine in vitro fertilization program.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis. Two culture systems were used in parallel and analysed retrospectively: 1) Use of atmospheric oxygen tension (~20 %) until insemination followed by use of low (~5 %) oxygen concentration; 2) Exclusive use of low oxygen concentration. Main outcome was the utilization rate defined as the number of transferred + vitrified embryos per inseminated oocytes. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

Results

A total of 402 in vitro fertilization cycles were analyzed. Demographic and clinical data of patients belonging to the two culture systems were not significantly different. Utilization rate, cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate per cycle was similar using two different oxygen concentration compared to exclusive use of low oxygen tension (37 % versus 39 %; 30 % versus 30 %; 23 % versus 28 %, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of a culture system with atmospheric oxygen tension from recovery of oocytes until insemination followed by culture in low oxygen gives results similar to exclusive use of low oxygen concentration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy

    Cristina Guarneri, Liliana Restelli, Alice Mangiarini, Stefania Ferrari, Edgardo Somigliana & Alessio Paffoni

Authors
  1. Cristina Guarneri
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  2. Liliana Restelli
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  3. Alice Mangiarini
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  4. Stefania Ferrari
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  5. Edgardo Somigliana
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  6. Alessio Paffoni
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alessio Paffoni.

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Capsule

The use of a culture system with atmospheric oxygen tension from recovery of oocytes until insemination followed by culture in low oxygen gives results similar to exclusive use of low oxygen concentration in terms of embryo development and pregnancy rate.

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Guarneri, C., Restelli, L., Mangiarini, A. et al. Can we use incubators with atmospheric oxygen tension in the first phase of in vitro fertilization? A retrospective analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 32, 77–82 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0368-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-014-0368-z

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