Authors

Eric J. Forman, M.D., Xinying Li, Ph.D., Kathleen M. Ferry, B.S., Katherine Scott, M.S., Nathan R. Treff, Ph.D., Richard T. Scott Jr., M.D.

Vol 98, Issue 3, Pages 644-649

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the impact of oocyte vitrification on aneuploidy and reproductive potential by comparing vitrified and control oocytes from a single patient within a single cycle and a single fresh transfer.

Design:

Paired RCT in which each patient's cohort of mature oocytes was divided into two even groups with half undergoing Cryotop vitrification and rapid warming, and half serving as controls.

Setting:

Academic center for reproductive medicine.

Patient(s):

Forty-four patients with a mean age of 29.9 ± 2.3 years and normal ovarian reserve.

Intervention(s):

Cryotop vitrification of half of mature oocytes. Trophectoderm biopsy with SNP microarray analysis for ploidy and DNA fingerprinting.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Rate of aneuploidy (primary outcome), fertilization, cleavage, blastulation and implantation in embryos derived from vitrified and control oocytes.

Results:

A total of 588 mature oocytes were randomized with 240/294 (81.6%) surviving vitrification. Amongst surviving vitrified oocytes, there was a lower fertilization rate with ICSI (77.9% vs. 90.5%, RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93, P

Conclusions:

Although the IVF process is less efficient following oocyte vitrification, implantation rates are equivalent and there is not an increased risk of aneuploidy. Given the lack of other viable options, this study provides great reassurance to patients and clinicians applying oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation.

Support:

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:

NCT01223118

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00483-9/fulltext