Malformation rate and sex ratio in 412 children conceived with epididymal or testicular sperm

ICSI outcome after microdissection testicular sperm extraction, testicular sperm aspiration and ejaculated sperm

We conducted a case-controlled single-center cohort study to evaluate the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in severe male infertility with different methods of sperm obtention. The data was compiled from a tertiary university hospital. The micro-TESE procedures were performed from 2008 to 2023, with a sperm recovery rate (SRR) of 45 %. The ICSI treatments were carried out between 2011 and 2023. The aim of the study was to compare the ICSI outcome using sperm obtained by microdissection testicular extraction (micro-TESE), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and ejaculated sperm with sperm concentration less than 15 million per milliliter. We included a total of 462 ICSI cycles, of which 340 ICSIs with ejaculated sperm of men with oligozoospermia, with or without asthenozoospermia or teratozoospermia (OAT group), 51 ICSIs with TESA sperm of men with obstructive azoospermia (OA, TESA group), and 71 ICSIs with micro-TESE sperm of men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA, micro-TESE group). The patient characteristics, fertilization rate, pregnancy rate, and pregnancy outcome data were similar between the groups. The fertilization rates were 66.0 % in the OAT group, 68.3 % in the TESA group and 62.8 % in the micro-TESE group and live birth rate per embryo transfer were 23.7 %, 28.9 %, and 25.0 %, respectively, without statistical difference. The obstetrical outcome was similar in all the groups. The overall clinical results in all ICSI cycles performed for treating severe male factor infertility were similar, independent of the method of collection of spermatozoa. The results also confirm the efficacy of micro-TESE in the treatment of severe male factor infertility.

Comparing the clinical and singleton neonatal outcomes in male infertility patients with Oligoasthenospermia, OA, or NOA following fresh ICSI-ET using different sources of sperm

Objective

To investigate clinical and singleton newborn outcomes in fresh cycles of embryo transfer after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI-ET) with diverse sperm sources (ejaculate, epididymis, and testis) in patients with Oligoasthenospermia, obstructive azoospermia (OA) or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

Methods

Patients who received fresh ICSI-ET for the first time at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Reproductive Medicine Center between June 2011 and June 2021 were selected for this 10-year retrospective cohort analysis. After propensity score matching, only 1630 cycles were included in the investigation of ICS-ET clinical and singleton newborn outcomes in patients with Oligoasthenospermia, OA, and NOA using sperm from diverse sperm sources.

Results

After propensity score matching, our data revealed a negligible difference in baseline and cycle parameters among groups. In patients with Oligoasthenospermia and OA, different sperm sources do not appear to influence clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates, nor do they influence newborn outcomes, such as newborn weight, premature birth rate, and neonatal sex ratio in singleton births, except for OA patients who use epididymal sperm having higher low birth weight (LBW) rates in singleton pregnancies than those who use testicular sperm. In addition, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, singleton gestation birth weights, premature birth rates, and neonatal sex ratios were similar between patients with Oligoasthenospermia, OA, and NOA using testicular sperm.

Conclusions

Regardless of the type of male infertility (Oligoasthenospermia, OA, NOA) or sperm sources (ejaculate, epididymis, testis), a successful ICSI-ET procedure can result in similar clinical and neonatal outcomes, such as clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, abortion rate, neonatal birth weight and sex ratio of singleton pregnancies.

Analysis of the Growth and Development of Children Born with ICSI of Epididymal and Testicular Spermatozoa: A Propensity Matching Study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate whether singleton live births (at 0, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months) following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using sperm of different origins (ejaculated or non-ejaculated sperm) are associated with the growth and development of children born.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center from January 2016 to December 2019. Follow-up data of the children were obtained from the Jiangsu Province Maternal and Child database. A total of 350 singleton live births after fresh embryo transfer (ET) with ICSI were included. Based on the origin of the sperm, the patients were divided into two groups: the ejaculated group (n = 310) and the non-ejaculated group (n = 40). Propensity score matching was used to control for multiple baseline covariates, resulting in 80 singleton live births (ejaculated sperm) matched to 40 singleton live births (non-ejaculated). The non-ejaculated group was further divided into two subgroups: the PESA group (n = 23) and the TESA group (n = 17). The primary outcome of the study was the growth and development of children. Secondary outcomes included the 2PN rate, high-cleavage embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and others.

RESULTS

After matching parental age, BMI, occupation, and maternal serum AMH level, there was no significant difference found in the growth and development of children between the non-ejaculated and ejaculated group or the PESA group and TESA group, respectively. However, the 2PN rate and the blastocyst formation rate were higher in the ejaculated group compared to the non-ejaculated group (91.02 and 85.45, P = 0.002) and (67.37 and 56.06, P = 0.019), respectively. The high-quality cleavage embryo rate was also higher in the TESA group compared to the PESA group (85.06 and 65.63, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there are no significant differences in the growth and development of children born following ICSI using sperm of different origins (ejaculated or non-ejaculated). For nonobstructive azoospermia (OA) patients, sperm derived from the testis may be more effective than derived from the epididymis. However, due to the limited sample size of the non-ejaculated group in this study, further investigations with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.

The Sperm Small RNA Transcriptome: Implications beyond Reproductive Disorder

Apart from the paternal half of the genetic material, the male gamete carries assorted epigenetic marks for optimal fertilization and the developmental trajectory for the early embryo. Recent works showed dynamic changes in small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) in spermatozoa as they transit through the testicular environment to the epididymal segments. Studies demonstrated the changes to be mediated by epididymosomes during the transit through the adluminal duct in the epididymis, and the changes in sperm sncRNA content stemmed from environmental insults significantly altering the early embryo development and predisposing the offspring to metabolic disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on the establishment of the sperm sncRNA transcriptome and their role in male-factor infertility, evidence of altered offspring health in response to the paternal life experiences through sperm sncRNA species and, finally, their implications in assisted reproductive technology in terms of epigenetic inheritance.

Is the lack of prior exposure to sperm antigens associated with worse neonatal and maternal outcomes? A 10 years single-center experience comparing ICSI-TESE pregnancies to ICSI pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Nowadays pathogenesis of preeclampsia is still unknown. Among the different etiological hypotheses, some authors proposed that it might be due to an abnormal immunologic response to foreign fetal antigen derived from the father's sperm. Indeed, the fetus is considered a semi allograft, being one half paternally derived in its antigenicity, and the first pathogenic insult of preeclampsia may be an abnormal maternal immune response towards this semi-allogenic implant. In the context of Artificial Reproductive Techniques, it has been shown that the use of donor and surgically retrieved spermatozoa (e.g. Testicular Sperm Extraction) increases the risk of preeclampsia, confirming the protective effect of sperm exposure on maternal complications.

OBJECTIVE

Determining whether the lack of exposure to sperm antigens is associated with worse maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies obtained through intracytoplasmic sperm injection after testicular sperm extraction for obstructive azoospermia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single-center case-control retrospective study, focusing on all first pregnancies obtained through intracytoplasmic sperm injection after testicular sperm extraction for obstructive azoospermia at Humanitas Fertility Center between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2019. Controls included patients that achieved their first pregnancy with intracytoplasmic sperm injection and ejaculated sperm, for a diagnosis other than azoospermia, in the same time period. Cases were matched with controls in a 1:2 ratio, considering female age, female BMI and year of controlled ovarian stimulation. The primary outcome measure was the delivery rate, defined as the number of deliveries divided by the total number of clinical pregnancies. Secondary outcome measures focused on maternal and neonatal complications, such as miscarriage rate, rate of main obstetric complications, prematurity rate and rate of congenital malformations.

RESULTS

By analyzing overall 113 pregnancies among cases and 214 pregnancies among controls, this study showed that the delivery rate was higher in controls with respect to cases (92.06% vs 84.07%, p = 0.026); among deliveries, live births were respectively 98.95% and 100%, while only one stillbirth occurred in cases. The first trimester miscarriage rate was higher in the cases than controls (13.27% vs 6.07%, p = 0.027), while no difference was found among rate of second trimester miscarriages, therapeutic abortions and ectopic pregnancies. There was no difference regarding the rate of maternal complications, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, placental abruption and premature rupture of the membranes. Considering neonatal complications, it was shown that twins belonging to controls had a higher prematurity rate with respect to cases (65.79% vs 50.00%) but without a statistical relevance. Lastly, the rate of congenital malformations did not differ among the two groups.

DISCUSSION

This study showed that, once couples diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia achieve a pregnancy, they have a much higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester in respect to non-azoospermic patients. Moreover, controls had a higher delivery rate in respect to cases; however, when the fetal status at birth was compared, no difference was found between live births and stillbirths.

CONCLUSIONS

Differently from the findings in the literature, no association with preeclampsia was found. This might be related to a collider bias/left truncation bias: since azoospermic patients are at higher risk of early termination of pregnancy, it results that they do not have the possibility to develop preeclampsia and other adverse outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of CBAVD in azoospermic men carrying pathogenic CFTR mutations - Evaluated in a cohort of 639 non-vasectomized azoospermic men

BACKGROUND

Men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) due to impaired development of the genital tract often carry at least one Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator CFTR mutation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas deferens (CBAVD) in men with azoospermia carrying CFTR gene mutations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-vasectomized men with azoospermia referred to our andrological center were consecutively included. All men underwent palpation of the scrotal parts of the Vasa deferentia, ultrasonography of the testicles and hormone profile, and genetic analyses. Testicular biopsy was usually performed. A panel of 32 of the most important CFTR mutations was examined from genomic DNA isolated from blood lymphocytes. Either multiplex PCR analysis or a next-generation sequencing technique was performed.

RESULTS

Among the 639 men with azoospermia, 69 (10.8%) had at least one CFTR mutation. Of the 43 patients with at least one of the two CFTR mutations, ΔF508 and R117H, 19 (44.2%) showed CBAVD, 2 (4.7%) Congenital Unilateral Absence of Vas deferens (CUAVD), and 22 (51.2%) presence of the scrotal parts of the Vasa deferentia. In contrast, only 1/21 men (4.8%) with an isolated IVS8-5T variant showed CBAVD. Among the further 20 men with an isolated IVS8-5T variant, 11 had a history of cryptorchidism. Among the 570 men without CFTR mutations, CBAVD was found in only two men and CUAVD in one. FSH level was higher and testicular volume lower in men with present Vasa deferentia compared to those without (P < .001; Student's t test). Thirty-one men with either ΔF508 or R117H mutations, or both, had a testicular biopsy. Motile spermatozoa were found in 100% of 16 cases with CBAVD but in only 6 out of 15 cases with present Vasa deferentia (P < .01; Fisher's exact test).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

CBAVD was found in ~ 44% of men with ΔF508/R117H mutations. The data may support that CFTR mutations might affect male fertility through other mechanisms than obstruction of the genital tract. For a practical, clinical purpose analysis for only ΔF508, R117H and IVS8-5T seems sufficient until further research shows anything else.

Fertility outcome after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection with surgically retrieved sperm

BACKGROUND

Surgically retrieved sperm samples and Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection are indicated when we face severe sperm abnormalities such as azoospermia. The objective of this study was to assess the rates of clinical pregnancies and live births with sperm from testicular biopsies.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective descriptive study of all Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles performed with surgically retrieved sperm at the Nîmes University Hospital from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2018. The main outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. The secondary outcomes were the fertilization rate, the implantation rate and the live birth rate.

RESULTS

In all, 99 couples were treated at our center during this period and 164 ICSI cycles using surgically-collected sperm were performed. The men were 34.7 ± 7.4 years old on average at the time of undergoing testicular biopsy and the women were 32.15 ± 5.07 years at the time of ICSI. Out of 127 fresh embryo transfers, we observed 47 clinical pregnancies (37 %) and 45 live births (35.4 %). The average fertilization rate was 45 % and the implantation rate was 23.7 %. Among these infertile couples, 53 % obtained at least one clinical pregnancy and 42 % at least one live birth.

CONCLUSION

Testicular sperm extraction combined with ICSI is indicated in cases of male infertility linked with azoospermia or severe semen alteration. This technique offers couples a marvelous opportunity to have children with their own gametes.

Anogenital distance in newborn infants conceived by assisted reproduction and natural conception

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does anogenital distance (AGD) differ in newborn infants conceived through assisted reproduction technology (ART) compared with those conceived naturally?

DESIGN

This case-control study looked at anthropometric and anogenital measurements in 247 male and 200 female newborns born after ART (n = 121) or natural conception (n = 326), within 24 h of birth. Anogenital measurements included distance from the centre of the anus to the anterior clitoris (AGDAC) and to the posterior fourchette (AGDAF) in female infants, and from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum (AGDAS) and to the anterior base of the penis (AGDAP) in male infants.

RESULTS

ART mothers were older, more likely to be nulliparous and delivered by Caesarean section at an earlier gestational week. AGDAS of male infants was approximately twice the AGDAF of female infants (17.6 ± 5.0 versus 9.1 ± 3.6 mm). AGDAF in female infants conceived by ART compared with those conceived naturally was not significantly different (8.8 ± 3.6 versus 9.3 ± 3.6 mm; P = 0.404). AGDAC were also comparable for both groups (27.4 ± 6.3 versus 27.7 ± 7.1 mm; P = 0.770). In male infants, no significant difference was seen between ART and natural conception groups in terms of AGDAS (17.4 ± 4.6 versus 17.7 ± 5.2 mm, P = 0.742) and AGDAP (37.5 ± 6.6 versus 38.0 ± 6.7 mm, P = 0.589). When adjusted for gestational age, weight, length and head circumference, mode of conception was not associated with differences in any of the anogenital measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

AGD measurements in infants conceived by ART are no different from those of infants conceived naturally.

Neonatal outcome of children born after ICSI with epididymal or testicular sperm: A 10-year study in China

Some studies show that children born after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm are at increased risk of birth defects, other studies hold the opposite view. Does neonatal outcome including congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) differ from neonatal outcome in children born after ICSI with ejaculated sperm? In this study, we examined the data from our IVF center from 2006 to 2016, to compare neonatal outcomes and rates of congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with different sperm origin. The results showed the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate of non-ejaculated sperm group were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than ejaculated sperm group. There were 775 clinical pregnancies from non-ejaculated sperm group and 2,486 clinical pregnancies from ejaculated sperm group. Most of the clinical pregnancy outcomes were comparable between non-ejaculated sperm group and ejaculated sperm group (p > 0.05): the miscarriage rate per transfer, ectopic pregnancy rate per clinical pregnancy, induced abortion rate per clinical pregnancy and fetal deaths per clinical pregnancy. However, the live delivery rate per transfer of non-ejaculated sperm group was significantly higher than that of ejaculated sperm group (45.4% vs 36.7%, P < 0.001). Moreover, the comparison between the epididymal sperm, testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm groups showed there were no difference in the incidence of congenital malformations of babies live birth. Among singleton gestation live births, there were more girls than boys in both non-ejaculated sperm and ejaculated sperm group. In conclusion, the present study clearly showed no statistical increased risk in neonatal outcomes of newborns were found in the ICSI treatment with epididymal or testicular sperm. It may provide information for consultation for ICSI treatment in PESA or TESA patients.

Secondary sex ratio in assisted reproduction: an analysis of 1 376 454 treatment cycles performed in the UK

STUDY QUESTION

Does ART impact the secondary sex ratio (SSR) when compared to natural conception?

SUMMARY ANSWER

IVF and ICSI as well as the stage of embryo transfer does impact the overall SSR.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The World Health Organization quotes SSR for natural conception to range between 103 and 110 males per 100 female births.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A total of 1 376 454 ART cycles were identified, of which 1 002 698 (72.8%) cycles involved IVF or ICSI. Of these, 863 859 (85.2%) were fresh cycles and 124 654 (12.4%) were frozen cycles. Missing data were identified in 14 185 (1.4%) cycles.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

All cycles recorded in the anonymized UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) registry database between 1991 and 2016 were analysed. All singleton live births were included, and multiple births were excluded to avoid duplication.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The overall live birth rate per cycle for all IVF and ICSI treatments was 26.2% (n = 262 961), and the singleton live birth rate per cycle was 17.1% (n = 171 399). The overall SSR for this study was 104.0 males per 100 female births (binomial exact 95% CI: 103.1-105.0) for all IVF and ICSI cycles performed in the UK recorded through the HFEA. This was comparable to the overall SSR for England and Wales at 105.3 males per 100 female births (95% CI: 105.2-105.4) from 1991 to 2016 obtained from the Office of National Statistics database. Male predominance was seen with conventional insemination in fresh IVF treatment cycles (SSR 110.0 males per 100 female births; 95% CI: 108.6-111.5) when compared to micro-injection in fresh ICSI treatment cycles (SSR 97.8 males per 100 female births; 95% CI: 96.5-99.2; odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.19, P < 0.0001), as well as with blastocyst stage embryo transfers (SSR 104.8 males per 100 female births; 95% CI: 103.5-106.2) when compared to a cleavage stage embryo transfer (SSR 101.2 males per 100 female births; 95% CI: 99.3-103.1; OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P = 0.011) for all fertilization methods.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The quality of the data relies on the reporting system. Furthermore, success rates through ART have improved since 1991, with an increased number of blastocyst stage embryo transfers.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This is the largest study to date evaluating the impact of ART on SSR. The results demonstrate that, overall, ART does have an impact on the SSR when assessed according to the method of fertilization (ICSI increased female births while IVF increased males). However, given the ratio of IVF to ICSI cycles at present with 60% of cycles from IVF and 40% from ICSI, the overall SSR for ART closely reflects the population SSR for, largely, natural conceptions in England and Wales.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The study received no funding. C.M.B. is a member of the independent data monitoring group for a clinical endometriosis trial by ObsEva. He is on the scientific advisory board for Myovant and medical advisory board for Flo Health. He has received research grants from Bayer AG, MDNA Life Sciences, Volition Rx and Roche Diagnostics as well as from Wellbeing of Women, Medical Research Council UK, the NIH, the UK National Institute for Health Research and the European Union. He is the current Chair of the Endometriosis Guideline Development Group for ESHRE and was a co-opted member of the Endometriosis Guideline Group by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). I.G. has received research grants from Wellbeing of Women, the European Union and Finox.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Testicular Damage following Testicular Sperm Retrieval: A Ram Model Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible development of histological abnormalities such as fibrosis and microcalcifications after sperm retrieval in a ram model. Fourteen testicles in nine rams were exposed to open biopsy, multiple TESAs, or TESE, and the remaining four testicles were left unoperated on as controls. Three months after sperm retrieval, the testicles were removed, fixed, and cut into 1/2 cm thick slices and systematically put onto a glass plate exposing macroscopic abnormalities. Tissue from abnormal areas was cut into 3 μm sections and stained for histological evaluation. Pathological abnormalities were observed in testicles exposed to sperm retrieval (≥11 of 14) compared to 0 of 4 control testicles. Testicular damage was found independently of the kind of intervention used. Therefore, cryopreservation of excess sperm should be considered while retrieving sperm.

Novel concepts in male factor infertility: clinical and laboratory perspectives

In recent years, the management of male factor infertility has undergone important changes with the introduction of novel concepts, advanced testing, and therapeutic interventions. This review highlights some of these changes and discusses their impact to routine clinical practice. First, we discuss the recent changes in the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory methods and reference values for the examination of human semen. Second, we examine the role of sperm chromatin integrity tests in light of increasing evidence of the detrimental effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on reproductive outcomes. Third, we summarize the main findings of varicocele-related infertility and the outcomes of microsurgical varicocele repair to different case scenarios. Lastly, we critically discuss the current management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia seeking fertility and the new opportunities that emerged to help these men achieve biological fatherhood.

Clinical management of infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia

The clinical management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) seeking fertility has been a challenge for andrologists, urologists, and reproductive medicine specialists alike. This review presents a personal perspective on the clinical management of NOA, including the lessons learned over 15 years dealing with this male infertility condition. A five-consecutive-step algorithm is proposed to manage such patients. First, a differential diagnosis of azoospermia is made to confirm/establish that NOA is due to spermatogenic failure. Second, genetic testing is carried out not only to detect the males in whom NOA is caused by microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome, but also to counsel the affected patients about their chances of having success in sperm retrieval. Third, it is determined whether any intervention prior to a surgical retrieval attempt may be used to increase sperm production. Fourth, the most effective and efficient retrieval method is selected to search for testicular sperm. Lastly, state-of-art laboratory techniques are applied in the handling of retrieved gametes and cultivating the embryos resulting from sperm injections. A coordinated multidisciplinary effort is key to offer the best possible chance of achieving a biological offspring to males with NOA.

Effect of semen quality on human sex ratio in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: an analysis of 27,158 singleton infants born after fresh single-embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of semen quality on human sex ratio in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 27,158 singleton infants born between 2007 and 2012 after fresh single-embryo transfer.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Proportion of male infants among liveborn infants.

RESULT(S)

There were 14,996 infants born after IVF, 12,164 infants born after ICSI with ejaculated sperm, and 646 infants born after ICSI with nonejaculated sperm. The sex ratio of IVF was 53.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.3-53.9); the sex ratio of ICSI with ejaculated and nonejaculated sperm demonstrated as statistically significant reduction (48.2%; 95% CI, 47.3-49.1 and 47.7%; 95% CI, 43.8-51.6, respectively). In IVF, lower sperm motility, including asthenozoospermia (sperm motility <40%), was associated with a statistically significantly lower sex ratio compared with normal sperm (51.0%; 95% CI, 48.6-53.3 vs. 53.4%; 95% CI, 52.5-54.3). In ICSI with ejaculated sperm, there was no association between sperm motility and sex ratio. Sperm concentration was not associated with sex ratio in both IVF and ICSI.

CONCLUSION(S)

In IVF, lower sperm motility was associated with a statistically significant reduction in sex ratio; ICSI with either ejaculated or nonejaculated sperm was associated with a statistically significant reduction in sex ratio regardless of semen quality.

Effect of maternal and treatment-related factors on the prevalence of birth defects after PESA-ICSI and TESE-ICSI: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

We performed a retrospective cohort study with the aim to evaluate the effect of maternal and treatment-related factors on the prevalence of birth defects after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

643 newborns born after PESA-ICSI (n = 406) and TESE-ICSI (n = 237) in Radboud University Medical Center, after a gestational age of 12 weeks, 1 January 2002-1 January 2011 and 1 March-1 November 2014, respectively, were included in this study. Three sources of data were used for analysis: questionnaires, national obstetrics registration forms, and a lab-database of all ICSI treatments. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of major birth defects in newborns born after PESA-ICSI was 6.9% and after TESE-ICSI was 5.9% (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.46-1.75). No significant association was found between maternal or treatment-related factors and the prevalence of birth defects.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a similar overall prevalence of birth defects in newborns born after PESA-ICSI and TESE-ICSI. The maternal and treatment-related factors investigated did not show a significantly increased cumulative risk of birth defects.

Comparison of sperm retrieval and reproductive outcome in azoospermic men with testicular failure and obstructive azoospermia treated for infertility

We assessed the rates of sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes, including the neonatal profile of infants conceived, in men with testicular failure. Three-hundred and sixty-five men with testicular failure who underwent micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction were included in this study. We compared their outcomes with 40 men with testicular failure who used donor sperm for injections due to failed retrieval, and 146 men with obstructive azoospermia who underwent percutaneous sperm retrieval. The retrieval rate in testicular failure was 41.4%, and the results were lower than the obstructed azoospermia (100%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.033; 95% CI: 0.007–0.164; P < 0.001). Live birth rates after sperm injections were lower in men with testicular failure (19.9%) compared with donor sperm (37.5%; adjusted OR: 0.377 (95% CI: 0.233–0.609, P < 0.001)) and obstructive azoospermia (34.2%; adjusted OR: 0.403 (95% CI: 0.241–0.676, P = 0.001). Newborn parameters of infants conceived were not significantly different among the groups. We concluded that the chances of obtaining sperm on retrieval and achieving a live birth after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are reduced in men with testicular failure. The profile of infants conceived after sperm injection does not seem to be negatively affected by testicular failure.

Genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of hypospadias

This article reviews the current evidence and knowledge of the aetiology of hypospadias. Hypospadias remains a fascinating anomaly of the male phallus. It may be an isolated occurrence or part of a syndrome or field defect. The increasing use of assisted reproductive techniques and hormonal manipulation during pregnancy may have been associated with an apparent rise in the incidence of hypospadias. Genetic studies and gene analysis have suggested some defects that could result in hypospadias. New light has also been thrown on environmental factors that could modulate candidate genes, causing altered development of the male external genitalia.

Pregnancy outcome according to male diagnosis after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm compared with ejaculated sperm controls

The aim of this study was to describe pregnancy outcome in couples who had undergone ICSI using non-ejaculated sperm from men with non-obstructive azoospermia, obstructive azoospermia and aspermia compared with the outcome of ICSI with ejaculated sperm from men with severe oligozoospermia, treated during the same time period. This nationwide cohort study included all children born after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm in Norway, from when the method was first permitted in Norway in April 2004 to the end of 2010, resulting in 420 pregnancies and a total of 359 children. In 235 of these children, the father was diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia, in 72 with non-obstructive azoospermia, in 31 with aspermia, and in 21 the male cause was unclassifiable. The control group consisted of 760 children from 939 pregnancies conceived by ICSI with ejaculated sperm. Sex ratio, birth weight, rate of pregnancy loss and congenital malformations were not significantly associated with sperm origin or the cause of male factor infertility.

Neonatal outcome of early rescue ICSI and ICSI with ejaculated sperm

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of early rescue ICSI on neonatal outcome.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared the neonatal outcome of early rescue ICSI and ICSI with ejaculated sperm, including 233 children who were conceived after early rescue ICSI and a control group of 906 children who were conceived after ICSI with ejaculated sperm, and all of the children had a gestational age of 20 weeks or more. The numbers of live and stillbirths, perinatal deaths, prematurity, birthweights and birth defects of the children were compared.

RESULTS

Children in the early rescue ICSI group showed no increased risk of stillbirths, perinatal death or birth defects. Those children also did not differ from those of the ICSI with ejaculated sperm group in gender rate, birthweight, gestational age or prematurity.

CONCLUSIONS

Early rescue ICSI did not increase the adverse effect on the neonatal outcome when compared to that of ICSI with ejaculated sperm.

Pregnancy outcome and neonatal data of children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with a different duration of cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained through testicular sperm extraction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the duration of cryopreservation of testicular sperm on clinical and neonatal outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for patients experiencing azoospermia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 132 azoospermic men who participated in 212 ICSI cycles. The participating men underwent testicular biopsy for the cryopreservation of tissue to be used for subsequent ICSI cycles. The duration of the storage of testicular sperm was determined by the time of oocyte retrieval. Fertilization, embryo development in vitro, pregnancy rates, and neonatal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Although the mean percentage of viability decreased from 73.2% prior to freezing to 50.2% after thawing, viable spermatozoa were visualized subsequent to thawing of the tissue samples for all patients. The potential for fertilization and subsequent embryonic development was not influenced by the duration of sperm cryopreservation up to 2 years longer. The pregnancy outcomes also varied independently of the duration of sperm cryopreservation. The duration of storage did not appear to affect the neonatal outcomes adversely, including the Apgar score and intensive care unit admission rates, although neonatal outcomes were influenced by advanced maternal age. It also has no obvious impact on the major and minor congenital malformation rate of the newborns.

CONCLUSION

ICSI outcomes, pregnancy outcome, neonatal outcome, and congenital malformation rate appear not to be affected by the duration of the period of cryostorage. An earlier start of the ICSI cycle following the testicular sperm cryopreservation is preferable because longer preservation is associated with more advanced maternal age.

Environmental factors for the development of fetal urinary malformations

BACKGROUND

The development of the kidneys and other organs of the urinary tract also follow the natural rule of gene-environment-lifestyle interaction. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors may be associated with the etiology of various kinds of urinary malformations. The environmental factors belong to extrinsic factors, which have attracted increasing attention from researchers.

METHODS

Publications about urinary malformations were searched from databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Chemical Abstract, Excerpta Medica, Chinese Hospital Knowledge Database and Wanfang Database.

RESULTS

Urinary malformation is associated with low birth weight, maternal diseases, placental insufficiency, maternal drug exposure, and maternal exposure to environmental pesticides. Living environment and socioeconomic factors may also influence the incidence of urinary malformation.

CONCLUSION

It is important to understand the association of environmental factors with the development of the renal system and urinary malformation in order to decrease the incidence of urinary malformations.

Reproductive outcomes, including neonatal data, following sperm injection in men with obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia: case series and systematic review

We compared pregnancy outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection for the treatment of male infertility according to the type of azoospermia. First, we analyzed our data from 370 couples who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from men with obstructive azoospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia, and the outcomes were compared to a group of 465 non-azoospermic infertile males. Then, we performed a systematic review of the published data on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of children born after sperm injection using sperm from men with obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia. Live birth rates were significantly lower in the nonobstructive azoospermia group (21.4%) compared with the obstructive azoospermia (37.5%) and ejaculated sperm (32.3%) groups. A total of 326 live births resulted in 427 babies born. Differences were not observed between the groups in gestational age, preterm birth, birth weight and low birth weight, although we noted a tendency towards poorer neonatal outcomes in the azoospermia categories. The overall perinatal death and malformation rates were 2.8% and 1.6%, respectively, and the results did not differ between the groups. We identified 20 published studies that directly compared pregnancy outcomes between obstructive azoospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia. Most of these studies were not designed to detect differences in live birth rates and had lower power to detect differences in less frequent outcomes, and the reporting of neonatal outcomes was unusual. The included studies reported either a decrease or no difference in pregnancy outcomes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia. In general, no major differences were noted in short-term neonatal outcomes and congenital malformation rates between children from fathers with nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia.

Reproductive potential of men with obstructive azoospermia undergoing percutaneous sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection according to the cause of obstruction

PURPOSE

We evaluated the retrieval rates and reproductive outcomes of percutaneous sperm retrieval according to the cause of obstructive azoospermia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied the records of 146 men with obstructive azoospermia who underwent sperm retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Patients were grouped by the cause of obstruction, including 32 with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, 59 with vasectomy and 55 with obstruction due to post-infection disease. Sperm were retrieved percutaneously from the epididymis or testis. We compared retrieval rates and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes, including neonatal results, in the groups of men with obstructive azoospermia.

RESULTS

The success of sperm retrieval was similar among the etiology groups, including 100% for congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, 96.6% for vasectomy and 96.3% for previous infection. Significantly fewer men in the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens group needed testicular aspiration compared to those in the post-infection and vasectomy groups (3.1% vs 23.6% and 30.5%, respectively, p <0.001). Sperm cryopreservation was possible in 26.7% of the cases and did not significantly differ among the groups. Live birth rates after sperm injection were similar in the congenital (34.4%), vasectomy (32.2%) and previous infection (36.4%) groups. Birth parameters, prematurity and low birth weight rates were comparable among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous sperm retrieval is an effective method to retrieve sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia irrespective of the cause of obstruction. The chance of achieving a live birth and the profile of neonates born after sperm injection do not seem to be related to the cause of obstruction.

Neonatal outcome and congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with testicular or epididymal sperm: a controlled national cohort study

STUDY QUESTION

Does neonatal outcome including congenital malformations in children born after ICSI with epididymal and testicular sperm [testicular sperm extraction (TESE)/percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA)/testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) (TPT)] differ from neonatal outcome in children born after ICSI with ejaculated sperm, IVF and natural conception (NC)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Children born after TPT have similar neonatal outcome, including total malformation rates, as have children born after ICSI and IVF with ejaculated sperm. Testing for variance over the four groups may indicate smaller differences in specific malformation rates with TPT as the highest risk group.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Regarding neonatal outcome as well as congenital malformations in children born after TPT, studies are few, with limited sample size, heterogeneous and often performed without relevant control groups.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Population-based cohort study including all Danish children born after TPT and fresh embryo transfer in Denmark from 1995 to 2009. Children born after transfer of frozen-thawed embryos were excluded. Control groups of children conceived by ICSI with ejaculated sperm, IVF and NC were identified by cross-linkage of the Danish IVF Register, Medical Birth Register (MBR) and National Hospital Discharge Register (HDR).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING

The study group consisted of 466 children born after TPT, while the control groups consisted of 8967 (ICSI with ejaculated sperm), 17 592 (IVF) and 63 854 (NC) children. Neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations were analysed for singletons and twins separately. Risk estimates for low birthweight (LBW, <2500 g) and preterm birth (PTB, <37 gestational weeks) were adjusted for maternal age, parity, child gender and year of childbirth. The study group was identified from the Danish national database on children born after TPT. Control groups were obtained from the IVF register and the MBR. All information included in the study was retrieved from the national registers.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Considering singletons and twins as one group, the sex ratio (♂/♀) was significantly lower for children born after TPT (0.89) compared with conventional IVF (1.11; P = 0.017) but did not differ significantly when compared with ICSI with ejaculated sperm (0.94) and NC (1.05). The mean birthweight (BW) for singletons did not differ significantly between groups when including only first-born children. The mean gestational age (GA) in the TPT singletons (279 ± 12 days) was significantly higher compared with IVF (276 ± 18 days; P = 0.02), but similar to ICSI with ejaculated sperm and NC singletons when including only first-born children (277 ± 16 days and 279 ± 14 days, respectively). Rate of stillbirths, perinatal and neonatal mortality in the group of TPT singletons did not differ significantly from any of the control groups. Comparable results were found for the TPT twin group, except for perinatal mortality, which was significantly lower in the TPT group compared with naturally conceived twins. The adjusted risk of LBW was significantly higher for TPT versus NC singletons [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.67 (0.48-0.93)]; however AOR for PTB was similar in the two groups. Regarding twins, similar adjusted risks were observed for PTB and LBW between the TPT and all three control groups. Significantly more Caesarean sections were performed after IVF (27.3% for singletons) and ICSI (25.1% for singletons) with ejaculated sperm compared with the TPT group (16.4% for singletons). The total rate of congenital malformations in the TPT group was 7.7% and did not differ significantly from any of the control groups. However, singleton TPT boys showed an increased rate of cardiac malformations (3.6%) compared with singleton boys after IVF (1.4%; P = 0.04) and NC (1.1%; P = 0.02). Considering the level of male infertility as a continuum over the four groups, tests for variance in the rate of cardiac malformations in singleton boys, and undescended testicles for singleton as well as twin boys were each significantly increased from NC to IVF to ICSI to TPT (P < 0.001). The rate of hypospadias showed the same pattern, but the TPT group did not differ significantly compared with the control groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

One of the limitations is that the TPT group could not be classified according to testicular or epididymal sperm, as these data were not available in the IVF register. Another limitation is that registry-based studies are encumbered with the risk of reporting or coding errors or missing data due to insufficient coding. However, the quality of data on congenital malformations in HDR has, in other studies, been validated and found acceptable for epidemiological research, and furthermore, recordings on study and control groups are performed similarly.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Accumulating data show that TPT treatment is equally safe as conventional ICSI and IVF treatment and as NC with regard to neonatal outcome including congenital malformation.

STUDY FUNDING/POTENTIAL COMPETING INTERESTS

This study is supported by Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Scientific Unit, Horsens Hospital. No competing interests declared.

Different sperm sources and parameters can influence intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes before embryo implantation

To evaluate the effects of sperm with different parameters and sources on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 1972 ICSI cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Groups 1 to 5 were composed of cycles using ejaculated sperm and were grouped according to sperm quantity, quality, and morphology into normal (288 cycles), or mild (329 cycles), moderate (522 cycles), severe (332 cycles), and extremely severe (171 cycles) oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia (OAT) groups. Group 6 was composed of 250 cycles using testicular or epididymal sperm, and Group 7 consisted of 80 cycles using frozen-thawed sperm. We found that fertilization rates were gradually reduced from Groups 1 to 6, and reached statistical difference in Groups 5 and 6 (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 (P<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the rates of embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live-birth, premature birth, low birth weight, weeks of premature birth, average birth weight, or sex ratio for all seven groups (P>0.05). A total of nine cases of malformation were observed, with a malformation rate of 1.25% (9/719). In conclusion, different sperm sources and parameters can affect ICSI outcomes before embryo implantation. A full assessment of offspring malformation will require further study using a larger sample size.

Aetiology of hypospadias: a systematic review of genes and environment

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia. Most cases have an unknown aetiology, which is probably a mix of monogenic and multifactorial forms, implicating both genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes current knowledge about the aetiology of hypospadias.

METHODS

Pubmed was used to identify studies on hypospadias aetiology published between January 1995 and February 2011. Reference lists of the selected manuscripts were also searched to identify additional studies, including those published before 1995.

RESULTS

The search provided 922 articles and 169 articles were selected for this review. Studies screening groups of patients with hypospadias for single gene defects found mutations in WT1, SF1, BMP4, BMP7, HOXA4, HOXB6, FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD3B2, SRD5A2, ATF3, MAMLD1, MID1 and BNC2. However, most investigators are convinced that single mutations do not cause the majority of isolated hypospadias cases. Indeed, associations were found with polymorphisms in FGF8, FGFR2, AR, HSD17B3, SRD5A2, ESR1, ESR2, ATF3, MAMLD1, DGKK, MID1, CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1. In addition, gene expression studies indentified CTGF, CYR61 and EGF as candidate genes. Environmental factors consistently implicated in hypospadias are low birthweight, maternal hypertension and pre-eclampsia, suggesting that placental insufficiency may play an important role in hypospadias aetiology. Exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals have the potential to induce hypospadias but it is unclear whether human exposure is high enough to exert this effect. Other environmental factors have also been associated with hypospadias but, for most, the results are inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a number of contributors to the aetiology of hypospadias have been identified, the majority of risk factors remain unknown.

Outcomes for offspring of men having ICSI for male factor infertility

Since the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using single sperm isolated from testicular tissue in men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, or using ejaculated sperm in those with poor semen quality, there have been concerns that this might have adverse effects on the offspring compared to conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and natural conceptions. ICSI is done for reasons other than male factor infertility, and on the whole has not been shown to have any more negative effects than those seen with IVF. There have however, been very few studies of ICSI with a focus on, or large enough numbers to examine, the specific outcomes associated with male factor infertility. From the limited information available in relation to the source of the sperm and aetiology of infertility in the presence of ICSI, there appears to be no increased risk of congenital malformations. There is, however, a small increase in both de novo and inherited chromosome abnormalities. In terms of growth and neurodevelopment, there are very few studies, and so far, no adverse outcomes have been found in young children whose fathers have a sperm defect. The origin of the sperm used in ICSI does not have a major influence on the early life outcomes for the offspring, but transgenerational and epigenetic effects remain unknown. When the male factor infertility is known or thought to be due to a Y-chromosome deletion, this information should be given to the young male offspring at a time that will ensure his own reproductive health and plans are optimized.

Comparison of early pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after frozen and fresh embryo transfer in ART cycles

PURPOSE

frozen embryo transfer (FET) has no clear negative impact on neonatal outcome compared with fresh embryo transfer (ET) and appears to result in similar or even better neonatal outcome. The objective of this study was to compare early pregnancy outcome and neonatal health of children born after FET and fresh ET.

METHODS

in this study early pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after FET (n = 200) and fresh ET (n = 500) were compared.

RESULTS

for early pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy was comparable between FET and fresh ET groups. Spontaneous abortion was significantly higher in FET (14.5%) than fresh ET group (9%). Neonatal outcome was comparable between both groups except for lower live birth rate in FET (55%) versus fresh ET group (66%).

CONCLUSION

FET has similar neonatal outcome in terms of prematurity, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal death and major malformation compared with fresh ET.

Male reproductive tract abnormalities: more common after assisted reproduction?

BACKGROUND

In this era of increased use of assisted reproduction (AR) techniques, the prevalence rates of hypospadias, cryptorchidism, poor semen quality have been increasing in parallel with a rising incidence of testicular cancer. It is suggested that these problems result from the disruption of gonadal development during fetal life causing the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS).

AIM

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), on the development of male genital tract abnormalities.

STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

We analyzed a cohort of 15,206 neonates born from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2008 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, including 890 children (5.9%) born after IVF or ICSI. We examined the association between these AR methods and developmental abnormalities of the genital tract (hypospadias, cryptorchidism), after controlling for potential confounding factors, such as prematurity, low birthweight and twinning.

RESULTS

Preterm birth and low birthweight are risk factors for hypospadias and cryptorchidism (p<0.001), twinning increases the risk of hypospadias (p<0.001). ICSI was revealed as a risk factor for hypospadias in singletons (OR: 3.190, 95%CI: 1.266-8.042) and in normal birthweight (>2500 g) infants (OR: 3.966, 95%CI: 1.193-13.181, respectively). Similar but not nonsignificant trends were seen for cryptorchidism.

CONCLUSION

IVF and ICSI, by increasing the risks of prematurity, low birthweight, and multiple gestation, are indirect risk factors for developing male genital malformations. In infants with normal birhtweight or from singleton pregnancies, ICSI is a specific risk factor for hypospadias.

Can mammalian mothers influence the sex of their offspring peri-conceptually?

Although controversial, growing evidence from evolutionary biology suggests that the mammalian mother may have a role in influencing the sex of her offspring. However, there is competing information on the molecular mechanisms by which such influence could be manifested. The new initiatives are based on hypotheses from evolutionary biology: the 'good condition' hypothesis, which suggests that post conception, higher levels of maternal glucose may differentially promote the development of male embryos; and the 'maternal dominance' hypothesis, which proposes that before conception, higher follicular testosterone may influence the development of the ovum so that it emerges already adapted to receive an X- or a Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoon. Now, it seems these hypothesised mechanisms could be operating in synchrony, each complementing and reinforcing the other. On the other hand, there are continuing problems in identifying a precise sequence of mechanisms as evidenced from research in sperm-sorting. Research on high-fat diets and the sex ratio in polytocous species may indicate important differences in proximate mechanisms for sex allocation between polytocous and monotocous mammals.

Congenital malformations in infants born after in vitro fertilization in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The risk for congenital malformations is increased in infants born after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some specific malformations appear to be more affected than others.

METHODS

The presence of congenital malformations in 15,570 infants born after IVF with an embryo transfer between April 1, 2001, and the end of 2006 were compared with all infants born in Sweden during 2001 to 2007 (n = 689,157). Risk estimates were made after adjusting for year of birth, maternal age, parity, smoking, and body mass index. The risks of specific malformations were compared with data from a previous study (1982 to March 31, 2001) of 16,280 infants born after IVF. Different IVF methods were compared to respect to malformation risk.

RESULTS

Increased risks of a similar magnitude were found for most cardiovascular malformations and limb reduction defects for both study periods. For neural tube defects, cardiac septal defects, and esophageal atresia, there was still an increased risk, but it was lower during the second than during the first period. For small bowel atresia, anal atresia, and hypospadias, the risk increase observed during the first study period had disappeared during the second period. An increased risk was seen for some syndromes that have been associated with imprinting errors. No difference in malformation risk according to IVF method was apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

A slightly increased risk for congenital malformations after IVF persists. A decreasing risk is seen for some specific malformations, either true or the result of multiple testing.

Karyotyping, congenital anomalies and follow-up of children after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with non-ejaculated sperm: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

For men with azoospermia, it is possible to father their own progeny by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with epididymal or testicular sperm. Some studies show that children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART) are at increased risk of birth defects, other studies suggest that there is no extra concern about ICSI children conceived with epididymal or testicular sperm.

METHODS

Studies about the karyotypes of fetuses, congenital anomalies and the follow-up of the children born after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm were identified by means of a systematic literature search.

RESULTS

Eight relevant studies were identified; two studies reported karyotype, five reported malformations and one reported follow-up of children after ICSI. In total, there were 55 out of 1973 (2.8%) abnormal karyotypes in the ICSI with ejaculated sperm group, 0 out of 31 in the ICSI with epididymal sperm group and 5 out of 191 (2.6%) in the ICSI with testicular sperm group. Major malformations were found in 543 out of 12 377 (4.4%) in the ICSI with ejaculated sperm group, 17 out of 533 (3.2%) in the ICSI with epididymal sperm group and 31 out of 670 (4.6%) in the ICSI with testicular sperm group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were no statistical differences, the study groups were small and heterogenic, with a number of potential biases. We therefore recommend a standardized methodology of follow-up studies after ART, with well-defined groups of ICSI with ejaculated sperm, ICSI with epididymal sperm and ICSI with testicular sperm, and a control group of naturally conceived children.

[ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm: what about children?]

For men presenting azoospermia, the development of ICSI with epidydimal (MESA) or testicular (TESE) sperm, allowed them to father their own progeny. Little is known about the issue of these ICSI, in terms of efficiency and quality of the conceptus, and many controversies remain. Some studies emphasized that children born after Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with surgically sperm retrieved were at increased risk of birth defects. In this context, we proposed a retrospective analysis of pregnancy issues with non-ejaculated sperm.

Infant outcome of 957 singletons born after frozen embryo replacement: the Danish National Cohort Study 1995-2006

OBJECTIVE

To examine infant outcome of singletons born after cryopreservation of embryos (Cryo).

DESIGN

National population-based controlled follow-up study.

SETTING

Denmark, 1995-2007.

PATIENT(S)

The study population was 957 Cryo singletons (Cryo-IVF, n=660; Cryo-ICSI, n=244; Cryo-IVF/-ICSI, n=53). The first control group was all singletons born after fresh IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) during the same period (IVF, n=6904; ICSI, n=3425). The second control group comprised a random sample of non-assisted reproductive technology (ART) singletons (n=4800).

INTERVENTION(S)

All observations were obtained from national registers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g), preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks), congenital malformations, mortality, and morbidity.

RESULT(S)

Birth weight was higher in Cryo (mean=3578 g, SD=625) versus fresh (mean=3373 g, SD=648) and in Cryo versus non-ART (mean=3537 g, SD=572), and this was also the case for first birth only. Lower adjusted risk of LBW (odds ratio [OR]=0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.87) and PTB (OR=0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.92) was observed in Cryo versus fresh. Similar LBW and PTB rates were observed when comparing Cryo with non-ART, but the perinatal mortality rate was doubled in Cryo (1.6%) compared with non-ART (0.8%) singletons, and the adjusted risks of very preterm birth (<34 weeks) and neonatal admittance were also significantly increased. No significant differences in the prevalence rates of birth defects, neurological sequelae, malignancies, and imprinting-related diseases were observed between the Cryo and the two control groups. However higher malformation and cerebral palsy rates were observed in the total Fresh vs. non-ART group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Cryo singletons have better neonatal outcome than offspring after fresh ET but poorer compared with non-ART singletons.

Postmortem recovery and cryopreservation of spermatozoa from the vas deferens of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

To determine whether sperm derived from the vas deferens could be retrieved and successfully cryopreserved, testes were collected from 20 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). The males ranged in age from 3 to 19 yr with an average age of 8.5 yr. No sperm was obtained from three animals that were younger than 4 yr. The remaining 17 samples contained sperm with an average sperm cell number of 421.8+/-88.7x10(6) and an average motility of 72.8+/-4.4%. After 24h of culture in TALP medium at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2) and 95% air, the overall motility decreased significantly in all samples regardless of treatment. Freezing in TEST (TES-Tris buffer)-yolk buffer containing 6% (vol/vol) glycerol had a significant effect on sperm, reducing the immediate postthaw motility to 42.4% in nontreated samples. Treatment with dibutyryl-cAMP and caffeine further reduced sperm motility after 4h in fresh sperm (72.8% vs. 50.4%) but increased motility in sperm that had been frozen (14.0% vs. 23.2%). The age of the male did not influence sperm concentration or grade but proved to be a significant factor in determining motility of frozen-thawed treated sperm, with lower motility found in samples from older males. Overall, the study demonstrates that motile sperm can be obtained from postmortem males, although subsequent studies will be needed to determine whether the quality is sufficient to facilitate its use in assisted reproduction.

New insights into epididymal biology and function

BACKGROUND

The epididymis performs an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa including their acquisition of progressive motility and fertilizing ability. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these maturational events are still poorly defined. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of epididymal function including its development, role of the luminal microenvironment in sperm maturation, regulation and novel mechanisms the epididymis utilizes to carry out some of its functions.

METHODS

A systematic search of Pubmed was carried out using the search term 'epididymis'. Articles that were published in the English language until the end of August 2008 and that focused on the specific topics described above were included. Additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included.

RESULTS

While the majority of these findings were the result of studies in animal models, recent studies in the human epididymis are also presented including gene profiling studies to examine regionalized expression in normal epididymides as well as in those from vasectomized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant progress has been made in our understanding of epididymal function providing new insights that ultimately could improve human health. The data also indicate that the human epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation but has unique properties compared with animal models.

The sex ratio of singleton offspring in assisted-conception pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and male factor infertility on the sex ratio in births from assisted reproductive technology.

DESIGN

Historic cohort study.

SETTING

Clinic-based data.

PATIENT(S)

The study population included 15,164 singleton live births in the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology national database for 2005 from cycles using ejaculated sperm, categorized by the use of insemination or ICSI and the absence or presence of male factor infertility, and cleavage- versus blastocyst-stage embryo transfers (ETs).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The probability of a male infant with and without the use of ICSI and in the presence or absence of male factor infertility.

RESULT(S)

The sex ratio for all U.S. live births in 2005 was 52.5%, versus 48.9% for cleavage-stage and 51.6% for blastocyst-stage embryos. With blastocyst-stage embryos, the sex ratios were 49.6% and 54.9% with and without ICSI and 52.6% and 50.0% with and without male factor infertility, respectively. With cleavage-stage embryos, the sex ratio was not significantly affected by ICSI or male factor infertility, singly or in combination.

CONCLUSION(S)

The use of ICSI, particularly with blastocyst-stage embryos, is associated with a decrease in the sex ratio of male infants.

[Children born of ICSI]

Studies on children born as a result of IVF or ICSI present significant methodological differences and have been conducted on highly heterogeneous populations. Regarding perinatal data, there is a consensus of opinion on the increased risk of prematurity, growth retardation and perinatal mortality, even after maternal factors and the presence or absence of multiple pregnancies have been taken into account. There is no significant difference in the studies between ICSI and IVF, which are often not individualised. The results of birth defects following IVF treatment are contradictory in the literature. The risk of birth defects following ICSI can be caused by male infertility (chromosome abnormality rate, microdeletion of the Y chromosome, genetic fingerprint) or by the technique used (no selection of the fertilising spermatozoon, disturbance of the meiotic spindle, risk of introduction of foreign materials, risk of infection). Analysis of the literature is complicated because of methodological biases. Thus, according to the studies, the risks of defects following ICSI are identical or increased compared with those following IVF. In the long term, synthesis of the studies does not allow any certainty regarding the growth of children, their cognitive or psychomotor development, the risk of cancers or epigenetic diseases. The current data is more reassuring than worrying, but the good current studies on child development should be developed in terms of number, cohort size and monitoring period.