{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Morphokinetic analysis of early human embryonic development and its relationship to endometriosis resection: a retrospective time-lapse study using the KIDScore™ D3 and D5 implantation data algorithm.
{Author}: Herbert SL;Staib C;Wallner T;Löb S;Curtaz C;Schwab M;Wöckel A;Häusler S;
{Journal}: Arch Gynecol Obstet
{Volume}: 308
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2023 08 14
{Factor}: 2.493
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00404-023-07008-6
{Abstract}: Does complete resection of endometriosis improve embryo quality as assessed by morphokinetic parameters using time-lapse microscopy?
For this retrospective study we analysed 237 fertilised, cultured and transferred embryos from 128 fresh IVF and/ or ICSI transfer cycles. Endometriosis was confirmed or excluded by laparoscopy. Patients were stimulated with recombinant FSH using GnRH agonist and antagonist protocols. After fertilisation, a time-lapse incubation system was used for observation. Embryo quality was assessed using the KIDScore™ D3 and D5 implantation data algorithm.
The analysis showed a median KIDScore™ D5 of 2.6 (on a scale of 1 to 9.9) for embryos from patients with endometriosis without complete resection. The control group without endometriosis achieved a score of 6.8 (p = 0.003). The median score for embryos from endometriosis patients with complete resection was 7.2, which was a significant increase compared to embryos from patients without complete resection (p = 0.002). We observed an effect size of r = 0.4 for complete resection versus no resection of endometriosis using the KIDScore™ D5. There were no differences in KIDScore™ D3 between the three patient groups. Pregnancy and miscarriage rates showed the same clinical trends. In three of our four case series of patients who underwent IVF/ ICSI cycles before and after complete resection, we found a marked improvement in embryo quality after complete resection.
Complete resection of endometriosis could significantly improve the otherwise poor embryo quality of patients undergoing IVF-procedures. The data, therefore, strongly support recommending surgery to patients with endometriosis prior to assisted reproduction.