Clinical Report: Determinants of Abnormal Cleavage in Early Human Embryos

Overview

This study analyzed 138,178 normally fertilized embryos to identify factors associated with abnormal cleavage (ABNCL). Key findings indicate that endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and certain stimulation protocols significantly influence ABNCL rates, including specific protocols like mild stimulation.

Background

Abnormal cleavage in early human embryos is linked to impaired developmental competence and reduced reproductive potential, making it a critical focus in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Understanding the determinants of ABNCL can help optimize embryo development and improve ART outcomes. This study employs time-lapse imaging to provide insights into the clinical factors affecting ABNCL.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 44.1% of analyzed embryos exhibited abnormal cleavage (ABNCL).
• Endometriosis and unexplained infertility were associated with increased ABNCL risk (specific percentages).
• Higher oocyte yield and use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) correlated with increased ABNCL rates (specific percentages).
• Mild stimulation protocols and higher estradiol levels on the hCG trigger day were linked to reduced ABNCL risk (specific percentages).
• Distinct ABNCL subtypes showed varying associations with gonadotropin dosage and stimulation protocols (specific percentages).

Clinical Implications

These findings emphasize the need for personalized controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) strategies to enhance embryo quality. Clinicians should consider patient characteristics and treatment protocols, such as specific stimulation protocols, to mitigate the risk of abnormal cleavage during ART.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant impact of clinical and treatment-related factors on abnormal cleavage in early embryos, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches in ART to improve outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Factors influencing abnormal cleavage of early embryos: time-lapse imaging analysis of 138,178 normally fertilized embryos
2. npj Digital Medicine, Timelapse-based 3D reconstruction of blastocysts reveals 3D morphologies of human blastocysts, 2025
3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Outcomes of Perinatal and Maternal Health Following Transfer of Blastocysts from Nonpronuclear and Monopronuclear Embryos, 2026
4. Clinical effectiveness and safety of time-lapse imaging systems for embryo incubation and selection in in-vitro fertilisation treatment (TILT): a multicentre, three-parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial - PubMed, 2026
5. The Istanbul consensus update: a revised ESHRE/ALPHA consensus on oocyte and embryo static and dynamic morphological assessment, 2025
6. Brain — Analyzing the Developmental Transcriptional Profile of Human Fetal Leptomeninges
7. Acta Neuropathologica — Identification of a New NDEL1 Variant Linked to Lissencephaly Highlights the Unique Functions of NDE1 and NDEL1 in Nucleokinesis and Cortical Developmental Disorders
8. The Istanbul consensus update: a revised ESHRE/ALPHA consensus on oocyte and embryo static and dynamic morphological assessment,
9. Clinical effectiveness and safety of time-lapse imaging systems for embryo incubation and selection in in-vitro fertilisation treatment (TILT): a multicentre, three-parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial - PubMed
10. Frontiers | Factors influencing abnormal cleavage of early embryos: time-lapse imaging analysis of 138,178 normally fertilized embryos