To identify patient- and treatment-related factors associated with abnormal cleavage (ABNCL) and its subtypes in embryos generated through in vitro fertilization.
Key Findings:
44.1% of embryos exhibited ABNCL, with significant variability across baseline characteristics and subtypes.
Endometriosis, unexplained infertility, higher oocyte yield, ICSI, and rescue ICSI were linked to increased ABNCL risk.
Mild stimulation protocols and higher estradiol levels on the hCG trigger day were associated with reduced ABNCL risk.
Specific gonadotropin doses influenced different ABNCL subtypes, with higher total doses increasing the likelihood of direct cleavage and other types.
Interpretation:
ABNCL is common and influenced by both patient characteristics and treatment strategies, underscoring the need for individualized approaches in assisted reproductive technology to improve outcomes.
Limitations:
Findings are limited to cleavage-stage outcomes and may not apply to later developmental or clinical endpoints.
Study design is retrospective, which may introduce biases affecting the results.
Conclusion:
Individualized controlled ovarian stimulation and fertilization strategies are essential to optimize early embryo development in ART.
