Blastocyst culture and transfer: Analysis of results and parameters affecting outcome in two in vitro fertilization programs

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether previously described advanced blastocyst development and high implantation rates are confirmed in an expanded multicenter trial. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Two private assisted reproductive technology units. Patient(s): One hundred seventy-four patients who underwent blastocyst culture and transfer. Intervention(s): Culture of all pronucleate embryos in sequential media to the blastocyst stage (day 5) followed by ET. Main Outcome Measure(s): The number and percentage of blastocysts developed, implantation rates, pregnancy rates, and parameters that affected outcome were analyzed. Result(s): Only 3 of 174 patients failed to achieve blastocyst-stage ..