Modelling a risk classification of aneuploidy in human embryos using non-invasive morphokinetics

Chromosome anomalies (aneuploidy) are prevalent in human embryos and result in either IVF failure, miscarriage or the birth of children with chromosome disorders. After IVF, it is imperative to try to detect aneuploid embryos in order to transfer an embryo with a normal chromosome copy number (euploid) to maximize the chances of a successful and healthy live birth. Currently, the only option is to biopsy a cell (or cells) from the embryo and analyse these using complex and expensive genetic technology. Novel uninterrupted culturing methods using the EmbryoScope now enables detailed observation of the each embryo via time-lapse photography during the whole culture period, for up to 6 days. This new technology has permitted us to observe the development of human embryos in detail after IVF, providing analysis of complex patterns of cell division and cell movement (morphokinetics). As far as is known for the first time, we have demonstrated differences between aneuploid and euploid embryos based on their morphokinetic patterns, whereby aneuploid embryos are significantly delayed in reaching the later stages of development, during days 4 and 5 in culture. We postulate that, by using the unique, non-invasive and specifically designed models or algorithms developed in this study, embryologists can make more informed choices on the most viable embryo to select for transfer and reduce the risk of selecting an aneuploid embryo.