RBMO Volume 50 Hot Topics

Subtle translocation does not affect euploid blastocysts rate or pregnancy outcomes during preimplantation genetic testing

Yun Wang, Yuchao Zheng, Yize Han, Minjie Shao, Liang Chang, Jin Huang

RBMO Editors’ comments: Subtle reciprocal translocations are not uncommon and as shown in this analysis, have no impact on pregnancy rates: does this shed light on the detection and interpretation of relatively minor abnormalities in PGTA?

Reassessing the conventional fertilisation check: leveraging PGT-A to increase the number of transferrable embryos

Balsam Al Hashimi, Simon Harvey, Katie Harvey, Elena Linara-Demakakou, Bhavna Raikundalia, Orla Green, Darren Griffin, Kamal Ahuja, Nick Macklon

RBMO Editors’ comments: This study confirms that 1PN and 2.1PN embryos are frequently diploid (as are some 3PN), demonstrated by PGT with parental origin testing. While proposed as an additional indication for PGT-A,  it does raise questions about the cost / benefit ratio of this additional testing.  Are fertilization and development better assessed using timelapse technologies?

The Istanbul Consensus update: a revised ESHRE/ALPHA consensus on oocyte and embryo static and dynamic morphological assessment

This European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)/Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine (ALPHA) consensus document is a comprehensive update to the 2011 Istanbul Consensus. This nee document provides 20 recommendations focused on the timeline of preimplantation developmental events and morphological criteria for oocyte, zygote and embryo assessment. Based on the duration of embryo culture, recommendations are given on the frequency and timing of assessments to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Several criteria relevant to oocyte and embryo morphology have not been well studied, leading to either a recommendation against their use for grading or for their use in ranking rather than grading.

Cairo Consensus on Accreditation as the Basis for Future-Proofing the ART Laboratory

An international consensus meeting was convened to discuss globally applicable strategies for ‘future-proofing’ ART laboratories. The central theme was how the application of the foundational principles of laboratory accreditation enables any centre to create an ethos and framework that will support future-proofing in all regards. Discussions focussed on ART laboratory services from egg retrieval and semen specimen receipt to embryo transfer, as well as pertinent cryobanking activities. Issues related to whether ART treatment should be considered an essential service, overall clinic operations, general patient care, and the provision of clinical treatment, were not included as they fall under the purview of physicians and public health authorities. This report details the 16 core consensus points reached, which are supported by extensive practical recommendations that cover the gamut of ART laboratory operations.

Sustainability in the IVF Lab: an interview with Alpha Scientists and International IVF Initiative

Mina Alikani, Giles Palmer, Jacques Cohen, and Francesca Farlie from Alpha Scientists and the International IVF Initiative, lead authors and the organizing team behind recent paper ‘Sustainability in the IVF laboratory: recommendations of an expert panel’, sat down with RBMO for an interview to discuss the genesis of the project, the issues they are tackling and their recommendations for the future of green IVF.