Embryology. Prognostic value of first polar body morphology on fertilization rate and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The association between oocyte morphology and subsequent fertilization rate and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is subject to considerable controversy. This retrospective study was carried out to investigate a possible prognostic value of first polar body morphology with regard to fertilization rate and embryo quality. A total of 70 consecutive ICSI cases was included in this study. The results showed that classification based on first polar body morphology revealed a significant correlation with fertilization rate (P < 0.025) and embryo quality (P < 0.001). Cytoplasmic criteria showed no correlation in this respect. Present data indicate that ICSI of oocytes with intact well-shaped first polar bodies yields higher fertilization rates and higher quality embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]