Impact of PICSI on embryo quality in infertility treatment
Sperm Hyaluronic Binding Selection (PICSI): Impact on Embryo Aneuploid Status in Assisted Human Reproduction
This study is testing if a special sperm selection method called PICSI can improve the quality of embryos for couples trying to conceive through assisted reproductive technology.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 142 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Merrion Fertility Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin, Dublin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06602687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of Physiologic Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) on the euploidy rates of embryos in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology. By selecting sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, the study aims to improve sperm quality and ultimately enhance embryo viability. Couples with specific age criteria and a minimum number of mature eggs will be included, while those using donor or frozen gametes will be excluded. The study builds on previous findings that suggest PICSI may reduce miscarriage rates, despite mixed results regarding live birth rates.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are couples undergoing ICSI with their own fresh gametes, where the female partner is over 35 years old or the male partner is over 40 years old.
Not a fit: Patients using donor or frozen gametes, or those undergoing IVF cycles, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to higher quality embryos and improved pregnancy outcomes for couples facing infertility.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies like the HABSelect trial showed no improvement in live birth rates with PICSI, they indicated a significant reduction in miscarriage rates, suggesting potential benefits in embryo quality.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Couples undergoing a planned ICSI-PGT-A cycle using their own fresh gametes * Female age \> 35 years and/or Male age \> 40 years * Minimum of two mature eggs at time of egg maturity assessment Exclusion Criteria: * Couples undergoing a planned IVF cycle (even if converted to ICSI) * Patients using donor gametes for an ICSI cycle * Patients using frozen gametes for an ICSI cycle
Where this trial is running
Dublin, Dublin
- Merrion Fertility Clinic — Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Louise E Glover, PhD
- Email: lglover@merrionfertility.ie
- Phone: 353 + 15567900
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.