Intra- and interobserver analysis in the morphological assessment of early stage embryos during an IVF procedure: a multicentre study
2011

Assessing Agreement in Embryo Evaluation During IVF

Sample size: 90 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Paternot Goedele, Wetsels Alex M, Thonon Fabienne, Vansteenbrugge Anne, Willemen Dorien, Devroe Johanna, Debrock Sophie, D'Hooghe Thomas M, Spiessens Carl

Primary Institution: Leuven University Fertility Centre, UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium

Hypothesis

Can multilevel images improve intra- and inter-observer agreement in embryo evaluation?

Conclusion

A simple website can facilitate quality control in embryo scoring, showing good to excellent agreement for certain characteristics.

Supporting Evidence

  • Good to excellent intra-observer agreement was found for the position of the pronuclei on day 1.
  • The number of blastomeres on day 2 and day 3 showed good to excellent agreement.
  • Clinical decision making had high agreement among embryologists.
  • Moderate to very poor agreement was observed for other embryo characteristics.

Takeaway

This study looked at how well different doctors agree when checking embryos for IVF. They found that using special images helps them agree more.

Methodology

Five embryologists evaluated multilevel images of embryos at different stages to assess agreement in embryo morphology.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the subjective nature of embryo evaluation.

Limitations

The study may not fully represent routine embryo populations as it focused on specific characteristics.

Participant Demographics

Five embryologists from four different IVF centers participated.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7827-9-127

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