KIDScore (D3, D5) as a predictor of pregnancy outcome, compared with conventional morphology grading of embryos

The number of fertility treatments carried out in the UK is increasing annually, although success rates remain steady, currently 21% live birth for combined age groups. For an embryo to successfully result in live birth, (i) it must have highest implantation potential and (ii) the lining of the uterus must be at a stage, most receptive of the embryo. Therefore, selection of embryo and treatment/stimulation protocol are key factors, improving which, could improve success rates. Time lapse imaging (TLI) incubators such as EmbryoScope (Vitrolife) have paved the way for continuous monitoring of both morphological and kinetic parameters in embryos, without exposure to environmental stress. Studies have shown improvement in success rates using Embryoscope, although results remain varied between laboratories. Therefore, one suggestion moving forward is to personalise the morphokinetic scoring algorithm to match needs of each laboratory, assuming variations can be due to differences in patient cohort, consumables and factors, beyond our current understanding. This is where the present study fits in; it aims to analyse if morphokinetic scoring is predictive of pregnancy outcome at Homerton Fertility Centre (HFC) and whether it is comparable with conventional morphology grading. These results would ultimately lead to a personalised algorithm suited for HFC.