This retrospective research analyzed 1,561 embryos cultured in time-lapse incubators
A study by IVF-Life reveals that only 12% of the slower-developing embryos were genetically normal, compared to 88% of those that reached the blastocyst stage within five days.
An IVF-Life study has shown that embryos failing to reach the blastocyst stage by the fifth day of development present a significantly higher rate of aneuploidies—that is, abnormalities in chromosome number. This finding suggests that the speed at which an embryo develops may be directly related to its genetic integrity.
The day-5 blastocyst stage is considered a key milestone in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, as it indicates a higher implantation potential. However, until now, it was unclear whether embryos developing more slowly also carried a greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
This retrospective research analyzed 1,561 embryos cultured in time-lapse incubators and subsequently subjected to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). The embryos were divided into two groups: those that did not reach the blastocyst stage on day 5 and those that did.
Blastocyst stage embryo
The results showed that only 12% of the slower-developing embryos were genetically normal, compared to 88% of those that reached the blastocyst stage within the expected timeframe. This difference remained even after adjusting for oocyte-related factors such as age, source (donor vs. patient), and condition (fresh vs. vitrified).
Interestingly, the type of aneuploidy detected did not differ significantly between the groups. In other words, although the slow-developing embryos were more prone to presenting chromosomal abnormalities, the nature of these anomalies did not differ. Specifically, while monosomies and trisomies were the most frequent abnormalities compared to segmental or mixed aneuploidies, the differences were not statistically significant.
“These results help us better understand the relationship between the pace of embryonic development and its genetic integrity. Although a slow-developing embryo may still have some potential, it is more likely to present chromosomal abnormalities that compromise its viability,” explains Nuria Soler, one of the embryologists who participated in the study.
Beyond its scientific relevance, the finding could also have practical implications for assisted reproduction laboratories. In cases where genetic testing is not available, morphokinetics—that is, the real-time observation of embryo development—could provide additional clues to help determine which embryos have the greatest implantation potential.
Privacy Policy
IVF-LIFE, hereby informs you of its privacy policy applied to personal data. The use of the website does not imply that the user must provide any information regarding their identity, and cannot be associated with a specific user by the company. In the event that personal data is provided, this data will be collected and used in accordance with the limitations and rights set out in the aforementioned regulation.
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DATA CONTROLLER: IVF SPAIN ALICANTE S.L.U (hereinafter IVF-Life)
CIF: B-54973227
Postal Address: Avenida de Ansaldo, no. 13, 03540, Alicante (Alicante)
Contact with the Data Protection Officer: dpo@ivf-life-group.com
DATA CONTROLLER: Instituto Vasco de Fertilidad (hereinafter IVF-Life)
CIF: B95575874
Postal Address: Avenida de Tolosa, 71-73, 20018 Donostia / San Sebastián (Spain)
Contact with the Data Protection Officer: dpo@ivf-life-group.com
DATA CONTROLLER: IVF Spain Madrid (hereinafter IVF-Life)
CIF: B 85138113
Postal Address: C/ de Manuel de Falla, 6-8, 28036 Madrid (Spain)
Contact with the Data Protection Officer: dpo@ivf-life-group.com
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- Companies of the "IVF LIFE Group" on the legal basis of consent or legitimate interest: Instituto Vasco de Fertilidad S.L.U., with NIF B95575874 and address at Avda Tolosa, 71-73 Donostia (Gipuzkoa), and IVF Spain Madrid S.L., with NIF B85138113 and address at Calle Manuel de Falla, 6-8, 28036 Madrid.
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