Meta-analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromatin structure assay

Reprod Biomed Online. 2006 Apr;12(4):466-72. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62000-7.

Abstract

Meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship of sperm DNA fragmentation on pregnancy outcome using in-vivo fertilization, IUI, routine IVF and ICSI. Couples with no known infertility problems were 7.0 times (CI 3.17, 17.7) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was <30% (n = 362, P = 0.0001) using in-vivo fertilization. Infertile couples using IUI were 7.3 times (CI 2.88, 18.3) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if their DFI was <30% (n = 518, P = 0.0001). With routine IVF, infertile couples were approximately 2.0 times (CI 1.02, 2.84) more likely to become pregnant if their DFI was <30% (n = 381, P = 0.03). For ICSI and/or routine IVF, the results showed a non-significant trend where infertile couples were 1.6 times (CI 0.92, 2.94) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if the DFI was <30% (n = 323,P = 0.06). The in-vivo and IUI meta-analyses were similar, indicating that IUI infertility patients with <30% DFI have as good a statistical probability of obtaining a pregnancy/delivery as in-vivo presumably fertile couples with the same DFI. These meta-analyses show that the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay infertility test was significantly predictive for reduced pregnancy success using in-vivo, IUI and routine IVF, and to a lesser extent ICSI fertilization.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin*
  • DNA Fragmentation*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Infertility / therapy*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*

Substances

  • Chromatin