Artificial oocyte activation – what are the fertility outcomes?

This study investigated the effect of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) on pregnancy outcomes. 

They found that AOA had no negative impact on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer. 

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are used to treat infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most well-known ART. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is another ART. Both of these involve fertilizing an oocyte (egg) in a laboratory setting. The fertilized oocyte is called an embryo. Embryos can be transferred to the womb immediately or frozen. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is the procedure to implant frozen embryos. 

IVF/ICSI protocols have changed over the years. Protocols are adapted to improve pregnancy outcomes. Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) is used to ‘activate’ oocytes. This is done by using a low dose of drugs that stimulate calcium release. This makes the oocyte more likely to become fertilized. It is unclear if AOA has any negative impact on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing FET.

This study included 5880 patients undergoing FET. 5686 patients underwent ICSI. 194 patients underwent ICSI-AOA. The authors compared pregnancy outcomes between the groups. Pregnancy outcomes included clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates.

There was no difference in any pregnancy outcome between ICSI and ICSI/AOA groups. The average age of the parents was significantly greater in the ICSI-AOA group. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly different between the groups. The number of embryos transferred varied between the groups. The cause of infertility was also varied. The authors performed a second analysis based on these differences. These factors did not affect the outcome. 

The authors concluded that AOA had no impact on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing FET.

The number of patients in the ICSI-AOA group was low compared to the ICSI group. This makes it difficult to compare the results. More investigation is needed.  

If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your physician.