Comparison of IVF outcomes using conventional insemination and ICSI in ovarian cycles in which only one or two oocytes are obtained

Objective. - Compare outcomes of patients in whom only one or two oocytes were retrieved who underwent conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and methods. - Patients who received IVF and only one to two oocytes were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. Fertilization rate, good-quality embryo rate, pregnancy Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded and analyzed. Results. - Of 194 patients, 118 received conventional IVF and 76 ICSI. There were no significant differences in age (mean age, 36 years in both groups), infertility parameters, and number of oocytes retrieved between the groups. ICSI patients had a higher fertilization rate (82.7% vs. 67.0%) and 2PN fertilization rate (78.8% vs. 59.7%); however, no difference in good-quality embryo rate or PR was noted. For women less than 35 years of age, there was no significant difference in these outcome parameters between the groups. For patients greater or equal to 35 years of age ICSI was associated with a higher fertilization rate (83.1% vs. 62.4%) and 2PN fertilization rate (80.3% vs. 55.0%); however, there was no difference in PR. Conclusions. - ICSI did not improve the good-quality embryo rate or clinical PR rate compared to conventional IVF using semen with normal parameters in women with poor ovarian reserve. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.