Clinical trial NCT02915276: The Effectiveness of Blastocentesis Versus Trophectoderm Biopsy
Official title: Comparison of Genomic DNA Analysis Between Blastocoele Fluid and Trophectoderm Biopsy in Human Embryos
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: UNKNOWN
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1
Conditions: Abnormal Karyotype
Keywords: Blastocyst
Human
DNA
Blastocentesis
Lead sponsor: Center for Reproductive an Genetic Health
Sponsor class: INDUSTRY
First posted: 2016-09-27
Enrollment: 250
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 50
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary: For the purpose of this study, the investigators will perform the removal of trophectoderm (TE) the cells as required for the purpose of pre-implantation genetic screening, in order to perform the genetic analysis. Additionally, the investigators will remove the blastocoelic fluid (BF) and perform additional genetic analysis on the embryo in order to determine the agreement of the genetics results between TE cells and BF.

Detailed description: The human embryo (fertilised egg) develops from a single cell and goes through several developmental stages in order to prepare for implantation inside the womb. During the fifth and sixth day post fertilisation, the embryo becomes a blastocyst. It consists of 100-150 cells and has two cell types. The inner cell mass (ICM) will give rise to the baby and the trophectoderm cells will become the placenta. The trophectoderm (TE) cells surround the ICM. Following the formation of the two cell types, the TE cells start producing fluid. The progressive accumulation of fluid leads to the formation of a cavity that expands to form the blastocele cavity. This cavity contains fluid is known as blastocoelic fluid (BF). The fluid can contain proteins, cells and genetic material. Traditionally to make a genetic diagnosis or when to screen embryos for abnormal chromosome number, cells are removed (biopsy) from the trophectoderm. In experienced hands, this is a very safe procedure and causes minimal damage to the embryo. However, recent studies have shown that blastocoele fluid may contain genetic material which can be aspirated (drawn out) from the blastocole cavity (blastocentesis) and used for genetic analysis of an embryo. This is potentially less invasive and harmful to the embryo. The aim of this study is to compare genetic analysis obtained following blastocentesis versus trophectoderm cell biopsy.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Couples undergoing assisted reproduction for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any other couples undergoing assisted reproduction

Primary outcomes:
measure: Number of blastocyst with genomic DNA present in the blastocoelic cavity
timeFrame: Twelve months
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: London
country: United Kingdom
facility: Kalliopi Loutradi
Study officials:
References:
citation: Magli MC, Pomante A, Cafueri G, Valerio M, Crippa A, Ferraretti AP, Gianaroli L. Preimplantation genetic testing: polar bodies, blastomeres, trophectoderm cells, or blastocoelic fluid? Fertil Steril. 2016 Mar;105(3):676-683.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.018. Epub 2015 Dec 1.
citation: Gianaroli L, Magli MC, Pomante A, Crivello AM, Cafueri G, Valerio M, Ferraretti AP. Blastocentesis: a source of DNA for preimplantation genetic testing. Results from a pilot study. Fertil Steril. 2014 Dec;102(6):1692-9.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.08.021. Epub 2014 Sep 23.