Utilización del Integrated Semen Analysis System (ISAS) ® para el análisis morfométrico espermático humano y su significado en las técnicas de reproducción asistida

Abstract

Aim The utility of a new computer-aided sperm morphology analyzer (the integrated semen analysis system [ISAS ®]) in predicting fertilization rates obtained with ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile men undergoing distinct assisted reproduction technologies (ART) was evaluated and compared with standard morphology analysis. Methods Ejaculates were obtained from men providing samples for intrauterine insemination (IUI) (n = 15), in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 20) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 19). Smears were prepared for routine morphological analysis using Papanicolaou staining and for assessment by ISAS ® using Hemacolor staining. Results Significant differences were found only in the sperm head length of ejaculated spermatozoa in patients undergoing IUI, IVF and ICSI. Spermatozoa selected by swim-up tended to have larger heads and shorter midpieces than spermatozoa found in the native ejaculate. No correlation was found between subjective sperm morphology and fertilization and pregnancy rates with the distinct ART used. In sharp contrast, a significant negative correlation was found between sperm head width, area and perimeter as assessed by ISAS ® after swim-up and the pregnancy rate for IUI and the fertilization rate for ICSI. No correlations were found with any of the parameters analyzed and the fertilization and pregnancy rates for IVF. Conclusion Sperm morphology assessment using ISAS ® may be useful when selecting patients for ART.