Birth weight is associated with inner cell mass grade of blastocysts

Capsule:
Blastocysts with a more developed inner cell mass developed into newborns with a greater weight, when corrected for gestational age and gender.

Authors:
Frederick Licciardi, M.D., Caroline McCaffrey, Ph.D., Cheongeun Oh, Ph.D., Cecilia Schmidt-Sarosi, M.D., David McCulloh, Ph.D.

Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 382-387

Abstract:

Objective:
To determine the relationship between blastocyst growth parameters and birth weight.

Design:
Cohort study.

Setting:
University-affiliated fertility center.

Patient(s):
In vitro patients who delivered a singleton after a single-blastocyst transfer.

Intervention(s):
None.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Birth weight adjusted for gestational age at delivery and gender, with adjusted birth weight examined for association with blastocyst scores and grades.

Result(s):
After standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) and thawed embryo transfers, greater birth weight was associated with a higher inner cell mass grade. The grade of the trophectoderm and stage of the blastocyst did not relate to weight.

Conclusion(s):
Embryonic growth as early as day 5 can predict the progress of fetal development as measured by birth weight.