The value of rescue ICSI versus that of direct ICSI following fertilization failure in conventional IVF

Objective To explore the clinical value of rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection(Rescue ICSI) following fertilization failure in conventional IVF.Methods 29 rescue ICSI cycles following total fertilization failure in conventional IVF(groupⅠ) and 70 direct ICSI cycles(groupⅡ) were performed in our hospital between June 2009 and December 2009.The clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results The normal fertilization rate,high-quality embryo rate,and clinical pregnancy rate did not differ significantly between the two groups [(80.8 ± 16.2)% vs.(82.9 ± 15.9)%,(76.6 ± 24.6)% vs.(72.7 ± 24.4)%,and 37.9% vs.41.4%;P 0.05].There was a significant difference in the cleavage embryo rate between rescue ICSI than direct ICSI [(91.7 ± 13.6)% vs.(97.4 ± 6.8)%,P 0.05].Conclusions Rescue ICSI may improve the fertilization rate and clinical outcomes.It can be performed after fertilization failure in conventional IVF.