JBRA Assisted Reproduction 2025;29(Suppl.2 SBRA 2025):140
29th Annual Congress of the SBRA. São Paulo/SP - Brazil, 2025
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20263777

P-128. Impact of Day 3 Cytoplasmic Fragmentation on Human Embryo Development to Blastocyst

JBRA Assisted Reproduction 2025;29(Suppl.2 SBRA 2025):140
Poster Presentation
29th Annual Congress of the SBRA. São Paulo/SP - Brazil, 2025
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20263777

P-128. Impact of Day 3 Cytoplasmic Fragmentation on Human Embryo Development to Blastocyst

Andrea Mesquita Lima1, Sebastião Evangelista Torquato Filho1, Fábio Eugenio Magalhães Rodrigues1, Marcus Aurélio Bessa Paiva1, Tulius Augustus Ferreira Freitas1, Eduardo Gomes Sá1, Ellayne Cavalcanti Queiroz1, Gleicyane Sousa Santos Alam1, Renata Reis Pimentel Castro1

1 Bios Centro de Medicina Reprodutiva – Fortaleza -CE - Brasil

Objective: Cytoplasmic fragmentation, the presence of small anucleated cytoplasmic fragments, is common in human embryos, but its clinical significance remains debated. It may reduce cytoplasmic volume and compromise essential organelles, affecting embryo development. Assessing fragmentation on day 3 of culture can provide insights into the embryo's potential to reach the blastocyst stage, especially when genetic testing is unavailable. The objective this study was to evaluate the relationship between day 3 cytoplasmic fragmentation and the likelihood of forming high-quality blastocysts.
Methods: Retrospective study of 557 embryos cultured in an assisted reproduction clinic from January to December 2024. The embryos were classified by day 3 fragmentation: low (≤10%), moderate (11–25%), and high (>25%). The embryo development was monitored until day 5–6 to assess blastocyst formation and quality (ICM and TE).
Results: Blastocyst formation rates: low fragmentation 78%, moderate 62%, high 45%. Blastocyst quality was significantly better in embryos with low fragmentation. Embryos with >25% fragmentation had reduced developmental potential.
Conclusion: Day 3 cytoplasmic fragmentation is inversely associated with the ability to form high-quality blastocysts. Early fragmentation assessment is a useful parameter for embryo selection and clinical decision-making.