Impact of oocyte vitrification on embryonic outcomes: Experience from a single center at Tam Anh General Hospital
Main Article Content
Abstract
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 5,181 autologous IVF–ICSI cycles performed at the Assisted Reproductive Center, Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, between January 2022 and December 2025 to evaluate the impact of oocyte vitrification on fertilization and embryonic developmental outcomes. Following propensity score matching, the analytical cohort comprised 285 cycles (57 vitrified–warmed oocyte cycles and 228 fresh oocyte cycles) with well balanced baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference in the fertilization rates between the two groups. However, vitrified oocytes were associated with a reduced likelihood of Day 3 embryo formation, Top-quality Day 3 embryos, blastocyst formation, and Day 5 blastocysts. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the rates of good-quality blastocysts or Day 6 - 7 blastocysts. Oocyte vitrification did not compromise post-ICSI fertilization efficiency but was associated with diminished early embryonic developmental competence and reduced Day 5 blastocyst formation, while blastocyst morphological quality remained comparable to that of fresh oocytes.
Article Details
Keywords
Oocyte vitrification, propensity score matching study
References
2. Practice Committees of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists. A review of best practices of rapid-cooling vitrification for oocytes and embryos: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2021 Feb; 115(2): 305-310. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.017.
3. Preservation TEGG on FF, Anderson RA, Amant F, et al. ESHRE guideline: female fertility preservation. Hum Reprod Open. 2020; 2020(4). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoaa052.
4. Vu TT, Nguyen KTM, Hoang HTT, et al. Blastocyst development potential in fresh versus vitrified oocytes: a retrospective matched comparative cross-sectional study. Reprod Biomed Online. 2026; 52(2): 105260. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105260.
5. Cobo A, Coello A, Remohí J, et al. Effect of oocyte vitrification on embryo quality: time-lapse analysis and morphokinetic evaluation. Fertil Steril. 2017; 108(3): 491-497.e3. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.024.
6. Kostoglou K, Michos G, Najdecki R, et al. Comparison of Cumulative Live Birth Rates Between Fresh and Vitrified Donor Oocytes. Cureus. 2025; 17(4): e82589. doi:10.7759/cureus.82589.
7. Practice Committees of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Mature oocyte cryopreservation: a guideline. Fertil Steril. 2013; 99(1): 37-43. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.09.028.
8. Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and ESHRE Special Interest Group of Embryology. The Istanbul consensus workshop on embryo assessment: proceedings of an expert meeting†. Hum Reprod. 2011; 26(6): 1270-1283. doi:10.1093/humrep/der037.
9. Torra-Massana M, Miguel-Escalada I, Vassena R, et al. Long-term storage of vitrified oocytes does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates: analysis of 5362 oocyte donation cycles. Reprod Biomed Online. 2023; 47(3): 103228. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.019.
10. Oliva M, Gounko D, Lee JA, et al. Does the duration of cryostorage of vitrified-warmed oocytes impact ivf and perinatal outcomes? Fertil Steril. 2021; 116(3): e258. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.689.
11. Rienzi L, Gracia C, Maggiulli R, et al. Oocyte, embryo and blastocyst cryopreservation in ART: systematic review and meta-analysis comparing slow-freezing versus vitrification to produce evidence for the development of global guidance. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Mar 1; 23(2): 139-155. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmw038.
12. Pai HD, Baid R, Palshetkar NP, et al. Oocyte Cryopreservation - Current Scenario and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2021; 14(4): 340-349. doi:10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_173_21.
13. Khalili MA, Maione M, Palmerini MG, et al. Ultrastructure of human mature oocytes after vitrification. Eur J Histochem EJH. 2012; 56(3): e38. doi:10.4081/ejh.2012.e38.
14. Martínez-Burgos M, Herrero L, Megías D, et al. Vitrification versus slow freezing of oocytes: effects on morphologic appearance, meiotic spindle configuration, and DNA damage. Fertil Steril. 2011; 95(1): 374-377. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.07.1089.
15. Nohales-Córcoles M, Sevillano-Almerich G, Di Emidio G, et al. Impact of vitrification on the mitochondrial activity and redox homeostasis of human oocyte. Accessed February 10, 2026. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dew130.
16. Tamura AN, Huang TTF, Marikawa Y. Impact of Vitrification on the Meiotic Spindle and Components of the Microtubule-Organizing Center in Mouse Mature Oocytes. Biol Reprod. 2013; 89(5): 112. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.113.108167.
17. Sunuwar S, Heo YS. Reactive Oxygen Species in Embryo Development: Sources, Impacts, and Implications for In Vitro Culture Systems. Life. 2026; 16(1): 136. doi:10.3390/life16010136.
18. Chang H, Chen H, Zhang L, et al. Effect of oocyte vitrification on DNA damage in metaphase II oocytes and the resulting preimplantation embryos. Mol Reprod Dev. 2019; 86(11): 1603-1614. doi:10.1002/mrd.23247.