In a recent study, outcomes on the human oocyte and early embryo development did not differ between patients infected and not infected with COVID-19.
There are no clear associations of COVID-19 infection with negative effects on the human oocyte and early embryo development, according to a recent study.
The number of patients infected with COVID-19 visiting fertility and in vitro fertilization centers in China has increased since the nationwide control policy for the disease changed in December 2022. Despite this, data on how COVID-19 impacts human oocytes and early-stage embryos remains limited.
As receptors associated with COVID-19 are co-expressed in gametes and fertilized eggs along with blastocyst ectodermal cells, an immune response against COVID-19 may negatively impact embryonic development. This concern has led some centers to cancel cycles or freeze oocytes in infected patients.
To determine the impact of COVID-19 infection on the human oocyte and early embryo development, investigators conducted a prospective cohort study. Three reproductive centers in Shandong province and Shanghai municipality were consulted for data on 906 couples.
Couples with 1 member infected with COVID-19 before oocyte retrieval were placed into a COVID-19 group, while those not infected before retrieval were placed into a non-COVID-19 group. Subgroups based on the time from infection to oocyte retrieval included a 7 daysor less group, a 7 to 14 day group, and a more than 14 day group.
The effects of COVID-19 were evaluated by comparing oocyte quality and early embryo development indicators between groups during follow-up. Besides body mass index, vaccination status, and ovarian simulation protocols, similar characteristics at baseline were observed between groups.
Most oocyte-related outcomes and embryo development outcomes did not significantly differ between the COVID-19 group and non-COVID-19 group. However, differences in the number of bipronuclear (2PN) zygotes were observed, with 6 for the COVID-19 group and 5 for the non-COVID-19 group.
Similar results were seen between subgroups, with more 2PN zygotes and a higher oocyte utilization rate seen in women infected 7 to 14 days before oocyte retrieval. These outcomes were not seen in women infected within 7 days of oocyte retrieval.
When comparing infections in female patients to those in male patients, investigators found a higher number of 2PN in the female population.
No clear detriment to oocyte quality or embryo development was found after COVID-19 infection, but investigators recommended weighing the pros and cons in women with acute infection. Further research is necessary to determine long-term pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19.
Reference
SARS-CoV-2 infection has no clear negative effects on human oocyte and early embryo development. EurekAlert. April 6, 2023. Accessed April 10, 2023. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/985298
Contemporary OB/GYN Senior Editor Angie DeRosa gets insight on the current state of COVID-19 from Christina Han, MD, division director of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and member of its COVID-19 task force. Han is an active member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and discusses the issues on behalf of SMFM.
Listen
NAID report shows maternal COVID-19 vaccination protects newborns
April 4th 2024New research led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reveals sustained antibody levels in infants born to vaccinated mothers, underscoring the importance of maternal vaccination in safeguarding newborns against COVID-19.
Read More
Unveiling the complexities of preterm birth risk from nativity, ethnicity, and race
March 22nd 2024A recent study dissected the relationships between maternal nativity, ethnicity, and race in influencing preterm birth rates, shedding light on disparities and suggesting avenues for future research.
Read More