Recurrent in vitro fertilization failure evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case of IVF failure evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Research university laboratory and clinical IVF laboratory.

PATIENT(S): An infertile couple with recurrent IVF failure.

INTERVENTION(S): Fluorescence in situ hybridization study of the complete cohort of "zygotes" obtained at the third IVF attempt.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies of chromosomes X, Y, 13, 18, and 21.

RESULT(S): All the recovered putative zygotes were abnormal for the expected ploidy, presumably as a result of abnormal oocytes.

CONCLUSION(S): Fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques represent a promising approach to analyze zygotes that fail to divide normally in vitro and eggs that fail to become fertilized. In cases of recurrent IVF failure, the results of FISH could be used to counsel couples and thus to help them choose among methods other than IVF for assisted reproduction.