Multinucleation in IVF Cycles: Study Highlights Relationship Between Embryo Development and Chromosomal Status

Strategic Insights -

Multinucleation, a common occurrence during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, has been associated with reduced euploidy rates and increased mosaicism in embryos, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by Nguyen Thi Hue Giang and colleagues, aimed to investigate the relationship between multinucleation at the two-cell stage (2MN), chromosomal status, and live birth outcomes following single embryo transfer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 23.3% of embryos exhibited 2MN, with euploidy rates significantly lower in the 2MN group (36.0%) compared to the non-multinucleation group (46.3%) (p 0.05).
  • Euploid embryos with early multinucleation had comparable live birth rates to non-multinucleated embryos.
  • The research concluded that multinucleation is associated with reduced euploidy rates and increased mosaicism, but does not necessarily affect live birth rates.
  • The study had a relatively small sample size for the live birth outcome subgroup, limiting its generalizability.
  • The study highlights the importance of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in evaluating the chromosomal status of embryos during IVF cycles.

Statistics:

  • 23.3% of embryos exhibited 2MN in the study.
  • Euploidy rates were 36.0% in the 2MN group compared to 46.3% in the non-multinucleation group (p 0.05).
  • The study included 152 patients undergoing IVF.
  • The research was conducted from January 2023 to December 2023.

Sources:

  • Nguyen Thi Hue Giang, Diem Thi Yen, Le Thi Quyen, Nguyen Xuan Hoi, Nguyen Khang Son et al. "Live Birth Rate After Transfer of a Single Euploid Blastocyst With and Without a Multinucleated Embryo." Medical Archives, 2025;79(4):292.
  • Nguyen Thi Hue Giang and Colleagues. "Study Data from Nguyen Thi Hue Giang and Colleagues Update Understanding of Health and Medicine (Live Birth Rate After Transfer of a Single Euploid Blastocyst With and Without a Multinucleated Embryo)." Health & Medicine Week, October 24, 2025; p 7827.