Impact of testicular histopathology as a predictor of sperm retrieval and pregnancy outcome in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia: correlation with clinical and hormonal factors

In this study, our objective was to evaluate the impact of testicular histopathology on the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia and correlate with clinical and hormonal parameters. For this purpose, 271 patients with nonobstructive azospermia (NOA) who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) for ICSI cycles were retrospectively evaluated for sperm retrieval, fertilisation, embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates among different testicular histology groups. We also correlated hormonal and clinical factors with histological findings. Sperm retrieval and fertilisation rates (FR) were found to be significantly different among all testicular histological groups of NOA except for embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Furthermore, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level was the most significant variable to predict sperm recovery on TESE. Separate analyses within each testicular histological group revealed that higher FSH was also associated with lower pregnancy rates in only maturation arrest group. In conclusion, testicular histology significantly influences sperm retrieval and FRs but not pregnancy and live birth rates in nonobstructive azoospermia. However, FSH is the best predictor of a successful TESE.     

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes with cryopreserved testicular sperm aspiration samples

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be performed with testicular frozen–thawed spermatozoa in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Sperm retrieval can be performed in advance of oocyte aspiration, as it may avoid the possibility of no recovery of spermatozoa on the day of oocyte pickup. There are few studies available in the literature concerning the use of frozen–thawed spermatozoa obtained from testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). To evaluate the effects and the outcomes of ICSI with frozen–thawed spermatozoa obtained by TESA, we performed a retrospective analysis of 43 ICSI cycles using frozen–thawed TESA. We obtained acceptable results with a fertilisation rate of 67.9%, an implantation rate (IR) of 17.1%, and clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates of 41.9% and 37.2% respectively. The results of this study suggest that performing ICSI using cryopreserved frozen–thawed testicular spermatozoa with TESA as a first option is a viable, safe, economic and effective method for patients with NOA.     

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection by testicular sperm in patients with aspermia or azoospermia after cancer treatment

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficiency of testicular biopsy and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with aspermia or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) after cancer treatment. From 1996 to 2003, 30 men with a history of cancer, affected by aspermia or NOA and without sperm cryopreserved before cytotoxic treatment underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE). In these men, clinical, hormonal and histological characteristics were compared; 13 underwent 39 TESE-ICSI cycles using frozen-thawed testicular spermatozoa (TESE-ICSI group). In the same period, 31 ICSI cycles were performed in 20 men with aspermia or NOA using ejaculated sperm frozen before cancer treatment (ejaculated sperm-ICSI group). Fertilization, blastocyst development, pregnancy and miscarriage rates were compared between the groups. Testicular volume, serum follicle-stimulating hormone level and Johnsen score indicated complete although reduced spermatogenesis in men with aspermia and abnormal spermatogenesis in men with NOA. After TESE, sperm retrieval was positive in 92% of men with aspermia and 58% of men with NOA. In TESE-ICSI patients with NOA a significantly lower proportion of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage than in patients with aspermia and in those after ICSI with frozen-thawed ejaculated sperm (23% vs. 43% and 47%, p = 0.03 and p < 0.01 respectively). In all groups the miscarriage rates were high; in patients with aspermia and NOA, characterized by increased age, the miscarriage rate tended to be higher in spite of similar female age and female indications of infertility. In patients affected by aspermia or NOA after cancer treatment and without sperm cryopreserved before treatment, TESE-ICSI using testicular sperm provide a chance to father a child.     

Probability of sperm recovery in non-obstructive azoospermic patients presenting with testes volume less than 10 ml/FSH level exceeding 20 mIU/ml

We evaluated the sperm recovery rate in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients presenting with bilateral testicular atrophy characterized by testes volume of less than 10ml and FSH levels exceeding 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-1), and compared the results to those NOA cases displaying unilateral testis volume exceeding 10 ml or FSH levels less than 20 mIU/ml (group NOA-2). Sperm retrieval was conducted in 261 azoospermic patients from April 1995 to December 2002. Forty-six NOA-1 and 37 NOA-2 individuals underwent microdissection TESE or 3-4 standard biopsies. Sperm recovery was achieved in 11 (24%) and 12 (32%) cases in NOA-1 and NOA-2, respectively. All couples received ICSI. Four clinical pregnancies (36.3%) in NOA-1 and two (17%) in NOA-2 resulted. Five subsequent healthy deliveries were obtained. NOA patients presenting with bilateral severe atrophic testes volume and obviously elevated FSH levels exhibited approximately 24% probability of sperm recovery. On the other hand, NOA characterized by testicular atrophy or elevated FSH levels displayed probability of approximately 32%. Differences in sperm recovery were not evident between NOA-1 and NOA-2. No successful pre-operative predictors of sperm recovery were identified.     

Reproductive outcome of men with azoospermia due to cryptorchidism using assisted techniques

The aetiology of cryptorchidism is still undiscernible in the majority of cases. It has long been argued that cryptorchidism reflects a primary testicular maldevelopment, where the contralateral scrotal testis also suffers from aspermatogenesis and low spermatogonia count. The aim of the study was to determine the reproductive outcome of ex-cryptorchid men with azoospermia post-orchidopexy after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). In a retrospective analysis, we compared the sperm retrieval, fertilization, pregnancy and live birth rates after ICSI of consecutive ex-cryptorchid azoospermic patients ( n  = 15) undergoing TESE between Jan 2000 and Dec 2007 vs. non-cryptorchid azoospermic men ( n  = 142). Sperm retrieval rate of ex-cryptorchid men by TESE (66%) was comparable with non-cryptorchid men (47%) ( p  = 0.15) despite significantly higher FSH levels (30.7 ± 25.4 vs. 17.9 ± 14.8 respectively) ( p  = 0.018) and a more prevalent histopathology diagnosis of aspermatogenesis (75% vs. 40%, p  = 0.046). Fertilization (43.3%), pregnancy (30%) and live birth (20%) rates after TESE–IVF–ICSI in the ex-cryptorchid group were not different from the non-cryptorchid group (48.7, 43 and 29%, p  = 0.26, p  = 0.21, p  = 0.29 respectively). We conclude that the reproductive outcome of ex-cryptorchid men with azoospermia post-orchidopexy employing TESE–IVF–ICSI is comparable with non-cryptorchid azoospermic men.     

外科取精术在无精子症诊断与治疗中的应用

目的研究外科取精术在无精子症诊断与治疗中的应用价值。方法在诊断为无精子症的、患者中,经睾丸体积测定、血清性激素水平、生殖系统超声等检查后,选择符合条件者198例,在局麻下行外科取精术,对获得组织显微镜下检查,统计分析取精结果。获得的精子行卵胞浆内单精子显微注射术（ICSI）及胚胎移植术（ET）,统计评估受精率、卵裂率、临床妊娠率及流产率。结果其中78例附睾中存在精子（39．4％）,23例睾丸中存在精子（11．6％）。睾丸体积正常的取精成功率明显高于睾丸体积偏小者,有显著性差异（P〈0．01）。血清促卵泡刺激素（FSH）水平正常的取精成功率明显高于FSH增高者,差异有显著性意义（P〈0．01）。82例外科取精术获得精子的患者进行ICSI治疗,附睾取精组与睾丸取精组比较,受精率、卵裂率、临床妊娠率及流产率差异均无统计学意义（P均〉0．05）。结论外科取精术操作简单且创伤较小,能准确鉴别诊断梗阻性无精子症（OA）及非梗阻性无精子症（NOA）,对无精子症的诊断有重要价值;为部分无精子症患者提供了生育自己生物学子代的机会,也是针对无精子症的有效治疗手段。     

非梗阻性无精子症患者睾丸活检组织细胞悬液检查与病理组织学检查精子检出率的差异性研究

目的:比较非梗阻性无精子症(NOA)患者睾丸活检组织细胞悬液检查与病理组织学检查精子检出率的差异,探讨两种检查方法结果不一致时获取精子的可靠性及临床治疗方案的选择。方法:1 112例NOA患者接受睾丸精子抽吸术(testicular sperm extraction,TESE),睾丸活检组织分别进行细胞悬液检查和病理组织学检查。结果:两种检查方法结果一致率为92.63%,一致精子检出率为41.82%,一致精子未检出率为50.81%。Kappa分析表明两种检查方法的一致性强度属于最强。25例进入辅助生殖周期的细胞悬液检查发现精子而组织学检查未发现精子患者中,24例患者取卵日成功获取精子(取精成功率为96.0%)并实施卵胞质内单精子注射(ICSI),其治疗结局为8例临床妊娠(33.33%)、4例流产(16.67%)、12例未妊娠(50.0%)。结论:实施诊断性TESE时,采用睾丸活检组织的细胞悬液检查与组织病理学检查双重评估精子检出率的方法,结果一致率高并且迅捷、准确、可靠,为NOA患者进入辅助生殖周期时成功取到精子提供了保障。当两种检查方法结果不一致时,细胞悬液检查对临床治疗方案的选择指导意义更大。     

The number of spermatozoa collected with testicular sperm extraction is a novel predictor of intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome in non-obstructive azoospermic patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between monitors of spermatogenesis and predictors of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Seventy-nine patients with NOA (mean age: 43.6±5.2 years), each of whom yielded (97 000±3040) spermatozoa with conventional TESE, were considered in our analysis. Their partners (mean age: 35.8±5.1 years) underwent a total of 184 ICSI cycles; 632 oocytes were collected, 221 oocytes were injected, 141 oocytes were fertilized, 121 embryos were obtained, 110 embryos were transferred, 14 clinical pregnancies were achieved and only one miscarriage occurred. Multivariate regression analysis indicated relationships between the percentage of fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos and clinical pregnancies with the following variable values: female partner''s age, number of spermatozoa collected, testicular volume, male partner''s levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), number of oocytes collected, number of oocytes injected and number of ICSI cycles. A significant inverse relationship was found between female partner''s age or male partner''s FSH levels and biochemical pregnancies. A significant direct relationship emerged between the number of ICSI cycles and the percentage of oocytes fertilized, embryos transferred and biochemical pregnancies, and between the number of spermatozoa collected per testicular biopsy and biochemical pregnancies. The number of spermatozoa was positively linked to the number of clinical pregnancies, independent of the number of ICSI cycles and the number of oocytes collected/injected. The number of spermatozoa collected, FSH level and testicular volume are monitors of spermatogenesis linked to ICSI success.     

Comparison of the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia in the first cycle: a report of case series and meta-analysis

To investigate the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh and cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa in the first cycle in patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a total of 90 cases, 48 OA and 42 NOA were studied. All patients underwent sperm retrieval by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) while their wives received conventional ovarian hyperstimulation. The hormone levels, testicular histology, the rates of sperm retrieval, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy were analysed and evaluated. This study and other four similar studies were subjected to meta-analysis. Sperm retrieval was successful in 100% OA and 61% NOA. Fresh spermatozoa were used in 87.5% and 92.4% of OA and NOA cases respectively; while cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa were used in 12.5% and 7.6% of OA and NOA, respectively. The fertilization, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were 65.5%, 15% and 25% respectively in OA group, and 54.2%, 5% and 23.1% respectively in NOA group. Sperm status (fresh or thawed), male partner's age, female age and male serum follicle-stimulating hormone had no significant effect upon fertilization rate, implantation rate, or pregnancy rate per embryo transfer. The results of meta-analysis indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups. There was a significantly higher fertilization rate among OA patients in all analysed studies (95% CI = 14.29-15.71, d.f. 832, T = 1.96). In conclusion, although the fertilization rate was significantly higher in the OA group in our study and from the given meta-analysis, there were some differences as regards pregnancy rates. Although the overall effect was more or less similar pregnancy rates in both subtypes of azoospermia, this may not be true if non-male infertility variables were controlled for in all studies.     

无精子症病人100例取精方法及妊娠结局

目的 :回顾性分析 2 0 0 1年 1月～ 2 0 0 2年 1月在生殖中心行卵胞质内单精子注射 (ICSI)治疗的 10 0例无精子症男性的治疗结果。　方法 :经皮附睾精子抽吸术 (PESA)或睾丸精子抽提术 (TESE)获得精子 ,女方进行常规超排卵。分析激素水平 ,行睾丸组织学检查 ,评估取精的成功率、受精率、种植率和临床妊娠率。　结果 :76例(76 % )经PESA获得精子 ,2 3例 (2 3% )通过TESE获得精子。PESA和TESE组的受精率、种植率和临床妊娠率分别为 71.3%和 75 .18% ,2 0 .35 %和 2 2 .0 5 % ,4 2 .11%和 4 1.6 0 %。PESA组有 32例临床妊娠 ,其中 15例继续妊娠 ,15例已分娩 ,2例流产。TESE组有 10例临床妊娠 ,其中 6例继续妊娠 ,2例已分娩 ,2例流产。两组的受精率、种植率和临床妊娠率差异无显著性。在TESE组有 1例取精失败而放弃治疗。　结论 :激素水平和睾丸组织学检查不能预测附睾或睾丸取精的成功 ,PESA和TESE获得精子进行单精子注射是治疗男性无精子症的有效方法 ,两组的受精率 ,种植率和临床妊娠率差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。     

ICSI outcomes in men undergoing TESE for azoospermia and impact of maternal age

This retrospective study compared clinical outcomes in men with obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia after ICSI following testicular sperm extraction and the influence of maternal age. Fertilisation rates, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rates were evaluated. Men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) had significantly higher rates of diploid fertilisation and clinical pregnancy than men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), but miscarriage rates and live birth rates were not significantly different. The higher rates of fertilisation, embryo quality and clinical pregnancy in men with OA were statistically significant when their female partners were <35 years but results were similar in both groups when female partners ≥35 years. Although the OA group had better overall quality embryos than the NOA group when maternal age was <35 years, embryologists can select the morphologically better embryos for transfer, eliminating the effect of embryo quality differences present in these two groups. Understanding more about factors that affect TESE/ICSI outcomes will not only help us predict patients' outcomes but it can help us educate and better counsel our patients.     

Surgical recovery of sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia

The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) opened a new era in the field of assisted reproduction and revolutionized the assisted reproductive technology protocols for couples with male factor infertility. Fertilisation and pregnancies can be achieved with spermatozoa recovered not only from the ejaculate but also from the seminiferous tubules. The most common methods for retrieving testicular sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are testicular sperm aspiration (TESA: needle/fine needle aspiration) and open testicular biopsy (testicular sperm extraction: TESE). The optimal technique for sperm extraction should be minimally invasive and avoid destruction of testicular function, without compromising the chance to retrieve adequate numbers of spermatozoa to perform ICSI. Microdissection TESE (micro-TESE), performed with an operative microscope, is widely considered to be the best method for sperm retrieval in NOA, as larger and opaque tubules, presumably with active spermatogenesis, can be directly identified, resulting in higher spermatozoa retrieval rates with minimal tissue loss and low postoperative complications. Micro-TESE, in combination with ICSI, is applicable in all cases of NOA, including Klinefelter syndrome (KS). The outcomes of surgical sperm retrieval, primarily in NOA patients with elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (NOA including KS patients), are reviewed along with the phenotypic features. The predictive factors for surgical sperm retrieval and outcomes of treatment were analysed. Finally, the short- and long-term complications in micro-TESE in both 46XY males with NOA and KS patients are considered.     

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in men with infertility due to nonobstructive azoospermia: summary of current literature

Purpose

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is associated with intrinsic testicular defects that severely impair sperm production. Although NOA invariably leads to infertility, focal sperm production may exist in the testicles of affected patients, which can be retrieved and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to generate healthy offspring. However, geographic locations of testicular sperm producing-areas are uncertain, making microsurgical-guided sperm retrieval (microdissection testicular sperm extraction; micro-TESE) an attractive method to identify and retrieve sperm in patients with NOA due to spermatogenic failure. Given the widespread use of micro-TESE, its effectiveness in harvesting sperm and related potential complications need to be clarified.

Methods

We queried PubMed/MEDLINE for studies published in English, from inception to May 2021, concerning the effect of micro-TESE on sperm retrieval rate (SRR), complication rate and ICSI pregnancy rate—using retrieved testicular sperm in subfertile couples where the male had NOA.

Results

We found 116 articles, including 70 original papers, 32 review articles, and 14 systematic reviews. The evidence accounted for 4895 patients. Micro-TESE retrieved sperm in 46.6% of men with NOA, but SRRs varied considerably (18.4–70.8%) and were mainly related to the treated population characteristics. Concerning the general population of NOA patients who have not undergone previous sperm retrieval (naïve population), the SRR by micro-TESE was 46.8% (1833 of 3914 patients; range 20–70.8%; 28 studies). In studies reporting SR by micro-TESE for men who had failed percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration or non-microsurgical testicular sperm extraction, the SRR was 39.1% (127 of 325 patients; range 18.4–57.1%; 4 studies). Data on adverse events indicated that micro-TESE was associated with low (~?3%) short-term postoperative complication rates. The fertilizing ability of testicular sperm retrieved by micro-TESE and used for ICSI was adequate (~?57%), whereas clinical pregnancy and live birth were obtained in 39% and 24% of couples who had an embryo transfer, respectively. The health of the resulting children seems reassuring, but the evidence is limited. The procedure increases sperm retrieval success compared to non-microsurgical retrieval methods, particularly in men with Sertoli cell-only testicular histopathology.

Conclusion

We concluded that micro-TESE is an effective and safe method to retrieve sperm from men with NOA-related infertility, with potential advantages over non-microsurgical methods. Nevertheless, high-quality, head-to-head comparative randomized controlled trials by sperm retrieval method, focusing on SRR, live birth rate and assessing long-term adverse events and health of children conceived using testicular sperm from NOA patients are lacking. Therefore, further research is required to determine the full clinical implications of micro-TESE in male infertility treatment.

     

非梗阻性无精子症三步法取精术及其临床意义(附73例报告)

目的:探讨非梗阻性无精子症应用三步法取精术获取睾丸精子的方法及其临床意义。方法:73例非梗阻性无精子症患者按步骤依次行睾丸细针抽吸术、睾丸活检术、睾丸显微取精术,并将每次获取的睾丸组织在倒置显微镜(×400)下寻找精子,如该步操作查见精子则终止手术,若未查找到则依次进行。同时取睾丸组织送病理行组织学检查。结果:73例患者行睾丸细针抽吸术,28例(38.4%)获得精子;行至睾丸活检术时,38例(52.1%)获得精子;行至睾丸显微取精术时,47例(64.4%)获得精子。病理学检查结果为唯支持细胞综合征型25例,其中10例查到精子,精子成熟阻滞型21例,其中14例查找到精子,精子发生低下型27例,其中23例查到精子。结论:三步法取精术能够有效地提高患者精子获得率;其精子获得率与睾丸组织学类型相关,其中精子发生低下型精子获得率较高。     

Testicular spermatozoon is superior to ejaculated spermatozoon for intracytoplasmic sperm injection to achieve pregnancy in infertile males with high sperm DNA damage

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of testicular spermatozoon versus ejaculated spermatozoon in the treatment of infertile males with high sperm DNA damage, referred as sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), that attending intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) programme in terms of clinical pregnancy, births delivered as the primary and pregnancy loss and embryo fertilisation as the secondary outcome. A total of 102 males fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the present study. Of the 102 males, 61 infertile males underwent testicular spermatozoon combined with ICSI while the remaining 41 males applied ejaculated spermatozoa in their first ICSI cycles, and the data of them were collected and analysed. In a 18‐month follow‐up, testicular spermatozoon achieved higher pregnancy rate and deliver rate than those in ejaculated sperm group (pregnancy rate, 36% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.017; deliver rate, 38.5% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the number of oocytes aspirated and number of embryos transferred between the two groups. Additionally, the fertilisation rate in the testicular sperm study cohort (70.4%) was also similar to that in the ejaculated sperm group (75.0%). Based on the current data, we conclude that testicular spermatozoon is the prior option in the treatment of infertile males with high sperm DFI in ICSI programme. More high‐quality studies with larger samples size are needed in the future due to the relative small size and the nonrandomized design of the present study.     

Effects of obesity on sperm retrieval,early embryo quality and clinical outcomes in men with nonobstructive azoospermia undergoing testicular sperm aspiration‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of body mass index (BMI) on sperm retrieval, early embryo quality and clinical outcomes in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing testicular sperm aspiration‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection (TESA‐ICSI). A total of 3,005 infertile couples were evaluated between January 2010 and June 2017, including 1585 normal‐weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), 847 overweight (BMI 25–29.99 kg/m²) and 573 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) patients. We found no significant relationship between BMI and sperm retrieval rate (22.4%, 24.3% and 25.1%, p = 0.327) or sperm motility. Among the 705 patients with NOA who underwent TESA‐ICSI cycles, obese individuals had lower T levels and higher E2 levels than normal‐weight and overweight individuals. However, there were no significant differences in other male hormones (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], or prolactin [PRL]) among the groups. We also found that the sperm parameters, embryo quality and clinical outcomes of patients with NOA undergoing TESA‐ICSI were not influenced by high BMI levels. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a lack of obvious effects of obesity on sperm retrieval, early embryo quality and clinical outcomes in infertile men undergoing TESA‐ICSI cycles, although T and E2 levels were affected.     

Predictors for successful sperm retrieval of salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) following failed TESE in nonobstructive azoospermia patients

The purpose of this study was to observe the clinical utility and the possible determinants in predicting sperm retrieval of salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) for nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with failed conventional TESE at their first attempts. A total of 52 NOA males underwent salvage mTESE were recruited in this study. Related data, including age, BMI, the presence of Klinefelter's syndrome and varicocele, cryptorchidism, mean testicular volume, hormonal profile (total testosterone (TT), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), inhibin B (INHB)), testicular histology and surgical duration, were collected and analysed. A multivariate logistic regression with likelihood ratio test revealed the following predictors of sperm retrieval: TT and testicular histology (chi‐square of likelihood ratio = 26.42, df = 4, p < .005). A formula was also established using multivariate regression analysis in predicting sperm retrieval probability. A predicted probability of more than 71% was determined of the formula as the cut‐off value in predicting sperm retrieval using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis with a sensitivity and specificity 78.0% and 72.4% respectively. In conclusion, salvage mTESE is of clinical value in NOA males with failed TESE attempts, whereas the established formula could be useful in determining the proper salvage mTESE candidates.     

冻存睾丸精子用于男性生殖力储备的探讨

目的:通过研究对无精子症患者实施睾丸活检或其他手术时冷冻睾丸精子经复苏后行卵细胞胞质内单精子注射(ICSI)助孕的临床效果,探讨冻存睾丸精子作为男性生殖力储备的有效性。方法:回顾性分析了在本院实施睾丸活检或其他手术时冷冻睾丸精子的患者96例,其中的55例已在本中心复苏冷冻精子行ICSI助孕共60个周期,评估其冷冻精子复苏、卵子受精、卵裂、可移植胚胎、优质胚胎、临床妊娠及其分娩情况。结果:复苏冻存睾丸精子60个周期均获成功,复苏后行ICSI技术助孕,受精率77.6%(513/661),2PN受精率69.4%(459/661),卵裂率99.4%(510/513),可利用胚胎率84.5%(431/510),优质胚胎率40.8%(208/510);所有周期均有可移植胚胎;新鲜胚胎移植52个周期,临床妊娠30例(临床妊娠率57.7%),双胎妊娠11例(其中1例双胎自然减为单胎),单胎妊娠19例,种植率为38.7%(41/106),流产率为3.33%(1/30)。目前,已经出生了20例健康婴儿(12个男婴,8个女婴),未发现先天缺陷儿;另外13例(7例单胎和6例双胎)继续妊娠中。结论:睾丸精子冷冻复苏后行ICSI助孕可以得到较好的临床结局。冻存睾丸精子是无精子症男性生殖力储备的有效方式。     

Outcome of repeated micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Aim： To evaluate the outcome of repetitive micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction （mTESE） attempts in non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） cases, in relation to patients＇ initial testicular histology results. Methods： A total of 68 patients with NOA in whom mTESE had been performed in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） attempts were reviewed. Results： Among the 68 patients with NOA, the first mTESE yielded mature sperm for ICSI in 44 （64%） （Sp^＋）, and failed in the remaining 24 （36%） （Sp^-）. Following their first trial, 24 patients decided to undergo a second mTESE. Of these 24 patients, no spermatozoa were obtained in 5 patients, and Sp^＋ but no fertilization/pregnancy were achieved in 19. In these 24 cases, mTESE was successively repeated for two （n = 24）, three （n = 4） and four （n = 1） times. The second attempt yielded mature sperm in 3/5 patients from the Sp group and 16/19 patients from the Sp^＋ group. At the third and fourth trials, 4/4 and 1/1 of the original Sp^＋ patients were Sp^＋ again, respectively. Distribution of main testicular histology included Sertoli cell-only syndrome （16%）, maturation arrest （22%）, hypospermatogenesis （21%） and focal spermatogenesis （41%）. Overall, in repetitive mTESE, 24/29 （82%） of the attempts were finally Sp^＋. Conclusion： Repeated mTESE in patients with NOA is a feasible option, yielding considerably high sperm recovery rate. In patients with NOA, mTESE may safely be repeated one or more times to increase sperm retrieval rate, as well as to increase the chance of retrieving fresh spermatozoa to enable ICSI.     

Chromosomal and Y‐chromosome microdeletion analysis in 1,300 infertile males and the fertility outcome of patients with AZFc microdeletions

The present study investigated the frequency of chromosome aberrations and AZF microdeletions in infertile patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia. Additionally, the effect of the AZFc microdeletions on the success of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) methods were evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were received from 1,300 infertile men with NOA and severe oligozoospermia. Karyotyping and FISH analysis were performed according to standard methods. AZF microdeletions were analysed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction or GML Y‐chromosome Microdeletion Detection System consisting of 14 markers. The chromosomal aberrations and the AZF microdeletions frequency among 1,300 infertile men were 10.6% and 4.0% respectively. Either ejaculated spermatozoa or microTESE was performed on only in 19 out of 26 patients with AZFc deletions. Of the 19 patients, four had severe oligozoospermia and 15 had NOA. In eight out of 15 NOA patients, testicular mature spermatozoa were obtained (53.3%) and then ICSI was applied to mature oocytes. After undergoing ICSI treatment, clinical pregnancy and live birth outcome rates were found to be 37.5% and 25% respectively. These results suggest that infertile patients with AZFc microdeletion could achieve successful fertilisation pregnancies with the help of assisted reproductive technology.