Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation as assessed by the sperm chromatin dispersion test in assisted reproductive technology programs: results of a large prospective multicenter study

Objective: To assess the value of sperm DNA fragmentation, measured by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, in predicting fertilization rate, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcome. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Four French infertility centers, from January to August 2005. Patient(s): Six hundred twenty-two couples participating in their first IVF or ICSI program. Intervention(S): Analysis of DNA fragmentation by the sperm chromatin dispersion test in sperm samples used for IVF or ICSI. Main Outcome Measure(s): Correlations and associations between sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, and pregnancy outcomes. Result(S): A statistically significant correlation was observed between sperm DNA fragmentation rate and the following sperm characteristics: sperm motility, morphology, and concentration. We found a statistically significant relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation rate and fertilization rate, and we were able to suggest a threshold sperm DNA fragmentation rate of 18%, above which fragmentation rate was predictive of fertilization rate. Regarding embryo quality, we observed a relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation and embryo quality. No significant relationship was found between sperm DNA fragmentation rate and clinical pregnancies or births. Conclusion(s): The results of this study confirm the utility of the sperm chromatin dispersion test for assessment of DNA fragmentation. (Fertil Steril((R)) 2008;90:1792-9. (c) 2008 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)