ASSISTED REPRODUCTION Efficiency of hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection

Purpose Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has a role as “physiologic selector” for spermatozoa prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study is to analyze the results achievable by the introduction of a routine HA-ICSI programme. Methods We retrospectively observed 293 couples treated with HA-ICSI versus 86 couples treated with conventional PVP-ICSI (historical control group). ICSI was performed on a limited number of oocytes per patient (1–3) according to Italian IVF law at the time of the study. Main outcome measures observed were: fertilization, embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy. Results This study showed that Injection of HA-bound spermatozoa (HA-ICSI) significantly improves embryo quality and implantation. Conclusions If wider multi-center randomized studies will confirm these beneficial effects on ICSI outcome, HA could be considered as a routine choice for “physiologic” sperm selection prior to ICSI.