Predictive value of normal sperm morphology in intrauterine insemination (IUI) : a structured literature review

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim of the study was to conduct a structured review of the literature published on theuse of normal sperm morphology, as an indicator of male fertility potential in intrauterineinsemination (M) programs. Published literature in which normal sperm morphologywas used to predict pregnancy outcome in lUI during the period 1984 - 1998 wasreviewed.Four hundred and twenty one articles were identified. Eighteen provided data that couldbe tabulated and analyzed. Eight of the analyzed studies provided sufficient data forstatistical analysis. Six studies used the Tygerberg strict criteria and two the WHOguidelines (1987, 1992). A meta-analysis of the six studies in the strict morphologygroup yielded a risk difference (RD) between the pregnancy rates achieved in the patientsbelow and above the 4% strict criteria threshold of -0.07 (95% CI: -0.11 to -0.03;p< 0.001). WHO criteria group (1987,1992) had insufficient data to be analysed.Meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in pregnancy rate above 4% thresholdfor strict criteria. Accurate evaluation of normal sperm morphology results should be anintegral part of evaluating the male factor.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University