Mp13-09 Clinical Utility Analysis of the Novel, Epigenetic Sperm Quality Test

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Epidemiology & Evaluation I (MP13)1 May 2024MP13-09 CLINICAL UTILITY ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEL, EPIGENETIC SPERM QUALITY TEST Kristin Brogaard, Ryan Miller, Tim Jenkins, and Larry Lipshultz Kristin BrogaardKristin Brogaard , Ryan MillerRyan Miller , Tim JenkinsTim Jenkins , and Larry LipshultzLarry Lipshultz View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008832.14212.d6.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: New technology and diagnostics are needed for better assessment of male infertility. The mainstay of male factor infertility diagnosis is the standard semen analysis (sperm concentration, motility, and morphology) which has changed very little over the last several decades and has been shown to have limited value. Here we present both a retrospective and prospective analysis of using the newly available epigenetic sperm quality test with men seeking fertility care. METHODS: Retrospective epigenetic analysis was done on 1311 semen samples from men seeking fertility care, where outcomes data was reported on 554 individuals undergoing IUI and 244 individuals undergoing IVF with ICSI. Prospective epigenetic analysis was completed on 785 men seeking fertility care where IUI outcomes were known for 56 individuals. Normal vs. Abnormal epigenetic results were analyzed in relation to both IUI and IVF outcomes and clinical treatment recommendations. RESULTS: In a blinded retrospective analysis there was a statistically significant difference in pregnancy and live birth rates of men undergoing IU (N=554)I between men with abnormal and normal epigenetic results (p=0.0009***). 82.5% of men with an abnormal epigenetic result had normal semen parameters (sperm concentration and motility). When individuals underwent IVF with ICSI (N=244), there was no significant difference in pregnancy and live birth rates (p=0.811). In a blinded prospective analysis of 785 men seeking fertility care, 19% of men had an abnormal epigenetic result with 58% of them having a normal sperm total motile count. Of the individuals with IUI outcomes (N=56), men with normal epigenetic results had 14% pregnancy while men with abnormal results had 0% pregnancy. In a prospective analysis of clinical notes of 101 patients with epigenetic analysis results, there was a 50% decrease in the recommendation of IUI between men with a Normal (N=88) vs Abnormal (N=13) result. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong retrospective and prospective data to support that sperm epigenetics play an important role in IUI outcomes and identifying subfertility in men with normal semen parameters. It appears that an abnormal epigenetic profile can be overcome by IVF-ICSI. These initial data show that implementing a sperm epigenetic analysis in the initial assessment can guide treatment decisions and potentially lead to a faster time to pregnancy. Source of Funding: NSF Phase 1 SBIR Award #2034014 © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e213 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Kristin Brogaard More articles by this author Ryan Miller More articles by this author Tim Jenkins More articles by this author Larry Lipshultz More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...