SPERM PENETRATION ASSAY IN PREDICTING SUCCESSFUL IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION - A METAANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the performance of the sperm penetration as say (SPA) is useful in predicting successful in vitro fertilization (I VF). METHODS: A meta-analysis was set up to determine the performance of SPA in the prediction of IVF success. We collected data on 647 pati ents in 24 studies. For each study, a two-by-two table was constructed from the results of SPA and IVF. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specifi city of SPA as compared to IVF were heterogeneous. A summary receiver operating characteristics curve could be estimated, showing that the s ensitivity of SPA was only 37%, with a specificity of 95%. Subgroup an alysis did not explain the lack of homogeneity. CONCLUSION: Since with holding IVF inappropriately has major consequences, performing SPA is insufficient for selecting patients for treatment with IVF-embryo tran sfer.