Selection of viable spermatozoa from testicular biopsies: a comparative study between pentoxifylline and hypoosmotic swelling test.

OBJECTIVE

To compare fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy outcome using pentoxifylline and a hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test to select viable spermatozoa from testicular biopsy specimens.

DESIGN

Open, comparative, prospective study.

SETTING

G.S. Medical College and Fertility clinic, Mumbai, India.

PATIENT(S): A total of 50 couples enrolled for infertility treatment having a male factor indication of nonobstructive azoospermia.

INTERVENTION(S): Assessment of viable spermatozoa using pentoxifylline and using an HOS test from a population of nonmotile spermatozoa obtained from testicular biopsies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Comparison of fertilization, cleavage, and clinical pregnancy rates using viable sperms recovered using pentoxifylline and an HOS test.

RESULT(S): Viable spermatozoa were obtained in both the study groups. Significantly higher fertilization rates (pentoxifylline 62.05% vs. HOS 41.07%) and clinical pregnancy rates (pentoxifylline 32% vs. HOS 16%) were observed. There was no significant difference in cleavage rates among both groups.

CONCLUSION(S): We found that obtaining viable spermatozoa using pentoxifylline was more effective in terms of fertilization and pregnancies than obtaining it through an HOS test.