Page 22 - Aspire April -2023 Vol 8 / Issue 2

EMBRYOLOGY SIG (includes PGT & IVM)
Chi Ling (Hong Kong) Arthur Chang (Taiwan) Keshav Malhotra (India)
Artificial intelligence
offers promise in IVF,
but there are ethical
research challenges
By Professors Chi Ling and Arthur Chang and Dr Keshav Malhotra
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for improving IVF outcomes by optimising various stages of the process. AI can be used in IVF in several ways, for example:
• through the use of predictive models that analyse patient data and provide personalised recommendations for treatment plans. These models may take into account factors such as age, hormone levels, and other medical conditions to provide more accurate predictions of the likelihood of success for individual patients;
• AI can be used in IVF through the analysis of embryo images. AI algorithms can help embryologists to identify the most viable embryos for implantation by analysing features such as size, shape, and symmetry. This can help to reduce the risk of implanting embryos that are unlikely to result in a successful pregnancy; and
• AI can be used to monitor the development of embryos in real time, which can provide valuable information about their health and viability. This can help to identify any issues early on, allowing for prompt intervention and potentially improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
However, the use of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine is still in the experimental phase and it poses difficult ethical issues.
The absence of proof supporting the effectiveness of some systems, and the increased difficulty in obtaining informed permission from the people who will be impacted, present ethical research challenges.
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