The impact of (very) young donor age on euploid rates: An analysis of 1831 trophectoderm biopsies evaluated with 24-chromosome NGS screening in oocyte donation cycles

Research question Conflicting data exists regarding whether a younger age of donors has a negative influence on the outcomes of oocyte donation cycles. Is there any correlation between a younger age of donors and the rate of embryonic aneuploidy in oocyte donation cycles? Design Retrospective study including 515 oocyte donation cycles carried out between February 2017 and November 2022. Comprehensive chromosomal screening was performed on 1831 blastocysts. 1793 had a result which were categorised into groups based on the age of the donor: 18–22 (n = 415), 23–25 (n = 600), 26–30 (n = 488), and 31–35 years (n = 290). The analysis aimed to determine the percentage of biopsy samples that were euploid and the number that were aneuploid, relative to the age group of the oocyte donor. Additionally, linear regression was employed to examine the relationship between age and the proportion of aneuploid embryos, while controlling for relevant variables. Results Aneuploidy increased predictably with donor age: 18–22 years: 27.5 %; 23–25 years: 31.2 %; 26–30 years: 31.8 %; and 31–35 years: 38.6 %. In the donor group aged 31–35 years, a higher percentage of aneuploid embryos was observed compared to younger donors in univariate analysis (OR: 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.21–2.29, p = 0.002) and multivariate logistic analysis (OR: 2.65, 95 % CI: 1.67–4.23, p < 0.001). The rates of embryonic mosaicism revealed no significant differences. Conclusion The lowest risk of embryonic aneuploidy was found among donors aged <22 years. Conversely, an elevated prevalence was evident within the donor group aged 31–35 years, in contrast to the younger cohorts. The incidence of mosaic embryos remained consistent across all age groups.