Is it possible to run a successful ovulation induction program based solely on ultrasound monitoring? The importance of endometrial measurements.
OBJECTIVE
To attempt the monitoring of ovulation induction solely with ultrasound (US).


METHODS
Using serial US measurements to monitor ovulation induction using human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in comparison with estradiol (E2) concentrations that became available at the end of each cycle.


METHODS
Specialist Reproductive Endocrine Unit.


METHODS
Twenty hypogonadotropic and 29 ultrasonically diagnosed polycystic ovary patients.


METHODS
Follicular growth, uterine measurements, endometrial thickness, and serum E2 concentrations.


RESULTS
Follicular growth, uterine measurements, and endometrial thickness correlated strongly with E2 concentrations (P less than 0.0001). The endometrium on the day of hCG administration was significantly thicker (P less than 0.01) in the conception (n = 27) compared with the nonconception cycles (n = 87), whereas no significant difference were observed in serum E2 concentrations. No pregnancy was observed when hCG had been administered when the endometrial thickness was less than or equal to 7 mm. Midluteal endometrial thickness of greater than or equal to 11 mm was found to be a good prognostic factor for detecting early pregnancy (P less than 0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Serial US examinations used alone have proven to be safe and highly efficient. It also has a unique ability to detect pregnancy in the midluteal phase.
Shoham
Z
Z
Cobbold Laboratories, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, Middlesex Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Di Carlo
C
C
Patel
A
A
Conway
G S
GS
Jacobs
H S
HS
D000328:Adult; D000858:Anovulation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications; D008183:Luteal Phase; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins