The predictive value of serum progesterone and 17-OH progesterone levels on in vitro fertilization outcome.
OBJECTIVE
In order to identify parameters which predict prognosis for success with in vitro fertilization, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone levels were evaluated in 254 patients undergoing 296 in vitro fertilization cycles. Selected response and outcome data were recorded.


RESULTS
Patients with intermediate values of serum progesterone (0.7-0.8 ng/ml) at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin administration achieved significantly higher pregnancy rates than patients with lower (< 0.7 ng/ml) or higher (> 0.8 ng/ml) levels. The clinical pregnancy rates were 46%, 31%, and 27% respectively (P = 0.02). There was no change in 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration which predicted a higher pregnancy rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Excellent clinical pregnancy rates were noted in cycles with a progesterone level of 0.7-0.8 ng/ml, as well as good results in cycles above 0.8 ng/ml. There is therefore no reason to administer human chorionic gonadotropin at a smaller follicle size to prevent a rise in serum progesterone.
Levy
M J
MJ
Shady Grove Fertility Center, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Smotrich
D B
DB
Widra
E A
EA
Sagoskin
A W
AW
Murray
D L
DL
Hall
J L
JL
D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone; D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000097:blood*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D011374:Progesterone; D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone