A follicular scoring system for monitoring ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome patients based solely on ultrasonographic estimation of follicular development.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictive value of a follicular scoring system for monitoring ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, solely with ultrasound (US).


METHODS
Ultrasound measurements were performed on alternate days to define a serial follicular score for monitoring ovulation induction with hMG alone, as well as GnRH analogue and hMG, in comparison with E2 concentration obtained on the same day.


METHODS
Outpatient Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.


METHODS
Thirty-four consecutive PCOS patients treated for 63 cycles.


METHODS
The follicular score was established considering the summation of points obtained after measuring the mean diameter of each follicle > 5 mm, as follows: 5 to 8 mm = 1 point, 9 to 12 mm = 1.5 points, 13 to 16 mm = 2 points, > or = 17 mm = 3 points.


RESULTS
Follicular score correlated positively with E2 concentrations. A score of > or = 30 points was associated with E2 levels of concentration that reached > 1,500 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671) and could predict ovarian hyperstimulation. A lower follicular score allowed hCG administration.


CONCLUSIONS
A follicular scoring system may be a safe, simple, and highly efficient method to replace serial E2 measurements in monitoring ovulation induction. Moreover, ovarian hyperstimulation may be predicted.
Ellenbogen
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.
Rosenberg
R
R
Shulman
A
A
Libal
Y
Y
Anderman
S
S
Jaschevatzky
O
O
Ballas
S
S
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004958:Estradiol