Elevated level of follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor is a marker of diminished pregnancy potential.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether differences in follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor (FF VEGF) concentrations are observed between women achieving a clinical pregnancy and those failing to conceive.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review and analysis of FF VEGF concentrations.


METHODS
University teaching center.


METHODS
Fifty-seven women < or =42 years of age undergoing follicular aspiration in preparation for IVF or GIFT.


METHODS
Analysis of FF VEGF concentrations and chart review of a single IVF or GIFT cycle.


METHODS
Follicular fluid VEGF concentrations, clinical pregnancy rate, age, ampules of gonadotropins used, oocytes retrieved, peak estradiol serum concentrations, day 3 FSH levels, and fertilization rate.


RESULTS
Women who did not conceive had higher FF VEGF concentrations than women achieving a clinical pregnancy (4.409 + 2,387 versus 2.793 +/- 1,180 pg/mL: P < .001). A negative correlation was observed between FF VEGF concentrations and peak estradiol levels and number of oocytes retrieved. A positive correlation was found for FF VEGF and patient's age and ampules of gonadotropins used.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated FF VEGF concentrations are associated with poor conception rates after IVF or GIFT.
Friedman
C I
CI
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Seifer
D B
DB
Kennard
E A
EA
Arbogast
L
L
Alak
B
B
Danforth
D R
DR
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D015181:Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors