title: Elevated level of follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor is a marker of diminished pregnancy potential.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Seifer
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kennard
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arbogast
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alak
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Danforth
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors