Predictive value of basal follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in a general subfertility population.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictive value of elevated basal FSH concentrations during the initial subfertility workup with respect to fecundity in a general subfertility population with ovulatory menstrual cycles.


METHODS
Nested case-control study.


METHODS
Fertility center of a university hospital.


METHODS
Fifty subfertile women with basal FSH levels >10.0 IU/L and 50 age-matched controls.


METHODS
Long-term follow-up (3-7 years).


METHODS
Pregnancies, deliveries, and time to pregnancy.


RESULTS
Patients with elevated basal FSH levels and controls were comparable with regard to basic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and subfertility treatment. Long-term follow-up showed that 52% of the women with elevated basal FSH concentrations became pregnant (positive predictive value 48%) versus 62% of the controls, and 42% versus 46% eventually delivered a child, respectively. The mean time to pregnancy was 3.0 years in the elevated-FSH group and 3.4 years in controls. Most of the pregnancies in both groups occurred after spontaneous conceptions.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that screening for elevated basal FSH concentrations is of no additional value in a general subfertility population with ovulatory menstrual cycles.
van Montfrans
J M
JM
Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hoek
A
A
van Hooff
M H
MH
de Koning
C H
CH
Tonch
N
N
Lambalk
C B
CB
D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012099:Reproductive Techniques
D015415:Biomarkers; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone