Do women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have higher day 3 serum FSH and estradiol values?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the potential role of diminished ovarian reserve in unexplained habitual abortion.


METHODS
Retrospective comparative analysis.


METHODS
University-based practice.


METHODS
Fifty-seven women who presented for evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).


METHODS
The test group (n = 36) comprised women with unexplained RPL. The control group (n = 21) comprised women with a known cause of RPL. Mean age, parity, day 3 serum FSH and E(2) levels, and presence or absence of a history of infertility were compared between groups.


METHODS
Day 3 serum FSH and E(2) levels.


RESULTS
Both day 3 FSH and E(2) levels were elevated in the unexplained group compared with the control group. When combined, FSH or E(2) levels, or both, were elevated in 58% of the unexplained RPL group and 19% of the control group (odds ratio, 5.95 [95% CI, 1.7-21.3]; P<.004). Age, parity, and presence of infertility did not differ between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with unexplained RPL have a greater incidence of elevated day 3 serum FSH and E(2) levels than do women with a known cause of RPL. Therefore, diminished ovarian reserve may contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss and should be considered part of the work-up for RPL.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. troutsw@umdnj.edu
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D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone