title: The outcome of IVF-embryo transfer treatment in patients who develop three follicles or less.
abstract: Among 828 patients undergoing IVF-embryo transfer treatment, the implantation and pregnancy rates of patients who developed < or = 3 follicles were compared prospectively with those patients who had a normal response. Patients who developed 1 to 3 follicles during ovarian stimulation elected to proceed with oocyte collection, have intrauterine insemination if appropriate, or to have their cycle cancelled. In the group of patients who developed < or = 3 follicles and who were aged <40 years, despite a significantly lower number of oocytes collected [2 versus 7; median difference (MD) = 9; confidence interval (CI) = 7-11, and lower number of embryos developed and transferred (1 versus 3; MD = 2; CI = 1-2), no difference in either implantation rate [27.8 versus 20.4%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.58; CI = 0.46-4.54] or pregnancy rate (27.8 versus 36.7%; OR = 0.7; CI = 0.2-2.0) was noted when compared with similarly aged patients who developed >3 follicles. However, in patients aged >40 years who developed < or = 3 follicles, a moderate, albeit non-significant decrease in implantation rate (3.8 versus 7.8%; OR = 1.91; CI = 0.4-57.0) and pregnancy rate (4.2 versus 18.3%; OR = 1.92; CI = 0.38-57.0) was observed when compared with patients of a similar age who developed >3 follicles. Patients aged <40 years, unlike older patients, maintain good implantation and pregnancy rates despite a poor response to ovarian stimulation. This study indicates that for this group of women, continuation of IVF treatment is a better option than cancellation.
authors.affiliation: McGill Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 1A1, Canada. mbiljan@rvhob2.lan.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Biljan
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Buckett
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D016896:Treatment Outcome