Can we abandon routine evaluation of serum estradiol levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction?
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether abandoning measurement of serum estradiol (E2) and spacing ultrasound evaluations at greater intervals had an effect on the results of assisted reproduction technology (ART).


METHODS
A retrospective comparison of two consecutive periods.


METHODS
Division of Assisted Reproduction Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.


METHODS
One thousand nine hundred and eighty-five controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for ART were initiated during the years 1996 to 1999.


METHODS
During the first 2 years an intensive follow-up protocol was used that included E2 blood levels measurements. In the next 2 years a less intensive protocol was adopted that did not use E2 measurements.


METHODS
ART results and the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).


RESULTS
The patients' background characteristics did not differ between the two periods. The cancellation rate was not different (9.8% vs. 7.2%). There was no difference in the duration of stimulation or the amount of gonadotropins used. The number of oocytes retrieved (12.1 +/- 9.3 vs. 9.6 +/- 6.3), fertilization rates (74% vs. 75%), and clinical pregnancy rates (26.2% vs. 27.9%) did not differ. The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was not significantly different between the two periods.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for ART can be done reliably without routine, serial serum E2 measurements without compromising the treatment results.
Ben-Shlomo
I
I
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Geslevich
J
J
Shalev
E
E
D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D004958:Estradiol