Age and resting follicle number predict response to gonadotropin stimulation in in vitro fertilization cycles.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess whether age, resting follicle number, intraovarian blood flow, and/or ovarian volume are predictive of follicular response and oocyte quality in patients with in vitro fertilization.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was done on 90 in vitro fertilization cycles that were completed in a university setting. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the predictive value of age, resting follicle number, pretreatment ovarian volume, and peak systolic velocity for response to gonadotropin stimulation.


RESULTS
Age was predictive (P <.05) for the number of oocytes retrieved, the number that reached two pronuclei, and the number of embryos that reached > or = 4 cells by day 3 after insemination. Resting follicle number was also predictive of follicular response and subsequent embryonic development. Peak systolic velocity and ovarian volume were both found to be of no value.


CONCLUSIONS
Age and resting follicle number can be used as additional parameters to support patient counseling before in vitro fertilization stimulation.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Douglas M
DM
Addy
Gail F
GF
Whitman-Elia
John T
JT
Queenan
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
D006062:Gonadotropins