Three-dimensional ultrasonographic ovarian measurements and in vitro fertilization outcome are related to age.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether the number of ovarian antral follicles, ovarian volume, and ovarian stromal blood flow change with age and to prospectively analyze whether three-dimensional ultrasonographic measurements predict ovarian response and IVF outcome.


METHODS
Prospective analysis.


METHODS
Assisted reproductive unit.


METHODS
Fifty-six consecutive women 22 to 43 years of age with normal basal serum FSH concentrations who were undergoing their first IVF cycle.


METHODS
Number of ovarian antral follicles, ovarian volume, and ovarian stromal flow index were determined by three-dimensional and power Doppler ultrasonography. Pretreatment measurements were compared with number of recovered oocytes, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
As patient age increased, significant trends in ovarian volume, number of follicles, and stromal vascularity decreased. Three-dimensional ovarian measurements and fertilization rates differed significantly among age groups. For each age group, a higher number of antral follicles, greater ovarian volume, and favorable ovarian stromal vascularity was associated with higher number of retrieved oocytes and increased pregnancy rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing patient age is associated with poor ovarian response, as represented by smaller ovarian volume, lower antral follicle count, and poor stromal vascularity. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography can help to individualize IVF in patients regardless of age.
Kupesic
Sanja
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. sanja@kupesic@zg.tel.hr
Kurjak
Asim
A
Bjelos
Drazena
D
Vujisic
Sanja
S
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone