The practical implications of a raised serum FSH and age on the risk of IVF treatment cancellation due to a poor ovarian response.
OBJECTIVE
Chronological age, or biological age as indicated by elevated FSH levels, are related to ovarian reserve. This study addresses the likelihood of cancellation of IVF treatment due to a poor ovarian response utilising both basal serum FSH and woman's age.


METHODS
A prospective cohort of 536 infertile but ovulating women were studied in their first cycle of IVF treatment. Standardised methods of pituitary desensitisation and ovarian stimulation prior to IVF treatment were employed. Treatment cycles cancelled due to a poor ovarian response to gonadotrophins were studied. A series of logistic regression models were used to explore the probabilities of cancellation in relation to age and FSH.


RESULTS
Both age and basal serum FSH levels were independently associated with the risk of treatment cancellation. A low risk of treatment cancellation was observed in women under the age of 35 irrespective of serum FSH, however in older women the risk of treatment cancellation was most likely in women with a high FSH.


CONCLUSIONS
In combination both age and FSH may serve as a valuable indicator of poor ovarian response leading to treatment cancellation. However, among older women FSH has particular importance, while less so in younger women with regular menstrual cycles.
Akande
Valentine A
VA
Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Bristol, St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, United Kingdom. valentine.akande@bristol.ac.uk
Keay
Stephen D
SD
Hunt
Linda P
LP
Mathur
Rajneesh S
RS
Jenkins
Julian M
JM
Cahill
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone