Ovarian stromal blood flow in the prediction of ovarian response during in vitro fertilization treatment.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated the role of ovarian stromal blood flow in the prediction of the ovarian response of infertile women by comparing age of women, body mass index (BMI), basal FSH concentration, antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow indices measured by power Doppler in two-dimensional ultrasound. Patients were aged <40 years with basal FSH <10 IU/l on recruitment for IVF treatment.


METHODS
All received a standard regimen of ovarian stimulation in their first IVF cycle. AFC, pulsatility index, resistance index and peak systolic blood flow velocity of ovarian stromal vessels were determined on the second day of the treatment cycle prior to ovarian stimulation. Ovarian response was represented by the number of oocytes, serum oestradiol, and the duration and dosage of gonadotrophins.


RESULTS
A total of 136 women were included in the analysis. Basal FSH concentration achieved the best predictive value in relation to the number of oocytes obtained, followed by AFC and BMI. AFC was the only predictive factor of serum oestradiol concentration on the day of HCG while BMI was predictive of the gonadotrophin dosage.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian stromal blood flow indices measured by power Doppler ultrasound had no predictive value for the ovarian response.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Professorial Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. nghye@hkucc.hku.hk
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Ng
Oi Shan
OS
Tang
Carina Chi Wai
CC
Chan
Pak Chung
PC
Ho
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone