The influence of body weight on response to ovulation induction with gonadotrophins in 335 women with World Health Organization group II anovulatory infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of body weight on the outcome of ovulation induction in women with World Health Organization (WHO) group II anovulatory infertility.


METHODS
The combined results of two studies in which either a highly purified urinary follicle-stimulating hormone or highly purified urinary menotrophin were compared with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone.


METHODS
Thirty-six fertility clinics.


METHODS
A total of 335 women with WHO group II anovulatory infertility failing to ovulate or conceive on clomifene citrate.


METHODS
Ovarian stimulation using a low-dose step-up protocol.


METHODS
The effects of body weight on ovarian response, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate after one treatment cycle.


RESULTS
With increasing body mass index (BMI), a higher threshold dose of gonadotrophins was required and there were more days of stimulation; yet, despite a greater concentration of antral follicles, there were fewer intermediate and large follicles. There was no difference in the rates of ovulation and clinical pregnancy in relation to body weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Body weight affects gonadotrophin requirements but not overall outcome of ovulation induction in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome and a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2.
Balen
A H
AH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. adam.balen@leedsth.nhs.uk
Platteau
P
P
Andersen
A N
AN
Devroey
P
P
Sørensen
P
P
Helmgaard
L
L
Arce
J-C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000858:Anovulation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone