Changes in measured endometrial thickness predict in vitro fertilization success.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictive ability of endometrial thickness and changes in endometrial thickness on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort analysis.


METHODS
Academic IVF center.


METHODS
Infertile patients undergoing 132 fresh autologous IVF cycles.


METHODS
Transvaginal ultrasound to assess endometrial thickness at three defined points during IVF (after pituitary suppression, on the sixth day of gonadotropin stimulation, and on the day of hCG administration).


METHODS
Primary outcome variables included endometrial lining thickness at baseline, on day 6 of gonadotropins, the day of hCG administration, and the change in endometrial thickness during gonadotropin stimulation.


RESULTS
Patients attaining pregnancy had significantly greater endometrial thickness on day 6 and endometrial thickness on day of hCG administration. Pregnant patients had a greater change in endometrial thickness from the baseline to day 6 when compared to nonpregnant patients. Threshold analysis and receiver-operator characteristic curves noted significant endometrial thickness levels for implantation and pregnancy rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial responsiveness and thickness during the early IVF stimulation seem to be better prognostic predictors of success than endometrial thickness at the start or the end of the IVF cycle.
McWilliams
Grant D E
GD
Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Frattarelli
John L
JL
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate / Q000639:trends*; D012107:Research Design / Q000639:trends; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography