title: Low grade inflammation, as evidenced by basal high sensitivity CRP, is not correlated to outcome measures in IVF.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the relationship between low-grade inflammation, measured as basal high sensitivity (hs)-CRP, and IVF outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recruited a total of 220 women undergoing infertility work up prior to IVF. Patients were selected for a BMI < 30 kg/m(2) with an upper age limit of 40 years. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured on day 3 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle preceding ovarian stimulation. A sensitive two-site ELISA was used for analysis. Dose of gonadotrophins required, follicles days 8 and 10, number of oocytes collected, number of oocytes fertilised and pregnancy outcome were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median hs-CRP was 1.08 mg/L (0.43-3.00 mg/L). The hs-CRP was significantly related to BMI (r = 0.386, P < .001) but not to age and smoking habit. There were no significant relationships between basal hs-CRP and any of the measured IVF outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings demonstrate that serum hs-CRP concentration is not a predictive marker of cycle or pregnancy outcome in women undergoing IVF treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pemberton
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Laing
authors.forename: Luciano G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Nardo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein