Low grade inflammation, as evidenced by basal high sensitivity CRP, is not correlated to outcome measures in IVF.
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.
Robinson
Sarah
S
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
Pemberton
Phil
P
Laing
Ian
I
Nardo
Luciano G
LG
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
D002097:C-Reactive Protein