Serum estradiol levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation influence the pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization in a concentration-dependent manner.
OBJECTIVE
To determine an optimal serum E(2) level on the day of hCG administration in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) during IVF-ET without compromising pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Large urban medical center.


METHODS
Data of 455 cycles of fresh IVF-ET with COH.


METHODS
Serum E(2) levels on the day of hCG administration were categorized into five groups: group A (<1000 pg/mL), group B (1000-2000 pg/mL), group C (2000-3000 pg/mL), group D (3000-4000 pg/mL), and group E (>4000 pg/mL).


METHODS
Serum E(2) levels, number of oocytes retrieved, pregnancy outcomes.


RESULTS
Of 455 cycles, 148 (32.5%) cycles resulted in clinical pregnancy. The implantation rate was 12.2%, and the delivery rate was 18.7%. The number of oocytes obtained increased with increasing serum E(2) levels. The pregnancy rate gradually increased from group A to D as E(2) levels increased but decreased in group E. In women <38 years, the IVF-ET outcomes were similar to those of total patients. However, in women >/=38 years old, pregnancy and delivery rates were higher in group C than in other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that serum E(2) levels have a concentration-dependent effect on the pregnancy outcome, suggesting an optimal range of E(2) level for achieving a successful pregnancy. This optimal range of serum E(2) level in women is age dependent: 3000-4000 pg/mL for women <38 years and 2000-3000 pg/mL for women >/=38 years.
Joo
Bo Sun
BS
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Good Moonhwa Hospital, Busan 601-062, South Korea.
Park
Sea Hee
SH
An
Byeong Min
BM
Kim
Kyung Sue
KS
Moon
Sung Eun
SE
Moon
Hwa Sook
HS
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004958:Estradiol