Antral follice counts (AFC) predict ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes in oocyte donation cycles.
OBJECTIVE
Antral follicle count (AFC) is used as a marker of ovarian response. We assessed its value in predicting pregnancy outcomes in ovum donation cycles by retrospective review.


METHODS
Oocyte donors (n = 94) underwent ovarian hyperstimulation using rFSH and GnRH-antagonists. Recipients were synchronized using GnRH-agonist down-regulation followed by fixed dose of estrogen and progesterone following hCG. Outcomes measured included correlation of AFC to pregnancy outcomes and cycle characteristics in those with and without clinical and ongoing-delivered cycles.


RESULTS
AFC significantly correlated with clinical [Exp beta 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, p < 0.05] and ongoing-delivered pregnancy [Exp beta 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20, p < 0.05]. Significantly greater AFC, total and M-2 oocytes, and cycles resulting in cryopreserved embryos were seen in clinical and ongoing-delivered cycles.


CONCLUSIONS
AFC predicts cycle stimulation responses and clinical outcomes and may serve as a guide for dosing protocols and in choosing to proceed with the most optimal cycle.
Vrontikis
Alaina
A
Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
Chang
Peter L
PL
Kovacs
Peter
P
Lindheim
Steven R
SR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D018587:Oocyte Donation; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011374:Progesterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone
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