Difference between serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels in pregnancies after in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization treatments.
OBJECTIVE
To compare β-hCG levels measured as the first pregnancy test in women who conceived after in vitro maturation (IVM) or IVF.


METHODS
Retrospective matched cohort analysis.


METHODS
University-based medical center.


METHODS
Women treated with IVM or IVF.


METHODS
We studied the first serum β-hCG levels in 104 pregnant women who were successfully treated with IVM and in another 104 women with IVF treatment. Blood samplings for β-hCG were drawn on day 12-15 after ET. The two groups were matched by age, order of pregnancy, and day of blood sampling.


METHODS
First β-hCG levels.


RESULTS
Serum β-hCG levels on days 12 to 13 after ET of IVM viable singleton pregnancies were significantly higher than those of IVF pregnancies (343.2±48.4 vs. 264.0±29.2 IU/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 22-229). Similarly, β-hCG levels on days 14 to 15 after ET of IVM viable singleton pregnancies were higher than those of IVF pregnancies (350.1±126.4 vs. 284.4±30.2 IU/L). Similar trends were found in β-hCG levels on days 12 to 13 after ET of twin viable pregnancies (IVM, 682.1±97.7 vs. IVF, 434.5±41.8 IU/L; 95% CI 44-662). Grouped linear regression with covariance analysis showed a significant difference between IVM and IVF regression lines.


CONCLUSIONS
The first serum β-hCG levels in pregnancies after IVM are consistently higher than those after IVF treatment. More studies are needed to elucidate these findings.
Almog
Benny
B
McGill Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Al-Shalaty
Jana
J
Sheizaf
Boaz
B
Shehata
Fady
F
Son
Weon-Young
WY
Tan
Seang Lin
SL
Tulandi
Togas
T
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human