Age-specific nomogram for the decline in antral follicle count throughout the reproductive period.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between antral follicle count (AFC) and chronological age and to establish normal values for AFC in women with regular menstrual cycles.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Four hundred fifteen premenopausal women were recruited for the study. Data from 362 patients were available for the statistical analysis.


METHODS
AFC was measured by transvaginal ultrasound examination.


METHODS
Estimating the relationship between AFC and age and developing the AFC nomogram.


RESULTS
The analysis showed a linear decline in AFC with age; for every year increase in age, the median AFC decreases by 0.4. The AFC corresponding to the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th centiles for each age have been calculated.


CONCLUSIONS
A linear relationship of AFC to age was found. For the first time, a nomogram reporting normal and interquartile values for AFC, age by age, throughout the reproductive period has been provided. Until now, the interpretation of the measurement was mainly based on the individual experience of the operator, because no normative data were present. Therefore, the establishment of a nomogram of AFC values is the first step to counsel patients on a scientific basis.
La Marca
Antonio
A
Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. antlamarca@libero.it
Spada
Elena
E
Sighinolfi
Giovanna
G
Argento
Cindy
C
Tirelli
Alessandra
A
Giulini
Simone
S
Milani
Silvano
S
Volpe
Annibale
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002452:Cell Count / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological / Q000592:standards; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D049451:Nomograms; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult