title: The value of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in predicting ovarian response during in-vitro fertilization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the predictive value of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) theca-stimulation test for ovarian reserve in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
  
  
  METHODS
  39 women were included in the study. All participants received a single hCG 10000 IU injection on cycle day 2-3. Serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone were measured prior to the injection and on days 1, 3 and 7 following the injection. hCG-induced hormone levels were compared with ovarian response during the subsequent IVF cycle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 11 good responders (>10 oocytes) and 22 low responders (<3 oocytes). Before hCG stimulation serum E2 levels were higher in low responders compared to good responders (370.3 ± 443 vs. 138.3 ± 54 pmol/ml). Following hCG stimulation, day 3 androstendione levels showed an increase in good responders compared to low responders. The ratio between day 3 androstendione and day 0 estradiol was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.03). ROC analysis of this test revealed area = 0.837 (good prediction), which was much better than day 3 FSH (area = 0.635, poor prediction).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary results demonstrate the potential use of the hCG theca stimulation test in differentiating between good and poor responders. Larger series are needed for further verification of the test in routine clinical application.
authors.affiliation: The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel. assaf.benmeir@gmail.com
authors.forename: Assaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ben-Meir
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shveiky
authors.forename: Einat
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zivi
authors.forename: Tomer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Feigenberg
authors.forename: Ariel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Revel
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Neri
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Laufer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin