title: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plasma levels at oocyte retrieval and IVF outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to ascertain the influence of hCG levels at oocyte pick-up on IVF outcomes, and their relationship with clinical parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study was performed including 473 women undergoing IVF, aged under 40 years. Blood samples to analyze hCG levels were obtained at the time of follicular aspiration, 36 h after the administration of 250 μg of recombinant hCG.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Neither the numbers of oocytes obtained or fertilized, nor the pregnancy rate, were correlated with hCG levels. Moreover, hCG values were very similar in women who did and did not become pregnant (123.3 ± 48.7 and 117.5 ± 44.7 mUI/mL). Cases in which no oocytes were recovered after follicular aspiration had similar hCG levels to those in which more than 1 oocyte was obtained. On the other hand, hCG levels were negatively related to body mass index, weight, and age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data indicate that after the administration of 250 μg of recombinant hCG, hCG levels are not responsible for failure to recover oocytes. Specifically, there was no correlation between plasma hCG levels and the number of oocytes obtained or other markers of IVF outcome. There was, however, an inverse relationship with BMI, body weight and age.
authors: Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cruces University Hospital, C/Plaza de Cruces S/N. 48903 Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain. roberto.matorras@osakidetza.net
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Matorras
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Meabe
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Mendoza
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Prieto
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Ramón
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Mugica
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Aspichueta
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Exposito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins