Measurement of antral follicle count in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: results of a worldwide web-based survey

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to identify trends in the therapeutic approaches used to measure antral follicle count (AFC) in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment worldwide.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation utilizing the results of a web-based survey, IVF-Worldwide (www.IVF-Worldwide.com), was performed.

Results

Responses from 796 centers representing 593,200 cycles were evaluated. The majority of respondents (71.2 %) considered antral follicle count as a mandatory part of their practice with most (69.0 %) measuring AFC in the follicular phase. Most respondents (89.7 %) reported that they would modify the IVF stimulation protocol based on the AFC. There was considerable variation regarding a limit for the number of antral follicles required to initiate an IVF cycle with 46.1 % designating three antral follicles as their limit, 39.9 % selecting either four or five follicles as their limit, and 14.0 % reporting a higher cutoff criteria. With respect to antral follicle size, 61.5 % included follicles ranging between 2 and 10 mm in the AFC. When asked to identify the best predictor of ovarian hyper-response during IVF cycles, AFC was selected most frequently (49.4 %), followed by anti-Mullerian hormone level (42.7 %). Age was selected as the best predictor of ongoing pregnancy rate in 81.7 % of respondents.

Conclusions

While a large proportion of respondents utilized AFC as part of their daily practice and modified IVF protocol based on the measurement, the majority did not consider AFC as the best predictor of ongoing pregnancy rate.     

Combining cycle day 7 follicle count with the basal antral follicle count improves the prediction of ovarian response

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of cycle day 7 follicle count (CD7-FC) for poor ovarian response during IVF in women down-regulated with a luteal start of GnRH analogue (long protocol). DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Ninety-one consecutive IVF cycles of 82 subjects. INTERVENTION(S): Basal levels of FSH and E2 were determined in the spontaneous cycle before the IVF cycle. During the IVF cycle, the number of basal and CD7 follicles and CD7 endometrial thickness were determined by ultrasound, and CD7 serum E2 levels were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ovarian response determined according to the number of mature oocytes retrieved. RESULT(S): On receiver operating characteristic analysis, CD7-FC had the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity to detect women with poor ovarian response when compared with the basal ovarian reserve tests. When a combined basal antral FC and CD7-FC evaluation was used with the optimum cutoff values of 6.5 and 7.5, respectively, sensitivity and specificity improved to 85% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Cycle day 7 follicle count during a long IVF protocol is helpful in predicting ovarian response in combination with the antral FC. This combination has high positive and negative predictive values. This may help clinicians and women to cancel cycles earlier and decrease the psychological, financial, and medical burden of a later cancellation.     

Correlations between antral follicle count and ultrasonographic ovarian parameters and clinical variables and outcomes in IVF cycles

Aims: To assess the correlation between the antral follicle count (AFC) and other ultrasonographic parameters and clinical variables in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Methods: Pretreatment ultrasonographic evaluation included AFC (total), large (5–10 mm) and small (2–4 mm) antral follicles, ovarian volume, and ovarian Doppler indices. Data were prospectively uploaded and subsequently analysed in relation to IVF cycle results. Results: The study included 128 women (128 cycles). Analysis of body mass index (BMI) yielded a weak significant correlation with large (5–10?mm) AFC but not with other sonographic variables. AFC was significantly correlated with patient age, ovarian volume, number of retrieved oocytes, total dose of used gonadotropins, peak estradiol, number of top-quality embryos, and number of frozen embryos and marginally correlated with number of aspirated immature oocytes. Lower large (5–10?mm) AFC was the only ovarian parameter associated with oral contraception pretreatment compared to nontreatment, even after adjustment for age and BMI. There was no difference in any of the parameters between short and long IVF cycles. Conclusions: BMI is only weakly correlated with AFC. Pretreatment with oral contraceptives may be associated with lower AFC. Pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (long protocol) does not alter the ultrasonographic ovarian parameters.     

Impact of laparoscopic cystectomy of endometriotic and non-endometriotic cysts on ovarian volume,antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian doppler velocimetry

Objective: To evaluate the effect on ovarian reserve and blood flow of unilateral laparoscopic stripping of endometriotic versus non-endometriotic cysts.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Tertiary university gynecology unit.

Patients: During the study period, 71 subjects underwent the first laparoscopic surgery for removal of a monolateral benign ovarian cyst.

Interventions: Trans-vaginal ultrasound scans of the pelvis about six months after surgery.

Main outcome measures: Ovarian volume, Antral Follicle Count (AFC) and Resistance Index (RI) of ovarian artery of the operated and the contralateral ovary.

Results: Among 71 cysts, 39.4% were endometriotic and 60.6% non-endometriotic benign cysts. All the procedures were performed by the same experienced surgeons with a standardized technique. No major complications were reported during surgery. The mean (±SD) age and BMI of women were 31.0?±?6.8 years and 24.2?±?3.3?kg/m², respectively. Mean diameter of the removed cysts was smaller for endometriotic than non-endometriotic cysts (4.35?±?1.77?cm versus 6.33?±?3.71?cm, p?=?0.046). In comparison to non-operated, volume of the operated ovary was significantly lower and with a reduced AFC, with no difference between endometriotic and non-endometriotic cysts (?2.41?±?2.35 versus ?2.00?±?2.23?cm³, p?=?0.496) (?3.45?±?3.07 versus ?2.43?±?1.95, p?=?0.11). Ovarian artery RI was higher in the operated ovary with no difference between endometriotic and non-endometriotic cysts (0.19?±?0.14 versus 0.14?±?0.10, p?=?0.455). The difference in ovarian volume (r?=?0.178), AFC (r?=?0.094) and RI (r?=?0.079) between operated and non-operated ovary was not dependent on the diameter of the removed cyst.

Conclusion: Ovarian surgery is associated with a decline of ovarian reserve, independently on the histological type and the diameter of the removed cyst.     

Inter-cycle and inter-observer variability of the antral follicle count in routine clinical practice

Antral follicle count (AFC) is a reliable predictor of ovarian response to stimulation and its inter-cycle and inter-observer variability has been extensively studied on in vitro fertilization (IVF), mostly in highly selected populations within studies not originally designed for this purpose. In this retrospective cohort study, we assess the inter-cycle variation of AFC in a setting similar to that of the daily practice. We included only patients undergoing mild stimulation for intrauterine insemination (IUI). One hundred and forty-eight patients had two (62 patients, group A), three (49 patients, group B) or four (37 patients, group C) IUI cycles and AFC was measured on early follicular phase of each cycle by one of the members of the medical team within daily practice. Intra-class correlation coefficients were used to estimate variability. Inter-cycle variability rendered ICCs above 0.70 in all groups improving along with the number of cycles [Group A ICC 0.78 (95%CI 0.66–0.86), Group B ICC 0.87 (95%CI 0.80–0.92) and Group C ICC 0.91 (95%CI 0.85–0.95)]. Inter-observer variability showed a high degree of concordance with ICCs above 0.95. We provide the closest approximation to real inter-cycle and inter-observer AFC variability expected in routine clinical practice.     

Impact of repeated antral follicle counts on the prediction of poor ovarian response in women undergoing in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of a single antral follicle count and the additional value of repeated counts in different cycles for the prediction of poor ovarian response in IVF. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Tertiary fertility center. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty women undergoing their first IVF cycle. INTERVENTION(S): Measurement of the number of antral follicles on cycle day 3 in two spontaneous cycles.Ovarian response. RESULT(S): A single antral follicle count is clearly predictive of poor ovarian response and there is good agreement between repeated measurements in subsequent cycles (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC(AUC)]; cycle 1: 0.87, cycle 2: 0.85). In a logistic regression analysis, information obtained after the second cycle contributed significantly to the prediction of poor response by the antral follicle count of the first cycle. The predictive accuracy of the highest of two counts (ROC(AUC) 0.89) was slightly better than that of each single count. The predictive model with the highest count yielded slightly higher values of specificity and positive predictive value. Sensitivity, negative predictive value, and error rates were slightly lower. CONCLUSION(S): A single antral follicle count is a good predictor of poor ovarian response in IVF. Although the impact of a second antral follicle count on ovarian response predictions in IVF is statistically significant, clinical relevance is very limited. Repeating an antral follicle count in a subsequent cycle is not recommended.     

Evaluation of ovarian reserve in women with psoriasis

The aim of this study is to evaluate ovarian reserve in women with psoriasis. Thirty-six women with psoriasis and 36 healthy women were enrolled in this prospective study. On day 3 of the menstrual cycle, blood samples for AMH and other hormones were collected. On the same day, antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian volumes were measured. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to examine the contribution of factors to the serum AMH levels in patients with psoriasis. The serum AMH levels and ovarian volumes were lower in the psoriasis group than in the control group (1.85?±?1.13?ng/ml vs 2.46?±?1.21?ng/ml, p?=?.029 and 10.43?±?3.08?cm³ vs 11.93?±?3.01?cm³, p?=?.038). However, the mean AFC between the two groups was not significantly different. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score did not correlate with AMH. On the other hand, the duration of the disease negatively correlated with AMH, total AFC and ovarian volume. In the multiple regression analysis, duration of disease and total AFC were the most significant contributors to the serum AMH levels in patients with psoriasis. Autoimmune diseases may affect ovarian reserve regardless of immunosuppresive treatment. Longitudinal follow-ups regarding reproductive function might be required in women with psoriasis.     

Age-related normogram for antral follicle count in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Antral follicle count (AFC) has been shown to be a reliable marker for ovarian reserve. The aims of this study were to create an age-related normogram for AFC in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare age-related decline in AFC between infertile women with and without PCOS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Of a total of 4956 women, 619 women fit criteria for PCOS. In those with PCOS, there were large variations in the AFC between the 10th and 90th percentiles in all age groups. The rate of decline in AFC among women with PCOS was linear, while in those with non-PCOS, it was exponential until 30 years of age, and then became similar to that of PCOS. The rate of follicle loss per year was significantly slower in PCOS women compared with that in non-PCOS women. In both groups, the fastest period of follicle loss was between the ages of 18 and 30. The average follicle loss was 0.8 follicles/year in PCOS women and 1.7 follicles/year in those without PCOS (P < 0.001). This study concludes that age-related decline in AFC among women with PCOS is slower than in those without PCOS.Antral follicle count (AFC) has been shown to be a reliable marker for ovarian reserve. The aims of this study were to create an age-related normogram for AFC in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to compare age-related decline in AFC between women with and without PCOS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All patients underwent a baseline transvaginal ultrasound that was performed on day 2–4 of the menstrual cycle. The total number of antral follicles of 2–9 mm in diameter was recorded. Of total 4956 women, 619 women fit criteria for PCOS. In those with PCOS, there were large variations in the AFC between the 10th 90th percentiles in all age groups. The rate of decline in AFC among women with PCOS was linear; while in those with non-PCOS, it was exponential until 30 years of age, and then became similar to that of PCOS. The rate of follicle loss per year was significantly slower in PCOS women compared with that in non-PCOS women. In both groups, the fastest period of follicle loss was between the ages 18–30 years. The average follicle loss was 0.8 follicles/year in PCOS women and 1.7 follicles/year in those without PCOS (P < 0.001). We have concluded that age-related decline in AFC among women with PCOS is slower than in those without PCOS. Further studies are needed to determine if the AFC normogram in women with PCOS could be clinically relevant to select the optimal gonadotrophin dose for ovulation induction.     

Diminished ovarian reserve in patients with psoriasis

Objective

Psoriasis is a multi-systemic chronic inflammatory skin disease. Previous data suggests that women with some chronic inflammatory diseases have diminished ovarian reserve. This study explores ovarian reserve in patients with psoriasis.

Sonographic assessment of ovarian reserve. Its correlation with outcome of in vitro fertilization cycles

Ovarian reserve is a crucial factor for normal ovarian response and the achievement of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Recently, the study of morphological markers by means of ultrasonographic counting of antral follicles (AFC) has proved useful. The present prospective study included 327 consecutive IVF patients who had a basal ultrasound scan of their ovarian reserve during the early follicular phase and had a first IVF cycle between 1 and 3 months later. We performed 313 ovum pick-ups with a mean of 11.1 ± 7.9 oocytes retrieved. The pregnancy rate per aspiration was 34.5%. Clear and significant differences were observed between normal and low response with respect to AFC, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level and age. We also found that AFC correlated negatively and significantly with age, FSH and LH, and positively and also significantly with the total number of follicles, estradiol level and the number of oocytes retrieved. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, the cut-off value of AFC for poor response was 7 follicles. The value of AFC for predicting pregnancy was lower, although patients with AFC of 8 or more follicles obtained significantly higher pregnancy rates. We consider that AFC should be included in the study of the infertile patient.     

Retrospective evaluation of pregnancy outcomes in women with familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

Aim: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by periodic attacks of fever, aseptic serositis and synovitis. In this study, we investigated maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant patients with FMF.

Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 46 pregnant patients with FMF who attended the perinatology clinic of Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Research and Training Hospital between January 2008 and December 2012. The following clinical and demographic data were obtained by reviewing the patients’ medical records: maternal age, colchicine use during pregnancy, obstetric history, pregnancy outcome and maternal and neonatal complications during the current pregnancy.

Results: The patients with FMF had higher rates of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and Cesarean delivery as well as low birth weight infants; however, rates of stillbirth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia did not differ between the groups. Preterm delivery rates were higher in the study group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Patients with pregnancy complications had significantly more basal proteinuria than did patients without complications.

Nine patients did not receive colchicine therapy in the previous or current pregnancies. Within this subgroup, four (44.4%) of the patients had a history of two or more previous miscarriages. However, there were only three cases (8.1%) of two or more miscarriages among 37 patients who received colchicine; this difference was statistically significant

Conclusions: FMF leads to higher rates of PROM, recurrent miscarriage and preterm deliveries. Colchicine treatment is safe in pregnancy and may lead to a decreased miscarriage rate.     

Antral follicle count in clinical practice: building the bridge from ovarian reserve to in vitro fertilization outcome

Antral follicle count provides a useful assessment of ovarian reserve to predict ovarian response, estimate risk for cycle cancellation, optimize stimulation protocol selection, and confidently select suitable candidates for IVF.     

Reproductive aging and variability in the ovarian antral follicle count: application in the clinical setting

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of intercycle and interobserver variability in antral follicle (AF) count and their impact on stimulation quality in IVF. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of the impact on AF count of GnRH agonist down-regulation and interobserver variability. Retrospective evaluation of intercycle variability in AF count. SETTING: University ART clinic. PATIENT(S): Twenty subjects were used to evaluate the effect of GnRH agonist down-regulation upon AF count; six of whom were used to evaluate interobserver variability. Fifty patients experiencing two or three cycles of IVF within a 1-year interval. INTERVENTION(S): Transvaginal ultrasound exams before and after down-regulation with a GnRH agonist. Videotaped day-3 transvaginal ultrasound exams. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): [1] Intercycle and interobserver variability in antral follicle count. [2] Oocytes retrieved, peak estradiol, gonadotropin dose, duration of stimulation and cancellation rates. RESULT(S): There is moderate intercycle and interobserver variability in AF counts. GnRH agonist down-regulation does not significantly change AF count. In infertility patients undergoing IVF, paired analysis between the low- and high-AF count cycles did not show a difference in quality of stimulation or cycle cancellation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Within an individual patient, higher AF count in a given cycle was not predictive of better stimulation compared with the case of a lower count cycle.