早卵泡期血清抗苗勒管激素水平在预测卵巢低反应中的价值探讨

目的:探讨早卵泡期血清抗苗勒管激素(AMH)水平对卵巢储备功能低下患者在控制性超排卵(COH)中预测卵巢低反应的应用价值及前景。方法:分析2013年10月至2015年6月在昆明医科大学第四附属医院接受体外受精/单精子卵母细胞内注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)205个周期的患者,其中包括卵巢低反应患者70例(获卵数5个)和卵巢正常反应患者135例(15个获卵数≥5个)。在患者月经第二天或第三天清晨抽空腹静脉血,测定抗苗勒管激素(AMH)、基础卵泡刺激素(b FSH)、基础黄体生成素(b LH)及基础雌二醇(b E2)水平,同时行阴道B超检查测定窦卵泡数(AFC),以获卵数为评价标准。结果:年龄、AMH、AFC、b FSH及b FSH/b LH和获卵数存在相关性(P0.05),其中AMH相关性最强(r=0.597,P=0.000),其余相关性由强到弱为:AFCb FSH水平b FSH/b LH比值年龄。预测卵巢低反应ROC曲线下面积AMH最大,其余次序和相关性一致。预测卵巢低反应的AMH水平界值1.275μg/L(ROC曲线下面积0.823,灵敏度0.786,特异度0.852)。结论:血清AMH水平是反映卵巢储备能力的理想指标,可预测COH中卵巢低反应,用于指导临床选择合适的治疗方案。     

体外受精-胚胎移植309个卵巢反应不良周期临床分析

目的探讨体外受精-胚胎移植周期中卵巢反应不良的影响因素、预测及处理。方法2005年我们完成取卵周期2352个，其中274例患者309个周期发生卵巢反应不良，选择与其同一日取卵且时间接近的309个周期作为对照，比较两组既往卵巢手术史、促性激素的用量和时间、受精率、妊娠率、流产率、卵巢储备能力预测的指标以及卵巢反应不良组妊娠结局的预测。结果卵巢反应不良组患者年龄、既往卵巢手术史、促性激素的用量和时间均高于对照组（P＜0．001），而受精率、妊娠率显著低于对照组（P＜0．0001）。在卵巢储备能力预测方面，年龄、基础卵泡刺激素（BFSH）、基础卵泡刺激素／黄体生成素（BFSH／LH）、窦卵泡数（AFC）两组均有明显差异（P＜0．001）。在卵巢反应不良组中，年龄≤40岁者妊娠率为25．4％，而年龄）40岁者妊娠率为1．4％，精确fisher概率法比较差异有显著性（P＜0．0001）；在妊娠结局的预测方面，对年龄、BFSH、LH、BFSH／LH、AFC、基础雌二醇（E2）进行回归分析，年龄是首先被引入（OR，0．831；95％可信区间，0．765～0．910；P=0．000），其次是AFC（OR，1．300；95％可信区间，1．025～1．648；P=0．031）。结论既往有卵巢手术史者与卵巢反应不良密切相关；对卵巢反应不良的患者，综合年龄、FSH、BFSH／LH、AFC可以预测卵巢储备能力；卵巢反应不良妇女IVF妊娠率较低，尤其对年龄＞40岁卵巢反应不良的患者，IVF-ET的成功率极低；在妊娠结局的预测方面，年龄、窦卵泡数与妊娠结局密切相关。     

GnRHa降调节后月经第3天的FSH/LH比值预测卵巢的反应性

目的探索促性腺激素释放激素激动剂（GnRHa）降调节后月经第3天的血卵泡刺激素（FSH）/黄体生成素（LH）比值在控制性超排卵（COH）中预测卵巢反应性的价值。方法用全自动酶联免疫分析法检测439个COH周期的基础血卵泡刺激素值和GnRHa降调节后月经第3天的FSH、LH值，分析Gn-RHa降调节后月经第3天的FSH/LH比值与成熟卵泡数、临床妊娠率等的关系；并比较FSH/LH比值、基础血卵泡刺激素、降调节后月经第3天的FSH值与成熟卵泡数的关系；同时按FSH/LH比值将439个周期分为四组：FSH/LH≤1，13，分析各组之间年龄、促性腺激素用量、成熟卵泡数、FSH、LH、受精数、卵裂数、临床妊娠率等的差异。结果GnRHa降调后FSH/LH比值与GnRHa降调节后月经第3天的FSH值与成熟卵泡数均成显著性负相关（r=-0.368；r=-0.219）；基础血卵泡刺激素与成熟卵泡数成不显著性负相关（r=-0.160）。FSH/LH比值对临床妊娠率有显著性影响（P=0.012）。在卵巢低反应组和正常反应组，FSH/LH比值具有显著性差异（P=0.016）。另外，在四组中，2〈FSH／LH≤3组的成熟卵泡数、临床妊娠率等显著高于其他三组。结论GnRHa降调节后血卵泡刺激素（FSH）／黄体生成素（LH）比值用于预测卵巢的反应性较血卵泡刺激素更敏感，可以用于作为判断COH结果的预测指标。     

基础FSH/LH比值对预测年轻不孕患者IVF-ET周期卵巢反应性的影响

目的:探讨基础FSH和LH比值预测基础FSH水平正常且年轻不孕患者卵巢反应性的临床价值。方法:回顾分析2004年6月至2005年5月因男方因素或输卵管因素行体外受精-胚胎移植(in-vitrofertilization-embryotransfer,IVF-ET)治疗的年轻(年龄≤35岁)且基础FSH水平正常(≤8.5IU/L)不孕患者237例的临床资料,共计237个治疗周期,依据FSH/LH不同比例分为3组,A组(n=44)FSH/LH<1;B组(n=143)FSH/LH12;C组(n=50)FSH/LH>2。比较各组间的年龄、激素水平、卵巢反应、IVF的实验室结果以及妊娠情况。结果:3组患者的年龄、窦卵泡数、基础E2值、受精率、卵裂率和妊娠率两两相比无统计学差异(P>0.05),但A、B两组间的基础FSH值、基础LH值、E2峰值和成熟卵泡数差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);A、C两组间基础FSH值、基础LH值、E2峰值、促性腺激素(gonadotropin,Gn)总用量、Gn平均每日用量、Gn用药时间及获卵数和成熟卵泡数的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);B、C两组间基础LH值、E2峰值、促性腺激素总用量、Gn平均每日用量和Gn用药时间比较也有明显差异(P<0.05)。结论:FSH正常的年轻妇女,FSH/LH>2的卵巢反应性明显低于FSH/LH<1者;FSH/LH比值是预测基础FSH正常且年轻不孕者卵巢反应性的一项较好指标。     

抗苗勒管激素在辅助生殖技术中预测卵巢反应性的价值

目的:探讨抗苗勒管激素(anti-Mllerian hormone,AMH/MIS)在辅助生殖技术中预测卵巢反应性的价值。方法:按纳入标准选择80例第一次接受IVF-ET治疗的患者,于启动周期月经第2天用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清AMH水平;电化学免疫发光法测定基础血清FSH、LH、E2、T、PRL。同时用超声诊断仪为卵巢窦卵泡计数。记录促性腺激素总量、获卵数等。结果:(1)卵巢低反应组(n=14)与正常反应组(n=66)基础AMH水平分别为0.38±0.27ng/ml、2.10±1.25ng/ml,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);(2)获卵数与基础血清AMH、窦状卵泡数(AFC)呈正相关,相关系数分别为0.776,0.577,与FSH、FSH/LH呈负相关,相关系数分别为-0.405,-0.528。多元线性回归分析各项指标对获卵数的影响按序依次为基础血清AMH、AFC、FSH、FSH/LH、年龄;(3)基础血清AMHROCAUC为0.961。卵巢低反应的基础血清AMHCut-off值为0.562ng/ml时,其灵敏度可达96%、特异性86%,阳性预测值92.3%,阴性预测值97%。结论:辅助生殖技术中基础血清AMH水平与目前临床常用指标相比,预测卵巢反应性的诊断价值最高,且灵敏、简便、经济。     

抗苗勒管激素和内分泌代谢指标在多囊卵巢综合征诊断中的应用

目的建立用于检测多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者的血清抗苗勒管激素(AMH)和其他激素代谢指标的临床截断值。方法本研究共纳入653名PCOS患者,同时纳入118名健康妇女作为对照组。分析血清AMH、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、FSH/LH、催乳素(PRL)、雌二醇(E2)、睾酮(T)、硫酸脱氢表雄酮(DHEA-S)、性激素结合球蛋白(SHBG)、17α-OH孕酮(17α-OHP)、空腹胰岛素(INS)、空腹血糖(GLU)、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)的水平,通过受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估AMH、LH/FSH、T和INS诊断多囊卵巢的诊断效能。以AMH、LH/FSH、T和INS为自变量,建立logistic回归模型,并根据概率值拟合联合检测的ROC曲线。结果与对照相比,PCOS患者血清FSH、LH、LH/FSH、AMH、游离雄激素指数(FAI)、17α-OHP、空腹INS、T、SHBG、DHEA-S和HOMA-IR差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05)。针对20～29岁的女性,AMH作为PCOS的诊断指标的临床截断值为8.16 mg/L,ROC曲线下面积为0.846,针对30～34岁女性的截断值为6.98 mg/L,ROC曲线下面积为0.845,针对35～39岁女性的截断值为5.65 mg/L,ROC曲线下面积为0.832。AMH、LH/FSH、T和INS联合检测PCOS的ROC曲线下面积为0.951。结论 20～29岁PCOS患者的AMH的截断值为8.16 mg/L,30～34岁为6.98 mg/L,35～39岁为5.65 mg/L。血清AMH、LH/FSH、T和INS可以作为PCOS诊断的有效检测指标,这些标志物的联合检测可以提高PCOS的诊断特异性和敏感性。     

四种预测卵巢储备指标的临床研究

目的 :在体外受精 胚胎移植 (IVF ET)患者中对预测卵巢储备的 4种指标进行临床研究 ,以期寻找 1～ 2种灵敏度高的指标用于普通不孕人群。方法 :随机选择不同年龄段的 90例不孕患者 ,在接受IVF ET前 1～ 2个周期 ,于月经第 3天取空腹血测定基础性激素水平 ;于月经第 5～ 9天服氯米酚 (CC) 10 0mg,第 10天取空腹血测定FSH、LH、E2 ;开始进入IVF ET周期前 ,B超测量卵巢体积 ,观察IVF ET过程中卵巢的反应性。结果 :随年龄增加 ,卵巢反应不良及取消周期的比例增加 ;随基础FSH、服CC后FSH水平升高 ,卵巢反应性降低。卵巢体积较小组 ,卵巢反应不良的比例占 5 2 0 %。结论 :年龄是一个较为敏感的指标 ;基础FSH水平对卵巢储备的评估优于CC兴奋试验和卵巢体积测定。由于B超检查简便无侵入性 ,因此 ,认为基础FSH水平配合年龄和卵巢体积综合评估 ,将有助于提高预测价值。     

5865例IVF/ICSI-ET患者基础窦卵泡数预测卵巢储备功能的价值

目的:探索基础窦卵泡数(antralfolliclecount,AFC)预测卵巢储备功能的价值。方法:回顾性分析5865例应用长方案行IVF/ICSI-ET患者的临床资料。结果:①AFC与Gn用量呈非常显著负相关(r=-0.47,P<0.05),与成熟卵泡呈显著正相关(r=0.53,P<0.05)。②AFC预测卵巢反应不良率及妊娠率的ROC曲线下面积AUCl、AUC2值分别为0.86(95%CI=0.84～0.88)及0.56(95%CI=0.54～0.57),均显著大于参考值(P均<0.05)。并且,AUCl>AUC2,差异有统计学意义(Z=19.5,P<0.05)。③依据ROC曲线计算AFC预测卵巢储备功能的截断值为<10。AFC≥10组的Gn用量以及卵巢反应不良率均低于AFC<10组,差异显著(P<0.05);AFC≥10组的成熟卵泡数及妊娠率均高于AFC<10组,差异显著(P<0.05)。结论:AFC是一良好的评估卵巢储备功能的指标。且对于卵巢反应性的预测价值优于对IVF结局的预测。AFC预测卵巢储备功能的界定值为<10。     

应用ROC曲线评估年龄、窦卵泡数及基础卵泡刺激素预测卵巢储备功能的价值

目的:探讨年龄、窦卵泡数(antral follicle count,AFC)、基础卵泡刺激素(bF-SH)预测卵巢储备功能的价值。方法:应用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC),回顾性分析本中心2003年1月～2009年12月6387例应用长方案行体外受精/卵细胞内单精子注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)患者的临床资料。结果:(1)年龄、AFC与bFSH预测卵巢低反应的ROC曲线下面积AUCl、AUC2、AUC3分别为0.69、0.86、0.70,均大于机会参考线下面积(P<0.05),AUC2大于AUCl及AUC3,差异有统计学意义(Z12=9.43,Z23=8.21,P均<0.05),AUCl及AUC3差异无统计意义(Z13=0.35,P>0.05)。(2)年龄、AFC与bFSH预测临床妊娠的ROC曲线下面积AUC4、AUC5、AUC6分别为0.57、0.55、0.53,均大于机会参考线下面积(P<0.05),AUC4大于AUC5及AUC6,差异有统计学意义(Z45=2.21,Z46=3.98,P均<0.05),AUC5与AUC6差异无统计意义(Z56=1.77,P>0.05)。(3)AUCl值、AUC2值、AUC3均分别显著大于AUC4、AUC5、AUC6(Z14=7.18,Z25=24.75,Z36=9.31,P均<0.05)。结论:年龄、AFC及bFSH均能预测卵巢的储备功能。对于卵巢低反应的预测价值,AFC高于年龄及bFSH。对于临床妊娠的预测价值,年龄高于AFC及bFSH。且年龄、AFC及bFSH对卵巢低反应的预测价值均高于对临床妊娠的预测价值。     

促性腺激素释放激素激动剂降调节后血清抑制素B水平对体外受精-胚胎移植结局的预测价值

目的 探讨促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)降调节后,血清抑制素B(INHB)对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)中卵巢反应性和IVF-ET结局的预测价值.方法 前瞻性观察124例行IVF-ET患者.超促排卵均采用GnRH-a+重组卵泡刺激素(rFSH)+人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)黄体期长方案.观察指标:年龄、基础卵泡刺激素(bFSH)水平、卵泡刺激素(FSH)与黄体生成素(LH)比值、GnRH-a降调节后INHB水平、双侧卵巢内总窦卵泡数(AFC)及双侧卵巢体积.卵巢反应性评价指标为获卵数.通过多元线性回归分析、logistic同归分析评价各激素水平与卵巢反应性及IVF-ET结局的关系,计算受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积(AUC),评价INHB水平预测获卵数的准确率,通过敏感度、特异度计算并确定其诊断临界值.结果 INHB水平与AFC呈显著正相关关系(r=0.435,P<0.01);多元回归分析显示,INHB水平与bFSH水平呈显著负相关关系(r=-0.239,P<0.01),与AFC(r=0.435,P<0.01)、获卵数(r=0.861,P<0.01)呈显著正相关关系,而与年龄、FSH/LH比值、卵巢体积无相关性(P>0.05).ROC曲线分析显示,GnRH-a降调节后,INHB水平的最大AUC为0.933(95%CI为0.878～0.988),将INHB水平为15 ng/L作为临界值时,其预测卵巢反应性的敏感度为95.5%,特异度为50.0%.结论 INHB水平足预测IVF-ET中卵巢反应性的最佳指标之一,INHB水平下降是卵巢储备功能下降的早期指标,但对IVF-ET结局无预测价值.     

腹腔镜电凝打孔治疗多囊卵巢综合征的远期疗效分析

目的 :观察腹腔镜电凝打孔治疗多囊卵巢综合征 (PCOS)的远期疗效。方法 :于 1997年 7月～ 2 0 0 3年 9月对克罗米酚促排卵治疗无效的PCOS患者 5 0例 ,行腹腔镜电凝打孔术 ,观察手术前后FSH、LH、T、E2 、PRL、LH/FSH的变化。并对比手术前后卵巢体积及形态的变化。术后根据基础体温测定 (BBT)及B超监测排卵并随访受孕情况。结果 :随访时间 3～ 73月 ,其中 6 0月以上 15例。术后LH、T、LH/FSH较术前明显降低 (P <0 .0 1) ,卵巢体积由术前平均 11cm3变为术后平均 8.4cm3,月经情况明显改善 ,该方法治疗PCOS自然恢复排卵率 94 % ,术后 5年累积受孕率 76 % ,无并发症发生。结论 :腹腔镜治疗PCOS简单易行、创伤小、恢复快 ,远期疗效好 ,为难治的PCOS患者提供了新的治疗途径     

The clinical analysis of poor ovarian response in in-vitro-fertilization embryo-transfer among Chinese couples

Purpose To explore the prevalence, predictor of clinical pregnancy and possible aetiology of poor ovarian response (POR) in in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF–ET) in Chinese. Methods A total of 4,600 retrieval oocyte cycles were finished between July 1, 2004 and April 30, 2006. Poor ovarian responses were observed in 426 patients of 472 cycles undergoing IVF, which were selected on the same retrieve oocyte day as the control group. The outcome of IVF–ET and the common markers of ovarian reserve were compared. Results The patients had previous ovarian surgery in 64 cycles of 472 poor ovarian response cycles. The group with poor ovarian response has significant differences in comparison with the control group in age (36.6 ± 4.2 vs 33.3 ± 4.04), ovarian surgeries (13.6 vs 2.8%), dose of gonadotrophin (58.5 ± 15.8 vs 40.6 ± 17.0), fertilization rate (71.5 vs 86%) and pregnancy rate (14.8 vs 36.7%). In the group with poor ovarian responses, clinical pregnancy rate declined significantly in women aged >40 years than in those aged ≤40 years (2.8 vs 18.5%, P < 0.001). The age, basal serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), basal serum luteinizing hormone (LH), basal oestradiol (E2) concentrations, FSH to LH ratio and the antral follicle count (AFC) are the common markers of ovarian reserve in our center. We found that there were significant differences in age, basal FSH, FSH-to-LH ratio and the antral follicle count. But no statistical significant differences were observed in basal oestradiol concentration and basal serum LH when comparing the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to study the relation among age, FSH, LH, E2, AFC and clinical pregnancy, and the age (odds ratio, 0.863; 95% confidence interval, 0.805–0.925; p = 0.000) was the only variable selected. Conclusion Our data show that the prevalence of poor ovarian response in Chinese is 11.9%. Previous ovarian surgery is associated with poor ovarian responses. The pregnancy rate of women with poor ovarian response is low in IVF–ET, especially the decline in clinical pregnancy rate of women aged >40 years became accelerated. Correct identification of those who are at risk for POR prior to stimulation is helpful in tailoring the best stimulation protocol to individual patients. Chronological age significantly improved the prediction of clinical pregnancy of poor ovarian responders.     

地诺孕素、亮丙瑞林辅助治疗卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的临床效果比较#br#

Objective?To compare the efficacy of different drugs in adjuvant treatment of ovarian endometrioma. Methods?A total of 170 patients with ovarian endometriosis cysts were randomly divided into dienogest group (dienogest treatment) and leuprolide group (leuprolide treatment), 85 cases in each group. The curative effects of the two groups were compared, and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), endometrial thickness, uterine volume, and antral follicle count (AFC) were observed in the two groups, ovarian stromal blood flow resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) changes. Results?There was no significant difference in the total effective rate, endometrial thickness, uterine volume, CA125 level and AFC between the two groups (P>0.05); the levels of FSH, E2, LH, RI, and PI in the leuprolide group were lower than those in the dinoflagellate group. There was no significant difference in endometrial thickness, uterine volume, CA125 or AFC between the two groups after treatment (P＞0.05). After treatment, RI in leuprolide group was lower than that in dienogest group (P<0.05). Conclusion?The effects of dienogest and leuprolide on ovarian endometrioma cysts are similar, but adjuvant leuprolide therapy can be more beneficial to improve ovarian blood supply.     

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.     

控制性超排卵治疗中卵巢高反应影响因素分析

目的:筛选影响卵巢反应性的相关因素,用以指导临床制定合理的超排卵方案。方法:回顾性分析183例进行长方案降调下行控制性超排卵治疗者,按获卵数>15枚和4～15枚且使用Gn起步≤3支/d分为高反应组(n=96)和正常反应组(n=87)。结果:与低反应组比,高反应组窦卵泡数较多(P<0.05)、注射hCG日E2水平高(P<0.01)、基础FSH水平较低(P<0.05)。Logistic分析示基础FSH水平为保护因素(B=-0.608,P<0.01),窦卵泡数(B=1.675,P<0.01)、降调后LH水平(B=0.98,P=0.01)为危险因素。使用Gn 2支/d(75 IU/支)和3支/d起步发生高反应的几率分别是1支/d起步的7.4倍和6.7倍,而两者本身无显著差异。治疗结局:高反应组冷冻胚胎率和卵巢过度刺激综合症(OHSS)发生率均高于正常反应组(P<0.05)。结论:对于窦卵泡数多、基础FSH水平低或降调后LH水平较高的患者应尽量采用Gn 1支/d起步。     

Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count for prediction of ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the ability of a combination of multiple ovarian reserve markers to predict ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: On cycle Day 3 of 75 infertile patients with PCOS, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured, and antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV) were evaluated by transvaginal sonography (TVS). All patients underwent the same mild ovarian stimulation protocol using clomiphene citrate and highly purified FSH. Ovulation was monitored by TVS and confirmed by midluteal serum progesterone level.

Results: AMH, AFC, and “ovulation index” [OI, serum AMH (ng/ml)?×?bilateral AFC] were significantly lower in the ovulatory group (n?=?57, 76%) compared with the anovulatory group, whereas LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, and OV were not significantly different. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the OI at a cutoff value of “85” had a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 72.2% in the prediction of ovulation, with an area under the curve of 0.733. Patients with OI?<?85 had significantly higher ovulation rate (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion: The OI, combining both AMH and AFC, is a potentially useful predictor of the outcome of ovarian stimulation in PCOS.     

Prognostic value of some ovarian reserve tests in poor responders

Background The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of the basal estradiol (E₂) and inhibin-B levels, the antral follicle count (AFC), and the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT) of ovarian response in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), in an outcome with normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.Methods Fifty-two patients undergoing IVF treatment were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for assessment of basal E₂, FSH, and inhibin-B levels. Transvaginal ultrasound of an unstimulated cycle was performed to determine the mean antral follicle count (AFC). Serum FSH concentration was measured again on day 10 for CCCT performance.Results The mean values of womens age, and basal and day 10 FSH levels were significantly higher in cancelled cycles than in the control group, whereas basal inhibin-B and AFC were significantly higher in the latter. The mean basal E₂ concentration was similar in both groups. The results from the logistic regression analysis show that CCCT (cut-off point FSH >12.5 mIU/ml; AUC_ROC=0.90) was a better single predictor of poor ovarian response than AFC (AUC_ROC=0.85) and inhibin-B (AUC_ROC=0.79) with a correct prediction for CCCT (86.5%), antral follicle count (84.6%), and for inhibin-B (82.7%).Conclusions In women with normal basal FSH level, the determination of E₂ has no prognostic value for the outcome of poor responders. However, CCCT, AFC, and inhibin-B tests, when applied separately, produce good prognostic values. CCCT is the best single predictor of poor ovarian response, followed by antral follicle count and basal inhibin-B values. In spite of that, CCCT does not add significantly to the simpler AFC ultrasound test in the prediction of poor ovarian response.     

Assessment of ovarian reserve based on hormonal parameters,ovarian volume,and antral follicle count in women with familial Mediterranean fever

Objective

To evaluate ovarian reserve in women with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Study design

Thirty women with FMF (20–29 years) and thirty healthy controls (20–29 years) were admitted to this study. Basal serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibin B were measured on cycle day 3. All participants underwent transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the third day of their menstrual cycle for the determination of ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC).

Results

Women with FMF had significantly higher concentrations of FSH, LH and E2 than healthy controls. Total AFC was significantly lower in women with FMF than in healthy controls. OV was also lower in the FMF group but there was no statistically significant difference in OV between the groups. Age was negatively associated with FSH and LH. Inhibin B was found to be negatively correlated with LH and OV.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, the first in FMF patients, we found that ovarian reserve was reduced in women with FMF compared with healthy controls. FMF may affect the ovarian reserve but the mechanism of this effect is unclear.     

Does the empty follicle syndrome occur in cases of low number of maturing follicles in assisted reproduction?

The pathophysiology of the genuine empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is still debated. Ovarian aging has been contested as a cause of this condition. Our aim was to investigate the occurrence of the genuine EFS in cases of a low number of mature follicles in a prospective manner. Ninety-five infertile women were recruited and evaluated following conventional controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with?≤?six follicles of ≥14?mm diameter on the day of hCG administration. Enrolled women were 37.5?±?5.2?years of age with basal FSH level of 9.1?±?3.7 mIU/L, antral follicle count (AFC) of 6.9?±?4.6, and number of ≥14?mm follicles (on the day of hCG) of 3.4?±?1.5. Among the 95 women, four were complicated by the genuine EFS (4.2%) with features of the depleted ovarian reserve. Comparison between these four cases and the 91 controls revealed significant differences between age, AFC, number of ≥14?mm follicles, and serum E₂ level corresponding to 41.8?±?1.7 versus 37.4?±?5.2 years, 1.7?±?0.6 versus 7.1?±?4.5, 2.0?±?0.8 versus 3.4?±?1.5 follicles, and 356?±?200 versus 975?±?557?pg/mL, respectively. Post hoc analysis revealed that 56 among the 95 women fulfilled the Bologna criteria for poor ovarian response and all four cases matched the definition of the genuine EFS raising its incidence to 7.1% in this group. A logistic regression analysis showed that AFC was a significant factor in the development of the genuine EFS. We conclude that the genuine EFS complicates infertile women characterized by a low number of mature follicles. Our findings suggest that the mechanism behind this occurrence is associated with a more exhausted ovarian reserve.