The primary objective of this prospective, observational, multivariate study will be to compare the reliability of automated AMH (measured with Access AMH assay, Beckman-Coulter Diagnostics, USA) with that of antral follicle count (AFC) evaluated ultrasonographically always by the same operator and with the same ultrasound scanner, in terms of the number of oocytes recovered from oocyte sampling in couples subjected to in vitro fertilization.
Individual variability in ovarian response to a starting dose of gonadotropins is a well-known aspect during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and many efforts have been made for obtaining the personalization of the treatment, identifying different biomarkers that may predict the ovarian response such as age, basal Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), AMH and antral follicle count (AFC). The number of oocytes retrieved is the main expression of ovarian response and it remains a relevant prognostic marker in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles. Consistent evidence shows that an optimal - rather than a maximal - oocyte yield is the preferred achievement after COS when fresh embryo transfer is scheduled. In fact, live birth rates steadily increase when an optimal number of oocytes is collected, whereas low response and hyper-response are associated with lower implantation rates, increased obstetrical risks and, at least when considering hyper response, increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the fresh cycle. Among the different biomarkers, AMH and AFC seem to have the best performance in predicting ovarian response to exogenous FSH. Nevertheless, until now, there is often discordance between the AMH level and AFC in clinical practice. In cases of discordance, which indicator should be chosen to individualize the starting dose of gonadotropins? Until now, no direct comparison of the new automated immunoassay of AMH with AFC has been carried out considering the number of retrieved oocytes as primary endpoint.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
160
The use of a different starting dose, based on the female age, derives from the necessity to control the effect of a variable starting dose on the primary outcome.
The use of a different starting dose, based on the female age, derives from the necessity to control the effect of a variable starting dose on the primary outcome.
ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit
Palermo, Italy
Number of oocytes retrieved
The number of oocytes collected after oocyte retrieval
Time frame: 13-15 days starting from the first day of the cycle
Cumulative clinical pregnancy rate per patient
The number of clinical pregnancies (gestational sacs with a fetal heartbeat detected at ultrasound 28-32 days after oocyte retrieval) obtained by fresh and frozen embryo transfers per each patient.
Time frame: 28-32 days after the oocyte retrieval
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.