Perifollicular vascularity in poor ovarian responders during IVF

Hum Reprod. 2006 Jun;21(6):1539-44. doi: 10.1093/humrep/del021. Epub 2006 Feb 17.

Abstract

Background: Normal ovarian responders who have follicles with good vascularity shown by power Doppler scanning are associated with a better pregnancy rate following IVF treatment. This study evaluated the significance of perifollicular vascularity and follicular fluid hormonal profile in poor responders who developed < or = 3 dominant follicles.

Methods: Before oocyte retrieval, they underwent power Doppler examination for perifollicular vascularity. Patients who had all follicles with low-grade vascularity were classified as Group A, whereas those with at least one follicle with high-grade vascularity were Group B. Their follicular fluid concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone, HCG, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibin B were measured.

Results: A total of 58 consecutive patients were recruited: 38 in Group A and 20 in Group B. Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and follicular fluid hormonal concentrations were comparable for Groups A and B. Multiple pregnancy and live birth rates appeared higher, whereas miscarriage rate were lower in Group B than Group A, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates among poor responders with and without high-grade perifollicular vascularity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous
  • Adult
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods*
  • Follicular Fluid
  • Humans
  • Inhibins / metabolism
  • Ovarian Follicle / blood supply
  • Ovarian Follicle / pathology*
  • Ovary / blood supply
  • Ovary / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Progesterone / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • inhibin B
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Inhibins