The objective of the study was to compare a standard clomiphene citrate cha
llenge test with inhibin-B serum concentrations also obtained on cycle days
3 and 10 as a negative predictor of pregnancy in a group of 106 women at r
isk for compromised ovarian function. Mean duration of follow-up was 8.25 m
onths in 95 patients with 30 pregnancies recorded (plus one biochemical). I
nhibin-B concentrations on cycle days 3 and 10 were correlated only with ea
ch other and not with serum oestradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
and/or pregnancy rates. Pregnancy occurred in 34.5% (10/29) of all patients
with inhibin-B values greater than or equal to 45 pg/ml on cycle day 3 and
in 31.8% (21/66) of those with values <45 pg/ml. For FSH >11 mIU/ml on eit
her day, pregnancy rate was 13.6% versus 38.4% for FSH of less than or equa
l to 9 mIU/ml (P = 0.03). This study reconfirmed the usefulness of a clomip
hene citrate challenge test as an indication of ovarian reserve but failed
to find clinical value for inhibin-B testing.