Basal antral follicle number and mean ovarian diameter predict cycle cancellation and ovarian responsiveness in assisted reproductive technology cycles
Jl. Frattarelli et al., Basal antral follicle number and mean ovarian diameter predict cycle cancellation and ovarian responsiveness in assisted reproductive technology cycles, FERT STERIL, 74(3), 2000, pp. 512-517
Objective: To determine the predictive value and define threshold levels fo
r basal antral follicle number and mean ovarian diameter in patients underg
oing ART cycles.
Design: Retrospective, Setting: Tertiary care center.
Patients: Two hundred seventy-eight patients who had ovarian measurements p
erformed an cycle day 3 before beginning treatment with gonadotropins.
Intervention: Pretreatment ovarian ultrasound measurements.
Main Outcome Measure: Number of oocytes retrieved, hormone levels, and cycl
e outcomes.
Results: A direct linear correlation was observed between mean ovarian diam
eter and basal follicle number. Roth measures demonstrated a positive linea
r correlation with recovered oocytes, basal E-2, and peak E-2. Both demonst
rated a negative lineal correlation with ampules of gonadotropins administe
red, days of stimulation, patient age. cycle day 3 FSH, and FSH:LH ratio. A
n antral follicle count of less than or equal to 10 or a mean ovarian diame
ter of <20 mm was associated with an increased risk of cycle cancellation.
Conclusions: Ovarian diameter and basal antral follicle number identify pat
ients who may respond poorly to ART stimulation. These ovarian measures con
-elate well with ART screening and stimulation parameters. This knowledge a
llows physicians to evaluate and counsel patients immediately before an ART
stimulation and to optimize stimulation protocols. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000:
74:512-17. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).