Antral follicle assessment as a tool for predicting outcome in IVF - Is ita better predictor than age and FSH?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if baseline antral folli cle assessment may serve as additional information in predicting in vitro f ertilization outcome. Methods: Prospective, descriptive preliminary study of in vitro fertilizati on outcome. From July 1998 to July 1999 224 patients underwent antral folli cle assessment (follicle 2-6 mm in diameter) on baseline of the planned, st imulated in vitro fertilization cycle. The outcomes were analyzed with resp ect to antral follicle assessment (less than or equal to6 or >6), basal cyc le day 3 follicle stimulated harmone (less than or equal to 10 or > 10 IU/L ) and maternal age (less than or equal to 35 or > 35 years). Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the group with baseline antral follicle >6 compared to that in the group with antral follicle less than or equal to6 (51% vs. 19%, respectively). Controlling fo r patient age, and basal follicle stimulated harmone, the pregnancy rate wa s significantly higher in the group with antral follicle >6 compared to tha t in the group with antral follicle less than or equal to6. The cancellatio n rate was significantly increased with advancing maternal age, elevated ba sal follicle stimulated harmone levels, and baseline antral follicle less t han or equal to6. The cancellation rate was significantly higher in the gro up with antral follicle >6 compared to that in the group with antral follic le greater than or equal to6 (33% vs. 1%, respectively). Conclusions: In vitro fertilization outcome is strongly correlated with bot h maternal ages, basal cycle, day 3 follicle, stimulated harmone, and antra l follicle assessment. Antral follicle assessment was a better predictor of in vitro fertilization outcome than were age or follicle stimulated harmon e. Antral follicle assessment may provide a marker for ovarian age that is distinct from chronological age or hormonal markers.