C Gnoth1, A N Schuring, K Friol, J Tigges, P Mallmann, E Godehardt. 1. Center for Family Planning, Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Rheydter Strasse 143, 41515 Grevenbroich, Germany. dr.christian.gnoth@rmz-nrw.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diminished ovarian reserve has become a major cause of infertility. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) seems to be a promising candidate to assess ovarian reserve and predict the response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of AMH in a routine IVF program. METHODS: Three hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively enrolled to enter their first IVF/ICSI-cycle. Age, FSH-, inhibin B- and AMH-levels and their predictive values for ovarian response and clinical pregnancy rate were compared by discriminant analyses. RESULTS: A total of 132 oocyte retrievals were performed. A calculated cut-off level < or =1.26 ng/ml AMH alone detected poor responders (< or =4 oocytes) with a sensitivity of 97%, and there was a 98% correct prediction of normal response in COH if levels were above this threshold. With levels <0.5 ng/ml, a correct prediction of very poor response (< or =2 oocytes) was possible in 88% of cases. Levels of AMH > or =0.5 ng/ml were not significantly correlated with clinical pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: AMH is a predictor of ovarian response and suitable for screening. Levels < or =1.26 ng/ml are highly predictive of reduced ovarian reserve and should be confirmed by a second line antral follicle count. Measurement of AMH supports clinical decisions, but alone it is not a suitable predictor of IVF success.
BACKGROUND: Diminished ovarian reserve has become a major cause of infertility. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) seems to be a promising candidate to assess ovarian reserve and predict the response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of AMH in a routine IVF program. METHODS: Three hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively enrolled to enter their first IVF/ICSI-cycle. Age, FSH-, inhibin B- and AMH-levels and their predictive values for ovarian response and clinical pregnancy rate were compared by discriminant analyses. RESULTS: A total of 132 oocyte retrievals were performed. A calculated cut-off level < or =1.26 ng/ml AMH alone detected poor responders (< or =4 oocytes) with a sensitivity of 97%, and there was a 98% correct prediction of normal response in COH if levels were above this threshold. With levels <0.5 ng/ml, a correct prediction of very poor response (< or =2 oocytes) was possible in 88% of cases. Levels of AMH > or =0.5 ng/ml were not significantly correlated with clinical pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS:AMH is a predictor of ovarian response and suitable for screening. Levels < or =1.26 ng/ml are highly predictive of reduced ovarian reserve and should be confirmed by a second line antral follicle count. Measurement of AMH supports clinical decisions, but alone it is not a suitable predictor of IVF success.
Authors: Bruno Ramalho de Carvalho; Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa e Silva; Júlio César Rosa e Silva; Rosana Maria dos Reis; Rui Alberto Ferriani; Marcos Felipe Silva de Sá Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 2008-08-05 Impact factor: 3.412