The predictive value for in vitro fertility delivery rates is greatly impacted by the method used to select the threshold between normal and elevated basal follicle-stimulating hormone

The construction of machine learning-based predictive models for high-quality embryo formation in poor ovarian response patients with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the optimal models for predicting the formation of high-quality embryos in Poor Ovarian Response (POR) Patients with Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) using machine learning algorithms.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4,216 POR cycles who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Based on the presence of high-quality cleavage embryos 72 h post-fertilization, the samples were divided into the high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 1950) and the non-high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 2266). Additionally, based on whether high-quality blastocysts were observed following full blastocyst culture, the samples were categorized into the high-quality blastocyst group (N = 124) and the non-high-quality blastocyst group (N = 1800). The factors influencing the formation of high-quality embryos were analyzed using logistic regression. The predictive models based on machine learning methods were constructed and evaluated accordingly.

RESULTS

Differential analysis revealed that there are statistically significant differences in 14 factors between high-quality and non-high-quality cleavage embryos. Logistic regression analysis identified 14 factors as influential in forming high-quality cleavage embryos. In models excluding three variables (retrieved oocytes, MII oocytes, and 2PN fertilized oocytes), the XGBoost model performed slightly better (AUC = 0.672, 95% CI = 0.636-0.708). Conversely, in models including these three variables, the Random Forest model exhibited the best performance (AUC = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.759-0.818). In the analysis of high-quality blastocysts, significant differences were found in 17 factors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that 13 factors influence the formation of high-quality blastocysts. Including these variables in the predictive model, the XGBoost model showed the highest performance (AUC = 0.813, 95% CI = 0.741-0.884).

CONCLUSION

We developed a predictive model for the formation of high-quality embryos using machine learning methods for patients with POR undergoing treatment with the PPOS protocol. This model can help infertility patients better understand the likelihood of forming high-quality embryos following treatment and help clinicians better understand and predict treatment outcomes, thus facilitating more targeted and effective interventions.

Fertility preservation in patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments: a Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society clinical practice guideline

The management of young patients with cancer presents several unique challenges. In general, these patients are ill prepared for the diagnosis and the impact on their fertility. With the improved survival for all tumour types and stages, the need for adequate fertility counselling and a multidisciplinary approach in the reproductive care of these patients is paramount. Recent advances in cryopreservation techniques allow for the banking of spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos and ovarian tissue without compromising survival. This Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) guideline outlines the current understanding of social and medical issues associated with oncofertility, and the medical and surgical technologies available to optimize future fertility.

Determining the Optimal Cut-Off Values of Serum E2 and FSH for Evaluating the Menopausal Status of Breast Cancer Patients in a Southern Chinese Population

Background

Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) is one of universal phenomena in breast cancer (BC) patients, and it causes difficulties in evaluating the actual menopausal status which is important for the oncologists to choose appropriate treatment. Currently, serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are the most commonly used clinical parameters for the assessment of menopausal status in BC patients. However, the optimal cut-off points of serum E2 and FSH have little been explored in southern Chinese population.

Objective

This study is aimed to determine the optimal cut-off values of the serum E2 and FSH levels for evaluating the menopausal status of BC patients in a southern Chinese population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was done among a total of 206 patients with BC from a southern Chinese area. The data of serum E2, FSH, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were collected and analyzed for the comparison purpose. The receiver-operating curve (ROC) was generated to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the three biomarkers in discriminating the menopausal status of BC patients. The optimal cut-off values were determined according to the Youden index and then compared with the recommended reference values by the Chinese Anti-cancer Association (CACA) and those recommended by the manufacturers.

Results

The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of E2, FSH, and LH were 0.846 (95% CI: 0.790-0.903), 0.781 (95% CI: 0.714-0.847) and 0.608 (95% CI: 0.526-0.690), respectively. The optimal cut-off values were 130.0 pg/mL for E2, 23.325 IU/L for FSH, and 11.625 IU/L for LH with a maximum of the Youden index. When E2, FSH, and LH were used in combination for ROC analysis, the AUC increased to 0.847 (95% CI: 0.790-0.904), which was higher than that of any other biomarker alone. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of E2 and FSH were 91.6% and 73.70% and 94.4% and 58.6%, respectively, in comparison with 85.0% and 75.80% and 76.6% and 65.7% according to the CACA-recommended cut-off points, or 92.5% and 68.7% and 96.3% and 53.5% according to the manufacturer recommended cut-off points.

Conclusion

Considering the sensitivity and specificity of serum E2 and FSH for assessing the menopausal status, the optimal cut-off values determined in the present study were similar to the manufacturer's recommendations, but obviously superior to the cut-off points suggested by CACA. These cut-off points calculated in this study seem to be valuable in southern Chinese population and might be used by clinicians to make a correct medical decision for BC patients who would benefit from endocrine therapy of aromatase inhibitor (AI).

Evaluation of Ovarian Reserve Tests and Age in the Prediction of Poor Ovarian Response to Controlled Ovarian Stimulation-A Real-World Data Analysis of 89,002 Patients

Aims

This study aimed to explore the value of ovarian reserve tests (ORTs) for predicting poor ovary response (POR) and whether an age cutoff could improve this forecasting, so as to facilitate clinical decision-making for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on poor ovary response (POR) patients using real-world data from five reproductive centers of university-affiliated hospitals or large academic hospitals in China. A total of 89,002 women with infertility undergoing their first traditional ovarian stimulation cycle for in vitro fertilization from January 2013 to December 2019 were included. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to estimate the prediction value of POR by the following ORTs: anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), basal FSH (bFSH), as well as patient age.

Results

In this retrospective cohort, the frequency of POR in the first IVF cycle was 14.8%. Age, AFC, AMH, and bFSH were used as predicting factors for POR, of which AMH and AFC were the best indicators when using a single factor for prediction (AUC 0.862 and 0.842, respectively). The predictive values of the multivariate model included age and AMH (AUC 0.865), age and AFC (AUC 0.850), age and all three ORTs (AUC 0.873). Compared with using a single factor alone, the combinations of ORTs and female age can increase the predictive value of POR. Adding age to single AMH model improved the prediction accuracy compared with AMH alone (AUC 0.865 vs. 0.862), but the improvement was not significant. The AFC with age model significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the single AFC model (AUC 0.846 vs. 0.837). To reach 90% specificity for POR prediction, the cutoff point for age was 38 years old with a sensitivity of 40.7%, 5 for AFC with a sensitivity of 55.9%, and 1.18 ng/ml for AMH with a sensitivity of 63.3%.

Conclusion

AFC and AMH demonstrated a high accuracy when using ROC regression to predict POR. When testing is reliable, AMH can be used alone to forecast POR. When AFC is used as a prediction parameter, age is suggested to be considered as well. Based on the results of the cutoff threshold analysis, AFC ≤ 5 and AMH ≤ 1.18 ng/ml should be recommended to predict POR more accurately in IVF/ICSI patients.

Premature ovarian insufficiency patients with viable embryos derived from autologous oocytes through repeated oocyte retrievals could obtain reasonable cumulative pregnancy outcomes following frozen-embryo transfer

Background

Women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are often discouraged from using autologous oocytes; however, some patients have a strong desire to be genetically linked to their offspring. In the present study, we aimed to estimate cumulative pregnancy outcomes following frozen-embryo transfer (FET) in POI patients who could obtain viable embryos with their eggs during in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments.

Methods

In this matched-retrospective cohort study, only patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments with a freeze-all strategy were screened, and 103 POI patients were matched with 515 normal controls in terms of the same number of viable embryos obtained at the same age. The primary outcome was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) following FET per patient.

Results

Patients with POI and normal ovarian reserve had comparable CCPRs of 62.14% (64/103) and 65.24% (336/515), respectively (P=0.547), and no statistical difference was found in the cumulative live-birth rate (CLBR) between the study group (43.69%) and the control group (53.01%). Based on binary logistic regression, the CCPR and CLBR showed no association with the type of ovarian function (POI or normal ovarian reserve). The number of embryos per transfer and the sum of all viable embryos per patient were positively associated with the CCPR and CLBR. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per FET cycle was 38.17% for the study group and 52.1% for the control group, while the CPRs per oocyte retrieval cycle in the 2 groups were 11.25% and 69.9%, respectively, and both were statistically different (P<0.05). Moreover, POI patients had a lower implantation rate (27.8% vs. 37.94%) and a higher early miscarriage rate per transfer (26.76% vs. 15%) than patients in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Cumulative pregnancy outcomes following FET were reasonable for POI patients using viable embryos derived from autologous oocytes through repeated oocyte retrievals.

Weight management merits attention in women with infertility: a cross-sectional study on the association of anthropometric indices with hormonal imbalance in a Ghanaian population

OBJECTIVE

This study determined the association of anthropometric indices with hormonal imbalance among infertile women in a Ghanaian population.

RESULTS

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (18.47 vs. 8.67, p-value = 0.002), and luteinizing hormone (LH) (12.43 vs. 8.01, p-value = 0.044) were higher in women with primary infertility compared with women presenting with secondary infertility. Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) showed significant negative partial correlation with prolactin in both primary and secondary infertile women. Also a significant negative partial correlation was observed between BMI and prolactin in secondary infertile women only. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) showed a positive association with LH in both primary and secondary infertility. WHR also showed significant positive correlation to LH/FSH ratio in secondary infertility whereas body adiposity index (BAI) showed a negative correlation to LH/FSH ratio. In a correlation analysis of anthropometric measures with hormonal profile and causes of infertility as a fixed factor, the association between anthropometric indices and fertility hormones was largely dependent on the underlying causes of infertility.

Discordant anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF): which one is the better predictor for live birth?

Background

This study sought to clarify the roles of Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in predicting live birth, especially in patients with discordant AMH and FSH. A large IVF data set provided by eIVF®, consisting of 13,964 cycles with AMH, FSH, age, BMI, and birth outcomes were evaluated. Patients were categorized into four groups: Good prognosis group (AMH ≥1 ng/ml; FSH < 10 mIU/ml), Poor prognosis group (AMH < 1 ng/ml; FSH ≥10 mIU/ml), Reassuring AMH group (AMH ≥1 ng/ml; FSH ≥10 mIU/ml), and Reassuring FSH group (AMH < 1 ng/ml; FSH < 10 mIU/ml). The interaction between AMH, FSH, and their impact on live birth rate among these four groups was evaluated using Generalized Additive Mixed Modeling (GAMM).

Results

Analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship of AMH and FSH with live birth rate among all ages. Among the four groups, the good prognosis group had the highest live birth rate while the poor prognosis group had the lowest live birth rate (29.3% vs 13.1%, p < 0.005). In the discordant groups, the live birth rate of the reassuring AMH group was significantly higher than the reassuring FSH group (22.8% vs 15.6%, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

Although both FSH and AMH are widely use to assess the ovarian reserve in women undergoing evaluation for infertility, AMH appears to be superior to FSH among all age groups. This is particularly important for patients with discordant AMH and FSH where reassuring AMH is a better clinical predictor of cycle success.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13048-018-0430-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Decline in ovarian reserve may be an undiagnosed reason for unexplained infertility: a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Unexplained infertility refers to the absence of a definable cause for a couple's failure to achieve pregnancy. Reproductive aging plays a role in pathogenesis of unexplained infertility. We investigated the results of ovarian reserve tests in unexplained infertility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The patients were divided into two groups: unexplained infertility (n = 148) and male factor infertility (n = 112). Follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, inhibin b levels and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were evaluated. Antral follicle count and ovarian volume measurements were performed.

RESULTS

The demographic variables were comparable. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were higher in the unexplained infertility group than the male factor infertility group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.071). Estradiol levels, inhibin b concentrations and ovarian volume showed no difference between groups. However, antral follicle count was significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group than the male factor infertility group (p = 0.023). The median anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group 1.42 (0.4-6.2) than in the male factor infertility group (2.04 (0.64-8.2); p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although anti-Müllerian hormone values and antral follicle count were higher than the low thresholds, a statistically significant decline of ovarian reserve in the unexplained infertility group was found in the present study. This might be an undiagnosed reason for unexplained infertility.

The meaning of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in patients at a high risk of poor ovarian response

Measurements of ovarian reserve play an important role in predicting the clinical results of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The ideal markers of ovarian reserve for clinical applications should have high specificity in order to determine genuine poor responders. Basal follicle-stimulating hormone levels, antral follicle count, and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been suggested as ovarian reserve tests that may fulfill this requirement, with serum AMH levels being the most promising parameter. Serum AMH levels have been suggested to be a predictor of clinical pregnancy in ART for older women, who are at a high risk for decreased ovarian response. We reviewed the prognostic significance of ovarian reserve tests for patients undergoing ART treatment, with a particular focus on the significance of serum AMH levels in patients at a high risk of poor ovarian response.

Self-collected dried blood spots as a tool for measuring ovarian reserve in young female cancer survivors

STUDY QUESTION

Are female young cancer survivors (YCS) able to self-collect high-quality dried blood spots (DBSs) at home to provide biospecimens for studying ovarian reserve?

SUMMARY ANSWER

YCS can self-collect high-quality DBS specimens in non-clinical settings, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can be assayed in such specimens.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Large-scale biosample collection is a barrier to studying ovarian reserve in YCS. DBS collected by research personnel has high acceptability. AMH levels measured in DBS are highly correlated with those measured by serum-based methods.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

In a prospective cohort study, YCS were recruited to self-collect DBS samples. AMH levels were assayed in 112 samples.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

YCS participants, ages 18-44, were recruited from a nationwide longitudinal cohort and DBS collection materials were posted to them. AMH levels were assayed by the Ansh DBS AMH ELISA and compared according to participant characteristics.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Among 163 potential participants, 123 (75%) were enrolled. Of those enrolled, 112 (91%) were able to complete DBS self-collection and submit mailed samples adequate for measuring AMH. Participants (mean age 31.6 [SD 5.5]) were 85% white, 87% college graduates and 46% reported higher income. Common cancer types were lymphoma and leukemia (34%), breast cancer (30%) and thyroid or skin cancer (8%). The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) AMH level in DBS samples was 0.24 ng/ml (0.16-0.36). In adjusted analysis, AMH levels for survivors of breast cancer (0.02 ng/ml [0.01-0.07]) or leukemia/lymphoma (0.03 ng/ml [0.01-0.08]) were lower than the levels in thyroid or skin cancer survivors (0.12 ng/ml [0.03-0.44]). Pelvic radiation remained associated with lower AMH levels (0.20 ng/ml [0.10-0.40] in unexposed versus 0.02 ng/ml [0.01-0.06] in exposed). Amenorrheic survivors had AMH levels (0.02 ng/ml [0.01-0.06]) that were lower than those of YCS with 7-9 (0.09 ng/ml [0.03-0.32]) or ≥10 (0.17 ng/ml [0.08-0.37]) menstrual periods in the past year.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The results are generalizable to a population of highly educated, higher income YCS. It is unclear how generalizable the results are to other populations.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Self-collected DBS is a patient-friendly and minimally invasive tool for studying ovarian reserve in geographically diverse populations.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

Research related to the development of this paper was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grants UL1 RR024926 pilot and HD080952-02, and by the American Cancer Society MRSG-08-110-01-CCE. The authors report no competing interests.

Activin Decoy Receptor ActRIIB:Fc Lowers FSH and Therapeutically Restores Oocyte Yield, Prevents Oocyte Chromosome Misalignments and Spindle Aberrations, and Increases Fertility in Midlife Female SAMP8 Mice

Women of advanced maternal age (AMA) (age ≥ 35) have increased rates of infertility, miscarriages, and trisomic pregnancies. Collectively these conditions are called "egg infertility." A root cause of egg infertility is increased rates of oocyte aneuploidy with age. AMA women often have elevated endogenous FSH. Female senescence-accelerated mouse-prone-8 (SAMP8) has increased rates of oocyte spindle aberrations, diminished fertility, and rising endogenous FSH with age. We hypothesize that elevated FSH during the oocyte's FSH-responsive growth period is a cause of abnormalities in the meiotic spindle. We report that eggs from SAMP8 mice treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for the period of oocyte growth have increased chromosome and spindle misalignments. Activin is a molecule that raises FSH, and ActRIIB:Fc is an activin decoy receptor that binds and sequesters activin. We report that ActRIIB:Fc treatment of midlife SAMP8 mice for the duration of oocyte growth lowers FSH, prevents egg chromosome and spindle misalignments, and increases litter sizes. AMA patients can also have poor responsiveness to FSH stimulation. We report that although eCG lowers yields of viable oocytes, ActRIIB:Fc increases yields of viable oocytes. ActRIIB:Fc and eCG cotreatment markedly reduces yields of viable oocytes. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that elevated FSH contributes to egg aneuploidy, declining fertility, and poor ovarian response and that ActRIIB:Fc can prevent egg aneuploidy, increase fertility, and improve ovarian response. Future studies will continue to examine whether ActRIIB:Fc works via FSH and/or other pathways and whether ActRIIB:Fc can prevent aneuploidy, increase fertility, and improve stimulation responsiveness in AMA women.

Fertility preservation in reproductive-age women facing gonadotoxic treatments

BACKGROUND

Advancements in the treatments for cancer and autoimmune and other hematologic conditions continue to improve survival and cure rates. Despite those changes, various gonadotoxic agents and other treatments can still compromise the future fertility of many women. Progress in medical and surgical reproductive technologies has helped to offset the reproductive consequences of the use of gonadotoxic therapies, and allows for future fertility and normal pregnancy.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed to outline the pathophysiology of gonadotoxicity from various treatments. The success of fertility preservation, fertility sparing, and cryopreservation options are reviewed. Barriers and facilitators to referral and oncofertility treatment in Canada are also outlined.

RESULTS

According to the quality of the evidence, recommendations are made for fertility assessment, patient referral, cryopreservation, and other assisted reproductive technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure ongoing fertility in women undergoing gonadotoxic treatments, assisted reproductive technologies can be combined with a multidisciplinary approach to patient assessment and referral.

Diminished ovarian reserve in the United States assisted reproductive technology population: diagnostic trends among 181,536 cycles from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcomes Reporting System

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate trends in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) assignment in the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinic Outcomes Reporting System database and to evaluate its accuracy in predicting poor ovarian response (POR) as defined in European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's Bologna criteria (2011).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 181,536 fresh, autologous ART cycles reported to SART by U.S. clinics in 2004 and 2011 (earliest and most recent available reporting years).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

DOR assignment was the primary exposure. POR, defined as cycle cancellation for poor response or less than 4 oocytes retrieved after conventional gonadotropin stimulation (>149 IU FSH daily), was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were live birth and number of oocytes retrieved. DOR prevalence, power of DOR and FSH (</≥12 mIU/mL) to predict POR, and live birth in POR cycles were also calculated.

RESULT(S)

DOR prevalence increased from 19% to 26% from 2004 to 2011. Among cycles clinically assigned as DOR, incidence of POR decreased from 32% to 30%, and live birth improved from 15% to 17%. Comparing basal FSH ≥12 versus clinical assignment of DOR, basal FSH had a higher specificity (92.2% vs. 81.6%) and positive predictive value (38.3% vs. 30.9%) for predicting POR. Live birth among POR cycles was 4%.

CONCLUSION(S)

DOR diagnosis is increasing, and accuracy remains poor, despite the availability of additional diagnostic parameters such as antral follicle count and antimüllerian hormone. POR entailed poor outcomes, but the majority of patients clinically assigned as DOR did not experience POR. Development and use of more accurate predictors of POR are needed to minimize patient distress resulting from overdiagnosis.

Female infertility of endocrine origin

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive, with no contraception, after one year of regular intercourse in women<35 years and after 6 months in women>35 years. A review on causes, management and treatment of endocrine causes of was performed. Epidemiological data suggest that around 10% to 15% of couples are infertile. Anovulatory problems are responsible from 25% to 50% of causes of . Advanced age, obesity, and drugs, have a negative effect on fertility. Different hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian disorders may affect fertility as well. Infertility is a growing phenomenon in developed societies. We here provide information about how to identify endocrine patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Women must be advised about limiting factors to be avoided, in order to protect their fertility.

Factors influencing the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI): age, clinical variables and significant thresholds

The aim was to investigate the influence of various biological factors upon the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI). The total IUI history (856 cycles) of 352 couples was studied. Live-birth showed a strong negative correlation with female age but no correlation with male age. Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) correlated negatively with female age, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) correlated positively. Significant thresholds were found for all three variables, and also for total motile count (TMC) in the prepared sperm. Calculating pregnancy losses per positive pregnancy showed a strong correlation with increasing female age. This was highly significant for biochemical losses but not for fetal heart miscarriages. Male age had no effect on rate of pregnancy loss. In conclusion, female age, FSH, AMH and TMC are good predictive factors for live-birth and therefore relate to essential in vivo steps in the reproductive process.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Causes, Assessment and Management

Diminished ovarian reserve predicts diminished ovarian response to stimulation but does not predict cycle fecundity. It has been recently defined by ESHRE, the Bologna's criteria, according to which at least two of the following three features should be present: (1) Age >40 years/any other risk factor for DOR, (2) abnormal ovarian reserve test, i.e. antral follicle count, AMH, (3) poor ovarian response in a previous stimulated cycle, i.e. less than three follicles after standard gonadotropin stimulation. Poor response to maximal stimulation on two previous occasions also defines DOR.

The treatment options are limited. Avoiding the GnRH agonist long protocol and stimulation with microdose flare or antagonist protocol yields better results. Adjuvant therapy with LH, DHEAS and growth hormone shows some benefit in improving the oocyte yield. It is advisable to perform ICSI for all obtained oocytes and some advocate assisted hatching. Pregnancy rates are, however, poor and often these patients require ovum donation. Developing tests that will diagnose DOR in a low-risk population will allow women to plan their reproductive careers early.

How to cite this article

Kaur M, Arora M. Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Causes, Assessment and Management. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(2):45-55.

Testing and interpreting measures of ovarian reserve: a committee opinion

Currently, there is no uniformly accepted definition of decreased ovarian reserve (DOR), as the term may refer to three related but distinctly different outcomes: oocyte quality, oocyte quantity, or reproductive potential. Available evidence concerning the performance of ovarian reserve tests is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity among study design, analyses and outcomes, and the lack of validated outcome measures.

High frequency of discordance between antimüllerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum from estradiol-confirmed days 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle from 5,354 women in U.S. fertility centers

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of clinical discordance between antimüllerian hormone (AMH, ng/mL) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, IU/L) by use of cut points defined by response to controlled ovarian stimulation in the same serum samples drawn on estradiol-confirmed, menstrual cycle days 2 to 4.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Fertility centers in 30 U.S. states and a single reference laboratory with uniform testing protocols.

PATIENT(S)

5,354 women, 20 to 45 years of age.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Frequency of discordance between serum AMH and FSH values.

RESULT(S)

Of the 5,354 women tested, 1 in 5 had discordant AMH and FSH values defined as AMH <0.8 (concerning) with FSH <10 (reassuring) or AMH ≥ 0.8 (reassuring) with FSH ≥ 10 (concerning). Of the women with reassuring FSH values (n = 4,469), the concerning AMH values were found in 1 in 5 women in a highly age-dependent fashion, ranging from 1 in 11 women under 35 years of age to 1 in 3 women above 40 years of age. On the other hand, of the women with reassuring AMH values (n = 3,742), 1 in 18 had concerning FSH values, a frequency that did not vary in a statistically significant fashion by age.

CONCLUSION(S)

Clinical discordance in serum AMH and FSH values was frequent and age dependent using common clinical cut points, a large patient population, one reference laboratory, and uniform testing methodology. This conclusion is generalizable to women undergoing fertility evaluation, although AMH testing has not been standardized among laboratories, and the cut points presented are specific to the laboratory in this study.

An efficient infertility evaluation

The biological clock is a major adversary to human reproduction. Not only does fecundity wane with time, but so does an infertility patient's emotional reserve. Therefore, a well-organized approach to evaluating, treating, and referring patients to subspecialty centers when necessary is critical to optimally manage infertility. The initial infertility evaluation has undergone evidence-based improvements in efficiency and has demonstrated that less testing has given more useful knowledge.

IVF treatment should not be postponed for patients with high basal FSH concentrations

This study determined the influence of inter-cycle variation of basal FSH concentrations on IVF treatment results, in patients with a history of high basal FSH. Patients underwent at least two IVF cycles, one with basal serum FSH ⩾10IU/l and the other at least 3IU/l lower (interval between cycles being <1year when the second cycle had the elevated FSH). A subanalysis was performed in patients with exceptionally large differences in values (⩾16IU/l and ⩽12IU/l). IVF outcomes were compared according to basal FSH concentrations in two consecutive cycles. Seventy-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean basal serum FSH were 15.0±3.6IU/l in the 'high FSH' group (range 12-24IU/l) and 9.0±3.0IU/l in the 'low FSH' group (range 5-14IU/l). Patient age, oestradiol at HCG administration, number of collected oocytes, fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates were similar for all cycles compared. Analysis of the subgroup with exceptionally large differences of basal FSH concentration yielded similar results. Neither high nor low basal serum FSH values were associated with IVF outcome in patients with reduced ovarian reserve and previously determined high basal FSH concentrations. Ovarian stimulation need not be delayed until FSH declines.

Ovarian aging: mechanisms and clinical consequences

Menopause is the final step in the process referred to as ovarian ageing. The age related decrease in follicle numbers dictates the onset of cycle irregularity and the final cessation of menses. The parallel decay in oocyte quality contributes to the gradual decline in fertility and the final occurrence of natural sterility. Endocrine changes mainly relate to the decline in the negative feedback from ovarian factors at the hypothalamo-pituitary unit. The declining cohort of antral follicles with age first results in gradually elevated FSH levels, followed by subsequent stages of overt cycle irregularity. The gradual decline in the size of the antral follicle cohort is best represented by decreasing levels of anti-Mullerian hormone. The variability of ovarian ageing among women is evident from the large variation in age at menopause. The identification of women who have severely decreased ovarian reserve for their age is clinically relevant. Ovarian reserve tests have appeared to be fairly accurate in predicting response to ovarian stimulation in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) setting. The capacity to predict the chances for spontaneous pregnancy or pregnancy after ART appears very limited. As menopause and the preceding decline in oocyte quality seem to have a fixed time interval, tests that predict the age at menopause may be useful to assess individual reproductive lifespan. Especially genetic studies, both addressing candidate gene and genome wide association, have identified several interesting loci of small genetic variation that may determine fetal follicle pool development and subsequent wastage of his pool over time. Improved knowledge of the ovarian ageing mechanisms may ultimately provide tools for prediction of menopause and manipulation of the early steps of folliculogenesis for the purpose of contraception and fertility lifespan extension.

Ovarian reserve in women who remain premenopausal after chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To compare markers of ovarian reserve between women exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer and matched controls.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional evaluation of markers of ovarian reserve.

SETTING

Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Faulkner Hospital in Boston, MA.

PATIENT(S)

Breast cancer survivors with continued menses after chemotherapy were compared with age-matched, gravidity-matched controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, inhibin B (InB), and E(2) on day 2, 3, or 4 of the menstrual cycle. A Bonferroni correction was performed to correct for multiple comparisons.

RESULT(S)

Twenty survivors and 20 controls were evaluated; 50% of survivors were currently on tamoxifen. Median AFC was 6 for survivors and 9.5 for controls. There were significant differences between the two groups in AFC, AMH, and nonsignificant differences in FSH and InB, all indicating better ovarian reserve in controls. The AFC and AMH levels were highly correlated (r = 0.72). Survivors on tamoxifen had lower AFC, AMH, InB, and higher E(2) than nontamoxifen-treated survivors.

CONCLUSION(S)

Premenopausal breast cancer survivors have diminished ovarian reserve compared with controls.

Comparing anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as predictors of ovarian function

We compared predictive values of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and baseline FSH with respect to IVF cycle outcomes based on oocyte numbers retrieved and number of clinical pregnancies established. In 76 IVF cycles investigated, AMH was clearly superior in predicting IVF outcomes in comparison with FSH.

Defining human embryo phenotypes by cohort-specific prognostic factors

Background

Hundreds of thousands of human embryos are cultured yearly at in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers worldwide, yet the vast majority fail to develop in culture or following transfer to the uterus. However, human embryo phenotypes have not been formally defined, and current criteria for embryo transfer largely focus on characteristics of individual embryos. We hypothesized that embryo cohort-specific variables describing sibling embryos as a group may predict developmental competence as measured by IVF cycle outcomes and serve to define human embryo phenotypes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We retrieved data for all 1117 IVF cycles performed in 2005 at Stanford University Medical Center, and further analyzed clinical data from the 665 fresh IVF, non-donor cycles and their associated 4144 embryos. Thirty variables representing patient characteristics, clinical diagnoses, treatment protocol, and embryo parameters were analyzed in an unbiased manner by regression tree models, based on dichotomous pregnancy outcomes defined by positive serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG). IVF cycle outcomes were most accurately predicted at ∼70% by four non-redundant, embryo cohort-specific variables that, remarkably, were more informative than any measures of individual, transferred embryos: Total number of embryos, number of 8-cell embryos, rate (percentage) of cleavage arrest in the cohort and day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level. While three of these variables captured the effects of other significant variables, only the rate of cleavage arrest was independent of any known variables.

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings support defining human embryo phenotypes by non-redundant, prognostic variables that are specific to sibling embryos in a cohort.