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The value of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in predicting ovarian response during in-vitro fertilization

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the predictive value of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) theca-stimulation test for ovarian reserve in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

Methods

39 women were included in the study. All participants received a single hCG 10000 IU injection on cycle day 2–3. Serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone were measured prior to the injection and on days 1, 3 and 7 following the injection. hCG-induced hormone levels were compared with ovarian response during the subsequent IVF cycle.

Results

There were 11 good responders (>10 oocytes) and 22 low responders (<3 oocytes). Before hCG stimulation serum E2 levels were higher in low responders compared to good responders (370.3 ± 443 vs. 138.3 ± 54 pmol/ml). Following hCG stimulation, day 3 androstendione levels showed an increase in good responders compared to low responders. The ratio between day 3 androstendione and day 0 estradiol was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.03). ROC analysis of this test revealed area = 0.837 (good prediction), which was much better than day 3 FSH (area = 0.635, poor prediction).

Conclusions

These preliminary results demonstrate the potential use of the hCG theca stimulation test in differentiating between good and poor responders. Larger series are needed for further verification of the test in routine clinical application.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Hadassah–Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel

    Assaf Ben-Meir, David Shveiky, Einat Zivi, Tomer Feigenberg, Ariel Revel, Alex Simon & Neri Laufer

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  1. Assaf Ben-Meir
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  2. David Shveiky
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  3. Einat Zivi
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  4. Tomer Feigenberg
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  5. Ariel Revel
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  6. Alex Simon
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Assaf Ben-Meir.

Additional information

Capsule Androstenedione production in response to hCG theca stimulation test was a good predictor of ovarian response in a subsequent IVF treatment

The study was supported by the HWZOA Research Fund for Women Health and the Chief Scientist Office Grant, Ministry of Health, Israel

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Ben-Meir, A., Shveiky, D., Zivi, E. et al. The value of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in predicting ovarian response during in-vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 893–899 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9612-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9612-y

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