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The influence of AMH on IVF success

  • Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Anti-Müllerian hormone has a regulative function in the activation of folliculogenesis and an influence on atresia rate. It is considered a marker for the ovarian reserve. We know that a relationship exists between AMH levels and oocyte retrieval numbers, antral follicle count, pregnancy rates and birth rates. The role of AMH as an efficient prognostic factor in determining the probability of pregnancy has been largely discussed in the literature. The aim of this study is to determine the role age and AMH levels play in success rates of IVF/ICSI therapies. To date, the sample group we examined was one of the biggest ever included in a single study of the subject.

Methods

All patients who underwent an IVF/ICSI treatment with FSH stimulation in the Wiesbaden Kinderwunschzentrum between 2003 and 2010, were no older than 44 years old, and had an evaluation of serum AMH levels before treatment were included in this study. In total, 1287 patients were analysed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS.

Results

Females’ mean age was 34.89, ranging from 21 to 44 years. The patients underwent between 1 and 11 IVF cycles. Younger women had significantly higher AMH levels (p = 0.001). Patients with higher AMH levels had significantly lower break-off rates (p < 0.0005) and a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved (p < 0.0005). Higher levels of AMH corresponded to higher pregnancy rates (p = 0.017). AMH levels do not influence pregnancy rates in younger patients (<36 years).

Conclusions

AMH is a useful parameter that should be measured before performing an IVF/ICSI treatment. In younger patients, AMH levels do not predict pregnancy outcomes. In patients older than 36 years, AMH can be used as a prognostic factor. Even when a woman’s AMH levels are too low to be detected, she still an acceptable chance of becoming pregnant.

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Author notes

    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Kinderwunschzentrum der Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany

      R. Gomez, A. Henke, R. Seufert & C. Skala

    2. Kinderwunschzentrum Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany

      M. Schorsch & T. Hahn

    3. IMBEI-Institut für Medizinische Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informatik, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany

      I. Hoffmann

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    1. R. Gomez
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    Correspondence to R. Gomez.

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    R. Gomez and M. Schorsch equally contributed to this work.

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    Gomez, R., Schorsch, M., Hahn, T. et al. The influence of AMH on IVF success. Arch Gynecol Obstet 293, 667–673 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3901-0

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3901-0

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