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Low grade inflammation, as evidenced by basal high sensitivity CRP, is not correlated to outcome measures in IVF

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the relationship between low-grade inflammation, measured as basal high sensitivity (hs)-CRP, and IVF outcome.

Methods

We recruited a total of 220 women undergoing infertility work up prior to IVF. Patients were selected for a BMI < 30 kg/m2 with an upper age limit of 40 years. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured on day 3 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle preceding ovarian stimulation. A sensitive two-site ELISA was used for analysis. Dose of gonadotrophins required, follicles days 8 and 10, number of oocytes collected, number of oocytes fertilised and pregnancy outcome were recorded.

Results

Median hs-CRP was 1.08 mg/L (0.43–3.00 mg/L). The hs-CRP was significantly related to BMI (r = 0.386, P < .001) but not to age and smoking habit. There were no significant relationships between basal hs-CRP and any of the measured IVF outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that serum hs-CRP concentration is not a predictive marker of cycle or pregnancy outcome in women undergoing IVF treatment.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by a grant from the CMMC Trust Research Scheme (grant number 9671, 2004/05), UK.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK

    Sarah Robinson, Phil Pemberton & Ian Laing

  2. Department of Reproductive Medicine and IVF Unit, St Mary’s Hospital, Whitworth Park, Manchester, M13 0JH, UK

    Luciano G. Nardo

Authors
  1. Sarah Robinson
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  2. Phil Pemberton
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  3. Ian Laing
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  4. Luciano G. Nardo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luciano G. Nardo.

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Capsule

Basal low-grade inflammation does not predict IVF success as shown by the lack of correlation between day 3 hs-CRP and IVF outcome measures.

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Robinson, S., Pemberton, P., Laing, I. et al. Low grade inflammation, as evidenced by basal high sensitivity CRP, is not correlated to outcome measures in IVF. J Assist Reprod Genet 25, 383–388 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9253-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9253-y

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