Predicting the outcome of different protocols of in vitro fertilization with anti-Muüllerian hormone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated associations of basal serum and follicular fluid (FF) anti-Muüllerian hormone (AMH) levels with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Methods This prospective study included 179 consecutive women undergoing IVF, including 59 with PCOS and non-PCOS controls. Thirty PCOS cases had long gona-dotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and 29 had antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocols. Controls underwent conventional GnRH-a. Associations of basal serum and FF AMH levels with IVF outcomes were assessed. Results Median serum and FF AMH levels, antral follicle count (AFC), oestradiol human chorionic gonadotropin injection day (peak E2), and retrieved oocyte numbers were higher in PCOS patients than in controls (all P < 0.01). Oocyte maturation and high-quality embryo rates were lower in PCOS patients than in controls (P < 0.01), but both groups had similar fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and newborn rates. Peak E2 was higher in GnRH-ant than in GnRH-a protocols (16.5 nmol/L vs. 12.1 nmol/L, P < 0.05). AMH levels were correlated with AFC in PCOS patients ( P < 0.01). Peak E2 and FF AMH levels were independent predictors of oocyte number. Peak E2 predicted the fertilization rate. Conclusion Serum basal AMH levels are predictive of oocyte quantity, but not oocyte quality or IVF outcomes. Serum AMH, FF AMH, and outcomes are similar among protocols.