Age and resting follicle number predict response to gonadotropin stimulation in in vitro fertilization cycles

ctive: The purpose of this study was to assess whether age, resting follicle number, intraovarian blood flow, and/or ovarian volume are predictive of follicular response and oocyte quality in patients with in vitro fertilization. Study Design: A retrospective chart review was done on 90 in vitro fertilization cycles that were completed in a university setting. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the predictive value of age, resting follicle number, pretreatment ovarian volume, and peak systolic velocity for response to gonadotropin stimulation. Results: Age was predictive (P < .05) for the number of oocytes retrieved, the number that reached two pronuclei, and the number of embryos that reached ≥4 cells by day 3 after insemination. Resting follicle number was also predictive of follicular response and subsequent embryonic development. Peak systolic velocity and ovarian volume were both found to be of no value. Conclusion: Age and resting follicle number can be used as additional parameters to support patient counseling before in vitro fertilization stimulation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:285-8.)