Maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels in early ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies after in vitro fertilization treatment.

Objective: To determine whether serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 11 days after a day-3 embryo transfer were predictive of outcome, in women with normal intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), first-trimester miscarriage (SAB), biochemical (BC), and ectopic pregnancy (EP) after IVF therapy.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: University hospital IVF unit.

Patient(s): One hundred eight women who underwent IVF therapy and who were subsequently diagnosed with EP, BC, SAB, or a normal IUP (27 in each category).

Intervention(s): Serum samples were obtained at 11 days after a day-3 embryo transfer.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum concentrations of VEGF, P, and beta-hCG.

Result(s): Serum concentrations of VEGF were similar in women with BC and EP and higher than in women with normal IUP and SAB (571.8 +/- 61.8, 604.4 +/- 73.4 vs. 448.9 +/- 39.9, 461.8 +/- 39.2 pg/mL, respectively). Also, serum beta-hCG and P levels were significantly higher in women with a normal IUP and SAB. Using a cutoff concentration of >700 pg/mL for VEGF, an EP could be distinguished from an IUP (normal and SAB), with a positive predictive value of 64% and a negative predictive value of 71%.

Conclusion(s): Elevated maternal serum levels of VEGF, as early as 11 days after embryo transfer, are associated with ectopic pregnancies after IVF.