[Prediction of ovarian reserve, poor response and pregnancy outcome based on basal antral follicle count and age in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer].

Objective: To study the value of basal antral follicle count (AFC) and age in predicting ovarian response and clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Methods: A total of 1319 oocyte retrieval cycles in women with an AFC≤10 and complete IVF/ICSI cycles were analyzed retrospectively. According to the AFC, the patients were divided into groups A, B, and C with AFC≤4, of 5-7, and of 8-10, respectively, and each was further divided into <38 years old group and ≥38 years old group. The oocytes retrieved, ovarian response, implantation rate, cancellations, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and live births were evaluated.

Results: As the AFC increased, the total gonadotrophin (Gn) dose increased and the follicles aspirated and oocytes retrieved decreased significantly (P<0.001). Patients below 38 years of age had a lower total Gn dose and more follicles aspirated and oocytes retrieved than older patients. An AFC>7 and age≥38 years was associated with significantly lower total Gn dose, greater number of follicles aspirated and oocytes retrieved, and lower pregnancy rate than an AFC≤7 and age<38 years (P<0.05). Bivariate correlation and linear regression analysis identified AFC as the best single predictor of ovarian response in IVF. The pregnancy rate differed significantly between the 3 groups, and older patients (≥38 years) had higher early miscarriage rate.

Conclusion: Antral follicle count≤7 or age≥38 years old with AFC≤10 is the suitable threshold of diminished ovarian reserve in controlled ovarian stimulation for infertile women. Combination of AFC and age is the best predictor of ovarian response in IVF. Age has a better predictive value of pregnancy rate than AFC. AFC influences mainly the oocytes quantity, while age also affects oocyte quality.