16 Σεπ Antral follical count as a predictor of ovarian responsiveness in women with endometriosis or with a history of surgery for endometriosis
A vaginal ultrasound scan showing an ovary with an endometrioma. no other small follicles can be seen
By I.Soussis MD
Antral follicle count AFC, has proven to be one of the most reliable predictors of ovarian response to the drug stimulation during IVF treatment. It refers to the number of small follicles counted at the ovary prior to starting the stimulation.
In 2015 Benaglia et al. researched AFC as a predictor in 83 women undergoing IVF due to endometriosis. These women had undergone surgery in the past for the removal of endometriosis(chocolate cyst) or had a cyst during their IVF attempt.
The ovaries were divided into four groups:
1-Ovaries without previous surgery and without endometriomas(42)
2-Ovaries without previous surgery, with endometriomas(46)
3-Ovaries with previous surgery without endometriomas(55)
4-Ovaries with previous surgery, with endometriomas(23)
The ovaries with surgery(78) and those with endometriomas(69) were analyzed statistically. The AFC was also investigated to see if it could predict poor ovarian stimulation (2 or less oocytes per stimulation) as well as hyperstimulation(7 or more oocytes per stimulation).
It was found that this predictor was prognostically useful, not only in ovaries with endometriomas but also in those without endometriomas and in those that had undergone surgery for endometriomas.
The most useful predictors of ovarian response and IVF success is the combination of the woman’s age, the antral follicle count and the levels of the hormones FSH and AMH.
Fertil Steril. 2015 Apr 29. pii: S0015-0282(15)00218-6. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.03.013. [Epub ahead of print]
Antral follicle count as a predictor of ovarian responsiveness in women with endometriomas or with a history of surgery for endometriomas.
Benaglia L1, Candotti G2, Busnelli A3, Paffoni A2, Vercellini P3, Somigliana E3.
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