Early follicular serum müllerian-inhibiting substance levels are associated with ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology cycles

Abstract

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the concentration of early follicular phase serum müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) is associated with ovarian response in women undergoing ovulation induction in preparation for assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Design: Retrospective analysis of frozen day 3 serum samples.

Setting: Academic ART program.

Patient(s): One sample of frozen day 3 serum from women with < or = 6 retrieved oocytes (n = 28) compared with women with > or = 11 oocytes retrieved (n = 79) in preparation for IVF.

Intervention(s): None.

Main outcome measure(s): Comparison of day 3 serum MIS levels between two groups of women. Other comparisons included maximum serum E(2) concentrations, number of retrieved oocytes, and percentage of mature oocytes between groups.

Result(s): Mean serum MIS concentrations were 1.0 +/- 0.4 ng/mL compared with 2.5 +/- 0.3 ng/mL, or more than a 2.5-fold greater serum concentration of MIS in the group with > or = 11 oocytes retrieved compared with in the group with < or = 6 retrieved oocytes.

Conclusion(s): These data demonstrate an association between early follicular phase serum MIS and the number of retrieved oocytes. Higher day 3 serum MIS concentrations were associated with greater number of retrieved oocytes.