Evaluation of serum CA 125 concentration before and during hormonal induced cycles as predictor of IVF/ET outcome

Abstract

Problem: To evaluate the role of CA 125 in prediction of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) outcome.

Method of study: Serum CA 125 concentrations were evaluated in the spontaneous and stimulated cycles of 33 patients. CA 125 was measured using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) (Abbott, Diagnostics, USA). Follicular growth, endometrial thickness and subendometrial blood flow were evaluated by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Friedman test.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) of CA 125 values between spontaneous and stimulated cycles, and between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. A CA 125 rise from the late proliferative to the early secretory phase (P < 0.05) was obtained only in the stimulated cycles. There was no relationship between CA 125, follicle number, endometrial thickness and resistance index of the subendometrial vessels.

Conclusion: CA 125 levels are not predictive of ovarian and endometrial response. Hormonal stimulation does not effect serum CA 125 concentration. There was no influence of CA 125 levels on IVF/ET outcome in stimulated cycles.