Thin endometrium in donor oocyte recipients: enigma or obstacle for implantation?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the combined effect of endometrial thickness and anatomic uterine factors on clinical outcome in oocyte donation recipients.

Design: Retrospective analysis of oocyte donation cycles conducted between 2005 and 2010.

Setting: Two private IVF centers.

Patient(s): A total of 737 donor oocyte cycles.

Intervention(s): None.

Main outcome measure(s): Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

Result(s): No statistically significant difference was found in clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in cycles with endometrial thickness <6 mm compared with those with endometrial thickness >10 mm. However, a relatively high rate of live births was found within a medium range of endometrial thickness (8.2-10 mm). All intrauterine adhesion cases occurred in cycles with thinner endometrium.

Conclusion(s): No statistically significant difference was found in clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates in cycles with endometrial thickness <6 mm compared with those with thickness >6 mm. A relatively high rate of live births was found within a medium range of endometrial thickness (9.1-10 mm).

Keywords: Endometrial thickness; estrogen replacement therapy; oocyte donation; uterine factors.