Ovarian response biomarkers: physiology and performance

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes recent technological developments in the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and presents an update of the relative performance characteristics of both AMH and antral follicle count (AFC) in predicting the ovarian response to controlled stimulation.

Recent findings: The introduction of two automated AMH immunoassays appears to have resolved the majority of preanalytical and analytical limitations of the manual assays thereby facilitating the delivery of consistent and accurate results. However, as they exhibit different calibration from preexisting assays, derivation of new reference ranges and clinical thresholds for prediction of ovarian response categories will be required. Randomized controlled trials have highlighted the superiority of AMH to AFC in ovarian response prediction and provide a sound basis for its ongoing assessment for stratification and personalization of treatment.

Summary: Trial evidence combined with full automation of AMH assay measurement suggests that the future for ovarian response prediction will be AMH focused. Sonography will continue to be invaluable for the identification of tubal, ovarian and endometrial pathologies, but the days of counting follicles are numbered.