Tumor necrosis factor alpha versus LH and androstendione as a reliable predictor of spontaneous ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling for women with clomiphene citrate resistance polycystic ovarian disease

Abstract

Objective: Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is still a controversial decision; due to the long term hazards; so short and long term predictors after the procedure should be taken in consideration. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of the serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and other polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) relevant clinical and biochemical factors as a predictor of spontaneous ovulation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with clomiphene citrate resistant polycystic ovarian disease (CCR-PCOD).

Methods: It was a prospective research work, where 150 infertile women with CCR-PCOD had been recruited. TNF-α serum level, which is an inflammatory biomarker, was investigated in addition to other PCOD relevant clinical and biochemical parameters as possible predictors of successful spontaneous ovulation and subsequent pregnancy after LOD.

Results: Recruited women with higher preoperative levels of TNF-α, LH, and androstenedione had significantly higher rates of spontaneous ovulation within the first three months follow up after LOD, in contrast to obese women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, long duration of infertility ≥3 years, marked biochemical hyperandrogenism (testosterone levels ≥4.5 nmol/L, free androgen index ≥15), and high insulin resistance (IR). Ninty five (95 = 63.3%) women in between women regularly menstruated (105 = 70%) had spontaneous ovulation, and of those spontaneously ovulated, 35(36.8%) women got pregnant spontaneously during the first 3 months follow up. Extended follow up for 12 months period revealed that 61 women got pregnant, with cumulative pregnancy rate of 58%. Logistic regression showed that the best cut-off values for spontaneous ovulation after LOD were 65.1 pg/ml, 11.5 IU/l, and 3.1 ng/ml and with a sensitivity of 91%, 88%, 55%, and with a specificity of 85%, 79%, 78%, for TNF-α, LH, androstenedione serum level respectively.

Conclusion: TNF-α, LH, and Androstenedione could be considered as reliable predictors to depend on for recruiting the ideal women candidates with CCR-PCOD; to have the maximum benefits after LOD treatment option.

Keywords: BMI; Clomiphene citrate; Inflammatory markers; Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).