Predicting poor ovarian response in IVF: use of repeat basal FSH measurement

To evaluate the additional value of a second basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level, in a different cycle, in the prediction of poor response in in vitro fertilization (IVF) by a single basal FSH measurement.

In 120 patients, basal FSH was determined prospectively in 2 spontaneous cycles. The additional value of a second basal FSH measurement in the prediction of poor ovarian response in IVF by a single basal FSH measurement was studied.

Due to chance variation, the predictive accuracy of a poor response of the first and second basal FSH measurement differed (ROC(AUC) .84 and .74, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, the higher of the first and second basal FSH levels provided the best predictive accuracy (ROC(AUC) .85). In terms of clinical relevance, however, a predictive model with the highest basal FSH level provided only slightly more correct predictions of poor and normal ovarian response than did models based solely on a single basal FSH measurement.

Using basal FSH, a substantial number of patients will be misdiagnosed with regard to their ovarian response potential in IVF, even if repeat measurement is performed.