Can we abandon routine evaluation of serum estradiol levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction?

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether abandoning measurement of serum estradiol (E2) and spacing ultrasound evaluations at greater intervals had an effect on the results of assisted reproduction technology (ART).

DESIGN

A retrospective comparison of two consecutive periods.

SETTING

Division of Assisted Reproduction Technology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.

PATIENT(S): One thousand nine hundred and eighty-five controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for ART were initiated during the years 1996 to 1999.

INTERVENTION(S): During the first 2 years an intensive follow-up protocol was used that included E2 blood levels measurements. In the next 2 years a less intensive protocol was adopted that did not use E2 measurements.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): ART results and the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

RESULT(S): The patients' background characteristics did not differ between the two periods. The cancellation rate was not different (9.8% vs. 7.2%). There was no difference in the duration of stimulation or the amount of gonadotropins used. The number of oocytes retrieved (12.1 +/- 9.3 vs. 9.6 +/- 6.3), fertilization rates (74% vs. 75%), and clinical pregnancy rates (26.2% vs. 27.9%) did not differ. The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was not significantly different between the two periods.

CONCLUSION(S): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for ART can be done reliably without routine, serial serum E2 measurements without compromising the treatment results.