METHOD
Uterine hemodynamics and ovarian reserve quality in the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics Faculty,
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
Correspondence should be addressed: Asiyat Rabadanova
ul. Mnevniki 23, k. 254, Moscow, 123423; moc.liamg@aveatabukaysa
There are a few major factors determining the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), including the potential of embryos to implant and the receptivity of the endometrium, which, in turn, are directly dependent on the ovarian reserve, i.e. the quality and quantity of oocytes. Diminished ovarian reserve can be inferred from reduced blood flow to the uterus on Doppler sonography. Based on the results of 3D power Doppler imaging of uterine blood flow on the day of ET and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL), we attempted to predict the outcomes of IVF and embryo transfer (ET) in 56 female patients with different ovarian reserves. Blood flow was measured in the uterus, subendometrial region and endometrium, and IVF cycle outcomes were subsequently assessed. We have established an association between the characteristics of uterine and subendometrial blood flow and the outcomes of IVF cycles and ET. No such association has been established for the endometrium, though. Therefore, a 3D power Doppler examination on the day of embryo transfer provides valuable information on the endometrium receptivity and can be used as a prognostic marker of IVF success.
Keywords: IVF, 3-D power Doppler, diminished ovarian reserve, poor ovarian response, uterine blood flow