Recurrence of empty follicle syndrome with stimulated IVF cycles

• Published in: Gynecological endocrinology Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 293 - 295
• Main Authors: Baum, M., Machtinger, R., Yerushalmi, G. M., Maman, E., Seidman, D. S., Dor, J., Hourvitz, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa Healthcare 01.04.2012; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Adult; Empty follicle syndrome; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Humans; Infertility, Female - etiology; Ovarian Diseases - complications; Ovulation Induction - methods; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; stimulated cycles
• ISSN: 0951-3590; 1473-0766
• DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.631629

Aim: To determine the incidence of recurrent empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and to analyse the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: Retrospective analysis comparing all EFS cycles with cycles in which oocytes were retrieved in our in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit between 1998 and 2006. Results: Of 8292 IVF cycles, 163 (2.0%) resulted in empty follicles. Risk factors for EFS included advanced age (37.7 ± 6.0 years vs. 34.2 ± 6.0 years, p < 0.001), longer infertility (8.8 ± 10.6 years vs. 6.3 ± 8.4 years, p < 0.05), higher baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels (8.7 ± 4.7 IU/L vs. 6.7 ± 2.9 IU/L, p < 0.001) and lower E2 levels before the human chorionic gonadotropin injection (499.9 ± 480.9 pg/mL vs. 1516.3 ± 887.5 pg/mL, p < 0.001) compared with cases in which ova were retrieved. Among patients with EFS, recurrent EFSs occurred in 15.8% of subsequent cycles. Conclusion: The EFS is a sporadic event in the majority of patients. However, in about 16% of the patients, EFS may recur. These cases may be a variant form of poor response and patients with repetitive EFS syndrome should be counseled concerning their chances to conceive.