Predictive factors and a corresponding treatment algorithm for controlled ovarian stimulation in patients treated with recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) during assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures. An analysis of 1378 patients

Authors: Howles, C.M.¹; Saunders, H.²; Alam, V.²; Engrand, P.²; The FSH Treatment Guidelines Clinical Panel,

Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 22, Number 5, May 2006 , pp. 907-918(12)

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Abstract:

Background: Identifying parameters that can accurately predict the response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) would be of great benefit in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. An analysis was undertaken with the objective of determining whether specific factors could optimally predict a response to stimulation in ART, and to then develop a corresponding treatment algorithm that could be used to calculate the optimal starting dose of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH; follitropin alfa) for selected patients.

Methods: The overall population consisted of 2280 normo-ovulatory ART patients from 11 randomised clinical trials. However, for the final analysis population, only patients less than 35 years of age who received r-hFSH monotherapy (N = 1378) were included.

Results: Backwards stepwise regression modelling indicated that predictive factors for ovarian response included basal FSH, BMI, age and number of follicles < 11 mm at baseline screening. The concordance probability index was 59.5% for this model.

Conclusions: In the largest data series so far analysed to determine predictive factors of ovarian response, basal FSH, BMI, age and number of follicles < 11 mm at screening were the most important variables in ART patients less than 35 years of age who were treated with r-hFSH monotherapy. Using these four predictive factors, a follitropin alfa starting dose calculator was developed that can be used to select the FSH starting dose required for an optimal response. The relevance of this dose calculator will be evaluated in a prospective clinical trial.

Keywords: AGE; ANTRAL FOLLICLES; BMI; CONTROLLED OVARIAN STIMULATION; FOLLITROPIN ALFA; FSH

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1185/030079906X104678

Affiliations: 1: Serono Singapore Pte., Singapore 2: Department of Clinical Development, Serono International SA, Geneva, Switzerland

Publication date: 2006-05-01

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