BACKGROUND: There are only a few studies that have investigated inflammatory processes during ovarian hyperstimulation, with contradictory results especially concerning outcome.
AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in serum and follicular fluid and to correlate these with the outcome.
METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one gonadotrophin stimulated cycles were evaluated. Serum and follicular concentrations of serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein were measured on the day of oocyte retrieval.
RESULTS: Serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein levels correlated with BMI as well as with each other in serum and follicular fluid, but not with estradiol or progesterone concentration, number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization, nor cleavage rates. Yet, pregnancy and implantation rates were conversely associated with both inflammatory biomarkers.
CONCLUSIONS: High levels of Serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein on the day of ovum pick up may predict poorer reproductive outcome with ART and imply that inflammatory environment is the cause of reproduction failure in obese women. Endometrial rather than ovarian dysfunction contributes to poor reproductive outcome in obese women undergoing IVF.
