Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on functional ovarian reserve in 3 consecutive IVF cycles, as assessed by oocyte yields and pregnancy rates

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess DHEA effects on consecutive IVF cycles in relationship to length of DHEA supplementation.DesignCohort study.Materials and MethodsWe identified 141 women on DHEA supplementation because of DOR who had at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles (microdose agonist + 450-600 IU of gonadotropins daily). They were separated into those with ≤ 100 (n = 52, Group 1) and > 100 days (n = 89, Group 2) of supplementation, and further stratified for poor prognosis DOR (AMH ≤ 1.05 ng/mL) and better prognosis patients (AMH > 1.05 ng/mL, Fertil Steril 2010;94:2824-7).ResultsTabled 1AMHIVFGroup 1Group 2P-valueDHEA≤ 100 days> 100 daysOocytes#13.3 ± 3.81,25.9 ± 5.610.004(Mean ± SD)#24.5 ± 4.02,36.8 ± 7.120.047#35.4 ± 5.51,36.2 ± 5.730.085 (N.S.)≤ 1.05 ng/mL#12.6 ± 3.244.5 ± 4.7440.017#23.9 ± 3.94.6 ± 4.6#34.5 ± 4.94.3 ± 4.1> 1.05 ng/mL#16.7 ± 4.69.9 ± 6.0#27.4 ± 3.3512.7 ± 9.1550.021#39.8 ± 6.111.3 ± 6.4 Open table in a new tab ConclusionThis study, for the first time, demonstrates that DHEA in milder DOR is more effective. Severe DOR reaches maximal effectiveness of DHEA within ca. 100 days, while milder forms continue improvements considerably beyond 100 days. Pregnancy rates remain respectable and stable for at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles. ObjectiveTo assess DHEA effects on consecutive IVF cycles in relationship to length of DHEA supplementation. To assess DHEA effects on consecutive IVF cycles in relationship to length of DHEA supplementation. DesignCohort study. Cohort study. Materials and MethodsWe identified 141 women on DHEA supplementation because of DOR who had at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles (microdose agonist + 450-600 IU of gonadotropins daily). They were separated into those with ≤ 100 (n = 52, Group 1) and > 100 days (n = 89, Group 2) of supplementation, and further stratified for poor prognosis DOR (AMH ≤ 1.05 ng/mL) and better prognosis patients (AMH > 1.05 ng/mL, Fertil Steril 2010;94:2824-7). We identified 141 women on DHEA supplementation because of DOR who had at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles (microdose agonist + 450-600 IU of gonadotropins daily). They were separated into those with ≤ 100 (n = 52, Group 1) and > 100 days (n = 89, Group 2) of supplementation, and further stratified for poor prognosis DOR (AMH ≤ 1.05 ng/mL) and better prognosis patients (AMH > 1.05 ng/mL, Fertil Steril 2010;94:2824-7). ResultsTabled 1AMHIVFGroup 1Group 2P-valueDHEA≤ 100 days> 100 daysOocytes#13.3 ± 3.81,25.9 ± 5.610.004(Mean ± SD)#24.5 ± 4.02,36.8 ± 7.120.047#35.4 ± 5.51,36.2 ± 5.730.085 (N.S.)≤ 1.05 ng/mL#12.6 ± 3.244.5 ± 4.7440.017#23.9 ± 3.94.6 ± 4.6#34.5 ± 4.94.3 ± 4.1> 1.05 ng/mL#16.7 ± 4.69.9 ± 6.0#27.4 ± 3.3512.7 ± 9.1550.021#39.8 ± 6.111.3 ± 6.4 Open table in a new tab ConclusionThis study, for the first time, demonstrates that DHEA in milder DOR is more effective. Severe DOR reaches maximal effectiveness of DHEA within ca. 100 days, while milder forms continue improvements considerably beyond 100 days. Pregnancy rates remain respectable and stable for at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that DHEA in milder DOR is more effective. Severe DOR reaches maximal effectiveness of DHEA within ca. 100 days, while milder forms continue improvements considerably beyond 100 days. Pregnancy rates remain respectable and stable for at least 3 consecutive IVF cycles.