P-697 The association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Abstract Study question Is there an association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile women? Summary answer Serum prolactin levels are negatively associated with the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos obtained at IVF What is known already It is widely known that hyperprolactinemia is a powerful inhibitor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis leading to anovulation. However, few studies have tried to establish the impact of slightly higher PRL levels on the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization. Although some researchers have stipulated that PRL may play a positive role in oogenesis, embryo development and luteal function, due to the scarcity of data, this matter is considered an ongoing debate. Study design, size, duration We performed a retrospective study in the Department of Reproductive Medicine of a private hospital. The medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent IVF between January 2014 and December 2021 with all causes of infertility were reviewed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI were included in the study. Outcomes such as numbers of oocytes obtained, numbers of embryos were assessed and the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos (GQE/TNE) obtained was calculated. The study group included 544 patients with a mean age of 34.4±4.46 years, mean AMH of 3.99 1.34 ng/mL and mean serum prolactin levels of 25.07±23.7 ng/ml. Main results and the role of chance we found no association between serum prolactin levels and oocytes or embryos number. Serum level of prolactin was negatively correlated with the proportion of GQE/TNE (r = 0.101, p = 0.042). When patients were divided in subgroups according to ovarian reserve, the patients in the fourth quartile of prolactin had a lower proportion of GQE/TNE (p = 0.041) in comparison with those from the inferior quartiles only in the reduced ovarian reserve group (serum AMH below 1.1 ng/ml). Limitations, reasons for caution Patients included in this study are infertile patients with indications for IVF treatment. Therefore, the results of this study should be used with caution in other populations. Wider implications of the findings Our study suggest that serum prolactin levels might be negatively associated with in-vitro fertilization outcomes. If confirmed by further studies, treatment could be given to lower prolactin levels, even if mildly elevated, thus assuring more successful outcomes. Trial registration number NA