Predictive value of C-reactive protein level and pregnancy rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle

Abstract

Objective The aim was to determine the possible relation between the maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation and pregnancy rate in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Background Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is apparently a key factor in the success of IVF embryo transfer. CRP is a sensitive marker in the inflammatory process rises following hormonal stimulation and does not have diurnal alterations but administration of exogenous estrogen increases its level. Materials and methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at the outpatient clinic in a Private Infertility Unit, Menoufia, Egypt, from November 2018 to August 2019. This study included 100 infertile patients who were candidates for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full history was taken. Participants underwent CRP measuring at three times, at the day of beginning of ovarian stimulation, ovum pickup, and the day of transfer. Two groups were identified for those who get pregnant and those who did not get pregnant. Results Patients whose CRP level decreased on transfer day (19 cases) 14 got pregnant (73.7%), whereas only five failed to get pregnant (26.3%). Patients whose CRP level increased on transfer day (81 cases) 52 got pregnant (64%), whereas 29 failed to get pregnant (36%). Conclusion Ovulation induction is an inflammatory process leading to increased levels of CRP but with different patterns. These patterns of changes failed to be used as markers of successful outcome of IVF treatment.