OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dose and pregnancy rate in women undergoing ICSI- embryo transfer (ET).

MATERIAL-METHOD:

This prospective study included 604 women undergoing ICSI-ET between January 2006 and December 2007. Patients were classified into five groups according to their BMI: Group A (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), Group B (BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2),Group C (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2), Group D (BMI 30 to 35.9 kg/m2), Group E (BMI: ≥36 kg/m2).

RESULTS:

Total FSH doses for groups were 2087,5 I U(1200-4800), 2200 IU (750-7575), 2362,5 IU (900-7650), 3000 IU (1050-6975) and 3525 IU(1600-7800) respectively. The total FSH dose was significantly higher in Group E compared with those women in Groups A, B, C (p=0.001). Cancelled cycle rates were similar in all groups. The pregnancy rates per cycle were 30%, 40.9%, 32.8%, 14.4% and 18.2% respectively. The pregnancy rate per cycle was significantly higher in Group B than those women in Groups D and E, and it was also higher in Group C compared with those patients in Group D (p=0.038). The total FSH doses were significantly lower in Groups B and C than those in Groups D and E in patients with male infertility and in women with PCOS (p<0,001). The total FSH doses were similar in all five groups in patients with tubal factor infertility and in women with unexplained infertility.

CONCLUSIONS:

Obese women (BMI >30 kg/m2) required higher dose of gonadotropin for stimulation and they face a lower likelihood of pregnancy after ICSI.

Keywords: Body mass index, ICSI, Ovarian response, Pregnancy rate