Factors improved clinical outcomes in patients < 38 years with diminished ovarian reserve and low oocyte retrieval: a retrospective study

Abstract Background: In young patients with Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), the number of retrieved oocytes limits the success of assisted reproductive technology, but which factors influence the clinical outcome of young DOR patients who already have retrieved few eggs is still unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical date of 349 young DOR patients (< 38 years old and FSH >10IU/L) with low oocyte retrieval ( ≤ 5 oocytes). Results: Total of 18 candidate variables were tested. Seven factors were identified as being significantly different (P < 0.05) between the clinical pregnancy group and the non-clinical pregnancy group. six factors were significantly different between the live-birth group and the non-live birth group. In multivariate analysis, lower antral follicle count (AFC) and estradiol (E2) level on hCG day were independent negative risk factors associated with the outcome of clinical pregnancy, as well as live birth. Lower progesterone (P) on hCG day was associated with a higher rate of clinical pregnancy and live birth. Conclusions: Our study indicated that AFC, E2 on hCG day, and P on hCG day are prognostic factors for clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young DOR patients with low oocyte retrieval.