P-573 Reframing reproductive odds: live birth rate in women with undetectable or negligible anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels
Authors: Elzeiny H , Agresta F 
Published: July 2024

Study question

what is the Live birth rate in women with undetectable or negligible AMH levels ?

Summary answer

Based on our findings, we suggest considering IVF for twith undetectable or negligible AMH levels.

What is known already

The reproductive outcomes of women with undetectable or negligible AMH levels have not been well studied. Nevertheless, it is widely believed that females with extremely low AMH levels may have difficulty conceiving and may experience early menopause. An undetectable AMH value is indicative of an ovarian reserve similar to that of a 44-year-old woman. It is important to note that fertility is not solely determined by AMH levels and that other variables, such as age, can also have an impact.

Study design, size, duration

This study was a retrospective cohort design. Data were collected from October 2009 to April 2022, and included 81 consecutive female participants aged 24 to 43 years with undetectable or negligible levels of AMH who had previously experienced a failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle due to poor ovarian response. The participants were given DHEA after at least one failed IVF cycle, The primary outcome measure was live birth rate (LBR).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study participants were divided into two groups based on AMH levels. Group A had undetectable AMH equivalent to &lt; 0.14 ng/ml (For SI units &lt;1 pmol/L), and group B had negligible AMH levels between 0.14 ng/ml and 0.5 ng/ml (For SI units; 1 pmol/L to 3.6 pmol/L) as defined by Tocci et al. (2009). Both groups underwent IVF, and if the cycle failed, women received DHEA before next IVF cycle. The Primary outcome was LBR.

Main results and the role of chance

The study, which was conducted from October 2009 to April 2022, analysed a total of 81 cycles, with 41 in Group A and 40 in Group B. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. The overall spontaneous pregnancy rate was 17% (7/41) for women in Group A and 7.5% (3/40) for women in Group B, who received DHEA while waiting to start their next IVF cycle. All pregnancies resulted in live births. Additionally, one case in Group A converted from IVF to IUI and also resulted in a live birth. The overall LBR per woman and per embryo transfer (ET) were 53% (43/81) and 62.3% (43/69) respectively. The LBR per started cycle for Group A and Group B was 51.2% (21/41) and 55% (22/40) (p = 0.12), respectively. The LBR per ET for Groups A and B were 60% (21/35) and 64.7% (22/34) (p = 0.16), respectively. The rate of first trimester miscarriages was similar in both groups. The sub-analysis of patient age showed that the overall LBR for women under 37 years old was 44.4% (36/81) and 55.5% (45/81) for women aged 37 years old and above. The cycle cancellation rate was 14.81% (12/81).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The small sample size and the study’s retrospective design may introduce bias. Additionally, during the 12 years of the study period, AMH measurement techniques have changed. These limitations should be taken into account when interpreting the results. Further research is needed to establish the cost-effectiveness of these findings.

Wider implications of the findings

The presence of undetectable or negligible AMH levels should not automatically exclude the use of assisted reproductive technology. Supplementation with DHEA and a tailored ovarian stimulation protocol may improve reproductive outcomes in these cases and should be considered before resorting to oocyte donation.

Trial registration number

Not Applicable