in vitro fertilization outcome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: role of age and maternal body weight

Background objective: this retrospective study aims to evaluate the impact of pre-gestational maternal age and body weight on the outcome of ivf in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos).  materials methods: medical records of 200 known cases of pcos treated in a third level referral center by the same therapeutic protocol were evaluated retrospectively. demographic data, maternal body mass index (bmi), hormonal profile (lh, fsh, estradiol, and anti-mullerian), ivf cycle parameters and outcomes were documented. patients were categorized into three groups based on their bmi (normal=18.5-24.9, overweight=25-30, obese≥30). ivf cycle parameters and outcomes were compared in the three groups. effect of age was also evaluated by comparing the results in patients aged <35 and ≥35.results: mean age of patients was 32.5 (±5.2). a number of 72 patients had normal bmi, 85 patients were overweighed and 43 cases were obese. baseline hormonal profile was similar in the three groups. total dose of administered fsh was similar in the three groups. number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in patients with bmi>30 but the number of mature oocytes and number of embryos were statistically lower in this group. size of follicles showed no statistically significant difference in the three groups. clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in patients with bmi>30 kg/m2 and age>35 years old.conclusion: bmi>30 and age>35 years old have a statistically significant negative impact on ivf success rate.