Objectives: Evaluate the effect of hCG timing for oocyte maturation on the basis of ultrasound measurements made by 3D against those made by conventional 2D technique in relation to the number of mature oocyte collected.
Methods: Sixty patients who underwent ICSI in Banha University Reproductive Centre and Banha IVF Centre were included in this study. Patients over 40 years old, with history of unilateral oophrectomy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were excluded. All patients underwent both 2D and 3D ultrasound examination at the same setting. Quality of the 3D image, time needed to perform the ultrasound study, number of follicles, follicular measurements, endometrial thickness and volume were all recorded and compared between both techniques. Data analysis was performed using squared correlation (R2) and Pearson's correlation tests.
Results: 2D and 3D follicular measurements were statistically correlated in (55.1%) of the cases. 3D examination showed good quality images in (71.7%) of the cases. 3D average examination time was 5.9 compared to 9.2 minutes in the 2D technique. Follicles in the volume range of (2-5ml) at the day of hCG administration were statistically correlated to the retrieved mature oocytes with an explained variation percentage of (29%). Follicular volume of 5ml as a cutoff was representative to the number of mature oocytes retrieved.
Conclusion: 3D ultrasound follicular monitoring is a time saving technique, provides a method of image quality control, and creates opportunities for developing new hCG administration criteria based on the follicular volume. |
