Are DHEAS Levels at Initiation of Ovarian Stimulation Different Between Pregnant and Non-pregnant after In-Vitro-Fertilization? Α Systematic Review and Meta-analysis |Biomedgrid

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation are different between pregnant and non-pregnant women after IVF. A systematic review/meta-analysis showed that no significant difference in DHEAS levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation was observed in women without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who achieved or not clinical pregnancy [standardised mean difference (SMD): -0.15, 95%CI: -0.47 to +0.16, five studies, 2448 patients]. Similarly, no significant difference in DHEAS levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation was observed in women in the general population (SMD: +0.37, 95%CI: -0.25 to +0.99, single study, 53 patients). In expected poor responders, significantly higher DHEAS levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation were observed in patients who achieved clinical pregnancy compared with those who did not (SMD: +0.87, 95%CI: +0.32 to +1.41, single study, 129 patients). Similar DHEAS levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation are present between patients who achieve or not clinical pregnancy in the general population as well as in women without PCOS. However, there is weak evidence to suggest that higher DHEAS levels at initiation of ovarian stimulation are present in poor responders who achieve clinical pregnancy compared with those who did not.