Age-related peculiarities of blood parameters in women and their impact on the outcome of in vitro fertilization programs

Objective. Despite the existence of a wide list of indicators that determine the favorable outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, their effectiveness remains in the range of 30—40%. Due to the need for more accurate prediction of results and identification of parameters that require therapeuical correction, the purpose of this study was to study the data of routine general and biochemical blood tests to identify additional prognostic criteria for IVF. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical examination results of 301 women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs at the Regional Perinatal Center in Kursk in 2021 was carried out. According to the National ART Registry of 1995, the patients were divided into three age groups: 1) under 25 years, 2) from 26 to 35 years, and 3) 36 years and older. Results. The concentration of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit and glucose levels significantly differed between the three studied groups (p<0.002). Red blood counts and glucose levels were significantly higher in women over 36 years of age compared to women 26—35years of age (p<0.0006). In the second group, the concentration of erythrocytes and hemoglobin positively correlated with the number of oocytes (p=0.012), AMH (p=0.004; p=0.002) and negatively with the thickness of the endometrium (p=0.00064). In the third group, a positive correlation was found between glucose levels and endometrial thickness (p=0.045). Conclusions. In this study, for the first time, age-related changes in a number of parameters of general and biochemical blood tests of women of the reproductive period were revealed, that have prognostic significance for determining the outcome of IVF. An increase in red blood parameters in the older age group is indicative of hypoxic changes that require additional correction in the form of oxygen therapy or the appointment of drugs that improve blood supply and oxygenation of the uterus. In women aged 26—35years, an increase in the concentration of erythrocytes and hemoglobin to the upper limit of the normal range and above (≥140 g/l) predicts receiving more oocytes, but a smaller thickness of the endometrium. The probability of successful implantation in this case did not exceed 10%.