Discordance between antral follicle counts and anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women undergoing in vitro fertilization

Background In general, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is positively associated with antral follicle count (AFC). However, there is often discordance between the AMH level and AFC in clinical practice. In cases of discordance, which indicator should be chosen to predict ovarian response and subsequently develop an ovulation induction protocol? The objective of this study was to investigate which indicator was more accurate in predicting ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes when the AMH level and AFC were discordant. Methods A total of 1121 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited in this study. During the study period, patients were subjected to individualized controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols according to specific characteristics. The AMH levels and AFCs were measured on days 2–3 of the menstrual cycle. Serum samples were obtained to determine AMH levels. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to determine the AFC. All patients were divided into four groups: Group A had AFCs and AMH levels in the normal range; Group B had normal AFCs and low AMH levels; Group C had low AFCs and normal AMH levels; and Group D had low AFCs and AMH levels. Results Two hundred three women (18.11%) showed discordant AFCs and AMH levels. In the two groups with discordant AFCs and AMH levels, namely, Group B and Group C, the oocyte yield, good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher in Group B than in Group C. The incidence of poor ovarian response (POR) was significantly lower in Group B than in Group C. According to the stratified analysis of age, for the three categories above the age of 30, oocyte yield was higher in Group B than in Group C. In all age categories, the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in Group B than in Group C. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that approximately one in five patients in clinical practice showed discordance between AFCs and AMH levels. In view of the AFC being better than AMH for predicting POR, the AFC should be the preferred indicator for predicting ovarian response to subsequently develop an optimal individualized COH protocol.