The Role of Immature Granulocyte Percentage and Other Inflammatory Hematological Markers in Predicting In Vitro Fertilization Success

TL;DR

This study finds that a blood test measuring immature granulocytes can predict the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

Contribution

This is the first study to show that immature granulocyte percentage is a novel predictor of IVF success.

Findings

Low immature granulocyte percentage is strongly associated with better clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes.

Endometrial thickness on the day of hCG administration is modestly linked to IVF success.

Systemic inflammatory index and mature oocyte count do not significantly affect pregnancy outcomes.

Abstract

Background: This study explores the role of inflammatory hematological markers from complete blood count (CBC) parameters in predicting the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment success of patients. It focuses particularly on the immature granulocyte (IG) percentage, a novel inflammatory marker. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature examining the relationship between IG percentage and pregnancy outcomes in IVF. Methods: Conducted retrospectively, this study included 311 IVF cycles from 311 distinct patients. A binomial logistic regression model identified factors affecting pregnancy outcomes. Various predictors were analyzed, including embryo quality, white blood cell (WBC) count, IG percentage, systemic inflammatory index (SII), endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, number of mature (MII) oocytes, and the number of embryos generated. Results: The IG percentage significantly impacted clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes (OR = 0.40, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.317–0.51, p < 0.001), unlike other inflammatory markers. Each millimeter increase in endometrial thickness measured on the day of hCG administration was associated with a slight increase in the likelihood of IVF success (OR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.004–1.44, p = 0.044). Neither SII nor mature oocyte count significantly affected pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: A low IG percentage correlates positively with clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Measuring IG percentage offers a rapid, inexpensive, and readily available method to predict IVF success.

Figures