The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus definition of hyper-responders for in-vitro fertilization

Ido Feferkorn*, B. Ata, S. C. Esteves, A. La Marca, R. Paulson, C. Blockeel, A. Conforti, H. M. Fatemi, P. Humaidan, G. T. Lainas, B. W. Mol, R. J. Norman, R. Orvieto, N. P. Polyzos, S. Santos-Ribeiro, S. K. Sunkara, S. L. Tan, F. M. Ubaldi, B. Urman, J. G. VelascoA. Weissman, H. Yarali, M. H. Dahan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To provide an agreed upon definition of hyper-response for women undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS)? Methods: A literature search was performed regarding hyper-response to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 5 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements in the questionnaire for the first round of the Delphi consensus. The questionnaire was distributed to 31 experts, 22 of whom responded (with representation selected for global coverage), each anonymous to the others. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥ 66% of the participants agreed and ≤ 3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. Results: 17/18 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. (I) Definition of a hyper-response: Collection of ≥ 15 oocytes is characterized as a hyper-response (72.7% agreement). OHSS is not relevant for the definition of hyper-response if the number of collected oocytes is above a threshold (≥ 15) (77.3% agreement). The most important factor in defining a hyper-response during stimulation is the number of follicles ≥ 10 mm in mean diameter (86.4% agreement). (II) Risk factors for hyper-response: AMH values (95.5% agreement), AFC (95.5% agreement), patient’s age (77.3% agreement) but not ovarian volume (72.7% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, the most important risk factor for a hyper-response is the antral follicular count (AFC) (68.2% agreement). In a patient without previous ovarian stimulation, when AMH and AFC are discordant, one suggesting a hyper-response and the other not, AFC is the more reliable marker (68.2% agreement). The lowest serum AMH value that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 2 ng/ml (14.3 pmol/L) (72.7% agreement). The lowest AFC that would place one at risk for a hyper-response is ≥ 18 (81.8% agreement). Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as per Rotterdam criteria are at a higher risk of hyper-response than women without PCOS with equivalent follicle counts and gonadotropin doses during ovarian stimulation for IVF (86.4% agreement). No consensus was reached regarding the number of growing follicles ≥ 10 mm that would define a hyper-response. Conclusion: The definition of hyper-response and its risk factors can be useful for harmonizing research, improving understanding of the subject, and tailoring patient care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1071-1081
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2023

Funding

FundersFunder number
Merck Merck KGaA
ObsEva
National Health and Medical Research Council

    Keywords

    • Hyper-response
    • Ovarian hyperstimulation
    • Ovarian stimulation

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