The association between in vitro fertilization outcome and the inflammatory markers of complete blood count among nonobese unexplained infertile couples.

OBJECTIVE(S): The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether the inflammatory parameters of complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte-ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV), had potential roles in the etiopathogenesis of unexplained infertility (UI) among nonobese women. We also aimed to investigate whether there could be an association between these markers and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success among nonobese women with UI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective clinical trial, including a total of 246 nonobese patients undergoing IVF procedures, 121 diagnosed as UI and 125 were age and body mass index (BMI) matched infertile controls who received IVF for tubal factor and male factor. Only normoweight (BMI<25 kg/m2 ) participants were recruited to our study to rule out the effect of obesity on inflammation. CBC parameters were evaluated before ovarian stimulation protocol.

RESULTS: All of the inflammatory parameters of CBC were distributed homogenously between groups. Platelet and lymphocyte count were positively correlated with fertilization rate (FR) among UI patients. Embryo count was positively correlated with platelet and negatively correlated with MPV. PLR was also positively correlated with luteinizing hormone on day 3 of cycle. After adjustment for age and BMI, there was a positive association between lymphocyte count and FR and a negative association between PLR and implantation among UI patients. None of the inflammatory markers of CBC were predictive for clinical pregnancy, take home baby, and clinical and biochemical abortion rates among nonobese UI patients.

CONCLUSION: Increased levels of CBC inflammation markers may have a negative impact on IVF outcomes among nonobese women with UI.