Blood test could predict your chances of IVF success

Researchers are developing a test to help women to predict their chances of getting pregnant using fertility treatment.

A team of researchers from Ireland are developing a test which may be able to help women and doctors to decide whether to continue with IVF after they have been unsuccessful.

The researchers have uncovered markers in a woman’s blood which predict the success or failure of IVF treatment. Their findings suggest that there is a clear difference between women who went on to get pregnant and those who did not.

The leader of the study, Dr Cathy Allen, from Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, said that they had investigated which genes were turned on and off at points before, during and after pregnancy.

An analysis of blood samples showed that genes controlling the growth of new blood vessels, inflammation and the supply of energy to cells were acting differently in women undergoing IVF. All of these processes would be involved in creating the right environment for the implantation^? of an embryo^? in the womb^? and the growth of a foetus^?.

There was a clear difference in the activity of 200 genes at the beginning of fertility treatment in five women who did get pregnant compared to three who did not. The researchers claim that this difference in gene activity can help to predict whether IVF will be successful or not.

A dilemma faced by many women is whether to continue with more cycles of IVF after one failed cycle, especially given the high cost and the severe side effects which are usually associated with fertility treatment. Dr Allen said, "As a practising clinician, I think this might have a use for patients trying to decide whether they should undergo IVF or not.

"It's going to be a while before we have a clinical test but my gut feeling is it will be useful for identifying the unfavourable profile - those who won't get pregnant."

Tony Rutherford, chair of the British Fertility Society, emphasised the importance of further testing. "A test such as this would potentially make the patient more informed but before we embark on this we need to make sure its effective."