Background
In recent years, infertility has increased in older women with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Studies have shown that women with DOR have fewer oocytes, which are poorer in quality, and have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pre-pregnancy BMI is significantly correlated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and abortion and live birth in older patients with DOR.
Methods
The clinical data of 2052 older women with infertility and DOR admitted to the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2009 to May 2018 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ; n = 56), normal weight (18.5 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m 2 ; n = 1389), overweight (24 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m 2 ; n = 527) and obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m 2 ; n = 80). We compared the pregnancy outcomes of patients in each group.
Results
Logistic regression analysis showed that being overweight or obese were independent risk factors for miscarriage (P < 0.05) and protection factors for live births (P<0.05). Being underweight was a protective factor for live births (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The abortion and live birth rates in older infertile women with DOR are correlated with BMI. Higher BMI was associated with higher abortion rates and lower live birth rates. Being underweight also correlated with the live birth rate. Therefore, to improve pregnancy outcomes, we suggest that older patients with DOR may benefit from maintaining a normal weight before seeking fertility treatments.