Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has become the most common nutritional deficiency throughout the world. 67–85% of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients have low serum levels of Vitamin D. Studies have reported conflicting data as to whether or not Vitamin D may play a role in human reproduction. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate what effect vitamin D had on parameters within an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle in a population of infertile women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Method: PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM consensus criteria. Serum levels of Vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry during the menstrual cycle prior to commencing a short antagonist cycle of IVF. 25(OH)D levels were compared against patient demographics and IVF cycle parameters between PCOS and non-PCOS groups.

Results: 59 women participated, 29 PCOS and 30 non-PCOS. 83% of the women had vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l); there was no statistical significance in vitamin D levels between the groups (P=0.12). There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates per IVF cycle in the non-PCOS group compared to the PCOS group (33% vs 24%; P=0.57). There was a significant positive correlation (P=0.03) between vitamin D levels and fertilisation rates in women with PCOS.

Conclusion: The Vitamin D status in our patients appears to reflect that of the general population. There was a significant correlation between Vitamin D levels and fertilisation rates in the PCOS group indicating a possible relationship between Vitamin D and oocyte maturation in this distinct population of women. This is an important finding as replenishing Vitamin D in PCOS patients may in fact increase their chances of achieving a pregnancy. How this process is achieved is unclear and would require further work and larger studies.