FERRITIN LEVELS IN BLOOD AND FOLLICULAR FLUID AS PREDICTORS OF EMBRYO QUALITY IN IN VITRO FERTILIZATION CYCLES

Abstract

This study examines the association between systemic and local ferritin levels and embryo development outcomes during in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 65 women aged 25-39 with infertility were divided into two groups: Group 2A (iron supplementation concurrently with ovarian stimulation) and Group 2B (iron supplementation two months prior to stimulation). Ferritin levels were measured in serum andfollicular fluid on the day of oocyte retrieval. Results showed that elevatedfollicular ferritin in Group 2A correlated with a higher number of excellent-quality embryos, while moderate ferritin levels in Group 2B were associated with a greater proportion of good-quality embryos. Excessive iron levels, however, were associated with reduced embryo quality, likely due to oxidative stress. These findings support individualized iron management before and during IVF to optimize reproductive outcomes.