Exploratory Interim Analysis of Serial Plasma and Single-Follicle Follicular Fluid Oxidation-Reduction Potential During Fertility Treatment

Background/Objectives: This exploratory interim analysis examined associations between serial plasma oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and single-follicle follicular-fluid (FF) ORP during fertility treatment. Between-visit measurements and cycle-level outcomes were also described.

Methods

In 31 cycles from 29 women, plasma was sampled prospectively at cycle day 2 (D2), D6, and pre-trigger, and FF from one follicle at retrieval. Fresh samples were measured in duplicate (MiOXSYS); only means were available. All analyses were post hoc and used Spearman correlations, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and mixed models with within-family adjustment.

Results

Plasma-FF correlations were 0.580 at D2 (n = 25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.178-0.839), 0.715 at D6 (n = 23; CI, 0.350-0.924), and 0.866 pre-trigger (n = 23; CI, 0.679-0.941). All Holm-adjusted p values were ≤0.0027. In 21 women with complete profiles, between-visit correlations were 0.703-0.856 (ICC, 0.788; CI, 0.617-0.872). The mixed-model pre-trigger minus D6 difference was 6.6 mV (CI, 0.6-12.6; Holm-adjusted p = 0.0939). No visit contrast or main ORP-outcome association met its adjusted threshold.