Empty follicle syndrome in in vitro fertilization cycles:a report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Objective:To explore the causes and coping strategies for empty follicle syndrome(EFS) in vitro fertilization(IVF) cycles.Methods:The clinical data of 3 patients with EFS were analyzed,and the literature was reviewed.Results:The cycles in 2 patients were cancelled due to of EFS; in the succedent cycles,EFS did not occur,but the outcome was not satisfactory;one of them got only 1 embryo(Ⅲ grade) due to descend of ovary reserve function,and the other got 14 oocytes including 11 GⅤoocytes in two cycles.The third patient had EFS at one side ovary,and a second dose of hCG was injected and a second retrieval was scheduled after 24 hours;some follicles had ruptured before the second retrieval,2 oocytes were retrieved and 2 embryos were obtained; transplantation was cancelled due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Conclusions:EFS may be associated with hCG drug and ovarian dysfunction.Rescue by injecting hCG is effective,but more emphasis should be put on prevention and individual measures.