Peritoneal fluid and serum steroids in infertility patients.

Peritoneal fluid and serum were collected from 78 patients at the time of laparoscopy. Twenty-two were fertile controls (CTL), and 56 were infertility patients, who were subdivided into three main groups: endometriosis (EMS), pelvic adhesions (ADH), and ovarian dysfunction (OvDF). Based on control group data, biochemical criteria indicative of the presence of a stigma, S(+), were established: (1) serum progesterone (P) greater than or equal to 2 ng/ml, (2) peritoneal fluid P greater than or equal to 50 ng/ml, and (3) peritoneal fluid/serum ratio of P greater than or equal to 3. Direct visualization by laparoscopy showed that 21% CTL, 75% EMS, 69% ADH, and 56% OvDF subjects had luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) syndrome. Biochemical criteria, however, demonstrated only 7% CTL, 37% EMS, 23% ADH, and 56% OvDF subjects had LUF. Peritoneal fluid estradiol (E2) and P concentrations and total content were significantly lower in LUF than in non-LUF patients, whereas serum E2 and P concentrations were not different between the two groups. Values for testosterone and androstenedione in peritoneal fluid and serum were similar between these two groups. Endometrial dating in LUF versus non-LUF patients were also similar. The usual indicators of ovulation, i.e., serum P, endometrial dating, and basal body temperature, failed to identify LUF. The diagnosis of LUF can be best made by P assay of peritoneal fluid and serum.