A prospective randomized study comparing intramuscular progesterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of i.m. P and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) for luteal phase support, in patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Patients undergoing IVF-ET in our Centers. PATIENT(S): The inclusion criteria were the use of GnRH down-regulation and aged <40 years. INTERVENTION(S): A total of 300 cycles were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg every 3 days) or P (50 mg daily). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The outcomes of IVF in both study groups were evaluated for biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy. RESULT(S): No difference was found in the main outcome parameters considered. CONCLUSION(S): Although the results of the study encourage the use of 17-HPC for luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-ET program, more studies are necessary to support the hypothesis that it can replace i.m. P-in-oil.     

Use of Crinone vaginal progesterone gel for luteal support in in vitro fertilization cycles

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal Crinone 8% (Columbia Research Laboratories, Miami. FL) versus IM progesterone for luteal phase support after IVF-ET. DESIGN: Prospective open trial with comparison to historical controls. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Two hundred six women undergoing IVF-ET. INTERVENTION(S): One hundred patients received Crinone vaginal progesterone gel (90 mg once daily) and 106 patients received IM progesterone (50 mg once daily) beginning on the evening of oocyte retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy and miscarriage rates, and midluteal serum progesterone levels. RESULT(S): Positive beta-hCG pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates per transfer, and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar for the Crinone and IM progesterone groups. Women who received Crinone had higher rates of biochemical pregnancy loss but lower rates of clinical pregnancy loss (i.e., spontaneous abortion) than women who received IM progesterone. Midluteal serum progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the IM progesterone group (94.3+/-8.8 ng/mL versus 57.7+/-7.4 ng/mL). Several women who received Crinone had vaginal bleeding 11-13 days after oocyte retrieval. CONCLUSION(S): For all age categories, positive beta-hCG and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar when Crinone or IM progesterone was given for luteal phase support in IVF-ET cycles, despite lower serum progesterone concentrations and higher rates of biochemical pregnancy loss with Crinone. Although the results of this study support the use of Crinone as an acceptable alternative for luteal support after IVF-ET, differences in bleeding patterns and rates of biochemical pregnancy loss demonstrate the need for a prospective randomized study.     

Effect of prolonged gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a 3-month course of GnRH agonist administered immediately before IVF-ET in infertile patients with endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: Three tertiary care assisted reproductive technology programs. PATIENT(S): IVF-ET candidates with surgically confirmed endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Twenty-five patients received three courses of a long-acting GnRH agonist, 3.75 mg i.m. every 28 days, followed by standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Twenty-six patients received standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with mid-luteal phase GnRH agonist down-regulation or microdose flare regimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle, group implantation rates, and implantation rate per embryo transfer procedure. RESULT(S): The extent of surgically confirmed endometriosis was greater in patients who received the long-acting GnRH regimen for 3 months before IVF-ET. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of dose or duration of gonadotropin stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, or number of embryos transferred. Patients who received the long-acting GnRH regimen had significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rates (80% vs. 53.85%) and a trend toward higher implantation rates (42.68% vs. 30.38%). CONCLUSION(S): Prolonged use of GnRH agonist before IVF-ET in patients with endometriosis resulted in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rates than did standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimens. No deleterious effect on ovarian response was observed.     

Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel results in lower embryonic implantation efficiency after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of IVF-ET after the use of Crinone 8% (Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Inc., Philadelphia, PA) vaginal progesterone gel and to compare these results with those seen in our program with the use of IM progesterone-in-oil. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit. PATIENT(S): Patients <40 years of age undergoing IVF-ET cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were treated with either Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel (90 mg) administered daily or IM progesterone-in-oil (50 mg) administered daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): The use of Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel was associated with a lower implantation rate (16.6% versus 26.2%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.89) compared with the use of IM progesterone-in-oil. Biochemical pregnancies were more common after the use of Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel as defined by either biochemical pregnancies per transfer (15.9% versus 5.7%; OR = 3.11; 95% CI, 1.17-8.32) or biochemical pregnancies as a proportion of positive serum hCG titers (29.2% versus 9.8%; OR = 3.80; 95% CI, 1.33-10.86). Clinical pregnancy rates also were lower with the use of Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel (36.4% versus 52.9%; OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26-0.99). Conclusion(s): Implantation efficiency is reduced, as demonstrated by lower embryonic implantation rates and higher biochemical pregnancy rates, when Crinone 8% vaginal progesterone gel rather than IM progesterone-in-oil is used for luteal phase support after IVF-ET.     

不同剂量黄体酮在体外受精-胚胎移植中黄体支持的效果

目的:探讨不同剂量黄体支持对IVF-ET周期黄体期雌、孕激素水平及临床结局的影响。方法:回顾分析长方案超促排卵IVF-ET305周期,根据hCG日雌激素水平采取4种不同黄体支持方案;对照组53例,hCG日血清E2值≤8000pmol/L,胚胎移植日开始肌注黄体酮60mg/d到验孕日。实验组:A组43例,hCG日血清E2值≤4000pmol/L,在取卵第2天开始肌注黄体酮20mg/d联合2000IU hCG q3d×4次到验孕日;B组115例,hCG日E24000pmol/L～8000pmol/L,取卵后第2天开始肌注40mg/d黄体酮到验孕日;C组94例,hCG日血清E2值≥8000pmol/L,取卵后第2天开始肌注60mg/d黄体酮到验孕日。结果:4组患者年龄、不孕年限、不孕因素、Gn用药天数、用药量、移植胚胎数均无明显差异(P0.05);4组hCG日雌激素水平、获卵数、ET日和种植窗期雌激素水平均有显著差异(P0.05),但4组ET日及种植窗期的E2/P值无显著差异;4组的种植率和妊娠率分别为27.68%、32.18%、32.54%、29.33%和41.51%、46.51%、50.43%、42.55%,无统计学差异。结论:不同剂量黄体支持有助于维持黄体期雌、孕激素平衡,有利于减少黄体酮剂量而不影响妊娠结局。     

A matched controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for improving pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

PURPOSE: To determine if acupuncture performed during the follicular phase and luteal phase but not on the day of embryo transfer could improve the outcome following IVF-ET compared to controls. METHODS: Acupuncture was started biweekly from day 5 of the follicular phase through the luteal phase but not on the day of the transfer. Controls were matched according to age, same number of previous failed IVF cycles and same type of embryo transfer (fresh or frozen). RESULTS: The clinical and ongoing (delivered pregnancy rates per transfer) for 32 women undergoing IVF-ET and acupuncture was 40.6% and 37.5%, respectively vs 53.1% and 43.7% for controls. The median number of previous failed IVF cycles was three. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture performed twice weekly during the follicular and luteal phase does not seem to improve pregnancy rates following IVF-ET.     

IVF-ET后补充小剂量雌激素不改善妊娠率

目的:探讨体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)黄体支持中补充小剂量雌激素(E2)对妊娠率的影响。方法:①回顾性分析912个IVF-ET周期,根据黄体支持方案将其分为A组(511个周期),给予黄体酮80mg/d;B组(401个周期),给予黄体酮80mg/d+补佳乐2mg/d,比较组间妊娠率;②按照hCG日与ET日E2比值,分为<4.0组(291个周期)和≥4.0组(220个周期),比较二组妊娠率,了解E2下降程度与妊娠的关系;③另选择IVF超排卵妇女因某种因素未行移植(24个周期)和自然周期排卵妇女(32个周期)比较黄体中期E2水平,以了解超促排卵对黄体中期E2的影响。结果:黄体期补充与不补充E2组间种植率和妊娠率均无差异(P>0.05);E2下降程度不同的二组间种植率和妊娠率也无差异(P>0.05)。IVF超排妇女黄体中期E2水平明显高于自然周期妇女(P<0.01)。结论:取卵后E2水平下降不影响IVF结局,补充E2进行黄体支持不能改善IVF妊娠率。     

Luteal phase support

OBJECTIVE: To develop a consensus regarding the need for luteal phase support during assisted reproductive technology (ART), and to establish the optimal compound and route of administration for this purpose. DESIGN: Review of the published literature on luteal phase support. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.Intervention(s): Progesterone was administered orally, vaginally, or by intramuscular (i.m.) injection to supplement the luteal phase after assisted reproductive technology (ART). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy following ART. RESULT(S); Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist protocols necessitate the use of luteal phase support. Progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) have both been used for this purpose, with comparable outcomes. Progesterone is the product of choice, however, as it is associated with a lower incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Its use is indicated up to the serum pregnancy test. Oral, i.m., and vaginal progesterone preparations are available. Intramuscular and vaginal preparations lead to comparable rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy, despite higher serum progesterone levels after i.m. injection. Oral formulations are inferior products for luteal support. Although widely used, i.m. progesterone is uncomfortable and inconvenient for patients. By contrast, the vaginal progesterone gel (Crinone 8%) is more convenient and easier to use. CONCLUSION(S): Progesterone support of the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles is indicated, though support beyond the serum pregnancy test may not be needed. The pregnancy rates after vaginal and i.m. progesterone support are comparable, despite higher serum levels after i.m. injection. Patients prefer the vaginal progesterone gel.     

来曲唑/FSH促排卵中GnRHa与hCG诱发卵泡成熟效果的比较

目的:比较曲普瑞林和hCG在来曲唑(LE)/FSH促排卵行IVF-ET治疗中诱发卵泡成熟的效果。方法:391个IVF-ET治疗周期随机分成促性腺激素激动剂(GnRHa)组(n=267)和hCG组(n=124),所有患者均采用LE/FSH促排卵方案,当主导卵泡平均直径达18～20mm时,GnRHa组患者采用达菲林0.1mg诱导卵泡成熟,hCG组采用hCG10000IU诱导卵泡成熟,比较组间的获卵数、MII卵率、受精率、卵裂率、优胚率、临床妊娠率和中-重度卵巢过度刺激综合症(OHSS)发生率。同时比较两组患者诱导日(d0)、取卵日(d2)、胚胎移植前日(d4)和胚胎移植后第4日(d9)的血清E2、P、LH水平。结果:hCG组Gn使用总量、MII卵率、卵裂率、中-重度OHSS发生率显著高于GnRHa组(P<0.05)。Gn使用天数、获卵数、受精率、种植率、临床妊娠率、流产率组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。GnRHa组d0LH、d2LH、d9LH水平显著高于hCG组(P<0.05),而d2P、d4E2、d4P、d4LH、d9E2、d9P水平显著低于hCG组(P<0.05)。结论:在LE/FSH促排卵方案中可以用GnRHa替代hCG诱导卵泡成熟,而不影响IVF结局,并显著降低OHSS发生率。GnRHa诱导卵泡成熟的IVF周期其黄体期存在黄体功能不全,需适当补充外源性hCG加强黄体支持。     

黄体期个体化雌激素补充方案对IVF-ET治疗结局的影响

目的:探讨黄体期个体化添加不同剂量雌激素对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)胚胎种植率和临床妊娠率的影响。方法:回顾性分析104个长方案控制性促排卵(COH)IVF-ET周期,根据其移植日血清E2水平下降幅度分为4组,A组:E2下降<30%,12个周期,单用黄体酮进行黄体期支持;B组:E2下降30%-39%,18个周期,黄体期支持采用黄体酮+3mg/d雌激素;C组:E2下降40%-49%,16个周期,D组:E2下降≥50%,58个周期,C组、D组患者黄体期支持采用黄体酮+4mg/d雌激素。结果:各组的取卵数目、受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎数、内膜厚度和移植胚胎数相比差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。A组、B组、C组间胚胎种植率和临床妊娠率无统计学差异;而D组与其余3组比,胚胎种植率和临床妊娠率显著下降(P<0.05)。结论:①在长方案COH的IVF-ET中,当移植日血清E2水平下降幅度≥30%时黄体期支持补充雌激素可以改善胚胎种植率和临床妊娠率;②E2下降幅度大的患者可能需要增加雌激素的添加剂量。     

17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate versus intravaginal progesterone in IVF-embryo transfer cycles: a prospective randomized study

One of the main issues in the management of IVF and embryo transfer techniques is to ensure adequate concentrations of progesterone. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the effectiveness of 17 alpha -hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) administered intramuscularly and intra-vaginal progesterone in gel in luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-embryo transfer cycles. A total of 320 patients were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg i. m. every 3 days) or progesterone vaginal gel (90 mg daily). The inclusion criteria were the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone down-regulation and age <40 years. The outcome of IVF in both study groups was evaluated for implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rate. The results of this study showed that 17-HPC conferred more benefit to IVF-embryo transfer cycles compared with intra-vaginal progesterone, as demonstrated by the results of most of the main outcome parameters considered. The data showed that 17-HPC administered every 3 days appears to be more effective in providing luteal support in comparison to intra-vaginal progesterone.     

我国孕妇身高、妊娠前体质量及体质指数的分布情况

【Abstract】?Objective?To compare the pregnancy outcomes of luteal support protocols by methods of endometrium preparation in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. Methods?The retrospective study included the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles using vaginal micronized progesterone for luteal support in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2017 to December 2017, including 437 patients in the natural cycle group and 416 patients in the hormone replacement cycle group. According to different luteal support programs, they were divided into four groups: ① Group A: Progesterone soft capsule 400 mg/d; ② Group B: Progesterone soft capsule 400 mg/d+dydrogesterone 20 mg/d; ③ Group C: Progesterone soft capsule 600 mg/d; ④ Group D: Progesterone soft capsule 600 mg/ D+dydrogesterone 20 mg/ D. Different endometrial preparation regimens, luteal support dosages and pregnancy outcomes were compared. Results?①There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate among different luteal support schemes in the natural cycle group (P>0.05).② The clinical pregnancy rate in group C was lower than that in group D (35.50%, 51.30%, P=0.008). ③ In group C of hormone replacement cycle, the miscarriage rate of patients <35 years old was lower than those ≥35 years old (7.14%, 36.80%, P=0.004). In group C, the clinical pregnancy rate of patients <35 years of age in the hormone replacement cycle group was lower than that in the natural cycle group (38.90%, 68.30%, P=0.002). Conclusion?Enhancing luteal support in artificial cycles would improve the pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed cycles.     

黄体期添加不同剂量雌激素对IVF-ET妊娠结局的影响

目的:探讨长方案控制性超促排卵体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)周期黄体期减少外源性雌激素剂量对妊娠结局的影响。方法:回顾性分析2011年7月至2012年4月1614个长方案控制性促排卵周期的资料。根据黄体期补充补佳乐剂量不同分为2组:A组(785例)补佳乐2mg/d;B组(829例)补佳乐4mg/d。两组黄体支持期所用孕激素剂型、剂量相同。结果:两组间的临床特征、超排卵情况(COH)、胚胎形成情况均无统计学差异(P>0.05);添加补佳乐2mg/d组与4mg/d组的临床妊娠率(49.81%vs 49.88%)、胚胎种植率(34.25%vs 34.93%)及流产率(9.21%vs 10.92%)均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:长方案IVF-ET周期黄体支持常规添加不同剂量雌激素助孕结果无显著差异,减少雌激素用量不影响妊娠结局。     

体外受精-胚胎移植周期中黄体期血清性激素水平与妊娠率的关系

目的探讨体外受精－胚胎移植（ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ）周期中黄体期血清性激素水平的变化及与妊娠率的关系。方法随机选取６２个采用卵泡刺激素／绝经期促性腺激素／绒毛膜促性腺激素（ＦＳＨ／ｈＭＧ／ｈＣＧ）促超排卵的ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ周期（６２例患者）,采用放射免疫测定技术,测定其自然周期与促超排卵周期中黄体期血清雌二醇（Ｅ２）、孕酮（Ｐ）、催乳素（ＰＲＬ）水平,观察其妊娠情况。结果促超排卵周期中黄体期血清性激素水平明显高于自然周期（Ｐ＜０．０５）。补充黄体酮者的Ｐ、Ｐ／Ｅ２值,明显高于未补充黄体酮者（Ｐ＜０．０５）。临床妊娠者的Ｅ２水平明显低于未妊娠者,而Ｐ／Ｅ２、ＰＲＬ值明显高于未妊娠者（Ｐ＜０．０５）,并且当Ｐ／Ｅ２值为３００～４００、ＰＲＬ值为６０～１００μｇ／Ｌ时妊娠率最高。结论ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ周期中黄体期血清性激素水平对妊娠有影响,其中Ｅ２、Ｐ协同发挥作用,ＰＲＬ在一定范围内有利于胚胎着床。在ＩＶＦ－ＥＴ中应适当补充黄体酮,调节性激素至最适水平,可提高临床妊娠率     

Subtle rise in serum progesterone during the follicular phase as a predictor of the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of subtle rises in serum progesterone (P) during the follicular phase on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). DESIGN, PATIENTS: One hundred one patients underwent IVF-ET for 170 cycles and were stimulated with a combination of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin. Based on their hormonal data, we divided the patients into two groups: those who had a cycle with an increase in serum P concentration (1.0 to 2.0 ng/mL) that was not associated with a pituitary LH release (subtle P rise) and those who had a cycle without any increase in serum P concentration (no P rise). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The daily serum estradiol (E2) concentration and the results of IVF-ET (number of developed and collected oocytes, rates of mature oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Subtle P rises were observed in 31.7% (32/101) of the patients and 20.5% (36/170) of the cycles evaluated during the IVF-ET programs. A significantly higher serum E2 concentration (P less than 0.001) and a greater number of developed and collected oocytes (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively) also were observed in those cycles with a subtle P rise. The rates of mature oocyte formation and fertilization were significantly lower in cycles with a subtle P rise (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively). A lower pregnancy rate was observed in cycles with a subtle P rise, and all 12 ongoing pregnancies occurred only in cycles with a no P rise. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the development of an increased number of follicles may not necessarily improve the outcome of IVF-ET and that the measurement of serum P may be a better predictor for successful pregnancy.     

Cycle-specific and cumulative fecundity in patients with endometriosis who are undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE: To compare controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-intrauterine insemination (COH-IUI) or IVF-ET pregnancy rates per cycle (PR) and cycle and cumulative fecundity (f and cf) with COH-IUI or IVF-ET in endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Endometriosis research institute. PATIENT(S): Women with endometriosis and infertility (n = 313) who underwent consecutive COH-IUI (202 patients, 648 cycles), IVF-ET (111 patients, 139 cycles), or IVF-ET after failed COH-IUI (56 patients, 68 cycles). INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Crude PR and life table-estimated f and cf. RESULT(S): With COH-IUI, 69 patients conceived; 65 conceived with IVF-ET; and 30 conceived with IVF-ET after COH-IUI (PR 11%, 47%, and 44%). With COH-IUI, six-cycle cf was 41%, and f for cycles 1-6 was 15%, 12%, 8%, 7%, 7%, and 0. With IVF-ET, three-cycle cf was 73%, whereas f for cycles 1-3 was 47%, 27%, and 33%. First-cycle f with IVF-ET was significantly higher than cf of six COH-IUI cycles. When the data were stratified according to the stage of endometriosis and women's age, the benefit of IVF over COH was even more pronounced. Prior COH-IUI failure did not adversely affect IVF-ET outcome. CONCLUSION(S): In endometriosis, PR, f, and cf are significantly higher with IVF-ET than COH-IUI, especially in stage IV and in women >38 years of age. Considering adverse effects of prolonged ovarian stimulation on endometriosis, IVF-ET should be the first-line approach in the management of infertility in this disease. If COH-IUI is attempted, it should not exceed three to four cycles.     

Presence of a 31-kD protein band in human cumulus--corona radiata--conditioned media and pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) morphology, protein patterns of cumulus-corona (CC) cell-conditioned media, and pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Private university IVF center. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty infertile women who underwent IVF-ET procedures. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): COC grading, analysis of CC cell morphology and conditioned media, and pregnancy rate (PR). RESULT(S): After IVF and embryo transfer, cultured CC cells were classified as high (HA) or low (LA) on the basis of their adhesive properties. Neither adhesion activity nor fertilization rates and embryo quality were correlated with COC grading. PR in cycles with HA cells was 38%, but 14% of cycles showing LA activity also had positive outcome. To find more meaningful parameters of CC cells useful to predict fertilization and pregnancy, the electrophoretic protein patterns of media conditioned by HA or LA cells were studied. Retrospective analysis showed that all cycles in which replaced embryos were associated with the presence of a 31-kD band in conditioned media failed implantation, whereas 83% of cycles lacking this band resulted in positive, ongoing pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): Pregnancy prediction cannot rely simply on CC cell morphological analysis. Screening of conditioned media may provide more reliable parameters.     

Treatment with piroxicam before embryo transfer increases the pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of beta-cyclodextrin piroxicam treatment for priming of the uterus on the pregnancy outcome of IVF-embryo transfer (ET) programs. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical study. SETTING: Large urban medical center. PATIENT(S): One hundred eighty-eight consecutive cycles of fresh IVF-ET and 78 cycles of frozen-thawed ET. The patients underwent IVF because of tubal, male infertility, unexplained, or endometriosis factors. They were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. INTERVENTION(S): In the treatment group, 94 cycles in fresh ET and 39 cycles in frozen-thawed ET the patients received an oral dose of 10 mg of piroxicam. In the control group, the same number cycles corresponding to the treatment group were treated with placebo. Both groups started piroxicam or placebo treatment 1-2 hours before ET. Patients and staff were blinded to the treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation rate (IR) and pregnancy rate (PR). RESULT(S): Piroxicam increased significantly IR (18.7%) and PR (46.8%) compared to the control group (8.6% and 27.6%, respectively) in fresh cycles. With the exception of an unexplained factor, patients with the tubal, male infertility, or endometriosis factor had significantly higher PR in the treatment group compared to the control group. The beneficial effect of piroxicam was found in patients less than 40 years old, but was not found in patients more than 40 years. In frozen-thawed cycles, there were statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in IR (9.4% vs. 2.3%) and PR (25.6% vs. 7.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Our study showed that piroxicam increases IR and PR after IVF-ET in both fresh and frozen-thawed ET cycles. The beneficial effect seems to be more remarkable in patients less than 40 years old with tubal, male infertility, or endometriosis factors. These results suggest that piroxicam treatment before ET is very effective in the priming of a uterus suitable for embryo implantation. This is the first study to investigate the possible consequence of piroxicam for improving the PR after IVF-ET.     

Luteal rescue in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

The luteal phase hormone profiles of two groups participating in the Yale in vitro fertilization (IVF) program were compared. A control group (group I) consisted of 28 women (28 cycles) who received our standard ovulation induction regimen (no luteal phase support). The treatment group (group II) consisted of 40 women (42 cycles) who were prospectively studied after receiving luteal phase support with 10,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 5 days after the initial hCG dose. The groups were matched for age and cause of infertility. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were measured on the day of embryo transfer and every 3 to 4 days thereafter. Luteal phase hCG support significantly augmented (1) E2 and P levels in the conception cycles of group II compared with group I and (2) P levels in the nonconception cycles of group II compared with group I. The midluteal decline in E2 and P that was observed in group I was minimized or prevented in group II. An ongoing pregnancy rate of 19% was achieved in group II. This was not statistically different from the 13% ongoing pregnancy rate noted in a separate group of 163 tubal factor couples undergoing IVF after our standard ovulation induction regimen during the period of the study. In summary, the luteal phase hormone profiles of IVF cycles were improved by supplementation with hCG. It is concluded that this type of intervention may serve to rescue potentially failing corpora lutea and thereby optimize the peri-implantation hormonal milieu.     

Early pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression with leuprolide acetate is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer success

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the timing of the onset of pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression using follicular phase leuprolide acetate (LA) is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) success for pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective series of IVF patients undergoing pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression before beginning controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF-ET. SETTING: Tertiary infertility practice. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight women for 80 cycles began LA on day 1 of their menstrual cycle. After 11 days of LA, 47 (59%) cycles in group I had suppressed serum estradiol (E2) levels less than 40 pg/mL, in contrast to 33 (41%) cycles in group II not adequately suppressed, thereby requiring additional days to achieve suppression. INTERVENTIONS: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was started when patients were satisfactorily suppressed, i.e., E2 less than 40 pg/mL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Mean E2 response, ampules of human menopausal gonadotropin, cancellation rates, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (PRs) per cycle were examined between groups I and II. RESULTS: Group I demonstrated a greater mean E2 response on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin 1,735 pg/mL versus 1,470 pg/mL (P = 0.008), a greater fertilization rate 64% versus 55% (P = 0.02), and a higher PR per cycle 34% versus 12% (P = 0.036) compared with group II. CONCLUSIONS: Women who achieved desensitization-suppression within 11 days of initiating LA demonstrated a more favorable outcome for IVF-ET than those who did not.