Comparison of stimulation with clomiphene citrate in combination with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and recombinant luteinizing hormone to stimulation with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol: a prospective,randomized study

OBJECTIVE: To compare IVF-ET outcome with a new stimulation protocol using clomiphene citrate (CC) with recombinant FSH and LH to stimulation with the standard long GnRH-a protocol. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Outpatient infertility clinic in Vienna, Austria. PATIENT(S): Two hundred ninety-four infertile women undergoing IVF-ET; 154 IVF cycles stimulated with CC + recombinant FSH + recombinant LH (group A) and 140 cycles with long GnRH-a suppression + recombinant FSH (group B). INTERVENTION(S): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, egg retrieval, and ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cycle parameters (number of oocytes, fertilization, number of embryos) and outcome (pregnancy rate, cancellation rate, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome [OHSS]). RESULT(S): Pregnancy rate per ET was 42.9% (implantation rate, 21.3%) in group A and 36.6% (17.4%) in group B. Cancellation rates were similar. The OHSS occurred in four cases (3%) in group A and 12 cases (10%) in group B. CONCLUSION(S): Stimulation with CC + recombinant FSH + recombinant LH leads to comparable pregnancy rates vs. the long protocol. With this new stimulation, less gonadotropins are used and there is less need for monitoring (lower cost for patient and clinic). The risk of OHSS is reduced as well. Therefore, this protocol should be regarded as the first-line treatment.     

Comparison of leuprolide acetate and triptorelin in assisted reproductive technology cycles: a prospective,randomized study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of two depot GnRH-a, leuprolide and triptorelin, in long-suppression GnRH-a protocols. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: An IVF unit of an academic medical center.Fifty-two women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were prospectively randomized to receive 3.75 mg depot formulations of either leuprolide or triptorelin on days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Stimulation with gonadotropins was initiated after pituitary desensitization was achieved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The stimulation pattern and cycle outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULT(S): Twenty-six patients were included in each group. No significant differences were observed in the patient age, estrogen, and P levels on day of hCG administration, gonadotropin dosage, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, percentage of high-quality embryos, and number of embryos transferred. However, significantly higher clinical implantation and pregnancy rates were found in the leuprolide group compared with the triptorelin group. CONCLUSION(S): A depot preparation of leuprolide is associated with higher implantation and pregnancy rates than a depot preparation of triptorelin when it is used in the midluteal phase as part of the long-suppression GnRH-a protocol in IVF.     

超短方案在卵巢低反应患者中的应用

目的:探讨体外受精-胚胎移植(in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer,IVF-ET)周期中,超短方案在卵巢低反应患者(poor ovarian responders,PORs)中的应用。方法:回顾性分析342例PORs的401个IVF周期,根据促排卵方案不同分为超短方案组(A组,254例,291个周期)和微刺激方案组(B组,88例,110个周期)。比较A、B组的一般资料、妊娠结局以及周期取消率等指标,分析A、B组周期取消原因。结果:临床妊娠率/移植周期、种植率和流产率组间均无统计学差异(P>0.05),但A组累积妊娠率显著高于B组(25.1%vs 14.5%,P<0.05),周期取消率显著低于B组(17.5%vs 44.5%,P<0.05)。周期取消原因分析表明,微刺激组因内膜因素取消移植的比例显著高于超短方案组(22.4%vs 7.8%,P<0.05)。结论:在PORs中,超短方案周期取消率低,患者心理压力小,整个疗程耗时短。因此超短方案也是PORs可以选择的、较理想的促排卵方案。     

Minimal ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization using sequential clomiphene citrate and gonadotropin with or without the addition of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of a minimal-stimulation protocol with those of a standard protocol used for IVF. DESIGN: Retrospective, controlled study. SETTING: University center. PATIENT(S): Fifty-five patients undergoing IVF using a minimal-stimulation protocol with or without adjuvant therapy with a GnRH antagonist. A control group consisted of age- and diagnosis-matched patients undergoing a standard long GnRH agonist (GnRH-a)-gonadotropin stimulation during the same time period. INTERVENTION(S): Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins, with or without the GnRH antagonist ganirelix. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocytes recovered and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): The number of oocytes retrieved was significantly lower for the minimal-stimulation regimen compared with the case of the long GnRH-a protocol (4.8 +/- 2.6 vs. 16.2 +/- 7.5, respectively). The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, however, was not significantly different between the two regimens (37% vs. 41%, minimal stimulation vs. long GnRH-a protocol, respectively). The addition of ganirelix resulted in at least the same pregnancy outcome as compared with the case of cycles without the antagonist. CONCLUSION(S): Minimal stimulation using clomiphene citrate followed by gonadotropin for IVF results in pregnancy rates equal to the standard long GnRH-a-gonadotropin protocol. The addition of ganirelix resulted in at least similar results with the advantage of eliminating the occurrence of a premature endogenous LH surge.     

两种控制性超促排卵方案在卵巢低反应患者中的临床研究

目的:探讨标准长方案与拮抗剂方案控制性超促排卵(COH)周期在卵巢低反应(POR)患者中的临床效果。方法:通过对POR患者行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)的191个周期进行回顾性分析,其中GnRH-a长方案85个周期(A组),拮抗剂方案106个周期(B组),比较组间的临床资料及助孕结局。结果:A组的hCG注射日内膜厚度、获卵数、MII卵子数、可移植胚胎数、活产分娩率均高于B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A组的优质胚胎数、胚胎种植率、移植周期妊娠率均高于B组,A组的周期取消率、流产率均低于B组,但差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:标准长方案对卵巢低反应患者有较好的治疗效果;标准长方案可提高患者获卵数、可移植胚胎数、活产分娩率。     

Ultrashort gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol in comparison with the long-acting GnRH-a protocol and menotropin alone.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome of a 3-day gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) administration: ultrashort protocol with the outcome of long-acting GnRH-a cycles or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) alone. DESIGN: Ninety-two cycles of the ultrashort protocol were matched with 92 cycles with long GnRH-a and with 92 hMG cycles. SETTING: The IVF-ET program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Amount and duration of hMG treatment, hormonal profile on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, cancellation rate, number of oocytes retrieved, and fertilization and pregnancy rates (PRs) were examined and compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The ultrashort group needed a higher number of hMG ampules than the hMG group but significantly less than in the long GnRH-a regimen. The number of oocytes in the ultrashort protocol was the same as in the long GnRH-a, but the number of embryos per retrieval was significantly lower than with the long GnRH-a protocol and similar to that found in the hMG group. The ultrashort protocol yielded 10% PR per cycle and 17% per replacement, significantly lower than with the long GnRH-a protocol, 26% and 36%, respectively, but also lower than in the hMG one, namely 13% and 28%. CONCLUSION: The ultrashort protocol, although being convenient and having some advantages found in the long GnRH-a protocol, is inferior in its outcome compared with the two other protocols.     

The use of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a; decapeptyl) and gonadotropins versus short-acting GnRH-a (Buserelin) and gonadotropins before and during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF)

The efficiency of two ovarian stimulation protocols using different gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) was examined and compared with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)-only stimulation. Fifty-four patients who had 57 aspiration cycles were treated with protocol 1, which consisted of long-acting GnRH-a D-Trp⁶ (Decapeptyl Depot) and hMG. Protocol 2 entailed intranasal administration of short-acting GnRH-a (Buserelin) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in 66 women, who underwent 70 aspiration cycles. Fifty-five patients who had 59 ovum pickups (OPU) treated with hMG only served as a control. No differences were observed in cycle parameters and hormonal concentrations among the three groups. The total clinical pregnancy rates per OPU for patients receiving protocols 1 and 2 were 12.3 and 27.1%, respectively (P<0.05). The pregnancy loss was significantly lower in protocol 2 than in protocol 1 (26.3 versus 71.4%;P<0.05). Our data show superiority of short-acting GnRH-a over the long-acting agents in achievement of pregnancy and its outcome, though neither was significantly different from the hMG-only protocol.     

治疗GnRH-a引发的卵巢囊肿对体外受精结局的影响

目的:了解体外受精-胚胎移植过程中,促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)引发的卵巢囊肿黄体晚期穿刺治疗对体外受精结局的影响。方法:选择2002年2月至2004年7月在我院行体外受精,黄体中期应用GnRH-a长方案的患者,其中35周期应用GnRH-a后引发卵巢囊肿,全部行囊肿穿刺治疗,设为研究组(A);对照组设为B、C两组,B组(46周期):选择与A组同期应用GnRH-a,未发现卵巢囊肿者;C组(35周期)选择与A组同期取卵进行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF)或卵细胞浆单精子注射(ICSI)者。3组分别比较临床过程(降调满意时间、Gn的用量、获卵数)、实验室结果(受精率、卵裂率、可移植胚胎率、种植率)及结局(妊娠率、流产率)。结果:3组间临床、实验室结果及妊娠结局,统计学均无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:黄体晚期穿刺治疗GnRH-a引发的卵巢囊肿,不影响体外受精的结局。     

GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in ovarian stimulation: is the emperor naked?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of type of GnRH-analog used during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive women aged < or = 35 years admitted to our IVF unit from January 2001 to December 2004 were enrolled in the study. Only patients undergoing up to their third IVF cycle attempt were included. Ovarian stimulation characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate were compared between women given GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist during COH. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-seven consecutive IVF cycles were evaluated, 226 in the agonist group and 261 in the antagonist group. A clinical pregnancy was achieved in 93 patients in the agonist group (pregnancy rate 41.2% per cycle) and 66 patients in the antagonist grup (pregnancy rate 25.3%); this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The agonist group also used significantly more gonadotropin ampoules, required longer stimulation, and had higher estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration. CONCLUSION: The midluteal long GhRH-agonist suppressive protocol should be the protocol of choice in young patients in their first three IVF cycle attempts.     

The long protocol of administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is superior to the short protocol for ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether pituitary desensitization with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), buserelin acetate, before the administration of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) is superior to the simultaneous administration of both hormones at the beginning of the treatment cycle. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. PATIENTS: Ninety-one patients having their first attempt at IVF. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in group 1 (long protocol) were administered subcutaneous (SC) buserelin acetate 200 micrograms/d from day 1 of the menstrual cycle, and hMG was started only after pituitary desensitization had been achieved at least 14 days later. Patients in group 2 (short protocol) were administered SC buserelin acetate 200 micrograms/d from day 2 and the same dose of hMG used in the long protocol from day 3 of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: The median total amount of hMG required in both groups was comparable. There were significantly more follicles (P = 0.0001), oocytes (P = 0.0008), fertilized oocytes (P = 0.0001), and cleaved embryos (P = 0.0001), and a higher fertilization rate (P = 0.0047) in patients in group 1. The pregnancy rates per initiated cycle and per embryo transfer were 19.57% and 25.71% in group 1 compared with 8.89% and 16.67% in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The long protocol is superior in terms of significantly greater follicular recruitment, oocyte recovery and fertilization rates, and significantly greater number of embryos available for transfer. In general, it is the preferred method when GnRH-a are used for ovarian stimulation in IVF.     

体外受精周期卵巢储备功能正常采用激动剂长方案与拮抗剂方案促排卵的临床结局比较

目的:探讨卵巢储备功能正常者采用激动剂长方案和拮抗剂方案促排卵对体外受精周期妊娠结局的影响。方法:回顾性分析卵巢储备功能正常者进行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)的265个周期。根据促排卵方案不同将其分为:激动剂长方案促排卵组(长方案组,157个周期),拮抗剂方案组(拮抗剂组,108个周期)。结果:患者的年龄、不孕年限、体质量指数(BMI)、基础性激素水平等一般情况组间均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。hCG注射日直径14 mm以上的卵泡数、hCG注射日E2水平、平均移植胚胎数及胚胎质量、受精率、生化妊娠率、早期流产率等组间均亦无统计学差异(P>0.05);但获卵数(12.6±4.6 vs 10.8±4.6)、可用胚胎数(5.0±3.0 vs 4.2±2.7)、胚胎种植率(29.87%vs 20.98%)、临床妊娠率(42.76%vs 28.70%)长方案组明显高于拮抗剂组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:卵巢储备功能正常者拮抗剂促排卵,其胚胎种植率、临床妊娠率明显低于长方案组。     

超长方案降调节后LH添加时机对子宫内膜异位症患者IVF-ET的影响

目的:探讨在子宫内膜异位症(EMs)合并不孕患者体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)超促排卵过程中,经超长方案长效GnRH-a降调节后添加LH的合适时机。方法:回顾分析2010年1月至2012年4月在我中心行IVF-ET助孕的118例不孕合并EMs患者,共123个周期。所有周期均采用超长方案,根据添加LH时卵泡的直径分为3组:10～14mm(A组),14～16mm(B组)及≥16mm(C组),比较3组患者的卵巢反应性及IVF妊娠结局。结果:A组的P水平(0.72±0.63)显著低于B组(1.08±0.72)和C组(1.11±0.71)。A组的优质胚胎率和妊娠率分别为75.81%和55.00%,显著高于B、C组;A组获卵数(7.42±4.86)显著低于C组(11.34±5.71)(P<0.05)。结论:EMs合并不孕患者经超长方案长效GnRH-a降调节后,尽早添加外源性LH,可有效降低孕酮水平,提高优质胚胎率和妊娠率。     

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist stimulation test--a sensitive predictor of performance in the flare-up in vitro fertilization cycle

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial versus early pattern of estradiol (E2) change after administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), i.e., the GnRH-a stimulation test versus E2 pattern, respectively, as predictors of ovarian response and pregnancy in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients stimulated with a flare-up protocol. DESIGN: Prospective study in a consecutive group of patients. SETTING: Tertiary care, institutional setting. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients entered and completed the study. The only patients excluded from study were those anticipated to have polycystic ovarian disease, those with a single ovary, or those with an ovarian cyst(s). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were stimulated with a GnRH-a flare-up protocol beginning on menstrual day 2. MAIN OUTCOME: Evaluation of the GnRH-a stimulation test and the E2 pattern as predictors of the number of mature oocytes retrieved and pregnancy. RESULTS: The GnRH-a stimulation test but not the E2 pattern was predictive of the number of mature oocytes retrieved (r = 0.53, P less than 1 X 10(-5) and pregnancy (chi 2 = 8.5, P = 0.04). The E2 pattern was predictive of the duration and number of ampules of gonadotropin required for stimulation. CONCLUSION: The GnRH-a stimulation test is a sensitive predictor of performance in the flare-up IVF cycle.     

Prospective evaluation of two stimulation protocols for low responders who were undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE: To compare two stimulation protocols designed for low responders undergoing IVF. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective study. SETTING: University hospital IVF unit. PATIENT(S): Sixty low responders who were recruited on the basis of results in previous cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Modified flare protocol in which a high dose of GnRH agonist was administered for the first 4 days, followed by a standard agonist dose, or a modified long protocol in which a standard agonist dose was used until pituitary down-regulation, after which the agonist dose was halved during stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of oocytes retrieved. RESULT(S): Twenty-nine cycles were performed with the modified flare protocol and 31 were performed with the modified long protocol. Significantly more oocytes were obtained with the modified long protocol than the modified flare protocol (4.42 +/- 2.6 vs. 3.07 +/- 2.15). The number and quality of embryos available for transfer was similar in both groups. One clinical pregnancy (3.4%) was achieved with the modified flare protocol, and 7 pregnancies (22.5%) were achieved using the modified long protocol. CONCLUSION(S): These preliminary results substantiate the poor prognosis and outcome for low responders undergoing IVF. A modified long "mini-dose" protocol appears to be superior to a modified mega-dose flare protocol in terms of oocyte yield and cycle outcome.     

三种促排卵方案对卵巢储备力低下患者助孕效果比较

目的:探讨卵巢储备力低下患者行体外受精/卵胞浆内单精子显微注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)助孕时较理想的超促排卵方案。方法:将302例行IVF/ICSI-ET助孕的卵巢储备力低下患者分为3组:微刺激方案组(A组,98例)、黄体期促排卵方案组(B组,62例)和超短方案组(C组,142例),比较3组的一般情况、周期取消率、总促性腺激素释放激素(Gn)使用天数(Gn天数)、人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)日血雌二醇(E_2)、促黄体生成素(LH)、孕酮(P)及子宫内膜厚度、平均获卵数、受精率、形成胚胎率、优质胚胎率、临床妊娠率、生化妊娠率。结果:A组的周期取消率均明显高于B、C两组(P0.05);A组的总Gn天数最短,C组的总Gn天数最长(P0.05);A组的HCG日子宫内膜厚度低于B、C组,但差异无统计学意义;A组的HCG日E_2水平、平均获卵数均低于B、C两组,C组的HCG日LH水平均低于A、B两组(P0.05)。3组的一般情况、正常受精率、成胚率、优胚率、临床妊娠率、生化妊娠率均无统计学差异。结论:超短方案可能是较好的卵巢储备力低下超促排卵方案,同时黄体期促排卵亦不失为一种新的有效促排卵方案。     

Human menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in normogonadotropic women down-regulated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist who were undergoing in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and endocrinological effects of intranasal (IN) vs. subcutaneous (SC) GnRH-a for pituitary down-regulation combined with hMG vs. rFSH. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: University hospital, IVF unit. PATIENT(S): Three hundred seventy-nine normogonadotropic women eligible for IVF or ICSI. INTERVENTION(S): Randomization to intranasal (IN) or SC GnRH-a and to hMG or rFSH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocytes retrieved, embryos developed, clinical pregnancy, and delivery rates. Serum hormone concentrations on stimulation days 1 (S1) and 8 (S8), and oocyte pick-up (OPU) day. RESULT(S): After randomization, four groups were formed: IN/hMG (n = 100), IN/FSH (n = 98), SC/hMG (n = 89), and SC/FSH (n = 92). Mean number of oocytes retrieved and of transferable and transferred embryos were similar in the four groups. Clinical pregnancy rate per started cycle was significantly higher in the IN/HMG group than in the SC/FSH group (P<.05) and was intermediate in the two remaining groups. Se-LH on S8 in the two SC groups was significantly lower than in the two IN groups. Se-E2 on S8 in the SC/FSH group was significantly lower than in the other three groups. CONCLUSION(S): The clinical and endocrinological outcome in IVF and ICSI-treated normogonadotropic women is significantly influenced by mode of down-regulation as well as gonadotropin formulation.     

Cessation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-a) upon down-regulation versus conventional long GnRH-a protocol in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) regimen that involves GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) discontinuation before administration of gonadotropins would benefit poor responders. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Hospital-based IVF Unit. PATIENT(S): Sixty-three patients with previous poor response to COH and/or high basal FSH level (> or =9 mIU/mL) undergoing 78 IVF-ET cycles. INTERVENTION(S): In both groups, administration of GnRH-a was started in the midluteal phase. Whereas in the study group (40 cycles), it ended before administration of gonadotropins, in controls (38 cycles) GnRH-a treatment was continued throughout the follicular phase. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ovarian stimulation patterns and IVF outcome. RESULT(S): A significantly higher cancellation rate was noted in the study group than in the controls (22.5% versus 5%, respectively). The new and control regimens resulted in similar stimulation characteristics and clinical pregnancy rates (11% versus 10.3%, respectively). In 13 patients with a basal FSH level that was not persistently high, the new regimen resulted in a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes compared with the standard protocol (7.6+/-1.03 versus 4.0+/-0.68, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): Whereas for most low responders, the new COH regimen offers no further advantage, future prospective studies may demonstrate whether it can confer a benefit for a subset of patients with a basal FSH level that is not persistently high.     

3种不同超促排卵方案在高龄患者体外受精-胚胎移植中的临床效果分析

目的:探讨高龄(36~45岁)患者采用不同超促排卵方案对体外受精-胚胎移植周期妊娠结局的影响。方法:回顾分析484个周期的高龄患者的资料,根据促排卵方案不同将患者分组:GnRH-a长方案组(148个周期)、拮抗剂方案组(165个周期)、GnRHa超短方案组(171个周期),比较3组患者的基本资料及临床结局。结果:GnRH-a长方案组的h CG日LH水平低于拮抗剂方案组和GnRH-a超短方案组,GnRH-a长方案组的Gn时间最长,获卵数、2PN受精数、2PN卵裂数、优质胚胎数及冷冻数最多(P0.05);GnRH-a超短方案组的Gn用量最多,2PN受精数、2PN卵裂数最少(P0.05)。3组的h CG日子宫内膜厚度、新鲜周期胚胎移植数、周期取消率、早期流产率、活产率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);胚胎种植率及临床妊娠率:GnRH-a长方案组最高,GnRH-a超短方案组最低,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对于卵巢储备功能相对较好的高龄患者,GnRH-a长方案具有较好的临床结局;对于卵巢储备较差者,拮抗剂方案Gn用量相对少,临床结局尚可,是一种可选择的比较经济的方案。     

Microdose follicular phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) compared with luteal phase GnRH-a for ovarian stimulation at in vitro fertilization

Objective: To compare an ovarian stimulation protocol using microdose follicular phase GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and oral contraceptive (OC) pills to a luteal phase GnRH-a protocol.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: University affiliated IVF program.

Patient(s): One hundred seventy patients who underwent IVF and ET in 1996.

Intervention(s): Patients were assigned to either a midluteal start of leuprolide acetate (LA) 1 mg/d, reduced to 0.5 mg/d after addition of gonadotropins (LUT), or OC pills until cycle day 0 followed by 20 μg of LA every 12 hours on cycle day 3 with addition of gonadotropins on cycle day 5 (MICRO).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of FSH ampules, days of stimulation, peak E₂, and number of oocytes retrieved.

Result(s): There were no statistically significant differences in the main outcome measures between the two groups using an age-matched ANOVA. Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle start was not statistically different (LUT = 54%, and MICRO = 37%). The cancellation rate was significantly higher in the MICRO group (22.5% vs. 8.2%).

Conclusion(s): Given the higher cancellation rate in the microdose group, a randomized clinical trial is required to determine the possible benefit of a lower dose of GnRH-a in patients with normal ovarian function.     

Clinical and endocrine effects of ovulation induction with FSH and hCG supplementation in low responders in the midfollicular phase. A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the endocrine and clinical effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) activity supplementation administered in the midfollicular phase during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to poor responders who were candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF)--embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, nonrandomized trial with historical controls. Twenty-five IVF patients who had shown a poor response to standard, long-protocol GnRH-a and FSH only in a preceding cycle (cycle A), were stimulated in the next cycle after six months with hCG supplementation (50 I.U. subcutaneously daily) starting on day 7 during standard, long-protocol GnRH-a and FSH (cycle B). The comparative analysis of clinical effects (duration of stimulation, total highly purified (HP)-FSH dose, number of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy rate) and endocrine responses (serum E2, follicular E2 and androstenedione levels) were determined between cycles A and B. RESULTS: Maximum serum E2 levels and clinical pregnancy rate were higher in cycle B, with hCG supplementation. Also, the follicular E2 and androstenedione levels were higher in cycle B. No differences were noted between cycles as regards the duration of stimulation, total HP-FSH dose and number of oocytes retrieved. CONCLUSION: LH activity supplementation in the midfollicular phase yields favorable pregnancy results in low responders. This may be due to enhanced release of follicular precursors for greater synthesis of E2.