Development of ovarian cysts during gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) administration

The incidence of ovarian cyst formation during stimulation with additional pituitary suppression was retrospectively studied in 359 patients included in our in-vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. Women were classified according to the type of pituitary desensitization with subcutaneous buserelin used in group A (long protocol; n = 285) and group B (short protocol; n = 74). The rate of appearance of single follicular ovarian cysts for group A was 9.82% and for group B 22.97% (P less than 0.005). Ovarian cystic formations were usually asymptomatic and nonfunctional. The presence of these cysts did not seem to interfere with the ovarian response to stimulation treatment. Oocyte retrieval and pregnancy rate were similar between patients who developed ovarian cysts during gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) therapy and those without cyst formation. These results suggest that ovarian cysts developing during GnRHa treatment are probably the consequence of the initial gonadotrophin rise and that the presence of ovarian cysts in these conditions should not be considered a necessary cause of cancellation for IVF patients.     

Ovarian response in repetitive cycles induced by menotrophin alone or combined with gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue

The number of oocytes retrieved for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has a major influence on the number of embryos developed and pregnancy success. This study was designed to investigate the ovarian response in the same patient under the same and different stimulation protocols. In group A, 19 patients underwent two consecutive cycles, both stimulated with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG). Group B comprised 27 patients who experienced two successive cycles treated with the combination of long-acting gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) and HMG. Group C included 27 patients whose first cycle was stimulated with HMG alone, and their second with a GnRHa/HMG combination. The mean number of HMG ampoules administered and the duration of treatment were similar in both cycles of group A and B patients while in group C, both the amount and duration of HMG administration were significantly higher and longer in the combined protocol compared to HMG alone. This study demonstrates an identical ovarian response using the same mode of stimulation in repeated cycles, and a significantly improved response with the GnRHa/HMG combination compared with HMG alone in the same patient.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome: low-dose follicle stimulating hormone administration is a safe stimulation regimen even in previous hyper-responsive patients.

We studied 23 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), resistant to clomiphene citrate, who had a previous history of multifollicular ovarian development on gonadotrophin stimulation. Each woman had one cycle of gonadotrophin-stimulating hormone agonist/human menopausal gonadotrophin (GnRHa/HMG) stimulation and then one cycle of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. All GnRHa/HMG cycles were multifollicular. On the low-dose FSH protocol, 10 cycles were unifollicular, while two to three follicles were observed in nine cycles, and four cycles were multifollicular. The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ensued in one of the FSH cycles versus 13 of the GnRHa/HMG cycles. Despite decreasing luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and increasing FSH levels, androgen levels increased during stimulation on both protocols. There was one pregnancy in the GnRHa/HMG cycles versus six pregnancies following the FSH cycles. In conclusion, low-dose FSH administration seems a safe stimulation regimen with a satisfactory conception rate even in PCOS women with a previous record of multifollicular ovarian development.     

Clinical management of functional ovarian cysts: a prospective and randomized study

Most ovarian cysts in women of reproductive age are physiological (functional) and patients have been treated for years with oral contraceptives to obtain the resolution of these cysts. Expectant management has been suggested to have the same effectiveness as hormonal treatment but such suggestions come from studies including all kinds of cysts. The objective of the present study was to assess the resolution of functional ovarian cysts, observed after ovulation induction, with expectant management and hormonal treatment and also to determine the period of time necessary for the resolution of the cysts. For this purpose, 53 patients with ovarian cysts, observed by transvaginal ultrasound within the first 5 days of a cycle after ovulation induction, were randomized to have expectant management (group A) or to receive oral contraception (group B) for one cycle. If the cyst persisted, the patient was followed for another cycle, without any treatment. Within the 50 women who completed the trial, a complete resolution of the cysts was observed in 19/25 (76%) and 18/25 (72%) in groups A and B respectively. On the other hand, all the persistent cysts disappeared after a second cycle without any treatment. In conclusion, expectant management is as effective as oral contraceptives for the resolution of functional ovarian cysts induced by ovarian stimulation. However, studies with a larger number of cases are needed to increase the power of the results and to obtain a firm conclusion.     

Ovarian response during IVF-embryo transfer cycles after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometriotic cysts of >3 cm in diameter.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian response during IVF cycles after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometriotic cysts >3 cm is controversial. A retrospective study was designed to study this problem. METHODS: At laparoscopy, endometriomas >3 cm were treated by ovarian cystectomy, whilst adhesions and peritoneal endometriosis were treated using conventional techniques. Ovarian stimulation was achieved with clomiphene and gonadotrophins or with gonadotrophins after a desensitization with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists. Three groups of patients were retrospectively selected from an IVF-embryo transfer database: patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for an endometrioma >3 cm (Group A, n = 41), patients with endometriosis without ovarian endometrioma (Group B, n = 139) and patients with tubal infertility (Group C, n = 59). RESULTS: The groups did not differ in age. In the first IVF cycle, the mean (+/- SD) numbers of oocytes and of embryos were 9.4 +/- 6.2 and 4.7 +/- 3.6 respectively in group A and 11.6 +/- 7.5 and 5.1 +/- 4.9 in group B (not significant). The results did not differ in cycles 2 and 3 or when compared according to age. No difference was found when comparing patients with endometriosis and patients with tubal infertility. CONCLUSION: The number of oocytes and embryos obtained was not significantly decreased by laparoscopic cystectomy, suggesting that in experienced hands this procedure may be a valuable surgical tool for the treatment of large ovarian endometriomas. However, great care must be taken to avoid ovarian damage.     

Endocrinology: Induction of pre-ovulatory gonadotrophin surge with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist compared to pre-ovulatory injection of human chorionic gonadotrophins for ovulation induction in intrauterine insemination treatment cycles

The clinical outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatmentcycles employing a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist [GnRHa,triptorelin (Decapeptyl)] or human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)for ovulation induction was compared. A group of 48 patientspresenting with amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea or unexplainedinfertility were all treated with human menopausal gonadotrophins(HMG) from day 5 of the cycle, on an individualized schedule.They were then randomly divided into two groups to receive eithera single s.c. injection of 0.1 mg triptorelin or a single i.m.injection of 10 000 IU HCG after follicular maturation. IUIwas performed 24 and 48 h following the injection. A transitoryincrease in serum luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulatinghormone concentrations was achieved following injection of GnRHa.A total of 24 patients received 72 treatment cycles with GnRHa,producing 11 conceptions (15.3%) and two abortions (18.2%),resulting in a term pregnancy rate of 13.6%. There were fourcases of grade 3–4 ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS),two of which were conception cycles. In all, 24 patients underwent68 cycles treated with HCG, producing 18 conceptions (26.5%)and six abortions (33.3%), resulting in a term pregnancy rateof 19.0%. There were eight cycles of grade 3–4 OHSS, twoof which were conception cycles. These results show that ans.c. injection of a relatively low dose of GnRHa can be as effectiveas HCG in producing pregnancy in IUI treatment cycles.     

Ovarian cyst formation in two pre-menopausal patients treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer

Pre-menopausal tamoxifen treatment causes hyperoestrogen productionand ovarian cyst formation. Two pre-menopausal breast cancerpatients who were treated with tamoxifen developed both permanentsupraphysiological oestrogen concentration and ovarian cysts.Serum oestrogen decreased to post-menopausal concentrationsand ovarian cysts completely resolved during and following simultaneoustreatment with tamoxifen and gonadotrophin-releasing hormoneagonist (GnRHa). In pre-menopausal breast cancer patients, GnRHamay prevent possible side-effects of tamoxifen, such as ovariancysts and supraphysiological oestrogen production.     

Influence of different stimulation treatments on oocyte characteristics and in-vitro fertilizing ability

A retrospective analysis was performed in order to compare the number and quality of oocytes recovered in in-vitro fertilization cycles according to different protocols for ovarian stimulation. Treatments including a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), either decapeptyl or buserelin, were associated with the recovery of more oocytes (6.0-7.2%) than treatments without GnRHa (3.7-4.8%). However, the mean number of normal embryos per patient yielding oocyte(s) was comparable between cycles stimulated with or without GnRHa (2.4-2.7), except in those cycles programmed with norethisterone and gonadotrophins (1.7). There was no difference in the rates of immature or atretic oocytes between stimulation treatments. Following clomiphene and human menopausal gonadotrophin treatment there was a lower rate of fractured zona oocytes, higher rates of fertilization and normal growth of fertilized eggs than after any other treatment. The proportion of normal embryos per recovered oocyte was inversely related to the degree of ovarian response in most of the stimulation treatments. Most of the abnormal embryos contained more than two pronuclei in cycles without GnRHa administration and exhibited polynucleated blastomeres in cycles treated with buserelin or decapeptyl. In conclusion, the use of GnRHa and gonadotrophins for ovarian stimulation increased the mean number of recovered oocytes, but did not increase the mean number of embryos able to develop.     

Histopathological analysis of laparoscopically treated ovarian endometriotic cysts with special reference to loss of follicles

BACKGROUND: The best operative procedure for the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian endometriotic cysts has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between laparoscopic cystectomy and loss of follicles. METHODS: Videotape records of the laparoscopic removal of 73 ovarian cysts, histologically confirmed in the focal endometrial epithelial lining, were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (61 cysts) in which the capsule was easily stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue and group 2 (12 cysts) in which the capsule could hardly be stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue. Main outcome measures included attached capsular structures and the number of attached follicles. RESULTS: Microscopically in all group 1 cysts, normal ovarian stroma was attached to the resected side of the capsule. In addition, 30/61 (49.1%) of group 1 cysts were attached to the corpus albicans. The primordial follicle was found within the capsule of 42/61 (68.9%) group 1 cysts. The number of primordial follicles ranged from 1-25 (mean 6.6). In group 2 cysts, no primordial follicles were found. CONCLUSION: The relative ease of removal of the capsules is probably associated with loss of follicles and damage to the ovarian stroma.     

Comparison of follicular fluid IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A concentrations and their ratios between GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonist protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF-embryo transfer patients

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their binding proteins (IGFBP) play a major role in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of folliculogenesis. This is the first study that has compared follicular fluid (FF) IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP)-A concentrations, and their ratios, to investigate whether there was any difference in the intrafollicular microenvironment between the GnRH agonist (GnRHa) and antagonist (GnRHant) protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). METHODS: A total of 68 IVF cycles were included in this study; two groups were studied: GnRHa long protocol group (n = 36) and the flexible GnRHant multiple-dose protocol group (n = 32). FF was obtained from dominant follicles during oocyte retrieval and stored at -70 degrees C until assayed. IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The duration of COS was significantly longer, and total dose of gonadotrophins used, serum estradiol (E(2)) levels on hCG day and the number of oocytes retrieved were significantly higher in the GnRHa long protocol group. The concentrations of FF IGF-II and IGFBP-4 were significantly higher, and the ratio of IGF-I/IGFBP-4 was significantly lower in the GnRHa long protocol group. Serum E(2) levels per mature follicle were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may indicate a difference of intrafollicular microenvironment between cycles using GnRHa long protocols and those using GnRHant protocols. However, the difference in microenvironment does not appear to result in a difference in clinical outcome.     

基础睾酮水平与不同卵巢储备患者体外受精周期卵巢反应的关系

目的探讨基础睾酮(testosterone,T)水平与不同卵巢储备能力患者体外受精周期(in vitro fertilization,IVF)卵巢反应的相关性。方法对248例首次行IVF的患者行回顾性分析,先按基础日FSH/LH及FSH值大小分成卵巢储备能力正常组(A组164例)和卵巢储备能力低下组(B组84例)分别进行研究,取总体样本248例患者的T值均数为截点,将A、B组分别分为组1(T<0.5ng/ml)和组2(T≥0.5ng/ml),比较组1和组2间卵巢反应参数均值差异;用Pearson相关性分析分别分析A、B两组中T值与卵巢反应参数的相关性;运用多元回归寻找影响获卵数的独立因素;运用受试者工作(receiver operating curve,ROC)曲线分别评价各指标在A、B组患者中预测卵巢反应的价值。结果 (1)A组:①A1组卵巢反应参数低于A2组,差异有统计学意义。②基础T值与卵巢反应参数明显正相关(P<0.05)。③T值是影响获卵数的独立因素之一,且在该组中对获卵数影响最大(P<0.01)。④根据ROC曲线结果当T值为0.500ng/ml的时候,其诊断卵巢低反应的敏感度为86.5%特异度为76.2%。(2)B组中:①B1组部分卵巢反应参数高于B2组,差异有统计学意义。②基础T值与部分卵巢反应参数负相关(P<0.05)。③T值是影响获卵数的独立因素之一,但影响是负面的。④ROC曲线显示该组中基础窦卵泡数(AFC)较T值对卵巢反应具有更高的预测价值。结论在卵巢储备能力低下的组,血清基础睾酮值与体外受精周期卵巢反应参数正相关,对卵巢低反应具有较强的预测价值;卵巢储备能力尚好的组,血清基础睾酮值与部分卵巢反应参数负相关,不具备明显的预测卵巢反应的价值。     

促性腺激素释放激素激动剂对子宫腺肌病在位内膜细胞凋亡的影响

目的 研究促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRHa)对子宫腺肌病(AM)在位内膜细胞凋亡的影响.方法 取本院妇科住院行全子宫切除术的32例AM患者在位子宫内膜细胞为研究组;同期因卵巢上皮性良性肿瘤行卵巢囊肿剔除术的20例患者正常子宫内膜细胞为埘照组.两组细胞进行体外培养,用GnRHa 10-7、10-5mol/L分别作用24、48、72 h后,用末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)及流式细胞仪检测各组细胞的凋亡率.结果 (1)镜下可见两组部分细胞固缩、漂浮、核浓缩、碎裂,呈典型的凋亡小体;(2)不含GnRHa培养的AM在位内膜细胞凋亡率在各时间点均低于对照组,且两组都随时间的延长凋亡率增加(P<0.01);(3)GnRHa作用后,两组的凋亡率高于作用前,且均随浓度的增加而增加,且研究组符时间点、各浓度AM在位内膜细胞凋亡率均显著高于同时间、同浓度的对照组(P<0.01).结论 在位内膜细胞凋亡率异常可能是AM发病机制之一.GnRHa可能以自分泌或旁分泌机制直接作用于子宫在位内膜细胞,提高了AM在位内膜细胞的凋亡率.     

REVIEW: Effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) on follicle and oocyte quality

This review summarizes the main clinical and research studieson direct and indirect effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormoneagonists (GnRHa) on follicles and oocytes in animals and humans.There is evidence for extra-pituitary actions of GnRHa, especiallyon follicle growth, follicular steroido-genesis, and oocytemeiotic maturation. Different effects have been reported fromusing various GnRHa molecules. However, a direct effect of GnRHaon oocyte quality in gonadotrophin stimulated cycles has notyet been demonstrated. Observed high pregnancy rates per ovarianpuncture in in-vitro fertilization cycles using GnRHa, at leastin long protocols, might result from higher numbers of oocytesrecovered following administration of large doses of gonadotrophins,despite the fact that these oocytes may have a lower abilityto fertilize and grow. Although there are obvious clinical advantagesof using GnRHa for ovarian stimulation, more studies are neededto clarify the effects of these treatments at ovarian and uterinelevels.     

The detrimental influence of functional ovarian cysts during in-vitro fertilization cycles.

Reviewing 780 in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, where buserelin was commenced in the preceding luteal phase and human menopausal gonadotrophin on day 4 of the ensuing menses, 53 cycles were identified with sonolucent cysts (30-50 mm diameter). Of the latter 53 cycles, the serum oestradiol was significantly greater on day 4 in 22 cycles abandoned for poor follicular development than in 31 cycles which proceeded to oocyte retrieval (P less than 0.05). Of the 31 cycles proceeding to oocyte retrieval, nine had a day 4 serum oestradiol greater than 200 pmol/l (95th centile for day 4 oestradiol in patients without apparent cysts), and these cycles produced significantly fewer grade 1 embryos than the cycles with day 4 oestradiol levels less than or equal to 200 pmol/l (P less than 0.05). Six of the 53 cycles with cysts resulted in conception, and all of these cycles had a day 4 serum oestradiol less than 200 pmol/l. Among the 53 cycles with ovarian cysts, the serum progesterone on the day of abandonment in four cycles and on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration in one non-abandoned cycle, was above the range established for 104 cycles without cysts. No significant difference was seen in day 4 serum androstenedione levels, and the day 4 serum progesterone was less than 5 nmol/l in all but one patient. Functional activity of ovarian cysts is associated with an adverse influence on IVF cycles.     

The prognostic value of basal luteinizing hormone:follicle-stimulating hormone ratio in the treatment of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome by assisted reproduction techniques

One of the main endocrinological disturbances in patients withpolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the increased baselineconcentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and consequentlya high LHrfollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. The aimof this study was to assess the relationship between the baselineLH:FSH ratio with the stimulation response and the miscarriagerisk in PCOS women stimulated for assisted reproduction techniques(ART) with and without gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa). Two groups of PCOS patients were analysed retrospectively.Group A (n = 20, 20 cycles) consisted of women stimulated withhuman menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), and group B (n = 128,162 cycles) comprised women stimulated with buserelin-long/HMG.LH and FSH concentrations were measured during the early follicularphase (days 4–6) in a preceding spontaneous or progestininducedcycle. The following parameters were assessed: number of folliclesdeveloped, number of oocytes obtained and percentage of matureoocytes, as well as number of abortions and live births. Ingroup A, the baseline LH:FSH ratio was correlated inverselywith the number of follicles developed (P < 0.05), the numberof oocytes obtained (P < 0.05) and the percentage of matureoocytes (P < 0.05). In group B, no correlation was foundbetween the LH:FSH ratio and the number of follicles and oocytes,because their numbers were relatively constant irrespectiveof the baseline LH:FSH ratio, but a significant inverse correlationwas noted with the percentage of mature oocytes (P < 0.001).However, a comparison of the slopes of the curve indicated abetter correlation between the LH:FSH ratio and the percentageof mature oocytes in group A than in group B (P < 0.05).These findings were also confirmed when patients were subdividedaccording to the LH:FSH ratio (<3 or 3=3). Furthermore, inwomen who miscarried, the mean LH:FSH ratio was significantlyhigher than in women having a live birth. In conclusion, inPCOS patients stimulated with HMG, a high basal LH:FSH ratioappears to have an adverse effect on the number of folliclesand oocytes, as well as on oocyte maturity. On the other hand,the administration of GnRHa in the long protocol seems to reversethis detrimental effect on follicle and oocyte development.Furthermore, a higher LH:FSH ratio seems to predict a greaterpossibility for miscarriage, despite the use of GnRHa.     

Cessation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist on Triggering Day: An Alternative Method for Flexible Multiple-Dose Protocol

This study was performed to analyze retrospectively outcomes of stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles where the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist was omitted on ovulation triggering day. A total of 92 consecutive IVF cycles were included in 65 women who are undergoing ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH. A GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix 0.25 mg/day, was started when leading follicle reached 14 mm in diameter until the day of hCG administration (Group A, 66 cycles) or until the day before hCG administration (Group B, 26 cycles). The duration of ovarian stimulation, total dose of gonadotropins, serum estradiol levels on hCG administration day, and the number of oocytes retrieved were not significantly different between the two groups. The total dose of GnRH antagonist was significantly lower in Group B compared to Group A (2.7±0.8 vs. 3.2±0.9 ampoules). There was no premature luteinization in the subjects. The proportion of mature oocytes (71.4% vs. 61.7%) and fertilization rate of mature (86.3±19.7% vs. 71.8±31.7%) was significantly higher in Group B. There were no significant differences in embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rates. Our results suggest that cessation of the GnRH antagonist on the day of hCG administration during a flexible multiple-dose protocol could reduce the total dose of GnRH antagonist without compromising IVF results.     

Endocrinology: Prevention of irreversible chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage in young women with lymphoma by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in parallel to chemotherapy

To examine whether the concomitant administration of a gonadotrophin-releasinghormone agonist (GnRHa) during combination chemotherapy to youngwomen with lymphoma may facilitate preservation of gonadal function,a prospective clinical protocol was undertaken in 18 cyclingwomen with lymphoma, aged 15–40 years. Thirteen patientssuffered from Hodgkin disease (HD) and 5 from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.After informed consent a monthly injection of depot D-TRP⁶-GnRHawas administered for a maximum of 6 months starting prior tochemotherapy. Most of these patients (15/18) were treated withthe MOPP/ABV(D) combination chemotherapy followed by mantlefield irradiation in 10 patients. Hormonal profile [luteinizinghormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol,testosterone, progesterone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1,prolactin] was taken before the GnRHa/chemotherapy co-treatment,and monthly thereafter until resuming spontaneous ovulationand menses. This group of prospectivey treated lymphoma patientswas compared to a matched control group of 18 women (aged 17–40years) who have been treated with chemotherapy, mostly MOPP/ABV(14/18), with (11) or without (7) mantle field radiotherapy.Fourteen had Hodgkin's and four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Gonadalfunction was determined clinically, hormonally (LH, FSH, oestradiol,progesterone), and sono-graphically. Two of the patients ineach group died from refractory disease. Of the remaining 16patients, 15 (93.7%) resumed spontaneous ovulation and menseswithin 3–8 months of termination of the combined chemotherapy/GnRHaco-treatment. In contrast, only seven (39%) of the 18 similarlytreated patients in the control group (chemotherapy withoutGnRHa) resumed ovarian cyclic activity (regular menses). Theother 11 experienced premature ovarian failure (POF) (61%).Our preliminary data suggest a possible significant protectiveeffect of GnRHa co-treatment with chemotherapy from irreversibleovarian damage (POF).     

A prospective, randomized comparison of ovulation induction using highly purified follicle-stimulating hormone alone and with recombinant human luteinizing hormone in in-vitro fertilization.

The commercial availability of highly purified, s.c. administered urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations for ovarian stimulation marked the beginning of a new era in the treatment of infertility. As these new formulations contain essentially no luteinizing hormone (LH), supplemental LH may be needed for optimal folliculogenesis. It was the aim of this pilot study to compare fertilization rates, embryo morphology, implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes prospectively in two age-matched patient groups: women who received highly purified FSH (FSH-HP) (n = 17), and women who received FSH-HP plus recombinant human LH (rhLH, n = 14) throughout ovarian stimulation. All patients received mid-luteal pituitary down-regulation with s.c. gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) (leuprolide). Mean implantation rates were 26.9 and 11.9% in the FSH-HP only and FSH-HP + rhLH groups respectively. The mean clinical pregnancy/initiated cycle rate was 64.7 and 35.7% for the FSH-HP only and FSH-HP + rhLH patients respectively. FSH-HP patients and FSH-HP + rhLH patients achieved clinical pregnancy/transfer rates of 68.8 and 45.5% respectively. One patient in the FSH-HP + rhLH group had a spontaneous abortion; no pregnancy losses occurred in the FSH-HP only group. There were more cancellations for poor ovarian response among FSH-HP + rhLH patients (n = 3) than among FSH-HP patients (n = 1). The trend toward better pregnancy outcomes among patients who received FSH-HP without supplemental rhLH did not reach statistical significance. It is postulated that appropriate endogenous LH concentrations exist despite luteal GnRHa pituitary suppression, thereby obviating the need for supplemental LH administration.     

超声引导介入治疗卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿的疗效评估

卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿;介入性超声治疗;腹腔镜囊肿剔除术     

High doses of gonadotrophins combined with stop versus non-stop protocol of GnRH analogue administration in low responder IVF patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Recent evidence suggests that early cessation of gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) administration may offer some benefit to low responder patients undergoing IVF. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate whether early cessation of GnRHa in an ovarian stimulation regimen is more beneficial than just increasing the doses of gonadotrophins. Seventy low responder patients (less than three mature follicles in a previous cycle) with normal basal follicle stimulating hormone concentrations and a previous cancelled IVF cycle were randomly allocated into two protocols: (i) non-stop protocol: long GnRHa suppression with high doses of gonadotrophins, and (ii) stop protocol, in which GnRHa administration is stopped with the onset of menses, while gonadotrophin doses remained similar to the non-stop protocol. A significantly higher number of mature oocytes were obtained in the study group (stop protocol) compared to the control group (non-stop protocol) (8.7 +/- 0.9 versus 6.2 +/- 0.7, P: = 0. 027). The stop protocol reduced the number of ampoules of gonadotrophins required (56.6 +/- 2.7 versus 68.0 +/- 3.5, P: = 0. 013). Both protocols resulted in a similar cancellation rate (2.7 versus 5.8%) (with no cycles cancelled due to ovulation), pregnancy rate (14.3 versus 18.7%), and implantation rate (12.1 versus 8.8%). The early cessation of GnRHa combined with high doses of gonadotrophins permitted the retrieval of a significantly higher number of oocytes.