Precise day of ovulation determined by real-time ultrasound evidence of graafian follicular development

Real-time ultrasonic scanning was performed in 21 infertile Japanese women during 37 menstrual cycles. The maximum diameter prior to ovulation was 23.3 ± 2.9 mm in spontaneous ovulation cycles, 29.6 ± 5.2 mm in case of clomiphene therapies, and 26.7 ± 3.9 mm in HMG-HCG therapies, respectively. Size of the graafian follicles was maximum at almost the same time as the LH peak in the plasma and urine, respectively. The LH peak in the urine was determined by the hemagglutination inhibition assay, the results of which were obtainable within 2 h. Four patients became pregnant (19.0%). There was no statistical correlation between the diameter of the largest follicle and the plasma estradiols (r = 0.28, 0.2 < P < 0.3) or between the diameter of the largest follicle and the peak luteinising hormone level (r = 0.27, 0.3 < P < 0.4). Therefore, the combination of the real-time ultrasound and a hemagglutination inhibition assay for LH in urine can be clinically applied to detect the precise day of the ovulation.     

Hormonal profile and endometrial morphology in letrozole-controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in ovulatory infertile patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical response and endometrial morphology during the implantation window on ovarian hyperstimulation with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole in infertile ovulatory women. DESIGN: Prospective trial in infertile patients. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENT(S): Eight ovulatory infertile patient candidates for ovarian superovulation. INTERVENTION(S): Subjects were monitored in one control cycle. In the next cycle, they received letrozole 5.0 mg daily on days 3 through 7 after menses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of ovulatory follicles; dominant follicle diameter; endometrial thickness; hormonal profile of FSH, LH, E(2), A, T, and P; endometrial histological dating; and pinopode formation assessed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULT(S): Cycles stimulated with letrozole resulted in more ovulatory follicles than did natural cycles (mean +/- SD 2.0 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.0), which attained a greater preovulatory diameter (mean +/- SD 23.8 +/- 2.7 vs. 19.3 +/- 2.1 mm), with similar endometrial thickness at midcycle compared with spontaneous cycles. Endocrine profile of medicated cycles was characterized on day 7 by increased levels of LH (5.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.4 IU/mL), reduced E(2) (98.4 +/- 11.4 vs. 161.5 +/- 14.7 pmol/L), and elevated androgens. Preovulatory and midsecretory E(2) were similar to spontaneous cycle, and P levels during midluteal phase were significantly elevated (44.2 +/- 4.6 vs. 27.7 +/- 4.6 pmol/L). Endometrial morphology during the implantation window in letrozole-stimulated cycles was characterized by in-phase histological dating and pinopode expression on scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION(S): Letrozole induces moderate ovarian hyperstimulation in ovulatory infertile patients with E(2) levels similar to spontaneous cycles and higher midluteal P, leading to both a normal endometrial histology and development of pinopodes, considered to be relevant markers of endometrial receptivity.     

Does optimal follicular size in IUI cycles vary between clomiphene citrate and gonadotrophins treatments?

Objective: To evaluate pregnancy-related leading follicles during ovulation induction and superovulation with clomiphene citrate (CC) or gonadotropin.

Design: Retrospective cohort.

Patients: Five hundred and forty-two women who underwent a total of 615 treatment cycles with CC or gonadotropin.

Intervention: We evaluated the effects of CC and gonadotropin on the leading follicles, clinical pregnancy rates and miscarriage rate.

Results: The number of follicles larger than 15?mm in the different protocols was comparable. In those treated with CC, the diameter of the dominant follicles before human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) trigger in the conception cycles (20.4?±?1.2?mm) was significantly larger than in the non-conception cycles (18.8?±?1.9?mm). In women treated with gonadotropin, the diameter of the leading follicle in the conception cycles (18.5?±?1.7?mm) was comparable to that in the non-conception cycles (18.2?±?1.7?mm). The pregnancy-related diameter of the leading follicle in CC cycles (20.4?±?1.2?mm) was significantly larger than that in gonadotropin cycles (18.8?±?1.9?mm; p?=?0.001; 95% CI, ?2.2 to ?0.9).

Conclusion: Pregnancy-related diameter of the leading follicle in CC cycles is significantly larger than that in gonadotropin cycles and the best time for hCG trigger in the CC cycle is when the leading follicle reaches 20?mm.     

A randomized comparison of ovulation induction and hormone profile between the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility

Background. In the present study we evaluated and compared the effects of ovulation and hormonal dynamics induced by anastrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility.

Materials and methods. Thirty-three infertile patients, aged 25–41 years, were enrolled. Patients received either anastrozole 1 mg daily (AI group) or clomiphene citrate 100 mg daily (CC group) from cycle day 3 to day 7. Number of mature follicles (≥18 mm), endometrial thickness, pregnancy rate and serial hormone profiles (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E₂), testosterone and progesterone) were measured on cycle day 3, day 8, day 10, the day of intrauterine insemination (IUI), day 7 after IUI and day 14 after IUI.

Results. Baseline parameters were similar in the two groups, including age, body mass index, infertility duration and day-3 serum hormones except FSH. The mean FSH value on day 3 was significantly different (4.3 mIU/ml in the AI group vs. 6.3 mIU/ml in the CC group; p < 0.05). The women receiving anastrozole had fewer ovulatory follicles (1.2 in the AI group vs. 1.8 in the CC group; p < 0.05) and a thicker endometrium (10.6 mm in the AI group vs. 7.8 mm in the CC group; p < 0.05). The levels of progesterone and testosterone were similar during ovulation stimulation cycles in both groups. On the other hand, the AI group had a significantly higher LH level but a significantly lower E₂ level in the stimulation cycle.

Conclusion. Anastrozole has a high pregnancy rate, although it induces fewer ovulatory follicles compared with clomiphene citrate. The two drugs gave different responses of FSH, LH and E₂ during stimulation cycles.     

Importance of endometrial quality in women with tubal infertility during a natural menstrual cycle for the outcome of IVF treatment

Purpose: The importance of endometrial maturation at estimated time of implantation for the outcome of IVF treatment in regularly menstruating women with tubal infertility was evaluated. Methods: FSH was measured on cycle day 3, on days 10–15 urine and blood were collected to estimate the day of the LH peak, and E₂ and P₄ were measured during the luteal phase, on cycle days 19–26. An endometrial biopsy was obtained on days LH + 3 to LH + 6. Results: The number of subjects with delayed endometrial maturation was larger in the group of infertile women who did not become pregnant compared to pregnant women and controls. Those infertile women who did not become pregnant after IVF treatment also presented with a higher basal FSH on cycle day 3 and lower E₂ and P₄ AUC in the luteal phase. Six infertile women and two controls presented with mid- and late-proliferative endometrium in the luteal phase on cycle days LH + 3 to LH + 6, in the presence of adequate E₂ and P₄ secretion. Six morphological characteristics were compared in the three groups: (1) 17 infertile women who became pregnant, (2) 18 who did not become pregnant, and (3) 28 controls. The pregnant infertile women did not differ from the controls. The numbers of glandular and stromal mitoses were significantly higher in those women who did not become pregnant (P<0.01) compared with those who became pregnant. Endometrial biopsies obtained on cycle days LH + 5 and LH + 6 showed significant differences in glandular epithelial height (P<0.05) and number of vacuolated cells among the nonpregnant women (P<0.01), the pregnant women (P<0.05), and controls. Conclusions: A higher frequency of retarded endometrial development in women who did not become pregnant following IVF treatment was found. In some cases, endometrial insensitivity could most likely cause retarded endometrial development and failure of implantation after IVF treatment, which could not be overcome by routine luteal-phase support. However, our results do not allow conclusions concerning its relative importance compared to preembryo quality; this has to be investigated further.     

Endometrial sonographic characters predicting pregnancy following recurrent clomiphene induction in unexplained infertility

Patients with unexplained infertility managed repeatedly with clomiphene citrate need parameters to predict pregnancy to save them further unsuccessful trials and shorten their treatment to pregnancy interval. Ovulation was induced in 226 unexplained infertility patients, who had three previous failed cycles, with 100 mg clomiphene citrate (CC) from days 3 to 7 of the cycle. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection (10,000 IU i.m.) was given and timed intercourse was recommended when a leading follicle reached >17 mm and serum oestradiol exceeded 200 pg/ml. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that endometrial thickness >11.60 mm was associated with the lowest, while values >5.50 mm were associated with the highest chance of pregnancy. An endometrial thickness of 7.05 mm showed the best sensitivity and specificity. Patients with endometrial thickness <7.05 mm (n = 98) had significantly more clinical pregnancies (28.6 versus 8.9%), fewer days until HCG injection, thicker endometrium, higher serum progesterone measured on days 20–22 and more triple layer endometria than patients with endometrial thickness ≥7.05 mm (n = 56). It is concluded that endometrial thickness range of 5.50–8.25 mm and triple layer endometrium are highly predictive for pregnancy in patients with unexplained infertility induced with CC after repeated failures. Endometrial thickness of 11.60 mm was associated with a low chance of pregnancy.     

Ultrasonic assessment of ovulation in cyclofenil induced ovulatory cycles

Graafian follicle growth was studied by ultrasound scanning during the peri-ovulatory period in 64 ovulatory cycles in 32 infertile patients on cyclofenil treatment, and compared with a control group of 32 patients with confirmed ovulatory cycles assessed on the basis of serum progesterone levels in the middle of the second half of the cycle. The mean maximum diameters of the leading follicles before ovulation were 21.9 +/- 0.6 (S.E.) mm and 24.4 +/- 0.5 (S.E.) mm, respectively for the cyclofenil group and the normal control group (P greater than 0.05). In 79% of the cyclofenil stimulated group and 83% of the spontaneous ovulation group, ultrasonic evidence of ovulation was present between 12 and 36 h after the initial increase in urine LH levels. Ultrasound scanning was found to be simple, and a quick method of monitoring graafian follicle development and ovulation on cyclofenil therapy and the cycles were comparable to the spontaneous ovulatory cycles as assessed on the basis of graafian follicle diameter, and the time of ovulation. Cervical score was not found to be useful to assess ovulation time in the cyclofenil treated group since 31.3% achieved a score of 10 or more on day -4, 93.8% within 24 h of ovulation and 24% on day 3 following the ovulation.     

Oocyte retention after follicle luteinization

Indirect evidence supports the existence of the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome in infertile women. To seek direct evidence of oocyte retention, infertile and normal women were studied in the early and midluteal phase by visual documentation of ovulation stigma, needle aspiration of ovarian follicles, and peritoneal fluid collection for estradiol and progesterone assay. Luteal phase was confirmed by endometrial biopsy (postovulation day 2 to 8). In normal control subjects (n = 16), 25% of test cycles were stigma-negative and no oocytes were recovered. In infertile group (n = 23), 43% of test cycles were stigma-negative. Five oocytes were recovered including one from a stigma-bearing follicle. Peritoneal fluid steroid levels failed to discriminate stigma-positive from stigma-negative cycles in either group. Oocyte retention after luteinization occurs in infertile women.     

Optimal lead follicle size in letrozole human menopausal gonadotrophin intrauterine insemination cycles with and without spontaneous LH surge

Research questionWhat is the optimal lead follicle size in letrozole, human menopausal gonadotrophin and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles with and without spontaneous LH surges?DesignThis retrospective cohort study included 3797 letrozole HMG IUI cycles between January 2010 and May 2021. All cycles were divided into two groups: the HCG trigger group (trigger day LH ≤15 mIU/ml) and the spontaneous LH surge group (trigger day LH >15 mIU/ml). These two groups were subdivided into smaller groups based on the diameter of the follicles. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore other risk factors.ResultsIn the HCG trigger group, the clinical pregnancy rate varied significantly, with rates of 20.8%, 14.9% and 11.8% for the 16.1–18.0, 18.1–20.0 and 20.1–22.0 mm groups, respectively (P = 0.005). In the spontaneous LH surge group, the pregnancy rate of follicles within 14.1–16.0 mm was significantly higher than that of follicles within 20.1–22.0 mm (adjusted OR 0.533, 95% CI 0.308 to 0.923, P = 0.025). Also, patients with two lead follicles were 2.569 times more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy than those with only one lead follicle (adjusted OR 2.569, 95% CI 1.258 to 5.246, P = 0.010). The duration of infertility was also found to be a common influencing factor in both groups.ConclusionsThe optimal lead follicle size was between 16.1 and 18.0 mm in HCG-triggered letrozole HMG IUI cycles. If the lead follicle size is relatively small (14.1–18.0 mm) when a spontaneous LH surge occurs, there is no need to cancel the IUI cycle.     

GnRH-a治疗难治性排卵障碍不孕患者的初步观察

目的探讨常规诱导排卵失败后应用促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)诱导排卵的临床效果.方法对常规促排卵治疗(氯米芬和HMG)失败的13例排卵障碍不孕患者,其中多囊卵巢综合症(PCOS)5例,小卵泡排卵8例.采用GnRH-a+HMG治疗,并于周期第8天开始B超监测卵泡发育并测定尿LH,当卵泡平均径线达18 mm或尿LH(+)时,给HCG诱发排卵.结果13例患者采用GnRH-a+HMG治疗19个周期,均有优势卵泡发育,其中16个周期(84.2%)卵泡平均径线达18 mm时尿LH仍为(-),给HCG诱发排卵;3个周期提前出现LH峰,取消使用HCG.36.8%的周期为单卵泡发育,75.0%为＜3个优势卵泡,8.3%为4～10个,18.8%为＞10个.妊娠率58.3%,周期妊娠率41.2%,其中单胎4例,双胎2例,4胎1例;自然流产的发生率为14.3%.结论GnRH-a可增强PCOS患者对HMG的反应性,防止内源性LH峰早现,并有良好的妊娠率及妊娠结局,可望作为治疗PCOS及小卵泡排卵患者的二线药物;低剂量HMG可使75%的治疗周期中卵泡发育数＜3个.     

The influence of latent hyperprolactinaemia on the levels of LH, FSH, E2 and T in the midfollicular phase of the cycle

The metoclopramide test for latent hyperprolactinaemia was done on 174 randomly chosen infertile women in the midfollicular phase of the cycle. 54 women had latent hyperprolactinaemia which was defined as a PRL level of at least 150 ng/ml after metoclopramide. Just before the metoclopramide was given, blood was taken to measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), 17-β estradiol (E2) and total testosteron (T). Women with latent hyperprolactinaemia had significantly lower levels of LH (p < 0.01) and E2 (p < 0.001) and higher levels of T (p < 0.05) in the midfollicular phase when compared with women without this condition. FSH levels showed no statistically significant difference. Received: 29 March 1996 / Accepted: 5 August 1996     

Role of aromatase inhibitor in ovulation induction in patients with poor response to clomiphene citrate

AIM: To examine the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor in the induction of ovulation. METHODS: This prospective clinical trial in patients with infertility and poor response to clomiphene citrate (CC) was undertaken in a tertiary referral infertility clinic. Thirty-five infertile patients, who were treated by clomiphene citrate for several cycles and referred to the infertility clinic, were the target population. Initially, the response of CC was assessed by same dose of CC that the patient had in her last cycle. The patients who did not respond adequately were treated by aromatase inhibitor 2.5-5 mg/day from day 3-7 of the menstrual cycle. The main outcome measures were the number of mature follicles, ovulation rate, endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (90%) patients developed mature follicles by day 12. The majority (77.77%) developed single follicle. Except for one cycle of one patient, the follicles of all patients were ruptured in all cycles and seven (25.94%) got pregnant. CONCLUSION: The aromatase inhibitor letrozole is effective for ovulation induction in anovulatory infertility in patients that failed to ovulate by CC.     

Clinico-echographic study of the ovulatory phase, spontaneous and induced, conceptional and non conceptional cycles

We present the results obtained on 110 menstrual cycles of 87 patients; echography study of ovulation, immunologic LH determination, basal body register card and serial cervical mucus score, since -6 to 0 day. Echography study determined follicular diameter, endometrial bulk and the presence of liquid in the cul-de-sac. We considered only those patients in whom the disappearance of the follicle was observed 24 hours before; being this fact, the indicator of ovulation, related to all other variables. These patients presented spontaneous (47.3%), epimestrol (28.2%) or clomiphene induced (24.5%) cycles, and they turned out to be pregnant or not in that cycle, (34.6%, 25.8% and 37.0% respectively). It was 36 (32.7%) pregnant women in all the The three follicular diameter curves for pregnant cycles, were similar being the preovulatory follicular range 21.5 mm for spontaneous cycles, 18.9 mm for epimestrol induced cycles and 20.7 mm for clomiphene induced cycles. Conceptional range was from 15 to 22 mms, 15 to 22 mm, and 14 to 27 mms, respectively. We didn't observe free fluid in cul-de-sac in 5 pregnant cycles (13.9%). Most of positive LH, are about -2 and -1 (21% and 50%, respectively). There were one pregnant patient and 2 no pregnant patient with repetitive, negative LH. In 50% of patients who became pregnant, the Nadir was on -1 day. In spontaneous conceptional group, bad cervical score was not observed. The good cervical score period is longer on conceptional group than in those with epimestrol. On conceptional group, dissociation between best score day and the day of ovulations was not observed, fact that we observed in non-conceptional group.     

Monitoring gonadotrophin therapy by real-time ultrasonic scanning of ovarian follicles

Real-time ultrasound scanning of ovarian follicles was performed during 61 cycles in 22 infertile patients being treated with sequential injections of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Total 24-h urinary oestrogens were estimated (and in 13 cycles plasma oestradiol) but the amount of gonadotrophin given was based mainly on the ultrasound findings. A retrospective analysis of the results showed that there was a poor statistical correlation between the diameter of the largest follicle and the total urinary oestrogens (r=0.39) and with the level of plasma oestradiol (r=0.56), although similar clinical information was obtained by all methods. Ovulation was induced in 58 cycles when the leading follicle had a mean diameter of 20-25 mm (mean 21.3 mm); follicular rupture was observed in 57 cycles and in these cases there was biochemical evidence of luteinization (plasma progesterone greater than 15 nmol/1; total urinary pregnanediol greater than 8 nmol/24h). Three patients (three cycles) were not given hCG; one developed micropolycystic ovaries and two showed evidence of hyperstimulation (one follicle greater than 25 mm diameter, three or more follicles 20-25 mm diameter). Twelve patients became pregnant, all with single fetuses. Subsequently one aborted, one had an ectopic pregnancy, three gave birth to normal babies at term and seven pregnancies are continuing. Real-time ultrasound scanning of ovarian follicles is a simple, practical method for monitoring follicular growth during the administration of hMG and predicting the response to hCG.     

Monitoring gonadotrophin therapy by real-time ultrasonic scanning of ovarian follicles

Summary. Real-time ultrasound scanning of ovarian follicles was performed during 61 cycles in 22 infertile patients being treated with sequential injections of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Total 24-h urinary oestrogens were estimated (and in 13 cycles plasma oestradiol) but the amount of gonadotrophin given was based mainly on the ultrasound findings. A retrospective analysis of the results showed that there was a poor statistical correlation between the diameter of the largest follicle and the total urinary oestrogens ( r = 0.39) and with the level of plasma oestradiol ( r = 0.56), although similar clinical information was obtained by all methods. Ovulation was induced in 58 cycles when the leading follicle had a mean diameter of 20–25 mm (mean 21.3 mm); follicular rupture was observed in 57 cycles and in these cases there was biochemical evidence of luteinization (plasma progesterone >15 nmol/1; total urinary pregnanediol >8 μmol/24h). Three patients (three cycles) were not given hCG; one developed micropolycystic ovaries and two showed evidence of hyperstimulation (one follicle >25 mm diameter, three or more follicles 20–25 mm diameter). Twelve patients became pregnant, all with single fetuses. Subsequently one aborted, one had an ectopic pregnancy, three gave birth to normal babies at term and seven pregnancies are continuing. Real-time ultrasound scanning of ovarian follicles is a simple, practical method for monitoring follicular growth during the administration of hMG and predicting the response to hCG.     

Age-related normogram for antral follicle count in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Antral follicle count (AFC) has been shown to be a reliable marker for ovarian reserve. The aims of this study were to create an age-related normogram for AFC in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare age-related decline in AFC between infertile women with and without PCOS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Of a total of 4956 women, 619 women fit criteria for PCOS. In those with PCOS, there were large variations in the AFC between the 10th and 90th percentiles in all age groups. The rate of decline in AFC among women with PCOS was linear, while in those with non-PCOS, it was exponential until 30 years of age, and then became similar to that of PCOS. The rate of follicle loss per year was significantly slower in PCOS women compared with that in non-PCOS women. In both groups, the fastest period of follicle loss was between the ages of 18 and 30. The average follicle loss was 0.8 follicles/year in PCOS women and 1.7 follicles/year in those without PCOS (P < 0.001). This study concludes that age-related decline in AFC among women with PCOS is slower than in those without PCOS.Antral follicle count (AFC) has been shown to be a reliable marker for ovarian reserve. The aims of this study were to create an age-related normogram for AFC in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to compare age-related decline in AFC between women with and without PCOS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All patients underwent a baseline transvaginal ultrasound that was performed on day 2–4 of the menstrual cycle. The total number of antral follicles of 2–9 mm in diameter was recorded. Of total 4956 women, 619 women fit criteria for PCOS. In those with PCOS, there were large variations in the AFC between the 10th 90th percentiles in all age groups. The rate of decline in AFC among women with PCOS was linear; while in those with non-PCOS, it was exponential until 30 years of age, and then became similar to that of PCOS. The rate of follicle loss per year was significantly slower in PCOS women compared with that in non-PCOS women. In both groups, the fastest period of follicle loss was between the ages 18–30 years. The average follicle loss was 0.8 follicles/year in PCOS women and 1.7 follicles/year in those without PCOS (P < 0.001). We have concluded that age-related decline in AFC among women with PCOS is slower than in those without PCOS. Further studies are needed to determine if the AFC normogram in women with PCOS could be clinically relevant to select the optimal gonadotrophin dose for ovulation induction.     

Enhanced pre-ovulatory progesterone levels in fertile cycles during clomiphene citrate treatment

We compared ovulatory changes in fertile and preceding infertile cycles in 21 patients with unexplained infertility conceiving after clomiphene citrate treatment. No significant differences were observed in follicular growth, cervical score and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Progesterone was higher (P less than 0.05) in the 2 days preceding ovulation in fertile cycles, luteinizing hormone (LH) higher (P less than 0.05) the day before, and 17-beta-estradiol lower (P less than 0.05) 4 days before. Stimulating progesterone secretion by systematic LH administration before ovulation could improve secretory endometrial transformation and thus reproductive prognosis.     

The effect of a GnRH antagonist on follicle maturation in normal women

Research questionGanirelix is a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist used for the prevention of premature LH surge during ovarian stimulation. What is the impact of ganirelix on follicle maturation in normal women?DesignTen normally cycling women were investigated during two menstrual cycles, i.e. cycle 1 (control) and cycle 2 (ganirelix). During both cycles, daily blood samples were taken from day 2, while transvaginal ultrasound scans were performed on cycle days 8 and 10 and daily thereafter. During cycle 2, all women were given 0.25 mg/day subcutaneous injections of the GnRH antagonist ganirelix from day 2 until the day of the endogenous LH surge onset in cycle 1.ResultsDuring treatment with ganirelix, serum FSH and oestradiol concentrations remained stable, while those of LH decreased significantly on days 3, 4, 7 and 9 (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Nevertheless, there was no significant within-cycle variation in LH concentrations. From day 10 onwards, no follicle maturation was observed in cycle 2, in contrast to cycle 1. Ovulation occurred in 9 of 10 women in cycle 1. In cycle 2, ovulation was delayed by at least 1 week in eight women. Follicle growth and ovulation occurred in only one woman while on ganirelix treatment.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates for the first time that in normal women dominant follicle selection failed during treatment with ganirelix. As there was a similar gonadotrophin profile in the two cycles, it is suggested that ganirelix interferes with the process of follicle selection by acting in the ovary.     

多囊卵巢综合征患者超排卵过程中行卵泡抽吸的效果观察

目的 观察多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者于行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)的超排卵过程中抽吸卵泡的结局。方法 对13例首次行IVF-ET(对照周期)失败、发生卵巢过度刺激征(OHSS)的PCOS不孕患者,于再次行IVF—ET(卵泡抽吸周期)的超排卵过程中,在B超指引下经阴道对苴径9～10 mm的卵泡进行穿刺抽吸,保留直径9～10 mm卵泡≤10个。卵泡抽吸后继续进行超排卵方案。比较两个周期患者血清性激素水平变化及卵子发育等情况。结果 卵泡抽吸周期hCG注射日平均直径≥12 mm的卵泡数为(16±4)个,较对照周期(29±8)个明显减少,两个周期比较,差异有极显著性(P<0.001);卵泡抽吸周期平均血清雌二醇水平为(9899±1430)pmol/L,较对照周期(15 545±1767)pmoL/L明显降低,两个周期比较,差异有极显著性(P<0.001)。卵泡抽吸周期中,无患者发生中、重度OHSS;对照周期中,9例(9/13,69％)患者发生OHSS。卵子回收率、成熟率、受精率、卵裂率及胚胎种植率均显著高于对照周期。结论 于行IVF—ET的超排卵过程中,抽吸直径为9-10 mm的卵泡,能有效减少PCOS不孕患者hCG注射日的优势卵泡数目,降低血清雌二醇水平,减少中、重度OHSS的发生。     

Early versus late hCG administration to trigger ovulation in mild stimulated IUI cycles: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives

To verify non-inferiority of the clinical pregnancy rate of Early hCG administration (leading follicle sizes within 16.0–16.9 mm in diameter) compared to Late hCG administration (leading follicle sizes within 18.0–18.9 mm in diameter).

Study design

Prospective randomized trial. Six hundred and twelve infertile women candidates for intrauterine insemination (IUI) received HP-hMG 75 IU/day SC from cycle days 4 to 8 and then as per ovarian response. Ovulation was randomly triggered (hCG 5000 IU, IM) when the leading follicle diameter ranged between either 16.0 and 16.9 mm (Early hCG group, n = 227) or 18.0 and 18.9 mm (Late hCG group, n = 207) and IUI was performed approximately 36 h later.

Results

Whereas population and sperm characteristics were comparable in both groups, the number of follicles ≥14 mm in diameter (P < 0.007) and serum estradiol levels (P < 0.001) on the day of hCG were lower in the Early versus the Late hCG groups. Clinical (11.9% versus 12.1%) and ongoing (11.0% versus 8.6%) pregnancy rates per randomized women were similar in the two groups and statistical non-inferiority of clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates was demonstrated.

Conclusion

These results suggest that hCG administered when the largest follicle size reaches 16.0–16.9 mm leads to similar clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates as when it reaches 18.0–18.9 mm in IUI cycles.