激动剂方案和拮抗剂方案对波塞冬组1人群的疗效分析

目的:评估促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)方案和促性腺激素释放激素拮抗剂(GnRH-ant)方案在波塞冬(POSEIDON)组1人群中的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2019年1月至2020年12月在南通大学附属医院生殖医学中心行辅助生殖助孕的POSEIDON组1患者399例。采用1∶1倾向性评分匹配(PSM)筛选具有相似基线特征的队列，比较GnRH-a方案组和GnRH-ant方案组患者的基线资料、临床及实验室指标和临床结局。结果:(1)100例行GnRH-a方案的患者和100例行GnRH-ant方案的患者形成匹配。(2)GnRH-a方案组的促性腺激素(Gn)使用总量和Gn总使用时间均高于GnRH-ant方案组(P<0.001,P=0.048),绒促性素(HCG)注射日的激素水平(黄体生成素、雌二醇、孕酮)均低于GnRH-ant方案组(P<0.001,P=0.011,P<0.001),两组间卵泡数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);GnRH-a方案组获卵数、成熟卵子数、正常受精数、优质胚胎数和可利用胚胎数均低于GnRH-ant方案组(P<0.01)。(3)G...     

GnRH-a联合低剂量HCG诱发卵母细胞成熟在行PGD/PGS助孕患者中的应用

目的:探讨促性腺激素释放激素拮抗剂(GnRH-ant)方案中促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)联合低剂量绒促性素(HCG)扳机对行胚胎植入前遗传学诊断/筛查(PGD/PGS)助孕患者促排卵的效果。方法:回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年3月在我院因女方染色体异常行GnRH-ant方案中GnRH-a联合低剂量HCG双扳机诱导卵泡成熟的PGD/PGS助孕患者79例(A组),根据年龄、抗苗勒管激素(AMH)、基础卵泡刺激素(FSH)匹配选取行拮抗剂方案促排卵并单纯使用HCG扳机诱导卵泡成熟患者79例(B组)作对照,比较两组促排卵特点及促排卵结局。结果:两组促性腺激素总量、促排天数、HCG日雌二醇(E2)、HCG日孕酮(P)、HCG日黄体生成素(LH)、回收卵数、2个原核(2PN)数、第3天(D3)胚胎数、活检正常胚胎数、新发异常率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。与B组相比,A组获成熟卵数、D3优质胚胎数、形成囊胚数、优质囊胚数及优质囊胚率明显升高(P0.05),检测后正常的胚胎数虽然两组差异无统计学意义,但A组有升高趋势,两组OHSS发生率无明显差异(P0.05)。结论:GnRH-ant方案中GnRH-a联合HCG诱发卵母细胞成熟改善了行PGD/PGS助孕患者促排结局。     

不同方案GnRH-a降调节对轻中度子宫内膜异位症患者体外受精-胚胎移植结局的影响

目的:探讨不同方案促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)对轻中度子宫内膜异位症(EMT)患者行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)的助孕结局的影响。方法:选择成都市妇女儿童中心医院生殖中心269个IVF助孕周期(175例患者)进行回顾性分析,按GnRH-a的不同方案进行分组:超长方案组75例共102个周期(长效GnRH-a 3.75 mg)、长效长方案组69例共87个周期(长效GnRH-a 1.875 mg)及短效长方案组31例共80个周期(GnRH-a 0.1 mg)。比较3种降调节方案的助孕情况及妊娠结局。结果:超长方案组中Gn用量及Gn天数均多于长效长方案组及短效长方案组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。长效长方案组胚胎种植率、生化妊娠率及临床妊娠率高于超长方案组及短效长方案组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),超长方案组与短效方案组相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对于接受IVF助孕的轻中度EMT患者采用长效长方案降调节可能更有利于提高EMT不孕患者的临床妊娠率。     

不同超促排卵方案对高龄患者体外受精结局影响的研究

目的:探讨两种不同超促排卵方案对接受体外受精胚胎移植(IVF-ET)手术的高龄不孕患者卵泡液中IL-15、IL-18、IL-12/IL-23亚基p40水平及妊娠结局的影响,以及高龄患者最佳的超促排卵方案。方法:选择2008年4月～2008年12月在我院行IVF-ET手术的40例年龄35～43岁的不孕妇女为研究对象,随机分为两组,A组用促性腺激素激动剂+促性腺激素(GnRH-a+Gn)短方案,B组用促性腺激素拮抗剂+促性腺激素(GnRH-ant+Gn)的超促排卵(COH)方案,测定两组患者HCG注射日、取卵日、胚胎移植日外周血甾体激素水平及取卵日卵泡液IL-15和IL-12/IL-23亚单位p40的浓度,比较两组患者的周期结局。结果:B组患者的HCG注射日血清E2值和卵泡液IL-15含量低于A组,移植日P水平高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A组Gn用药天数、剂量、移植日E2水平高于B组,但差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组卵泡液E2和P水平、获卵数、受精率、优质胚胎率、流产率和卵泡液细胞因子IL-18、IL-12/IL-23亚基p40含量无统计学差异(P0.05)。B组临床妊娠率高于A组(45%vs 35%),但差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:接受IVF-ET手术的高龄不孕患者,临床选择促性腺激素拮抗剂+促性腺激素的超促排卵方案可获得较好的妊娠结局。     

不同年龄段患者促性腺激素释放激素拮抗剂方案与激动剂长方案助孕结局比较

目的探讨不同年龄段患者促性腺激素释放激素拮抗剂(GnRH-ant)方案与促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)长方案体外受精/单精子卵胞浆内注射-新鲜胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)周期及冷冻胚胎移植(FET)周期妊娠结局。方法回顾性分析南方医科大学南方医院生殖医学中心2010年4月1日至12月31日GnRH-ant方案组(A组)259个周期、同期黄体中期GnRH-a长方案组(B组)318个周期,并以38岁为界分为亚组A1(<38岁)、A2(≥38岁)和B1(<38岁)、B2(≥38岁)。在A1与B1组及A2与B2组中,比较A组与B组临床资料及妊娠结局。结果 A1组新鲜胚胎移植周期的促性腺激素(Gn)用量较B1组少,胚胎种植率及临床妊娠率均较B1组低;A1组卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生率低于B2组,差异有统计学意义;两组活胎分娩率、流产率及早产率差异无统计学意义。A组与B组冷冻胚胎移植周期分年龄段比较,治疗结局差异均无统计学意义。A1组冷冻胚胎移植周期临床妊娠率明显高于新鲜移植。A2组新鲜移植与冷冻移植各项治疗结局差异无统计学意义。结论对<38岁患者,GnRH-ant方案虽然可减少Gn用药量以及降低OHSS发生率,但临床妊娠率比经典长方案低。在高龄患者中,拮抗剂方案也无明显优势。冷冻胚胎移植可改善临床妊娠率。拮抗剂或长方案的选择使用不影响妊娠后的远期结局。     

血清性激素含量与体外受精-胚胎移植结局的关系分析

目的 探讨在控制性超排卵中血清性激素变化与妊娠结局的关系。方法 随机选择兰州大学第一医院辅助生殖医学中心2003—2004已接受试管婴儿技术治疗，采用黄体期长方案进行控制性超排卵临床妊娠病例147例，未妊娠140例，分析比较组间各项观察指标。结果 两组间患者降调节时间、促性腺激素（Gn）总量、募集卵泡数、获卵数、MII卵数差异均有显著性（P〈0．05），HCG注射日血清孕酮（P）值、血清雌二醇／孕酮（E2／P）比值差异有显著性（P〈0．05）；促性腺激素释放激素激动剂（GnRH—a，达菲林）用量、Gn天数差异无显著性（P〉0．05），降调节后血清黄体生成素（LH）、HCG注射日血清E2、取卵日血清E2、胚胎移植日血清催乳激素（PRL）水平差异无显著性（P〉0、05）。结论 在控制性超排卵治疗中，观察调控血清性激素含量至关重要。HCG注射日血清P值、E2／P比值是预测助孕结局的重要指标，血清E2／P值在1．32—6．11，血清P值在0．637—1.645μg/L时，临床妊娠率增加。     

促性腺激素释放激素激动剂长、短方案在体外受精-胚胎移植中的比较性研究

目的　探讨促性腺激素释放激素激动剂（GnRH-a）长、短方案控制性超排卵在体外受精-胚胎移植（IVF-ET）中的疗效。方法　将2000年1～5月进行IVF和单精子卵胞浆注射（ICSI）助孕的不孕患者，按病历奇、偶数编号分为GnRH-a长方案组（55例）和短方案组（54例）。长方案组从使用促性腺激素（Gn）治疗周期前的黄体中期开始使用GnRH-a0.9mg/d，至垂体完全降调节后，加用Gn；短方案组从月经第2天开始使用GnRH-a0.45mg/d，同时加用Gn。两组均在优势卵泡达18mm时，肌内注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素（hCG），36h后取卵行IVF及ICSI。结果　长方案组较短方案组，使用Gn前血清促卵泡激素（FSH）和黄体生成素（LH）水平降低［（4.4±1.2）IU/L比（6.3±1.7）IU/L,（2.7±1.5）IU/L比（4.4±2.8）IU/L,P<0.01］；注射hCG前血清雌二醇（E2）和LH水平降低［（7119±3584）pmol/L比（9523±3587）pmol/L，（1.0±1.0）IU/L比（4.0±3.4）IU/L,P<0.01］；每个卵子E2水平降低［（610±315）pmol/L比（935±450）pmol/L,P<0.01］；Gn用量增多［（28.0±8.6）支比（23.4±8.7）支,P<0.01］，用药时间增长［（11.1±1.2）d比（10.1±1.5）d,P<0.01］；两组平均获卵数、第2次成熟分裂中期卵子数、受精卵数、卵裂数、优质胚胎数及妊娠率无显著差异。结论　在IVF-ET，GnRH-a长、短方案能获得相同的控制性超排卵效果，且GnRH-a短方案能减少Gn用量和缩短治疗时间。     

控制性超排卵长、短方案在IVF-ET中的疗效比较

目的:比较促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRHa)长、短方案控制性超排卵在体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)中的疗效。方法:将2001年7月-2002年4月因双侧输卵管梗阻IVF-ET的患者100人随机分为长方案组(50人)和短方案组(50人)进行超排卵。长方案组从使用促性腺激素(Gn)治疗前1月经周期黄体期(月经21天)使用GnRHa 0.3mg/d,至垂体完全降调节后加用Gn;短方案组从月经周期第2天开始用GnRHa0.1mg/d,同时加用Gn。当患者有3个以上卵泡直径>18mm时肌肉注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG),36小时后取卵行IVF,取卵48小时后行ET。结果:两组患者平均获卵数、受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率、移植胚胎数、临床妊娠率、胚胎种植率及流产率差异无显著性。而两者的Gn使用量有差别,短方案组少于长方案组,两组差异有显著性。两组用Gn第7天雌激素水平不同,短方案组明显高于长方案组,两者差异有显著性。结论:GnRHa长、短方案在IVF-ET中控制性超排卵效果相同,但所需Gn数量不同。     

不同小剂量促性腺激素释放激素激动剂在体外受精-胚胎移植中应用的比较

1984年,Porter等首次报道,于体外授精-胚胎移植（IVF-ET）中应用促性腺激素释放激素激动剂（GnRH-a）联合促性腺激素（Gn）获得成功,至今已常规应用了20余年.但随着不同剂型、不同剂量GnRH-a的广泛应用,人们发现长效标准剂量,即3.75 mg的GnRH-a,存在对垂体-卵巢轴的过度抑制和妊娠率较低等问题.     

长效和短效GnRH-a在IVF/ICSI周期长方案中的应用比较

目的:探讨长效和短效促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a,曲普瑞林)在体外授精/卵细胞浆内单精子注射(IVF/ICSI)周期长方案中的应用及其对临床结局的影响。方法:对排卵正常者采用黄体中期降调长方案,无排卵者行口服避孕药(OC)预处理长方案,根据采用不同的剂型分为长效GnRH-a组和短效GnRH-a组,对两组在应用过程中的检测值进行比较。结果:无论黄体中期降调长方案,还是OC预处理长方案,其长效GnRH-a组的Gn用量和Gn天数,注射绒促性素(HCG)日血孕酮水平均明显高于短效GnRH-a组(P<0.05,P<0.01),长效GnRH-a组妊娠率和种植率明显低于短效GnRH-a组(P<0.05)。两种方案中,长效和短效GnRH-a组间按主导卵泡平均直径范围(≥18mm～≤20mm、>20mm～≤22mm和>22mm)比较,各直径范围中周期所占比例差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:长方案中使用长效GnRH-a降调比短效会增加Gn用量,使孕酮水平升高,妊娠率和种植率降低,对临床结局有不利影响。     

Enhancing the fertility of poor responders by treatment with estrogen rebound combined with a short protocol

Aim:  To assess the efficacy of estrogen rebound (ER) plus flare-up by gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in poor responders who failed to become pregnant prior to a long protocol treatment.
Methods:  The patients comprised of thirty-one infertile patients with oocyte retrieval levels of less than five, who had undergone several long protocol treatment cycles. The efficacy of treatment with the ER plus flare-up from GnRH-a was compared with the prior long protocol treatment. The main outcome measures are: confirmation of ER, maximal serum E₂ levels prior to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, follicular development, dose, and duration of gonadotrophins in a clinical setting.
Results:  The ER was confirmed by estrogen levels; FSH increased with ER plus flare-up from GnRH-a. Although the 31 patients included in the study had undergone frequent prior treatment cycles, including the long protocol, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer following ER plus flare-up by GnRH-a was 37.5% (nine of 24). The number of follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, and the E₂ level was higher than those found in prior treatment cycles.
Conclusion:  Exogenous estrogen administration with Premarin^R plus flare-up by GnRH-a may represent an alternative and effective protocol for poor responder patients who had previously undergone several prior long protocol treatments. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2 : 127–131)     

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.     

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist plus recombinant luteinizing hormone vs. a standard GnRH agonist short protocol in patients at risk for poor ovarian response

Various studies have compared the efficacy of GnRH agonists (GnRH-a) and antagonists (GnRH-ant) for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in women undergoing IVF. Nevertheless, few data are available about the use of GnRH-ant in poor responders. Here, a flexible protocol providing a gradual increase in the dose of GnRH-ant in association with recombinant LH (rec-LH) administration is compared with the standard GnRH-a flare-up protocol in 133 women at risk for poor ovarian response. The mean number of metaphase 2 oocytes (primary end point) was significantly higher in the antagonist group (5.73 +/- 3.57 vs. 4.64 +/- 2.23, respectively; P<.05).     

不同促排卵方案在卵巢低反应患者中的应用

目的:探讨不同促排卵方案在接受体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)的卵巢低反应患者中的应用价值。方法:对87例卵巢低反应患者采用不同方案进行IVF/ICSI-ET共200个周期的临床资料进行回顾性分析,其中短方案者50个周期(A组),拮抗剂方案者39个周期(B组),微刺激方案者93个周期(C组),自然周期方案者18个周期(D组)。比较分析各组的促排卵结局。结果:4组间周期取消率无统计学差异,hCG注射日LH水平A组低于其他3组,E2水平高于其他3组,与C、D组比有统计学差异(P<0.05),优势卵泡数及平均获卵数D组低于其他3组,而正常受精率高于其他3组,与A、B组比有统计学差异(P<0.05),hCG注射日内膜厚度、P值、MⅡ卵率、可利用胚胎率、临床妊娠率C组临床妊娠率略高,但各组间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:对卵巢低反应患者微刺激方案在IVF-ET促排卵中相对其他方案有更好的临床效果。     

Increased progesterone/estradiol ratio in the late follicular phase could be related to low ovarian reserve in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles with a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the physiologic as well as the clinical significance of premature luteinization in the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) cycles and to evaluate whether it may be a manifestation of low ovarian reserve. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation. SETTING: A university-affiliated reproductive medicine unit. PATIENT(S): Seventy-six consecutive infertile women. INTERVENTION(S): The long GnRH-a protocol was used for IVF-ET treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Women in the study were prospectively evaluated in their first cycle of treatment and were divided into those with (study group) or without premature luteinization (control group). Premature luteinization was defined as P/E2 ratio of more than 1 on the day of hCG administration. RESULTS(S): Thirty-one (41%) of the women in the study demonstrated premature luteinization. Patients' characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Late follicular P/E2 ratio was significantly and considerably higher in the study as compared to the control group, 2.4 +/- 1.7 and 0.7 +/- 0.2, respectively. Ovarian reserve parameters including day 3 FSH, E2 level on hCG day, total amount of hMG, number of follicles, oocytes, and embryos were significantly inferior in the study as compared to the control group. P levels on hCG day were significantly higher in the study as compared to the control group, 1.9 +/- 0.7 ng/mL and 1.2 +/- 0.6 ng/mL, respectively. However, LH levels on hCG day did not differ between the groups, 1.4 +/- 0.7 mIU/mL and 1.2 +/- 0.7 mIU/mL, respectively. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the premature luteinization group as opposed to controls, 13% and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Premature luteinization, defined as late follicular P/E2 >1, in long GnRH-a cycles seems to adversely affect clinical outcome. Our findings in this setting support the notion that premature luteinization could be related to low ovarian reserve and that this manifestation is not necessarily an LH-dependent event.     

超排卵周期卵巢反应性与体外受精、卵胞浆内单精子注射结局的关系

目的　探讨超排卵周期中卵巢反应性与体外受精 (IVF)、卵胞浆内单精子注射 (ICSI)结局的关系。方法　回顾分析 1999年 3月至 2 0 0 0年 12月间 ,4 74对不孕夫妇在本中心按常规方法行IVF 胚胎移植 (ET)及ICSI治疗的 5 10个周期。采用促性腺激素释放激素激动剂 (GnRH a) 高纯促卵泡激素 (FSH HP) 人绒毛膜促性腺激素 (hCG)长、短方案促排卵 ,以注射hCG日血清雌二醇 (E2 ) >110 10pmol L(16 0个周期 )为A组 ,获卵数 >15个 (14 8个周期 )为B组 ,A、B两组为卵巢高反应组 ;E2≤ 110 10pmol L(35 0个周期 )为C组 ,获卵数≤ 15个 (36 2个周期 )为D组 ,C、D两组为正常反应组。结果　高反应组与低反应组间 ,年龄、不孕时间、基础FSH水平及FSH用量差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1,P <0 0 5 )。A组着床率、妊娠率分别为 18 9% (94 4 98)与 38 8% (6 2 16 0 ) ,C组分别为 2 0 7% (2 12 10 2 6 )与4 1 4 % (14 5 35 0 ) ,两组比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;B组分别为 2 2 5 % (10 3 4 5 7)与 4 6 6 % (6 9 14 8) ,D组分别为 19 0 % (2 0 3 10 6 7)与 38 1% (138 36 2 ) ,两组比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。卵巢过度刺激综合征 (OHSS)发生率 ,A组为 6 9% (11 16 0 ) ,C组为 2 6 % (9 35 0 ) ,B组为 8 1% (     

不同控制促排卵方案对子宫腺肌病患者体外受精-胚胎移植结局的影响

目的:探讨不同控制性超促排卵方案对子宫腺肌病患者IVF-ET结局的影响。方法:回顾性分析146例子宫腺肌病患者的192个IVF-ET周期,根据控制性超促排卵(COH)方案分为GnRH-a短方案组(A组,87个周期)、长方案组(B组,34个周期)和超长方案组(C组,71个周期)。比较分析各组的卵巢刺激与胚胎移植结局。结果:3组间年龄及不孕年限无统计学差异(P>0.05);hCG注射日A组LH水平显著高于B、C组,差异显著(P<0.05);各组间获卵数、优质胚胎数、胚胎移植数等无统计学差异(P>0.05);C组的子宫体积在应用长效GnRh-a后明显缩小,差异显著(P<0.05)。促性腺激素(Gn)使用总量C组显著高于A组和B组,差异显著(P<0.05)。临床妊娠率C组(42.6%)显著高于A组(22.4%)和B组(25.8%)(P<0.05)。结论:超长方案可获得与短方案和长方案同样的优质胚胎数,并可提高子宫腺肌病患者IVF-ET临床妊娠率,但Gn用量增加。     

Exogenous gonadotropin stimulation is associated with increases in serum androgen levels in in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles

Objective: To examine serum androgen profiles in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins in the setting of IVF-ET.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University hospital IVF-ET program.

Patient(s): Seventeen ovulatory women undergoing IVF-ET for endometriosis, male factor infertility, or tubal disease.

Intervention(s): A standard long protocol of GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) pretreatment (1 mg of leuprolide acetate SC for 10 days) was administered before ovulation induction with a urinary gonadotropin preparation.

Main Outcome Measure(s): After 10 days of GnRH-a treatment and on the day of hCG administration, serum concentrations of LH, T, androstenedione (A), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and DHEAS; the free androgen index (T/SHBG); and the number of follicles, oocytes, and embryos were assessed.

Result(s): Serum samples after 10 days of GnRH-a treatment showed incomplete LH suppression. While continuing the agonist during ovarian stimulation, LH values were suppressed further. However, serum T and A concentrations and the free androgen index showed a significant increase (samples drawn just before hCG administration). Serum T levels after 10 days of GnRH-a (before the administration of exogenous gonadotropins) were correlated negatively with the subsequent number of embryos.

Conclusion(s): Serum LH suppression with a conventional regimen of GnRH-a is incomplete in this heterogeneous group of ovulatory women. Exogenous gonadotropin stimulation results in a marked increase in ovarian androgen secretion.     

A preliminary study on reduced dose (33 or 25 microg) gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol for multifollicular ovarian stimulation in patients with high basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of half-dose (50 mug) and further reduced dose (33 or 25 mug) gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a; triptorelin) long protocols for multifollicular ovarian stimulation (MFOS) for patients with high basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). One hundred and two IVF-ET cycles performed in 84 infertile patients with high basal serum FSH (>10.0 mIU/ml) were included in this retrospective study. Study subjects were assigned to two groups: continuous half-dose GnRH-a long protocol (group A, n = 63) vs. further reduced dose GnRH-a long protocol (group B, n = 39) from half-dose at the start of GnRH-a to one-third or one-quarter dose after pituitary downregulation. Exogenous FSH or human menopausal gonadotropin was administered for MFOS in step-down mode, four or fewer embryos were transferred, and the outcomes of MFOS were compared between the two groups. Serum estradiol (E(2)) level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration was significantly higher in group B (mean +/- standard deviation (SD): 1318.3 +/- 1120.4 vs. 2054.9 +/- 1773.5 pg/ml, p = 0.015). The number of transferable and good-quality embryos was also significantly higher in group B (mean +/- SD: 2.9 +/- 1.7 vs. 3.7 +/- 2.0, p = 0.027; 1.8 +/- 1.4 vs. 2.7 +/- 2.0, p = 0.020). No statistically significant difference in the outcomes was observed with respect to the dose of gonadotropins administered, the number of oocytes retrieved or the clinical pregnancy rate. In conclusion, GnRH-a long protocol with a reduced dose, tapered from the starting half-dose to a third or a quarter of the normal dose after pituitary suppression, may be beneficial for MFOS in IVF-ET patients with a high basal serum FSH level. A further prospective randomized controlled study on a larger scale is needed to confirm these findings.