Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone in in-vitro fertilization treatment-clinical experience with follitropin alpha and follitropin beta

The objective of this prospective study was to compare the outcome of ovarian hyperstimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using two different preparations of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The study was based on 296 consecutive IVF cycles in 1997, 199 performed using follitropin alpha (Gonal-F) and 97 performed using follitropin beta (Puregon). Outcome was compared regarding pregnancy rate, oestradiol and progesterone response, endometrial thickness, follicle number, number of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes, sperm count and sperm motility. There was no significant difference in outcome of stimulation. Clinical pregnancy rate was similar, 29.1% for Gonal-F and 28.1% for Puregon. There was no difference in endometrial response, oestradiol response, number of smaller (12-15 mm) or larger (>15 mm) follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilized, divided and replaced, in sperm counts or in sperm progressive motility. There was a lower follicle number in the Puregon group, but not statistically significant. The serum progesterone concentrations on the day of oocyte retrieval, however, were significantly lower in the Puregon group. In conclusion, it was not possible to find significant differences in the IVF programme with regard to stimulation outcome between Gonal-F and Puregon. The results of this study indicate that Gonal-F and Puregon may be equally suitable for use in ovarian stimulation for IVF.