A pilot study involving minimal ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: extending the “follicle-stimulating hormone window” combined with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix
There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
To study whether minimal interference in the process of selection of the single dominant
follicle may serve as the basis for a simplified ovarian stimulation regimen for IVF.
Single-center randomized pilot study.
Tertiary referral fertility center.
Fifteen normo-ovulatory patients with a regular indication for IVF.
Ovarian stimulation for IVF was begun with 100 or 150 IU/d recombinant FSH starting
on cycle day 5. From cycle day 8 or later, cotreatment was begun with 0.25 mg/d GnRH
antagonist. No luteal support was provided.
Total number of dominant follicles and characteristics of the endocrine cycle.
Multiple follicle development occurred in five of eight patients in the 100-IU group
and in all seven women in the 150-IU group. Follicular phase and luteal phase lengths
were normal, but the endocrine profile was abnormal.
A fixed daily dose of 150 IU recombinant FSH starting in the midfollicular phase resulted
in ongoing growth of a restricted number of dominant follicles and sufficient oocytes
retrieved to lead to ET. A marked reduction in the total amount of gonadotropins administered
compared with standard treatment was achieved. Withholding luteal support did not
exclude pregnancies.