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Chen X, Zhang W, Xu Y, Li W, Wang X, Shi S, Liu X. Efficacy of the long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol on IVF/ICSI outcomes of patients with repeated implantation failure. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:563-570. [PMID: 37792887 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the effect of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) long protocol on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes of patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF). METHODS The present study was carried out from June 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021. A total of 665 patients with RIF were enrolled into the study and classified by the ovarian stimulation protocols. The outcome parameters were compared in each group. In addition, we evaluated the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10), integrin β3 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in endometrial tissues between groups by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Patients who received the long-acting GnRHa long protocol had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates (58.0%, 41.7% and 39.9%, respectively; P = 0.008 and 0.003), implantation rates (38.1%, 30.3%, and 30.1%, respectively; P = 0.001 and <0.001) and live birth rates (50.3%, 36.3%, and 31.3%, respectively; P = 0.020 and 0.002) compared with the short-acting GnRHa long protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol. In addition, we found that long-acting GnRHa could improve the expression of HOXA10 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The long-acting GnRHa long protocol could improve endometrial receptivity and IVF/ICSI clinical outcomes of RIF patients compared with the short-acting GnRHa long protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Yanping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Wenshu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | | | - Shulei Shi
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
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Chen C, Zeng X, Zhang H, Wei Q, Gao Y, Liu L. Comparison between the modified long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol and the non-downregulation protocol in POSEIDON groups: a propensity score matching retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1189357. [PMID: 38027212 PMCID: PMC10666785 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1189357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the main technique to address the infertility issue in the patient-oriented strategy encompassing individualized oocyte number (POSEIDON) population. Adopting appropriate protocols for assisted reproduction technologies (ART) cycles in the POSEIDON group may attain more favorable pregnancy outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of modified long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol and non-downregulation protocol in POSEIDON patients undergoing ART, and to identify the factors affecting the pregnancy outcomes in this group. Design This study was designed as a propensity score-matched (PSM) retrospective analysis. Participants The study cohort consisted of 910 patients diagnosed with ovarian hyporesponsiveness and treated by IVF from January 2020 to June 2022. They were followed up until the transfer of the last embryo of the IVF cycle and/or pregnancy at 12 weeks. The study was conducted at the Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Methods The patients were divided into Group I and Group II. Group I was treated with modified long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol while Group II was put on a non-downregulation protocol. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to select patients for each group. The subjects were compared in terms of the baseline level, process of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, and pregnancy outcomes. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the difference in the cumulative pregnancy rate between the two groups. Results Of the 910 POSEIDON patients who underwent IVF, 213 received the modified long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol and 697 were subjected to the non-downregulation protocol. From the original cohort, PSM matched 174 pairs of patients. No statistically significant difference was found in total gonadotropin (Gn) dose between the two PSM groups, but the average daily Gn dose was lower in Group I and the duration of Gn lasted longer. The number of retrieved oocytes, the number of metaphase II (MII) ooctyes retrieved, normal fertilization, and normal cleavage embryos was significantly higher in Group I than in Group II, but there existed no significant difference in the number of high-quality embryos between the two groups. The single-cycle CPR (cumulative pregnancy rate) was higher in Group I than in Group II (for Group I: before PSM, CPR = 52.6%; after PSM, CPR = 51.7%; for Group II: before PSM, CPR = 34.0%; after PSM, CPR = 34.5%), and the difference was statistically significant. A binary logistic regression analysis in the unmatched patients showed that the CPR of Group II was 0.486 times that of Group I (95% CI: 0.303 to 0.779). Conclusions The modified long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol can be used as an optimal protocol for IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in POSEIDON patients. Level of evidence Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ying Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Han QS, Wu ZJ, Zhou Y, Liang JN, Jin QM, Song JY, Sun ZG. Effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected poor ovarian response (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069840. [PMID: 37558441 PMCID: PMC10414096 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women characterised by diminished ovarian reserve are considered to have poor ovarian response (POR) according to Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria. Patients in this population often have a poor prognosis for treatment with assisted reproductive technology. In previous studies, oestrogen pretreatment before ovarian stimulation has been shown to have a beneficial effect. However, recent studies presented conflicting conclusions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected POR (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective superiority randomised parallel controlled trial will be conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. A total of 316 patients will be randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. In the intervention group, oral oestrogen pretreatment will be administered from day 7 after ovulation until day 2 of the next menstrual cycle. Afterwards, a flexible GnRH-ant protocol will be initiated. The control group will receive no additional intervention beyond routine ovarian stimulation. The primary outcome is the number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes include the total number of retrieved metaphase II oocytes, average daily dose of gonadotropin, total gonadotropin dose and duration of ovarian stimulation, cycle cancellation rate, top quality embryos rate, blastocyst formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and endometrial thickness on trigger day. All data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The ethical approval has been confirmed by the reproductive ethics committee of the affiliated hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM/2022.9.20). In addition, written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants before the study. The results will be disseminated via publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200064812.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Song Han
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Juan Wu
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Nan Liang
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qing-Mei Jin
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Yan Song
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen-Gao Sun
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Walker ZW, Lanes A, Srouji SS, Hornstein MD, Ginsburg ES. Ultra-low-dose and very-low-dose Lupron downregulation protocols for poor responders based on POSEIDON group 3 and 4 classifications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02842-8. [PMID: 37326893 PMCID: PMC10371969 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02842-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to assess if very-low-dose Lupron (VLDL) and ultra-low-dose Lupron (ULDL) protocols can have comparable cycle outcomes when compared to other "poor responder" stimulation protocols based on POSEIDON classification groups 3 (PG3) and 4 (PG4). METHODS A retrospective cohort study at a single, large academic center was performed. Women in PG3 (age < 35, AMH < 1.2 ng/mL) or PG4 (age ≥ 35, AMH < 1.2 ng/mL) undergoing in vitro fertilization using an ULDL (Lupron 0.1 to 0.05 mg daily), VLDL (Lupron 0.2 to 0.1 mg daily), microflare (Lupron 0.05 mg twice a day), estradiol priming/antagonist, antagonist, or minimal stimulation protocols from 2012 to 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the number of mature oocytes (MII) obtained. The secondary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). RESULTS The cohort included 3601 cycles. The mean age was 38.1 ± 3.8 years. In the PG3 group, ULDL and VLDL protocols produced a comparable number of MIIs (5.8 ± 4.3 and 5.9 ± 5.4, respectively) and live births (33.3% and 33.3%, respectively) when compared to other protocols. In the PG4 group, ULDL and VLDL protocols resulted in a higher percentage of MIIs when compared to microflare or minimal stimulation (Microflare/ULDL: adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.78 (95% CI 0.65, 0.95); min stim/ULDL: aRR 0.47 (95% CI 0.38, 0.58); microflare/VLDL: aRR 0.77 (95% CI 0.63, 0.95); min stim/VLDL: aRR 0.47 (95% CI 0.38, 0.95)). There were no significant differences in LBR. CONCLUSION Dilute Lupron downregulation protocols have comparable outcomes to other poor responder protocols and are reasonable to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andrea Lanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Serene S Srouji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark D Hornstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Ginsburg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Wang X, Li W, Chen X, Zhang W, Chu M, Yin S, Chu Y, Liu X. Is the long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol better for patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF? Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023. [PMID: 36688363 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of the long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) long protocol on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes of patients with endometriosis (EMs). METHODS This retrospective cohort study was carried out from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021. In all, 798 patients with EMs who underwent first IVF were enrolled. The patients were classified by the ovarian stimulation protocols. The clinical outcomes of IVF were compared in each group. RESULTS Those EMs patients who received the long-acting GnRHa long protocol had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (72.00%, 60.70% and 50.90%, respectively; P = 0.047 and 0.010) and implantation rate (51.0%, 44.6%, and 38.7%, respectively; P = 0.006 and <0.001) compared with the short-acting GnRHa long protocol and the GnRH antagonist protocol. Live birth rate was also significantly higher than the GnRH antagonist protocol (60.10% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.032), but not statistically different from the short-acting GnRHa (60.10% vs. 53.80%, P = 0.443). In addition, they also had significantly higher duration of stimulation, total dose of gonadotropin, and number of high-quality embryos transferred compared with other groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The long-acting GnRHa long protocol could improve IVF outcomes of patients with EMs compared with the short-acting GnRHa long protocol and the GnRH antagonist protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenshu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | | | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Min Chu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Shuyuan Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Yongli Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
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Wang L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Qian C, Wang X, Bai J, Li F, Chen Z, Ai A. Analysis of euploidy rates in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles with progestin-primed versus GnRH agonist/antagonist protocol. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:28. [PMID: 36642707 PMCID: PMC9841681 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01000-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progestins can suppress endogenous luteinising hormone (LH) secretion from the pituitary gland and have shown similar efficacy in terms of collecting competent oocytes and embryos; however, some inconsistencies have been proposed regarding the quality of embryos collected with the use of progestins. This study aimed to evaluate euploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles using the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol versus the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist/antagonist protocol. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 608 PGT-A cycles: 146 women in the PPOS group, 160 women in the GnRH agonist group, and 302 women in the GnRH antagonist group. This study was performed at the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centre of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Additionally, 267 corresponding first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles were analysed to assess pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The euploid blastocyst rate per injected metaphase II(MII) oocytes (14.60% vs. 14.09% vs. 13.94%) was comparable among the three groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the three groups regarding pregnancy outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and live birth rates per transfer in the first FET cycles (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The PPOS protocol had no negative effect on euploid blastocyst formation, and the pregnancy outcomes in FET cycles using the PPOS protocol were similar to those of the GnRH agonist and antagonist protocols. Trial registration This trial was retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyun Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Qian
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Bai
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Chen
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai Ai
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China
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Shang Y, Wu M, He R, Ye Y, Sun X. Administration of growth hormone improves endometrial function in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:838-857. [PMID: 35641113 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive effects of growth hormone (GH) on IVF are often attributed to improvements in oocyte and embryo quality. While emerging evidence emphasizes GH-induced improvements in the endometrium, these results are controversial. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether GH administration improved endometrial function and reproductive outcomes during IVF cycles and to thus guide clinical practice. SEARCH METHODS A literature search in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed and Embase was performed through to 30 November 2021, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of GH on IVF outcomes were included. Risk of bias and quality of evidence (QoE) were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed by random-effects models. OUTCOMES A total of 25 trials with 2424 women were included. Seventeen RCTs with poor responders (n = 1723) showed that GH administration significantly increased endometrial thickness (EMT) (MD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18-0.59; moderate QoE), which contributed to an improved live birth rate (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.49; very low QoE) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.43-2.72; low QoE). Subgroup analyses showed a dose- and time-dependent relationship between GH cotreatment and IVF outcomes; the optimal recommendation for improving CPR was consistent with that for EMT, rather than for oocytes and embryos. Hence, GH might improve fertility via effects on the endometrium. Administration of GH daily from the follicular phase of previous cycle until the hCG trigger with < 5 IU/day led to a thicker endometrium and a greater chance of becoming pregnant, while 5-10 IU/day or administration from the luteal phase of the previous cycle until the hCG trigger resulted in higher oocyte and embryo quality. Poor responders might benefit from cotreatment with the GnRH agonist long protocol more than other stimulation protocols. Pooled data from four trials (n = 354) on women with a thin endometrium indicated that improved endometrial function might be critical for improving reproductive outcomes during GH treatment, as no improvements in embryo quality were found. GH administration not only increased EMT (MD = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.21-1.75; moderate QoE) but also promoted endometrial morphology (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.36-5.23; low QoE) and perfusion (OR = 5.84, 95% CI: 1.30-26.17; low QoE), thereby improving the CPR (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.69-4.34; P < 0.0001; low QoE). There was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion regarding the effects of GH in normal responders (n = 80). Due to obvious improvements in the CPR, women with a thin endometrium might be the most appropriate population to benefit from GH administration. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improving endometrial function might be another vital mechanism by which GH improves IVF outcomes. Optimal treatment should be offered to the target population according to their personal conditions and needs. The QoE was moderate to very low, due to limited sample sizes and methodological problems; thus, the results should be interpreted with caution. More rigorous RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the effects and determine optimal GH protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruohan He
- Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Department, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ye
- Department of Gynaecology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated TCM-WM, Cangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Sun
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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