Pregnancy outcomes in oocyte donation recipients: vaginal gel versus intramuscular injection progesterone replacement

Oral, vaginal or intramuscular progesterone in programmed frozen embryo transfer cycles: a pilot randomized controlled trial

RESEARCH QUESTION

What should be the optimal route of luteal support in programmed frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles?

DESIGN

This was a randomized, parallel, phase IV pilot trial with three groups of women undergoing FET along with hormone replacement therapy for endometrial preparation at a tertiary private IVF centre (NCT03948022). Women with at least one autologous cryopreserved blastocyst were included. After preparing the endometrium with oestradiol, 151 women were randomly assigned to one of the following three progesterone arms before embryo transfer: oral (10 mg) dydrogesterone (DYD), total daily dose 40 mg (n = 52); 8% (90 mg) progesterone vaginal gel (VAG), total daily dose 180 mg (n = 55); or intramuscular progesterone (IMP) 50 mg/ml in oil, total daily dose 100 mg (n = 44). One or two vitrified-warmed blastocysts were transferred after 5 days' progesterone support.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic features and embryological data were comparable among the groups. Ongoing pregnancy rates (40.4%, 38.2% and 45.5% in the DYD, VAG and IMP arms; P = 0.76) and live birth rates (40.4%, 38.2% and 43.2% in the DYD, VAG and IMP arms, P = 0.61) were statistically similar. Biochemical pregnancy rates and clinical miscarriage rates were also statistically similar among the groups. Significantly more patients with at least one side effect and moderate-to-severe side effects were documented in the IMP arm than the other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with 40 mg/day oral DYD, 180 mg/day progesterone VAG gel or 100 mg/day IMP revealed similar reproductive outcomes in programmed FET cycles. Side effects were significantly more frequent in the IMP arm.

Progesterone: The Key Factor of the Beginning of Life

Progesterone is the ovarian steroid produced by the granulosa cells of follicles after the LH peak at mid-cycle. Its role is to sustain embryo endometrial implantation and ongoing pregnancy. Other biological effects of progesterone may exert a protective function in supporting pregnancy up to birth. Luteal phase support (LPS) with progesterone is the standard of care for assisted reproductive technology. Progesterone vaginal administration is currently the most widely used treatment for LPS. Physicians and patients have been reluctant to change an administration route that has proven to be effective. However, some questions remain open, namely the need for LPS in fresh and frozen embryo transfer, the route of administration, the optimal duration of LPS, dosage, and the benefit of combination therapies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the uterine and extra-uterine effects of progesterone that may play a role in embryo implantation and pregnancy, and to discuss the advantages of the use of progesterone for LPS in the context of Good Medical Practice.

Intramuscular progesterone optimizes live birth from programmed frozen embryo transfer: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vaginal progesterone for programmed endometrial preparation is noninferior to intramuscular progesterone in terms of live birth rates from frozen embryo transfer (FET).

DESIGN

Three-armed, randomized, controlled noninferiority trial.

SETTING

Multicenter fertility clinic.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 1,346 volunteer subjects planning vitrified-warmed transfer of high-quality nonbiopsied blastocysts were screened, of whom 1,125 subjects were ultimately enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment.

INTERVENTION(S)

The subjects were randomly assigned to receive, in preparation for FET, 50 mg daily of intramuscular progesterone (control group), 200 mg twice daily of vaginal micronized progesterone plus 50 mg of intramuscular progesterone every third day (combination treatment), or 200 mg twice daily of vaginal micronized progesterone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcome was live birth rate per vitrified-warmed embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes were a positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin test 2 weeks after FET, biochemical pregnancy loss, clinical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy loss, total pregnancy loss, serum luteal progesterone concentration 2 weeks after FET, and patient's experience and attitudes regarding the route of progesterone administration, on the basis of a survey administered to the subjects between FET and pregnancy test.

RESULT(S)

A total of 1,060 FETs were completed. The live birth rate was significantly lower in women receiving only vaginal progesterone (27%) than in women receiving intramuscular progesterone (44%) or combination treatment (46%). Fifty percent of pregnancies in women receiving only vaginal progesterone ended in miscarriage.

CONCLUSION(S)

The live birth rate after vaginal-only progesterone replacement was significantly reduced, due primarily to an increased rate of miscarriage. Vaginal progesterone supplemented with intramuscular progesterone every third day was noninferior to daily intramuscular progesterone, offering an effective alternative regimen with fewer injections.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02254577.

Comparison of vaginal progesterone gel combined with oral dydrogesterone versus intramuscular progesterone for luteal support in hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer cycle

BACKGROUND

It remains under subject of debate regarding the optimal route of luteal support for hormone replacement therapy- frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET) cycles. We compared efficacy of vaginal progesterone gel combined with oral dydrogesterone and intramuscular progesterone for HRT-FET lutein support.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study. After matching for propensity score of getting vaginal + oral treatment, a total of 208 FET cycles in the vaginal progesterone combined with oral dydrogesterone and 624 cycles in the intramuscular progesterone group were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes including chemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, spontaneous abortion rate, live birth rate, gestational weeks, pre-term delivery, birth weight, and congenital anomalies rate were compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in patient characteristics such as age, duration of infertility, type of infertility, or hormone level after matching. Chemical pregnancy rate (68.3 % versus 70.5 %), clinical pregnancy rate (64.9 % versus 64.4 %), implantation rate (52.3 % versus 50.2 %), spontaneous abortion rate (21.5 % versus 18.4 %), and live birth rate (49.0 % versus 51.3 %) were similar in both group without statistically significant difference. No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

We observed similar pregnancy outcomes in both vaginal progesterone gel combined with oral dydrogesterone and intramuscular progesterone protocol. Vaginal progesterone gel combined with oral dydrogesterone can be substituted for intramuscular progesterone given that vaginal plus oral use has good safety and is more convenient and may be associated with less side effect caused by intramuscular injection.

A comparison of the effects of three different estrogen used for endometrium preparation on the outcome of day 5 frozen embryo transfer cycle

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of three different estrogen used for endometrium preparation on pregnancy rate, as well as hormone profile on day 5 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational study. Setting: A tertiary teaching and research private reproductive medicine center. Patients: Ninety patients who were undergoing endometrium preparation for day five frozen embryo transfer cycle (FET). Intervention(s): The women were divided in three groups according to the administration route of estrogen (E2): oral (Primogyna), transdermal patches (Estradot), or transdermal gel (Oestrogel Pump). These administration routines of estrogen are equivalent to 6mg of estradiol daily. All women received 600mg of vaginal progesterone (P) per day (Utrogestan) for luteal phase support. We drew blood samples on starting P day, as well as on beta hCG day for E2 and P measurements. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical pregnancy rates (PR).

RESULTS

Patient features in the three groups were comparable. There were no significant differences concerning implantation rate, clinical PR, miscarriage rate, multiple-pregnancy rate, or E2 and P levels on starting P day and on beta hCG day.

CONCLUSIONS

In FET cycles with oral (Primogyna) or transdermal patches (Estradot), or transdermal gel (Oestrogel Pump), there was no significant difference on pregnancy rates.

Comparison of intramuscular versus subcutaneous aqueous progesterone for luteal phase support in artificially prepared frozen embryo transfer cycles

OBJECTIVE

Cryopreservation of embryos for future transfer attempts has noticeably increased in the last decade, especially due to the technological developments in in vitro fertlization (IVF) laboratories. In parallel, different progesterone (P) replacement regimens preceding artificially prepared frozen embryo transfer (AC-FET) attempts, especially with respect to the route of application and dosing scheme, have been widely argued so far. We aimed to provide more information about the efficacy profile of novel subcutaneous aqueous progesterone (SP) in AC-FET cycles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, single-centre cohort study included a total of 507 AC-FET cycles performed between June 2018 and April 2020. Three hundred forty-nine (68.8%) patients received 50 mg of intramuscular progesterone as once daily, 158 (31.2%) patients received 25 mg of SP as twice daily. Only, the first and single blastocyst transfers from the same cohort were accepted. The inclusion criteria were as follows: females aged <37 years, body mass index ≥18 kg/m2 and ≤35 kg/m2, sperm concentration ≥5x106/mL. Pre-implantation genetic testing cycles were not included. The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR).

RESULTS

The number of previous IVF attempts, type of infertility, peak estradiol (E2) levels, the total number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, and the number of 2PN was significantly different between the groups. Positive pregnancy (p=0.474) and clinical pregnancy rates (p=0.979), LBR (p=0.404), and missed abortion rates (p=0.144) were comparable between the groups. The total number of oocytes [adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=1.024, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.047; p=0.03)], endometrial thickness (AOR=1.121, 95% CI: 1.003-1.253; p=0.044), and cryopreservation day 5/6 (AOR=0.421, 95% CI: 0.226-0.788; p=0.007) achieved statistical significance following binary logistic regression analysis. However, P administration type did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.731).

CONCLUSION

As a novel option, SP has comparable efficacy in pregnancy outcomes and may be accepted as an alternative for luteal phase support in AC-FET cycles.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist combined with hormone replacement therapy does not improve the reproductive outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle in elderly patients: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of whole embryo freezing technology, more and more frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) was used in assisted reproductive technology. However, the best FET program for elderly women has not been finalized. We intended to explore the reproductive outcomes of traditional hormone replacement treatment and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) combined with hormone replacement treatment in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle of elderly patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we analyzed 1264 elderly patients (aged 38 years or older) who underwent FET at three reproductive centers between 2015 and 2017. According to the endometrial preparation protocol, we divided the patients into a GnRHa combined with hormone replacement treatment (GnRHa-HRT) group and traditional hormone replacement treatment (HRT) group. The clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth, and abortion rates were compared between groups.

RESULTS

One-way analysis of variance of the two groups revealed no significant difference in the clinical (33.58% vs. 37.15%) and ongoing pregnancy rates (19.40% vs. 25.10%) between the GnRHa-HRT and HRT groups. The live birth rate (17.54% vs. 24.10% p = 0.0229) of the GnRHa-HRT group was lower than that of the HRT group, whereas the abortion rate (45.56% vs. 32.97% p = 0.0252) was higher than that of the HRT group. However, multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in the live birth rate (p = 0.1333) or abortion rate (p = 0.1881) between the GnRHa-HRT and HRT groups. The number of embryos transferred, level of the embryo, and age and ovarian reserve of the patient significantly affected final reproductive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

A GnRH agonist combined with hormone replacement therapy did not improve the reproductive outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo cycles in elderly patients.

Comparison of daily vaginal progesterone gel plus weekly intramuscular progesterone with daily intramuscular progesterone for luteal phase support in single, autologous euploid frozen-thawed embryo transfers

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes between daily intramuscular progesterone (IMP) and daily vaginal progesterone (VP) gel plus weekly intramuscular hydroxyprogesterone caproate (IMHPC) for luteal phase support (LPS) in single, autologous euploid frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers (FBTs) following artificial endometrial preparation (EP).

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study included 767 single, autologous FBTs from 731 patients between January 2015 and March 2018. LPS was performed either with IMP (100 mg/day) or with VP gel (90 mg, twice daily) plus IMHPC (250 mg/week). Oral estrogen was prescribed in combination of both regimes. Oral estrogen was discontinued following the visualization of fetal cardiac activity on ultrasound and progesterone at 10 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes included implantation, clinical pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics did not differ in LPS regimes. Of 767 FBTs, 608 had IMP (100 mg/day) for LPS and 159 had VP gel (90 mg, twice daily) plus IMHPC (250 mg/week) for LPS. The live birth rate was 51.8% and 50.3%, respectively (p = 0.737, OR 0.94, 95%CI 0.66-1.33). The implantation rate was 62.7% and 64.2%, respectively (p = 0.730, OR 1.06, 95%CI 0.74-1.53). The clinical pregnancy rates were also similar in both groups (59.5% vs. 61.6%, respectively, p = 0.631, OR 1.09, 95%CI 0.76-1.56).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not observe significant differences in the rates of live birth, implantation, and clinical pregnancy between daily IMP and daily VP gel plus weekly IMHPC for LPS in single, autologous euploid FBTs after artificial EP.

Endometrial preparation before the transfer of single, vitrified-warmed, euploid blastocysts: does the duration of estradiol treatment influence clinical outcome?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the duration of estrogen administration before euploid embryo transfer affects clinical outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Private, academic fertility center.

PATIENT(S)

Patients (n = 1,439) undergoing autologous freeze-only in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) followed by endometrial preparation with estrogen and progesterone in a frozen, euploid blastocyst transfer cycle.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary outcome was live birth, and secondary outcomes included implantation, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, live birth, infant birthweight, low birth weight, infant gestational age at delivery, and preterm birth.

RESULT(S)

The duration of estrogen administration (mean: 17.5 ± 2.9 days; range: 10-36 days) before frozen embryo transfer did not impact implantation (odds ratio [OR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.03), clinical pregnancy (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94-1.01), early pregnancy loss (OR 1.03; 95% CI, 0.95-1.12), or live birth (OR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.03). The duration of estrogen exposure did not affect infant birthweight (in grams) (β= -10.65 ± 8.91) or the odds of low birth weight (OR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68-1.13). For every additional day of estrogen administration, we observed a reduction in gestational age at delivery (in weeks) (β= -0.07 ± 0.03), but the odds of preterm delivery were not affected (OR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.95-1.17).

CONCLUSION(S)

Variation in the duration of estradiol supplementation before progesterone initiation does not impact frozen, euploid blastocyst transfer outcome. The duration of estrogen administration was inversely correlated with gestational age at delivery, but this did not translate into an increase in preterm delivery. Further studies are required on the downstream effects of endometrial preparation on the placental-endometrium interface.

Innovations in assisted reproductive technologies: impact on contemporary donor egg practice and future advances

Innovations in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have driven progress in the donor egg field since the birth of the first baby derived from a donor egg in 1983. Over time, donor oocytes have become an increasingly used option for patients unable to conceive with autologous oocytes. In donor egg, the unique separation of the oocyte source and recipient uterus has created a model that has propelled advances in ART. Progressive ART innovations that have optimized the oocyte donor and resulting embryo include the following: evaluation of ovarian reserve, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimens that reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, blastocyst culture, oocyte cryopreservation, and preimplantation genetic testing. For donor egg recipients, methods to optimize the endometrium to maximize implantation include endometrial receptivity testing, immunologic donor-recipient matching, and increased understanding of the uterine microbiome.

Vitrified blastocyst transfer cycles with the use of only vaginal progesterone replacement with Endometrin have inferior ongoing pregnancy rates: results from the planned interim analysis of a three-arm randomized controlled noninferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the noninferiority of vaginal P (Endometrin) compared with daily intramuscular P for replacement in programmed vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles and to assess the noninferiority of vaginal P in combination with intramuscular progesterone every third day compared with daily intramuscular P.

DESIGN

Three-arm randomized controlled noninferiority study. To enable early recognition of inferiority if present, an a priori interim analysis was planned and completed once ongoing pregnancy data were available for 50% of the total enrollment goal. The results of this interim analysis are presented here.

SETTING

Assisted reproduction technology practice.

PATIENT(S)

Women undergoing transfer of nonbiopsied high quality vitrified-warmed blastocyst(s) in a programmed cycle.

INTERVENTION(S)

Vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer with mode of P replacement determined by randomization to either: (1) 50 mg daily intramuscular P only; (2) 200 mg twice daily vaginal Endometrin; or (3) 200 mg twice daily Endometrin plus 50 mg intramuscular P every 3rd day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Live birth. The primary outcome of this interim analysis was ongoing pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

A total of 645 cycles were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment arms, received at least one dose of P replacement therapy according to this assignment and underwent vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. These cycles were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The study team, including the statistician, were blinded to the identity of the treatment arms, which were randomly labeled "A," "B," and "C" in the dataset. Ongoing pregnancy occurred in 50%, 47%, and 31% of cycles in arms A, B, and C respectively. Although arm C had an rate of positive hCG equivalent to the other two arms, the rate of pregnancy loss for arm C was significantly higher than for either of the two arms, resulting in a more than one-third lower rate of ongoing pregnancy. There were no statistically significant differences for any outcome tested between arms A and B. Results of a per-protocol analysis were nearly identical to those of the intention-to-treat analysis. On completion of these analyses, arm C was revealed to be the vaginal P only arm.

CONCLUSION(S)

Relative to regimens inclusive of intramuscular P, vaginal-only P replacement for vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer results in decreased ongoing pregnancy, due to increased miscarriage, and should be avoided. Randomization to the vaginal-only arm was terminated with these findings. This trial is ongoing to assess the noninferiority of the vaginal plus every 3rd day intramuscular P arm compared with daily intramuscular P in terms of live birth.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NLM identifier NCT02254577.

Modified natural cycle for embryo transfer using frozen-thawed blastocysts: A satisfactory option

OBJECTIVE

To describe pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed blastocysts cycles using modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfers (NC-FET) and down-regulated hormonally controlled frozen embryo transfers (HC-FET) protocols.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included all patients undergoing either modified NC-FET or down-regulated HC-FET using frozen-thawed day 5 embryos. Cycles with donor blastocysts were excluded. Four hundred twenty eight patients underwent a total of 493 FET cycles. Patients with regular menses and evidence of ovulation underwent modified NC-FET. These patients were given hCG 10,000 IU IM on the day of LH-surge. Vaginal progesterone (P4) was started two days later and blastocyst transfer was planned seven days after detecting the LH surge. Anovulatory patients and some ovulatory patients underwent down-regulated HC-FET. These patients were placed on medroxy-progesterone acetate (10mg) for 10days to bring on menses and were also given a half-dose of GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) on the third day of medroxy-progesterone acetate. Exogenous estradiol was initiated on the third day of menses. Once serum E2 levels reached >500pg/mL and endometrial lining reached >8mm, intramuscular (IM) P4 in oil was administered. Blastocyst FET was planned 6days after initiating P4. The primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy and delivery rates.

RESULTS

There were 197 patients in the modified NC-FET protocol and 181 in the down-regulated HC-FET protocol. Mean age (years), day-3 FSH levels (mIU/mL) and percentage of patients with male factor infertility were significantly higher and mean BMI (kg/m²) was significantly lower in modified NC-FET compared to HC-FET, respectively. Analysis of the first cycle pregnancy outcomes revealed no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (54.3% vs. 52.5%) and delivery rate (47.2% vs. 43.6%) between modified NC-FET and HC-FET. Logistic regression analysis showed age (OR=0.939, 95% CI 0.894-0.989, p=0.011), number of blastocysts transferred (OR=1.414, 95% CI 1.046-1.909, p=0.024), and the year of FET (OR=1.127, 95% CI 1.029-1.234, p=0.010) were significant factors impacting clinical pregnancy. An age analysis within three age groups (≤35, 36-39, ≥40) was performed, but no significant difference in clinical pregnancy was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that modified NC-FET protocol has comparable pregnancy outcomes to down-regulated HC-FET when utilizing frozen-thawed day 5 embryos.

Progesterone supplementation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Currently, different modalities with regard to endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FTET) are used, the natural and artificial cycles being the most common approaches. This review is aimed to update the current knowledge about progesterone supplementation in both types of protocols.

RECENT FINDINGS

Natural cycle-frozen-thawed embryo transfer (NC-FTET) is the favored option for women with normal ovulatory menstrual cycles and may be programmed following two different protocols: the 'true NC-FTET', associated with daily blood or urine luteinizing hormone measurements, and 'modified NC-FTET', triggering ovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin. Both methods of endometrial preparation show comparable reproductive outcomes. In artificial cycle-frozen-thawed embryo transfer, estrogen and progesterone are sequentially administered, being the option of choice for women with irregular menstrual cycles. Nowadays, no differences between the different formulations of progesterone have been observed. Furthermore, there seems to be no agreement on doses and duration of progesterone supplementation during FTET.

SUMMARY

We conclude that, according to the current available data, there is no superiority of any one regimen over another with regard to reproductive outcomes. Therefore, the final decision must be based on individualization of the treatment while considering patient characteristics prior to FTET, convenience, optimization of clinical outcomes and cost efficiency of the procedure.

Crinone Gel for Luteal Phase Support in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial in the Chinese Population

To compare Crinone vaginal progesterone gel with intramuscularly injected progesterone for luteal phase support in progesterone-supplemented frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, a randomized prospective study of patients qualified for FET was conducted between September 2010 and January 2013 at a hospital in Shanghai, China. From the day of transformation into secretory phase endometrium (day 0), Crinone vaginal gel (90 mg/d) was administered to patients in the Gel Group, while progesterone (40 mg/d) was injected intramuscularly in patients in the Inj Group (n = 750 per group). All patients received oral dydrogesterone (20 mg/d) and estradiol valerate (4–8 mg/d). Day 3 embryos with the highest pre-frozen scores were transferred to patients in the two groups and the clinical outcomes compared. This study comprised 1,500 cycles (750 in each group). Twenty-nine cycles in the Gel Group and 24 in the Inj Group were withdrawn. There were no significant differences between groups in age, endometrial thickness, endometrial preparation time or number of embryos transferred. No significant differences were observed between the Gel Group and Inj Group in the rates of live birth (32.6% vs. 31.7%, P = 0.71), clinical pregnancy (40.1% vs. 40.6%, P = 0.831), implantation (25.8% vs. 25.3%, P = 0.772), abortion (16.3% vs. 18.3%, P = 0.514) or ectopic pregnancy (2.8% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.288). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the rates of live birth, clinical pregnancy, abortion and ectopic pregnancy (Gel Group relative to Inj Group) were 1.036 (0.829–1.295), 0.971 (0.785–1.200), 0.919 (0.595–1.420) and 0.649 (0.261–1.614), respectively. Our study revealed that using Crinone vaginal gel in FET cycles achieved similar pregnancy outcomes to intramuscular progesterone, indicating that vaginal gel is a viable alternative to intramuscular injection.

Progesterone and the luteal phase: a requisite to reproduction

Progesterone production from the corpus luteum is critical for natural reproduction. Progesterone supplementation seems to be an important aspect of any assisted reproductive technology treatment. Luteal phase deficiency in natural cycles is a plausible cause of infertility and pregnancy loss, though there is no adequate diagnostic test. This article describes the normal luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, investigates the controversy surrounding luteal phase deficiency, and presents the current literature for progesterone supplementation during assisted reproductive technologies.

Progesterone replacement with vaginal gel versus i.m. injection: cycle and pregnancy outcomes in IVF patients receiving vitrified blastocysts

STUDY QUESTION

Does the type of luteal support affect pregnancy outcomes in recipients of vitrified blastocysts?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Luteal support with vaginal progesterone gel or i.m. progesterone (IMP) results in comparable implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF patients receiving vitrified blastocysts.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In fresh IVF cycles, both IMP and vaginal progesterone have become the standard of care for luteal phase support. Due to conflicting data in replacement cycles, IMP is often considered to be the standard of care.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective analysis of 920 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles between 1 January 2010 and 1 September 2012.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Patients from a large, private practice undergoing autologous and donor FET using IMP or vaginal progesterone gel for luteal support were included in the analysis. IMP was used for luteal support in 682 FET cycles and vaginal progesterone gel was used in 238 FET cycles. Standard clinical outcomes of positive serum hCG levels, implantation, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion and live birth were reported.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The IMP and vaginal progesterone gel groups had similar patient demographics for all characteristics assessed. Implantation rates (46.4 versus 45.6%, P = 0.81), clinical pregnancy rates (61.7 versus 60.5%, P = 0.80) and live birth rates (49.1 versus 48.9%, P > 0.99) were not significantly different between IMP and vaginal progesterone gel, respectively.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study is limited by its retrospective design and by its lack of randomization to the type of luteal support. In addition, because no a priori expected rates of success could be provided for this retrospective investigation, it was not possible to estimate statistical power associated with the various outcomes presented.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

With the recent trends toward single embryo transfer (SET) and use of vitrified blastocysts in FET cycles, our data with ∼40% of cycles being SET and use of exclusively vitrified blastocysts are more relevant to current practices than previous studies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

Support for data collection and analysis was provided by Actavis, Inc. D.S. has received honoraria for lectures and participation in Scientific Advisory Boards for Actavis, Inc. J.P. is an employee of Actavis, Inc. N.E. has received payment from Actavis, Inc., for her time for data collection. H.H. has received payment from Actavis, Inc., for statistical analyses. Z.P.N. has nothing to disclose.

Characterizing the practice of oocyte donation: a web-based international survey

Although oocyte donation is widely practised, few interventions in this field are evidence based. The objective of this study was to describe the current practices for evaluation and treatment of oocyte donors and recipients worldwide. Through an IVF-focused website, an internet-based survey was addressed to physicians in IVF units worldwide. A total of 161 units responded, reflecting 14,890 annual oocyte donation cycles. The majority (83.3%) of centres perform genetic testing for oocyte donors, and in 94.6% of cycles, donors are <35 years old. Anonymous donors are most commonly used (91.3%) and 95.8% are fresh donations. In 51.4% of donor cycles, the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol is used, and in 29.8% of these cycles, a GnRH agonist is prescribed for the ovulatory trigger. Recipient pituitary suppression is used in 76.7% of cycles, and oral oestrogen (86.4%) and vaginal progesterone (73.8%) are the preferred routes of administration for endometrial preparation. In the majority (51.5%) of cycles, a minimum endometrial thickness of ≥ 7 mm is required. This study reflects a relative lack of homogeneity in management of oocyte donors and recipients and highlights the need for developing a consensus in the practice of oocyte donation based upon evidence-based medicine.

Intramuscular progesterone versus 8% Crinone vaginal gel for luteal phase support for day 3 cryopreserved embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes after intramuscular progesterone (IMP) or 8% Crinone vaginal gel for luteal support for day 3 cryopreserved embryo transfer (CET).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study with multivariable analysis.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

All autologous and donor egg in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients who had a day 3 CET from January 1, 2008, to April 30, 2011, with luteal support using 25-50 mg/d IMP or 8% Crinone twice daily, initiated 3 days before the CET.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates per CET.

RESULT(S)

IMP (n = 440) and Crinone (n = 298) recipients were similar for all demographic characteristics and cycle parameters assessed. Although implantation rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (Crinone vs. IMP: 19.6% vs. 30.4%), women supplemented with Crinone had significantly lower rates of clinical pregnancy (36.9% vs. 51.1%) and live birth (24.4% vs. 39.1%) compared with those on IMP.

CONCLUSION(S)

We observed that day 3 CET cycles with 8% Crinone luteal support had a 44% and 49% lower odds of clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively, compared with those with IMP support. Further studies are required to identify the optimal timing and dose of 8% Crinone vaginal gel for use in CET cycles.