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Svenstrup L, Möller S, Fedder J, Pedersen DE, Erb K, Andersen CY, Humaidan P. Investigation of luteal HCG supplementation in GnRH-agonist-triggered fresh embryo transfer cycles: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103415. [PMID: 38452605 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does splitting the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) support in IVF cycles triggered by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist result in a better progesterone profile? DESIGN Randomized controlled three-arm study, performed at the Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. Patients with 12-25 follicles ≥12 mm were randomized into three groups: Group 1 - ovulation triggered with 6500 IU HCG; Group 2 - ovulation triggered with 0.5 mg GnRH agonist, followed by 1500 IU HCG on the day of oocyte retrieval (OCR); and Group 3 - ovulation triggered with 0.5 mg GnRH agonist, followed by 1000 IU HCG on the day of OCR and 500 IU HCG on OCR + 5. All groups received 180 mg vaginal progesterone. Progesterone concentrations were analysed in eight blood samples from each patient. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients completed the study. Baseline and laboratory data were comparable. Progesterone concentration peaked on OCR + 4 in Groups 1 and 2, and peaked on OCR + 6 in Group 3. On OCR + 6, the progesterone concentration in Group 2 was significantly lower compared with Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). On OCR + 8, the progesterone concentration in Group 3 was significantly higher compared with the other groups (both P<0.001). Progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in Group 3 from OCR + 6 until OCR + 14 compared with the other groups (all P ≤ 0.003). Four patients developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in Group 3. CONCLUSION Sequential HCG support after a GnRH agonist trigger provides a better progesterone concentration in the luteal phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Svenstrup
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Fertility Clinic, Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Sören Möller
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Fertility Clinic, Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorrit Elschner Pedersen
- Fertility Clinic, Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin Erb
- Fertility Clinic, Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark; Faculty of Health, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Chen K, Zhang C, Chen L, Zhao Y, Li H. Reproductive outcomes of dual trigger therapy with GnRH agonist and hCG versus hCG trigger in women with diminished ovarian reserve: a retrospective study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:35. [PMID: 38566172 PMCID: PMC10985881 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is one of the obstacles affecting the reproductive outcomes of patients receiving assisted reproductive therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dual trigger, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with DOR undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles using mild stimulation protocols. METHODS A total of 734 patients with DOR were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into a recombinant hCG trigger group and a dual trigger group (hCG combined with GnRHa) according to the different trigger drugs used. The main outcome measures included the number of oocytes retrieved, the fertilization rate, the number of transferable embryos, the implantation rate, the clinical pregnancy rate, the miscarriage rate, the live birth rate (LBR), and the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Generalized linear model and logistic regression analyses were performed for confounding factors. RESULTS There were 337 cycles with a single hCG trigger and 397 cycles with dual trigger. The dual trigger group demonstrated significantly higher numbers of retrieved oocytes [3.60 vs. 2.39, adjusted β = 0.538 (0.221-0.855)], fertilized oocytes [2.55 vs. 1.94, adjusted β = 0.277 (0.031-0.523)] and transferable embryos [1.22 vs. 0.95, adjusted β = 0.162 (-0.005-0.329)] than did the hCG trigger group, whereas no significant difference in the fertilization rate was observed between the two groups. Moreover, the embryo transfer cancellation rate (35.5% vs. 43.9%) was obviously lower in the dual trigger group. Among the fresh embryo transfer cycles, the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate were similar between the two groups. After controlling for potential confounding variables, the trigger method was identified as an independent factor affecting the number of oocytes retrieved but had no significant impact on the CLBR. CONCLUSIONS Dual triggering of final oocyte maturation with hCG combined with GnRHa can significantly increase the number of oocytes retrieved in patients with DOR but has no improvement effect on the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate or LBR of fresh cycles or on the CLBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, HaiDian District, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, HaiDian District, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, HaiDian District, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, HaiDian District, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing, China.
| | - Hongzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, HaiDian District, No. 49 HuaYuan North Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, P. R. China (2023), Beijing, China.
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Aziz NA, Ibrahim A, Ramli R, Yaacob N, Rahman SNA, Ismail EHE, Omar AA. Comparison between hCG and GnRH Agonist for Ovulation Trigger in GnRH Antagonist In-Vitro Fertilization Cycles in a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia: An observational study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:21-26. [PMID: 38224580 PMCID: PMC10936917 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE hCG is commonly used as an ovulation trigger in IVF. Its usage is associated with OHSS. GnRH agonist is an alternative to hCG and is associated with reduced incidence of OHSS. This study compared the cycle outcomes of GnRH agonists with hCG as an ovulation trigger in IVF cycles. METHODS The medical notes of 209 IVF cycles receiving GnRH agonist and hCG as ovulation trigger over 18 months were reviewed in this retrospective study. The number and quality of mature oocytes, the number and quality of embryos, pregnancy rates, and outcomes were compared using Independent T-test or One-way ANOVA for normal distribution. The Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for not normally distributed. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The cycle outcomes of 107 GnRH agonist-trigger and 102 hCG-trigger were compared. The MII oocytes retrieved and 2PN count was significantly higher in the GnRH agonist trigger group (p<0.001). Clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy were higher in the GnRH agonist trigger group but were not statistically significant. The GnRH agonist trigger group was associated with low OHSS than the hCG trigger group (n=2(1.9%) and n=12(11.8%) respectively, p=0.004). CONCLUSION GnRH agonist trigger is an option as a final maturation trigger in high-responder women undergoing IVF or ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Azimah Aziz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical
Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology, Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Sultanah Nur
Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Adibah Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical
Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology, Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Roziana Ramli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Sultanah Nur
Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nasuha Yaacob
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Sultanah Nur
Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nabillah Abdul Rahman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Sultanah Nur
Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Engku Husna Engku Ismail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical
Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology, Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Akram Omar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical
Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology, Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Feferkorn I, Santos-Ribeiro S, Ubaldi FM, Velasco JG, Ata B, Blockeel C, Conforti A, Esteves SC, Fatemi HM, Gianaroli L, Grynberg M, Humaidan P, Lainas GT, La Marca A, Craig LB, Lathi R, Norman RJ, Orvieto R, Paulson R, Pellicer A, Polyzos NP, Roque M, Sunkara SK, Tan SL, Urman B, Venetis C, Weissman A, Yarali H, Dahan MH. The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2681-2695. [PMID: 37713144 PMCID: PMC10643792 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide agreed-upon guidelines on the management of a hyper-responsive patient undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) METHODS: A literature search was performed regarding the management of hyper-response to OS for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 4 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥66% of the participants agreed, and ≤3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. A total of 28/31 experts responded (selected for global coverage), anonymous to each other. RESULTS A total of 26/28 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. The target number of oocytes to be collected in a stimulation cycle for IVF in an anticipated hyper-responder is 15-19 (89.3% consensus). For a potential hyper-responder, it is preferable to achieve a hyper-response and freeze all than aim for a fresh transfer (71.4% consensus). GnRH agonists should be avoided for pituitary suppression in anticipated hyper-responders performing IVF (96.4% consensus). The preferred starting dose in the first IVF stimulation cycle of an anticipated hyper-responder of average weight is 150 IU/day (82.1% consensus). ICoasting in order to decrease the risk of OHSS should not be used (89.7% consensus). Metformin should be added before/during ovarian stimulation to anticipated hyper-responders only if the patient has PCOS and is insulin resistant (82.1% consensus). In the case of a hyper-response, a dopaminergic agent should be used only if hCG will be used as a trigger (including dual/double trigger) with or without a fresh transfer (67.9% consensus). After using a GnRH agonist trigger due to a perceived risk of OHSS, luteal phase rescue with hCG and an attempt of a fresh transfer is discouraged regardless of the number of oocytes collected (72.4% consensus). The choice of the FET protocol is not influenced by the fact that the patient is a hyper-responder (82.8% consensus). In the cases of freeze all due to OHSS risk, a FET cycle can be performed in the immediate first menstrual cycle (92.9% consensus). CONCLUSION These guidelines for the management of hyper-response can be useful for tailoring patient care and for harmonizing future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Feferkorn
- IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - F M Ubaldi
- GeneraLife Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | | | - B Ata
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Jette, Belgium
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - S C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado 1464, Campinas, SP, 13075-460, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, C, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H M Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - L Gianaroli
- Società Italiana Studi di Medicina della Riproduzione, S.I.S.Me.R. Reproductive Medicine Institute, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - M Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, University Paris-Sud (Paris XI), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Clamart, France
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Resenvej 25, 7800, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - A La Marca
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - L B Craig
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - R Lathi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - R J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- FertilitySA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation MCHRI, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CRE-WHiRL), Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - R Paulson
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - A Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
| | - N P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Roque
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, ORIGEN-Center for Reproductive Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S K Sunkara
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S L Tan
- OriginElle Fertility Clinic 2110 Boul. Decarie, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assisted Reproduction, American Hospital, Istanbul, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - C Venetis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Dept of OB/Gyn, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Virtus Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Weissman
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - H Yarali
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Anatolia IVF and Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University Health Care Center, 888 Boul. de Maisonneuve E #200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
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Yan MH, Sun ZG, Song JY. Dual trigger for final oocyte maturation in expected normal responders with a high immature oocyte rate: a randomized controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1254982. [PMID: 37869157 PMCID: PMC10585044 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1254982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate whether dual trigger could improve reproductive outcomes in women with low oocyte maturation rates compare to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger. Methods This study included expected normal ovarian responders younger than 40 years old whose immature oocyte rate in the previous cycle was more than 50% at the reproductive center from July 2021 to November 2022. A total of 73 patients were enrolled at trigger, including 34 in the hCG trigger group and 39 in the dual trigger group (co-administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and hCG, 40 and 34 h prior to oocyte retrieval, respectively). The primary outcome was oocyte maturation rate. Results There was no significant difference in the number of oocytes retrieved between the two study groups, but the oocyte maturation rate was higher in dual trigger group (84.0% [14.0%] vs. 55.5% [19.8%], p < 0.001). Moreover, there were also higher cumulative pregnancy rate (69.4% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.035) and cumulative live birth rate (66.7% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.022) in dual trigger group. Conclusion For normal responders with low oocyte maturation rates, the dual trigger may be more effective than the conventional hCG trigger. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2100049292.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Yan
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-Gao Sun
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Yan Song
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Palomba S, Costanzi F, Nelson SM, Besharat A, Caserta D, Humaidan P. Beyond the Umbrella: A Systematic Review of the Interventions for the Prevention of and Reduction in the Incidence and Severity of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Patients Who Undergo In Vitro Fertilization Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14185. [PMID: 37762488 PMCID: PMC10531768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the main severe complication of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The aim of the current study was to identify the interventions for the prevention of and reduction in the incidence and severity of OHSS in patients who undergo IVF not included in systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and assess and grade their efficacy and evidence base. The best available evidence for each specific intervention was identified, analyzed in terms of safety/efficacy ratio and risk of bias, and graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) hierarchy of evidence. A total of 15 interventions to prevent OHSS were included in the final analysis. In the IVF population not at a high risk for OHSS, follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation may reduce the incidence of early OHSS and/or preventive interventions for early OHSS. In high-risk patients, inositol pretreatment, ovulation triggering with low doses of urinary hCG, and the luteal phase administration of a GnRH antagonist may reduce OHSS risk. In conclusion, even if not supported by systematic reviews with homogeneity of the RCTs, several treatments/strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of OHSS have been shown to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Scott M. Nelson
- School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
- The Fertility Partnership, Oxford OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Aris Besharat
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
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Chen L, Xi Q, Jiang S, Gao Y, Long H, Wang Y, Kuang Y. The effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist versus human chorionic gonadotrophin trigger on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Letrozole-HMG IUI cycles. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:512. [PMID: 37442967 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05835-8] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GnRHa and hCG are both used for oocyte maturation and ovulation triggering. However, GnRHa have a shorter half-life than hCG, which leads to luteal phase deficiency. Letrozole (LE) has been found to improve the luteal function. Thus, the choice of triggering strategy can be different in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles using LE and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG). The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of patients triggered with GnRHa versus hCG versus dual trigger in LE-IUI cycles. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 6,075 LE-HMG IUI cycles between January 2010 and May 2021 at a tertiary-care academic medical center in China. All cycles were divided into three groups according to different trigger strategies as hCG trigger group, GnRHa trigger group and dual trigger group. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore other risk factors for clinical pregnancy rate. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in clinical pregnancy rate between hCG, GnRHa and dual trigger cycles in LE-HMG IUI cycles (P = 0.964). The miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the GnRHa trigger group, and higher in the dual trigger group, compared with the hCG group (P = 0.045). Logistic analysis confirmed that triggering strategy was associated with miscarriage (aOR:0.427, 95%CI: 0.183-0.996, P = 0.049; aOR:0.298, 95%CI: 0.128-0.693, P = 0.005). No significant differences were observed regarding neonatal outcomes between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that both GnRHa and dual trigger can be used to trigger ovulation in LE-HMG IUI cycles, but dual trigger must be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qianwen Xi
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shutian Jiang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yining Gao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hui Long
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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8
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Wang B, Li Z. Comparison of dual-trigger and human chorionic gonadotropin-only trigger among polycystic ovary syndrome couples who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32867. [PMID: 36749261 PMCID: PMC9902005 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dual-trigger regime, consisting of gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), has been shown to offer advantage over the HCG-only trigger regime. However, little is known about the influence of dual-trigger or HCG-only trigger regime on the reproductive outcome of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) couples undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). A total of 404 cycles of COS and IUI treatments from couples with PCOS were enrolled, and divided, according to the regime of trigger, into dual-trigger group (n = 109, 0.1-0.2 mg gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist plus 6000 IU HCG) and HCG-only group (n = 295, 10,000 IU HCG or 250 μg recombinant HCG). Baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were comparable (all P > .05). In dual-trigger group, live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and β -HCG positive rate were all higher as compared to the HCG-only group (20.18% vs 18.98%, 25.69% vs 23.39% and 28.44% vs 25.08% respectively), despite the differences failed to achieve statistical significances (all P > .05). Moreover, early miscarriage rate and multiple pregnancy rate of the dual-trigger group were lower than those of the HCG-only group (17.86% vs 18.84% and 3.57% vs 7.25% respectively), although no statistical significances were found (all P > .05). Additionally, logistic regression analysis revealed that age contributed significantly to the live birth of couples with PCOS ( P = .043, OR = 0.900). Dual-trigger regime for oocyte maturation seems to associate with beneficial improvements in reproductive outcomes of PCOS couples undergoing COS and IUI. Instead of HCG-only trigger, dual-trigger regime might be an alternative option in COS and IUI cycles for couples with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhiling Li
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- * Correspondence: Zhiling Li, Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical college, Shantou University, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, P.R. China (e-mail: )
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9
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Drakopoulos P, Khalaf Y, Esteves SC, Polyzos NP, Sunkara SK, Shapiro D, Rizk B, Ye H, Costello M, Koloda Y, Salle B, Lispi M, D'Hooghe T, La Marca A. Treatment algorithms for high responders: What we can learn from randomized controlled trials, real-world data and models. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102301. [PMID: 36646567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102301] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A high ovarian response to conventional ovarian stimulation (OS) is characterized by an increased number of follicles and/or oocytes compared with a normal response (10-15 oocytes retrieved). According to current definitions, a high response can be diagnosed before oocyte pick-up when >18-20 follicles ≥11-12 mm are observed on the day of ovulation triggering; high response can be diagnosed after oocyte pick-up when >18-20 oocytes have been retrieved. Women with a high response are also at high risk of early ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS)/or late OHSS after fresh embryo transfers. Women at risk of high response can be diagnosed before stimulation based on several indices, including ovarian reserve markers (anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC], with cutoff values indicative of a high response in patients with PCOS of >3.4 ng/mL for AMH and >24 for AFC). Owing to the high proportion of high responders who are at the risk of developing OHSS (up to 30%), this educational article provides a framework for the identification and management of patients who fall into this category. The risk of high response can be greatly reduced through appropriate management, such as individualized choice of the gonadotropin starting dose, dose adjustment based on hormonal and ultrasound monitoring during OS, the choice of down-regulation protocol and ovulation trigger, and the choice between fresh or elective frozen embryo transfer. Appropriate management strategies still need to be defined for women who are predicted to have a high response and those who have an unexpected high response after starting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt.
| | - Yakoub Khalaf
- Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent (UZ Gent), 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Sesh K Sunkara
- Department of Women's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Botros Rizk
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Hong Ye
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing, China; Reproductive and Genetic Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No. 64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Michael Costello
- Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW and Royal Hospital for Women and Monash IVF, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yulia Koloda
- Center of Reproduction "Life Line", Moscow, Russia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Bruno Salle
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500, Bron, France; Université Claude Bernard, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud, 165 Chemin Du Petit Revoyet, Oullins, France; INSERM Unité, 1208, 18 Avenue Doyen Lépine, Bron, France
| | - Monica Lispi
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Department of Development and Regeneration, Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, USA
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and Clinica Eugin, Modena, Italy
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10
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Does the dose or type of gonadotropins affect the reproductive outcomes of poor responders undergoing modified natural cycle IVF (MNC-IVF)? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 278:95-99. [PMID: 36137471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.09.005] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Does the dose or type of gonadotropin affect the reproductive outcomes of poor responders undergoing IVF in a modified natural cycle (MNC-IVF)? STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study including patients attending a tertiary referral University Hospital from 1st January 2017 until 1st March 2020. All predicted poor responders (Poseidon groups 3 and 4) who underwent MNC-IVF in our center were included. Mild ovarian stimulation (rFSH/uFSH/hp-hMG) was started when a follicle with a mean diameter of 12-14 mm was observed on ultrasound scan; GnRH antagonist was added from the next day onwards. Mature oocytes were inseminated using ICSI. RESULTS In total 484 patients undergoing 1398 cycles were included. Mean (SD) age and serum AMH were 38.2 (3.7) years and 0.28 (0.26) ng/ml, respectively. The daily dose of gonadotropins was either < 75 IU/d [11/1398 (0.8 %)] or 75 to < 100 IU/d [1303/1398 (93.2 %)] or ≥ 100 to 150 IU/d [84/1398 (6 %)]. Patients were stimulated with rFSH [251/1398 (18 %)], uFSH [45/1398 (3.2 %)] or hp-hMG [1102/1398 (78.8 %)]. Clinical pregnancy rate was 119/1398 (8.5 %). Live birth was achieved in 80/1398 (5.7 %) of cycles. There was no significant difference in rates of pregnancy and live birth across different types and doses of gonadotropins. The GEE multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for relevant confounders, showed that the type of treatment strategy (rFSH/uFSH/hp-hMG) and the daily dose of gonadotropins were not associated with live birth rates (LBR) (p value 0.08 and 0.8, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The type and daily dose of gonadotropins do not affect the reproductive outcome of poor responders undergoing MNC-IVF.
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11
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Di Guardo F, Racca A, Coticchio G, Borini A, Drakopoulos P, Mackens S, Tournaye H, Verheyen G, Blockeel C, Van Landuyt L. Impact of cell loss after warming of human vitrified day 3 embryos on obstetric outcome in single frozen embryo transfers. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2069-2075. [PMID: 35857255 PMCID: PMC9474781 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Does cell loss (CL) after vitrification and warming (V/W) of day 3 embryos have an impact on live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes? METHOD This retrospective analysis includes cleavage stage day 3 embryos vitrified/warmed between 2011 and 2018. Only single vitrified/warmed embryo transfers were included. Pre-implantation genetic screening, oocyte donation, and age banking were excluded from the analysis. The sample was divided into two groups: group A (intact embryo after warming) and group B (≤ 50% blastomere loss after warming). RESULTS On the total embryos (n = 2327), 1953 were fully intact (83.9%, group A) and 374 presented cell damage (16.1%, group B). In group B, 62% (232/374) of the embryos had lost only one cell. Age at cryopreservation, cause of infertility, insemination procedure, and semen origin were comparable between the two groups. The positive hCG rate (30% and 24.3%, respectively, for intact vs CL group, p = 0.028) and LBR (13.7% and 9.4%, respectively, for intact vs CL group, p = 0.023) per warming cycle were significantly higher for intact embryos. However, LBR per positive hCG was equivalent between intact and damaged embryos (45.6% vs 38.5%, respectively, p = 0.2). Newborn measurements (length, weight, and head circumference at birth) were comparable between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of CL is not predictive for LB when adjusting for patients' age. CONCLUSIONS LBR is significantly higher after transfer of an intact embryo compared to an embryo with CL after warming; however, neonatal outcomes are comparable between the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Di Guardo
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95125, Catania, Italy.
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - A Racca
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Coticchio
- 9.Baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Borini
- 9.Baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Mackens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproduction, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Trubetskaya str., 8, b. 2, 119992, Moscow, Russia
| | - G Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Van Landuyt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101-1090, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Najdecki R, Michos G, Peitsidis N, Timotheou E, Chartomatsidou T, Kakanis S, Chouliara F, Mamopoulos A, Papanikolaou E. Agonist triggering in oocyte donation programs-Mini review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:838236. [PMID: 36093096 PMCID: PMC9462512 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.838236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte donation programs involve young and healthy women undergoing heavy ovarian stimulation protocols in order to yield good-quality oocytes for their respective recipient couples. These stimulation cycles were for many years beset by a serious and potentially lethal complication known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The use of the short antagonist protocol not only is patient-friendly but also has halved the need for hospitalization due to OHSS sequelae. Moreover, the replacement of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) triggering has reduced OHSS occurrence significantly, almost eliminating its moderate to severe presentations. Despite differences in the dosage and type of GnRH-a used across different studies, a comparable number of mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization, blastulation, and pregnancy rates in egg recipients are seen when compared to hCG-triggered cycles. Nowadays, GnRH-a tend to be the triggering agents of choice in oocyte donation cycles, as they are effective and safe and reduce OHSS incidence. However, as GnRH-a triggering does not eliminate OHSS altogether, caution should be practiced in order to avoid unnecessary lengthy and heavy ovarian stimulation that could potentially compromise both the donor's wellbeing and the treatment's efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Najdecki
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Michos
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Peitsidis
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Timotheou
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stelios Kakanis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Chouliara
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Mamopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Papanikolaou
- Assisting Nature, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Thessaloniki, Greece
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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13
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Anaya Y, Cakmak H, Mata DA, Letourneau J, Zhang L, Lenhart N, Juarez-Hernandez F, Jalalian L, Cedars MI, Rosen M. Triggering with 1,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin plus follicle-stimulating hormone compared to a standard human chorionic gonadotropin trigger dose for oocyte competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled noninferiority trial. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:266-278. [PMID: 35705380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess if triggering with 1,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with 450 IU of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) induces noninferior oocyte competence to a standard dose of hCG trigger used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). The alternative trigger will be considered noninferior if it is at least 80% effective in promoting oocyte competence. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded, controlled noninferiority trial. SETTING Academic infertility practice. PATIENTS Women aged 18-41 undergoing IVF with antral follicle count ≥8, body mass index ≤30 kg/m2, and no history of ≥2 IVF cycles canceled for poor response were enrolled. Participants with a serum estradiol >5,000 pg/mL on the day of trigger were excluded because of high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to receive an alternative trigger of 1,500 IU of hCG plus 450 IU of FSH or a standard trigger dose of hCG (5,000 or 10,000 IU) for final oocyte maturation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was total competent proportion, defined as the probability of 2 pronuclei from an oocyte retrieved. The alternative trigger will be considered noninferior to the standard trigger if a 1-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) of the relative risk (RR) is not <0.8. Secondary outcomes included oocyte recovery and maturity, intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, as well as serum and follicular hormones. Secondary outcomes were compared using a 2-sided superiority test. Outcomes were analyzed by intention-to-treat and per-protocol. RESULTS A total of 105 women undergoing IVF were randomized from May 2015 to June 2018. The probability of the primary outcome was 0.59 with the alternative trigger and 0.65 with the standard trigger, with a RR of 0.91 and a 1-sided 95% CI of 0.83. Noninferiority of the alternative trigger was demonstrated. Live birthrate from all fresh transfers in the alternative trigger group vs. standard trigger was 46.9 vs. 46.4% (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.62-1.62), respectively. Live birthrate per randomized participant was 48.1% in the alternative trigger group vs. 62.7% with the standard trigger (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.48-1.11). No participants had a failed retrieval. CONCLUSION Triggering with 1,500 IU of hCG plus 450 IU of FSH promoted noninferior oocyte competence compared to a standard hCG trigger dose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02310919.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanett Anaya
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Hakan Cakmak
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Douglas A Mata
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Letourneau
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Nikolaus Lenhart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Flor Juarez-Hernandez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Liza Jalalian
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mitchell Rosen
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Center for Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Zhao J, Hao J, Li Y. Individualized luteal phase support after fresh embryo transfer: unanswered questions, a review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:19. [PMID: 35065655 PMCID: PMC8783459 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01320-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Luteal phase support (LPS) is an important part of assisted reproductive technology (ART), and adequate LPS is crucial for embryo implantation. At present, a great number of studies have put emphasis on an individualized approach to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and endometrium preparation of frozen- thawed embryo transfer (FET); However, not much attention has been devoted to the luteal phase and almost all ART cycles used similar LPS protocol bases on experience. Main body This review aims to concisely summarize individualized LPS protocols in fresh embryo transfer cycles with hCG trigger or GnRH-a trigger. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: (luteal phase support or LPS) AND (assisted reproductive technology or ART or in vitro fertilization or IVF). We performed comprehensive literature searches in the English language describing the luteal phase support after ART, since 1978 and ending in May 2019. Recent studies have shown that many modified LPS programs were used in ART cycle. In the cycle using hCG for final oocyte maturation, the progesterone with or without low dose of hCG may be adequate to maintain pregnancy. In the cycle using GnRH-a for trigger, individualized low dose of hCG administration with or without progesterone was suggested. The optimal timing to start the LPS would be between 24 and 72 h after oocyte retrieval and should last at least until the pregnancy test is positive. Addition of E2 and the routes of progesterone administration bring no beneficial effect on the outcomes after ART. Conclusions Individualized LPS should be applied, according to the treatment protocol, the patients’ specific characteristics, and desires. Luteal phase support (LPS) is an important part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In the cycle using hCG for final oocyte maturation, the progesterone with or without low dose of hCG may be adequate to maintain pregnancy. In the cycle using GnRH-a for trigger, individualized low dose of hCG administration with or without progesterone was suggested. The optimal timing to start the LPS would be between 24 and 72 h after oocyte retrieval and should last at least until the pregnancy test is positive. Addition of E2 and the routes of progesterone administration bring no beneficial effect on the outcomes after ART. Individualized LPS should be applied, according to the treatment protocol, the patients’ specific characteristics, and desires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha City, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha City, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.,Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha City, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China. .,Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Zhou C, Yang X, Wang Y, Xi J, Pan H, Wang M, Zhou Y, Xiao Y. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1795-1805. [PMID: 35595223 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chengliang Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Xi
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhong Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Reproductive Medical Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai, China
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16
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Ghunaim S, Khalife D, Taha L, Odeh O, Habr N, Awwad J. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following the use of GnRH agonist trigger of final oocyte maturation and freeze-all strategy: A case report and review of the literature. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.356846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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17
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Yan MH, Cao JX, Hou JW, Jiang WJ, Wang DD, Sun ZG, Song JY. GnRH Agonist and hCG (Dual Trigger) Versus hCG Trigger for Final Oocyte Maturation in Expected Normal Responders With a High Immature Oocyte Rate: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Superiority, Parallel Group, Controlled Trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:831859. [PMID: 35418945 PMCID: PMC8996168 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.831859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The choice of trigger drug for the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol correlates with the outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). The co-administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), i.e., dual trigger, for final oocyte maturation, has received much attention in recent years. This trial was designed to determine whether a dual trigger approach by lengthening the time between trigger and ovum pick-up (OPU) improves the quantity and quality of mature oocytes/top-quality embryos and pregnancy outcomes in expected normal responders with a high immature oocyte rate. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We propose a study at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 90 individuals undergoing COH use a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. They will be assigned randomly into two groups according to the trigger method and timing: recombinant hCG (6500 IU) will be injected only 36 hours before OPU for final oocyte maturation (hCG-only trigger); co-administration of GnRH-a and hCG for final oocyte maturation, 40 and 34 hours prior to OPU, respectively (Dual trigger). The primary outcome is metaphase-II (MII) oocytes rate. Secondary outcomes are number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, top-quality embryos rate, blastula formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, cumulative pregnancy/live birth rates, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The reproductive ethics committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine certified this study (Identifier: SDUTCM/2021.7.26) as ethical. All individuals will sign written informed consent. All data and biological samples will be protected according to law. The results of this study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [chictr.gov.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2100049292].
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Yan
- The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Xian Cao
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-Wei Hou
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Jing Jiang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-Gao Sun
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Yan Song, ; Zhen-Gao Sun,
| | - Jing-Yan Song
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Reproductive Center of Integrated Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Yan Song, ; Zhen-Gao Sun,
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Martazanova B, Mishieva N, Vedikhina I, Kirillova A, Korneeva I, Ivanets T, Abubakirov A, Sukhikh GT. Hormonal profile in early luteal phase after triggering ovulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in high-responder patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:834627. [PMID: 36046787 PMCID: PMC9420862 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.834627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The major limitations associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) triggering are inferior clinical outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles caused by luteal phase insufficiency following the GnRHa triggering. We included 153 high-risk patients in this study. In group I, the patients received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger + 1,500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) support on the oocyte pick-up (OPU) day; in group II, the patients had a dual trigger (GnRHa + 1,500 IU hCG); and in group III (control), 10,000 IU hCG trigger was prescribed for the final oocyte maturation. The levels of LH, estradiol, and progesterone were evaluated in serum on the stimulation starting day, day 6 of stimulation, on the day of the trigger administration, OPU day, days 3 and 5 post-OPU, and day 14 post-ET, as well as in follicular fluid. Progesterone concentration was significantly lower in group I on OPU+5 compared to the hCG group (I vs. III, р = 0.0065). Progesterone levels were significantly lower in group II in serum on OPU+5 compared to groups I and III (I vs. II, р = 0.0068; II vs. III, р = 1.76 × 108). The progesterone levels were significantly higher in follicular fluid in group III compared to the study groups (I vs. III, р = 0.002; II vs. III, p = 0.009). However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the groups. Then, we divided all women into pregnant and non-pregnant groups and found that estradiol (p = 0.00009) and progesterone (p = 0.000036) on the day of the pregnancy test were significantly higher in the pregnant women group. Also, progesterone on OPU day was significantly higher in the non-pregnant group (p = 0.033). Two cases of moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) late-onset occurred in group I (3.5%, 2/56), no case of moderate/severe OHSS late-onset in group II, and three cases of moderate late-onset in group III (5.7%, 3/53). The low-dose hCG supplementation improves the luteal phase insufficiency after GnRHa triggering, which is confirmed by the comparable pregnancy rates in fresh transfer cycles between the groups. However, low-dose hCG carries a similar risk of OHSS as the full dose of hCG in high-responder patients.
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Abstract
Two modes of ovulation trigger are used in IVF: hCG, acting on ovarian LH receptors, and GnRH agonist, eliciting pituitary LH and FSH surges. These two modes are evaluated herein, focusing on how they serve specific time-sensitive events crucial for achieving embryo implantation and pregnancy. hCG trigger is associated with significant timing deviation from physiology. Peak progesterone is not synchronized with implantation window; progesterone level does not rise continuously to a mid-luteal peak, but rather drops from a too early peak. The luteal phase endocrinology post GnRH agonist trigger is characterized by a quick and irreversible luteolysis. Therefore, freeze all strategy is advised, if there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If fresh transfer is desired, numerous approaches for luteal phase support have been suggested. However, a thorough understanding of time-sensitive events suggests that a single 1,500 IU hCG dose, administered 48 h post oocyte retrieval, is all that is needed to fully support the luteal phase and secure best chances of achieving pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Kol
- IVF Unit, Elisha Hospital, Haifa, Israel
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20
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Martínez MC, Rodríguez-Varela C, Demur EL. New concepts and difficulties with progesterone supplementation in the luteal phase. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 33:196-201. [PMID: 33896915 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Management of the luteal phase (LP) in assisted reproductive cycles has aroused interest in recent years. The reason is that it seems that the individualization of LP support may be necessary, since the concept of 'one size fits all' does not apply to this treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Studies carried out in hormone replacement therapy cycles (also called artificial cycles) have shown that serum levels of progesterone (P) are related to pregnancy outcomes. This represents a milestone in the management of artificial cycles (AC), because until a few years ago it was believed that serum levels did not really reflect the effectiveness of P, which is why they were neglected. However, it is not as straightforward as it seems, because the interpretation of serum progesterone values will depend on the type of progesterone used and its route of administration. Likewise, the findings observed in AC are not applicable to what occurs in a fresh transfer cycle after ovarian stimulation or an embryo transfer in the context of a natural cycle. SUMMARY In this manuscript, we will summarize the current situation in LP management.
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In a conventional IVF cycle, final oocyte maturation and ovulation is triggered with a bolus of hCG, followed by progesterone-based luteal support that spans several weeks if pregnancy is achieved. This article summarizes several approaches of the exogenous progesterone-free luteal support in IVF. RECENT FINDINGS Triggering ovulation with GnRH agonist may serve as an alternative to hCG, with well established advantages. In addition, the luteal phase can be individualized in order to achieve a more physiologic hormonal milieu, and a more patient friendly treatment, alleviating the burden of a lengthy exogenous progesterone therapy. SUMMARY GnRH agonist trigger followed by a 'freeze all' policy is undoubtedly the best approach towards the 'OHSS-free clinic'. If fresh embryo transfer is considered well tolerated after GnRH agonist trigger, rescue of the corpora lutea by LH activity supplementation is mandatory. Herein we discuss the different approaches of corpus luteum rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Kol
- IVF Unit, Elisha Hospital, Haifa, Israel
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus
- Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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22
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Shapiro M, Romanski P, Thomas A, Lanes A, Yanushpolsky E. Low dose hCG supplementation in a Gn-RH-agonist trigger protocol is associated with worse pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study. FERTILITY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 7:12. [PMID: 34049598 PMCID: PMC8161625 DOI: 10.1186/s40738-021-00104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background A number of studies have looked at dual triggers with hCG and GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in varying doses, but the question remains: what is the optimal dose of hCG to minimize ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and still offer adequate pregnancy rates? The purpose of this study was to compare pregnancy and OHSS rates following dual trigger for oocyte maturation with GnRHa and a low-dose hCG versus hCG alone. A secondary objective was the assess pregnancy outcomes in subsequent frozen cycles for the same population. Methods A total of 963 women < 41 years old, with a BMI 18–40 kg/m2 and an AMH > 2 ng/mL who underwent fresh autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) with GnRH antagonist protocol at a University-based fertility center were included in this retrospective cohort study. Those who received a low dose dual trigger with hCG (1000u) and GnRHa (2 mg) were compared to those who received hCG alone (10,000u hCG/250-500 μg Ovidrel). Differences in implantation rates, pregnancy, live birth, and OHSS were investigated. Results The dual trigger group was younger (mean 33.6 vs 34.1 years), had a higher AMH (6.3 vs 4.9 ng/mL,) more oocytes retrieved (18.1 vs 14.9) and a higher fertilized oocyte rate (80% vs 77%) compared with the hCG only group. Yet, the dual trigger group had a lower probability of clinical pregnancy (gestational sac, 43.4% vs 52.8%) and live birth (33.4% vs 45.8%), all of which were statistically significant. There were 3 cases of OHSS, all in the hCG-only trigger group. In subsequent frozen cycles, pregnancy rates were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions The dual trigger group had a better prognosis based on age and AMH levels and had better stimulation outcomes, but significantly worse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting the low dose hCG (1000u) in the dual trigger may not have provided adequate luteal support, compared to an hCG-only trigger (10,000u hCG/250-500 μg Ovidrel). Interestingly, the pregnancy rates were comparable in subsequent frozen cycles, further supporting the hypothesis that the issue lies in inadequate luteal phase support, rather than embryo quality. Based on these findings, our program has changed the protocol to 1500u of hCG in a dual trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Shapiro
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Center for Reproductive Health, University of California, 499 Illinois Street, 6th floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Phillip Romanski
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann Thomas
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Lanes
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Yanushpolsky
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Quaas AM. Triggering change in stimulation protocols: a matter of oocyte maturation and beyond. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1285-1287. [PMID: 33970369 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown, in vitro fertilization (IVF) stimulation protocols have evolved significantly. One particular area of focus has been the process of final oocyte maturation, during which the oocyte gains competence to support fertilization and early embryonic development up to implantation. The field of human assisted reproductive technology (ART) is witnessing increased utilization of GnRH agonists (GnRHa) as trigger agents, in addition to or instead of the traditionally used human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Future translational studies will reveal whether oocyte developmental competence, as reflected in live birth outcomes, are not only non-inferior, but also superior with the use of GnRHa as a trigger for both nuclear and cytoplasmic oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Quaas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Reproductive Partners San Diego, 9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite # 800, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Mackens S, Mostinckx L, Drakopoulos P, Segers I, Santos-Ribeiro S, Popovic-Todorovic B, Tournaye H, Blockeel C, De Vos M. Early pregnancy loss in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome after IVM versus standard ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2763-2773. [PMID: 33025015 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the incidence of early pregnancy loss (EPL) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) higher after IVM of oocytes than after ovarian stimulation (OS) for IVF/ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with PCOS who are pregnant after fresh embryo transfer have a higher probability of EPL following IVM, but after frozen embryo transfer (FET), no significant difference in the incidence of EPL was observed following IVM compared to OS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is conflicting evidence in the current literature with regard to the risk of EPL after IVM of oocytes when compared with OS. Because of the limited sample size in previous studies, the use of different IVM systems and the possible bias introduced by patient characteristics and treatment type, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating 800 women, with a diagnosis of infertility and PCOS as defined by Rotterdam criteria, who had a first positive pregnancy test after fresh or FET following IVM or OS between January 2010 and December 2017 in a tertiary care academic medical centre. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Pregnancies after non-hCG triggered IVM following a short course of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin were compared with those after conventional OS. The primary outcome was EPL, defined as a spontaneous pregnancy loss before 10 weeks of gestation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 329 patients with a positive pregnancy test after IVM and 471 patients with a positive pregnancy test after OS were included. Women who were pregnant after IVM were younger (28.6 ± 3.4 years vs 29.3 ± 3.6 years, P = 0.005) and had higher serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels (11.5 ± 8.1 ng/ml vs 7.2 ± 4.1 ng/ml, P < 0.001) compared to those who were pregnant after OS. The distribution of PCOS phenotypes was significantly different among women in the IVM group compared to those in the OS group and women who were pregnant after OS had previously suffered EPL more often (28% vs 17.6%, P = 0.003). EPL was significantly higher after fresh embryo transfer following IVM compared to OS (57/122 (46.7%) vs 53/305 (17.4%), P < 0.001), while the results were comparable after FET (63/207 (30.4%) vs 60/166 (36.1%), respectively, P = 0.24). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluating fresh embryo transfer cycles, IVM was the only independent factor (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.24, 95% CI 2.44-7.37, P < 0.001)) significantly associated with increased odds of EPL. On the other hand, when the same model was applied to FET cycles, the type of treatment (IVM vs OS) was not significantly associated with EPL (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.43-1.25, P = 0.25). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The current data are limited by the retrospective nature of the study and the potential of bias due to unmeasured confounders. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The increased risk of EPL after fresh embryo transfer following IVM may point towards inadequate endometrial development in IVM cycles. Adopting a freeze-all strategy after IVM seems more appropriate. Future studies are needed to ascertain the underlying cause of this observation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The Clinical IVM research has been supported by research grants from Cook Medical and Besins Healthcare. All authors declared no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mackens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Mostinckx
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Crete University, Crete, Greece
| | - I Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zagreb-School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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Santos-Ribeiro S, Mackens S, Popovic-Todorovic B, Racca A, Polyzos NP, Van Landuyt L, Drakopoulos P, de Vos M, Tournaye H, Blockeel C. The freeze-all strategy versus agonist triggering with low-dose hCG for luteal phase support in IVF/ICSI for high responders: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2808-2818. [PMID: 32964939 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the freeze-all strategy in high-responders increase pregnancy rates and improve safety outcomes when compared with GnRH agonist triggering followed by low-dose hCG intensified luteal support with a fresh embryo transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER Pregnancy rates after either fresh embryo transfer with intensified luteal phase support using low-dose hCG or the freeze-all strategy did not vary significantly; however, moderate-to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred more frequently in the women who attempted a fresh embryo transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two strategies following GnRH agonist triggering (the freeze-all approach and a fresh embryo transfer attempt using a low-dose of hCG for intensified luteal phase support) are safer alternatives when compared with conventional hCG triggering with similar pregnancy outcomes. However, these two strategies have never been compared head-to-head in an unrestricted predicted hyper-responder population. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study included women with an excessive response to ovarian stimulation (≥18 follicles measuring ≥11 mm) undergoing IVF/ICSI in a GnRH antagonist suppressed cycle between 2014 and 2017. Our primary outcome was clinical pregnancy at 7 weeks after the first embryo transfer. Secondary outcomes included live birth and the development of moderate-to-severe OHSS. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Following GnRH agonist triggering, women were randomized either to cryopreserve all good-quality embryos followed by a frozen embryo transfer in an subsequent artificial cycle or to perform a fresh embryo transfer with intensified luteal phase support (1500 IU hCG on the day of oocyte retrieval, plus oral estradiol 2 mg two times a day, plus 200 mg of micronized vaginal progesterone three times a day). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 212 patients (106 in each arm) were recruited in the study, with three patients (one in the fresh embryo transfer group and two in the freeze-all group) later withdrawing their consent to participate in the study. One patient in the freeze-all group became pregnant naturally (clinical pregnancy diagnosed 38 days after randomization) prior to the first frozen embryo transfer. The study arms did not vary significantly in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos produced/transferred. The intention to treat clinical pregnancy and live birth rates (with the latter excluding four cases lost to follow-up: one in the fresh transfer and three in the freeze-all arms, respectively) after the first embryo transfer did not vary significantly among the fresh embryo transfer and freeze-all study arms: 51/105 (48.6%) versus 57/104 (54.8%) and 41/104 (39.4%) versus 42/101 (41.6%), respectively (relative risk for clinical pregnancy 1.13, 95% CI 0.87-1.47; P = 0.41). However, moderate-to-severe OHSS occurred solely in the group that received low-dose hCG (9/105, 8.6%, 95% CI 3.2% to 13.9% vs 0/104, 95% CI 0 to 3.7, P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size calculation was based on a 19% absolute difference in terms of clinical pregnancy rates, therefore smaller differences, as observed in the trial, cannot be reliably excluded as non-significant. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study offers the first comparative analysis of two common strategies applied to women performing IVF/ICSI with a high risk to develop OHSS. While pregnancy rates did not vary significantly, a fresh embryo transfer with intensified luteal phase support may still not avoid the risk of moderate-to-severe OHSS and serious consideration should be made before recommending it as a routine first-line treatment. Future trials may allow us to confirm these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. No external funding was obtained for this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02148393. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 28 May 2014. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 30 May 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- IVIRMA Lisboa, Avenida Infante Dom Henrique 333 H 1-9, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shari Mackens
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Annalisa Racca
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Surgical and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbet Van Landuyt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Surgical and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel de Vos
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Humaidan P, Alsbjerg B, Elbaek HO, Povlsen BB, Laursen RJ, Jensen MB, Mikkelsen AT, Thomsen LH, Kol S, Haahr T. The exogenous progesterone-free luteal phase: two pilot randomized controlled trials in IVF patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:1108-1118. [PMID: 33931371 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the reproductive outcome similar after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger followed by luteal human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) boluses compared with HCG trigger and a standard luteal phase support (LPS)? DESIGN Two open-label pilot randomized controlled trials (RCT) with 250 patients from 2014 to 2019, with a primary outcome of ongoing pregnancy per embryo transfer. Patients with ≤13 follicles on the trigger day were randomized (RCT 1) to: Group A (n = 65): GnRHa trigger followed by a bolus of 1500 IU HCG s.c. on the oocyte retrieval day (ORD) and 1000 IU HCG s.c. 4 days later, and no vaginal LPS; or Group B (n = 65): 6500 IU HCG trigger, followed by a standard vaginal progesterone LPS. Patients with 14-25 follicles on the trigger day were randomized (RCT 2) to Group C (n = 60): GnRHa trigger followed by 1000 IU HCG s.c. on ORD and 500 IU HCG s.c. 4 days later, and no vaginal LPS; or Group D (n = 60): 6500 IU HCG trigger and a standard vaginal LPS. RESULTS In RCT 1, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 44% (22/50) in the GnRHa group versus 46% (25/54) in the HCG trigger group (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.62-1.45). No ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was seen in Groups A or B. In RCT 2, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 51% (25/49) in the GnRHa group versus 60% (31/52) in the HCG trigger group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.60-1.22). The OHSS rates were 3.3% and 6.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although a larger-scale study is needed before standard clinical implementation, the present study supports that the exogenous progesterone-free LPS is efficacious, simple and patient-friendly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark; Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, Aarhus 8200, Denmark.
| | - Birgit Alsbjerg
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark; Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
| | - Helle Olesen Elbaek
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark
| | - Betina Boel Povlsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark
| | | | - Mette Brix Jensen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark
| | | | - Lise Haaber Thomsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark
| | - Shahar Kol
- IVF Unit, Elisha Hospital, Yair Kats St 12, Haifa, Israel
| | - Thor Haahr
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive 7800, Denmark; Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
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Suboptimal response to GnRH agonist trigger: causes and practical management. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 33:213-217. [PMID: 33896918 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW GnRH agonist products are used extensively worldwide to trigger ovulation and final oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization cycles. The purpose of this article is to outline possible causes for a suboptimal response to the GnRH agonist trigger. RECENT FINDINGS Risk factors for such a suboptimal response include prolonged hormonal contraceptive use, previous GnRHa-induced pituitary downregulation, a hypogonadotropic/hypogonadal condition, patient error, environmental conditions that may damage the GnRHa product used, GnRH and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors polymorphisms, low baseline LH and low endogenous serum LH levels on trigger day as well as low BMI. The induction of an adequate LH surge can be ascertained by an LH urine test 12 h post trigger. SUMMARY In most cases, GnRHa trigger elicits effective LH+follicle stimulating hormone surges, resulting in mature, fertilizable oocytes. Clinical awareness to conditions that may predispose to a suboptimal response to the GnRHa trigger may prevent failed oocyte retrial.
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Deepika K, Suvarna R, Sumi M, Snehal D, Arveen V, Anuja K, Gautham P, Kamini R. HCG trigger versus GnRH agonist trigger in PCOS patients undergoing IVF cycles: frozen embryo transfer outcomes. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:48-58. [PMID: 32960521 PMCID: PMC7863104 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The use of Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), with freeze-all strategy followed by frozen embryo transfer (FET) has been found to eliminate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF cycles. However, physicians still hesitate to routinely use GnRHa as a trigger, replacing human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), for concerns of compromised cycle outcome. We aimed to evaluate outcomes following the transfer of embryos in FET cycles obtained from GnRHa trigger in comparison with hCG trigger in PCOS patients of Asian origin. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study. 210 PCOS patients undergoing IVF in an antagonist protocol who were randomized in the previous study (to evaluate if GnRHa trigger is a better alternative than hCG in PCOS patients to prevent OHSS; Group A: GnRHa trigger (n=92)] and Group B: hCG trigger (n=101)], were followed up in FET cycles to assess the outcomes. Results: The odds of cumulative live birth rate per stimulation cycle favors GnRHa trigger against the hCG trigger [OR=2.15; (CI 1.2-3.83); p=0.008]. A significantly higher number of mature oocytes (19.1±11.7 versus 14.1±4.3; p<0.001) and blastocysts (4.2±1.63 versus 3.26±1.22; p<0.001) were available in the GnRHa group as compared to the hCG group. Conclusion: The cumulative live birth rate was better following transfer of frozen-thawed embryos generated from GnRHa-triggered cycles compared to hCG trigger. Hence, in PCOS undergoing IVF, as a good practice point, hCG trigger should be replaced by a GnRHa trigger with vitrification of all embryos followed by FET.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Sumi
- Milann, the fertility Centre, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Rao Kamini
- Milann, the fertility Centre, Bangalore, India
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Wu HM, Chang HM, Leung PCK. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications in female reproduction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100876. [PMID: 33045257 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extra-hypothalamic GnRH and extra-pituitary GnRH receptors exist in multiple human reproductive tissues, including the ovary, endometrium and myometrium. Recently, new analogs (agonists and antagonists) and modes of GnRH have been developed for clinical application during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Additionally, the analogs and upstream regulators of GnRH suppress gonadotropin secretion and regulate the functions of the reproductive axis. GnRH signaling is primarily involved in the direct control of female reproduction. The cellular mechanisms and action of the GnRH/GnRH receptor system have been clinically applied for the treatment of reproductive disorders and have widely been introduced in ART. New GnRH analogs, such as long-acting GnRH analogs and oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists, are being continuously developed for clinical application. The identification of the upstream regulators of GnRH, such as kisspeptin and neurokinin B, provides promising potential to develop these upstream regulator-related analogs to control the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada.
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Zhu H, Zhao C, Pan Y, Zhou H, Jin X, Xu W, Zhang S. Dual Trigger for Final Follicular Maturation Improves Cumulative Live-Birth Rate in Ovarian Stimulation for Freeze-All In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708247. [PMID: 34349729 PMCID: PMC8326793 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does dual trigger in freeze-all in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles improve the cumulative live-birth outcome compared with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger? SUMMARY ANSWER Dual trigger for final follicular maturation improves the cumulative pregnancy and live-birth rates compared with hCG trigger in freeze-all IVF/ICSI cycles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Dual trigger could increase the numbers of oocytes and mature oocytes and improve pregnancy rates. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This retrospective cohort analysis included data from 4438 freeze-all IVF/ICSI cycles between January 2012 and December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Women aged 20-49 years who underwent ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval for autologous IVF/ICSI with a freeze-all policy in our centre were enrolled. Data on number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes, clinical pregnancy rate, live-birth rate, cumulative pregnancy rate, and cumulative live-birth rate (CLBR) were assessed and compared between patients who underwent a dual trigger and hCG trigger. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify and adjust for factors known to independently affect the CLBR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 4438 IVF/ICSI cycles were analyzed, including 1445 cycles with single hCG trigger and 2993 cycles with dual trigger. The cumulative biochemical pregnancy rate (60.8% vs. 68.1%, P<0.001; odds ratio (OR): 0.727; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.638-0.828), cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (52.9% vs. 58.5%, P<0.001; OR: 0.796; 95%CI: 0.701-0.903), and CLBR (44.3% vs. 50.5%, P<0.001; OR: 0.781; 95%CI: 0.688-10.886) were all significantly lower in the hCG-trigger group compared with the dual-trigger group. The clinical pregnancy rate (48.2% vs. 58.2%, P=0.002; OR: 0.829; 95%CI: 0.737-0.934) and embryo implantation rate (34.4% vs. 38.9%, P<0.001; OR: 0.823; 95%CI: 0.750-0.903) in each transfer cycle were also significantly lower in the hCG-trigger group compared with the dual-trigger group. After controlling for all potential confounding variables, the trigger method was identified as an independent factor affecting the CLBR. The OR and 95%CI for hCG trigger were 0.780 and 0.641-0.949 (P=0.013). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The data used to analyse the effect of dual trigger on cumulative pregnancy and live-birth outcomes were retrospective, and the results may thus have been subject to inherent biases. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are required to verify the beneficial effects of dual trigger. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Dual trigger had a positive effect on CLBRs, suggesting that it could be used as a routine trigger method in freeze-all cycles. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004800), the Natural Science Program of Zhejiang (LY19H040009), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81601236). No authors have competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
| | - Chenqiong Zhao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibin Pan
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanjing Zhou
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songying Zhang, ; Haiyan Zhu,
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Martazanova B, Mishieva N, Vtorushina V, Vedikhina I, Levkov L, Korneeva I, Kirillova A, Krechetova L, Abubakirov A, Sukhikh GT. Angiogenic cytokine and interleukin 8 levels in early luteal phase after triggering ovulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in high-responder patients. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13381. [PMID: 33247970 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Interleukin 8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), its receptors 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2) are associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of these cytokines depending on the way of ovulation triggering. METHOD OF STUDY A total of 51 high-responder patients underwent IVF program and received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) trigger + 1500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) support on the oocyte pick-up (OPU) day (group I), dual trigger (GnRHa + 1500 IU hCG; group II), or hCG trigger 10,000 IU (group III) for the final oocyte maturation. The concentrations of cytokines were evaluated in serum by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULT(S) VEGFR2 levels were significantly lower in groups I and II than in group III in serum on the OPU (I vs. III, p = .0456; II vs. III, p = .0122) and OPU + 5 day (I vs. III, p = .0004; II vs. III, p = .0082). VEGFA levels were lower in group I than in group III (p = .0298) on the OPU day, however, were similar in all groups on the OPU + 5 day. CONCLUSION(S) A small dose of hCG elicits similar concentrations of VEGFA to a full dose of hCG; however, GnRHa triggering reduces the concentrations of VEGFR2, which could lead to the OHSS prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella Martazanova
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nona Mishieva
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Vtorushina
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Vedikhina
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lev Levkov
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Korneeva
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Kirillova
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aydar Abubakirov
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady T Sukhikh
- FSBI National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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How frequent is severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after GnRH agonist triggering in high-risk women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:635-650. [PMID: 33483281 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after triggering of final oocyte maturation with gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in high-risk women. The pooled incidence of severe OHSS in high-risk women who did not receive any form of luteal phase support was 0% (95% CI 0.0 to 0.0, I2 = 0%, random-effects model, 14 data sets, 983 women). The pooled incidence of severe OHSS in high-risk women in whom HCG was added to standard luteal phase support was 1% (95% CI 0.0 to 2.0, I2 = 27.02%, random-effects model, 10 data sets, 707 women). The incidence of severe OHSS in high-risk women triggered by a combination of GnRHa and HCG (dual triggering), who received standard luteal phase support, was 1% (95% CI 0.0 to 3.0, one study, 182 women). The incidence of severe OHSS in high-risk women, is not eliminated when HCG is administered either concomitantly with GnRHa (dual triggering), during the luteal phase after GnRHa triggering, or both. On the contrary, it is eliminated when no luteal support is administered.
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The freeze-all strategy after IVF: which indications? Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:529-545. [PMID: 33384269 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The freeze-all strategy is gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative to the conventional fresh embryo transfer. It consists of cryopreservation of the entire embryo cohort and the embryo transfer in a subsequent cycle that takes place separately from ovarian stimulation. The freeze-all strategy was initially a 'rescue' strategy for women at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; however, this approach has been extended to other indications as a scheduled strategy to improve implantation rates. This assumes that ovarian stimulation can alter endometrial receptivity in fresh cycles owing to the effect of supraphysiological levels of steroids on endometrial maturation. The procedure, however, has not been associated with increased live birth rates in all infertile couples, and concerns have been raised about the occurrence of several adverse perinatal outcomes. It is, therefore, crucial to identify in which subgroups of patients a freeze-all strategy could be beneficial. The aim of this review is to summarize current scientific research in this field to highlight potential indications for this strategy and to guide clinicians in their daily practice.
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Şükür YE, Ulubaşoğlu H, İlhan FC, Berker B, Sönmezer M, Atabekoğlu CS, Aytaç R, Özmen B. Dual trigger in normally-responding assisted reproductive technology patients increases the number of top-quality embryos. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:300-305. [PMID: 33113599 PMCID: PMC7711097 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.03804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The feasibility of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger in normal responders is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the number of mature oocytes, the number of good-quality embryos, and the live birth rate in normal responders triggered by GnRHa alone, GnRHa and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; a dual trigger), and hCG alone. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the infertility clinic of a university hospital. Data from 200 normal responders who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection with a GnRH antagonist protocol between January 2016 and January 2017 were reviewed. The first study group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by GnRHa alone. The second study group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by both GnRHa and low-dose hCG (a dual trigger). The control group consisted of patients with cycles triggered by hCG alone. Results The groups were comparable in terms of demographics and cycle characteristics. The numbers of total oocytes retrieved and metaphase II oocytes were similar between the groups. The total numbers of top-quality embryos were 3.2±2.9 in the GnRHa group, 4.4±3.2 in the dual-trigger group, and 2.9±2.1 in the hCG group (p=0.014). The live birth rates were 21.4%, 30.5%, and 28.2% in those groups, respectively (p=0.126). Conclusion In normal responders, a dual-trigger approach appears superior to an hCG trigger alone with regard to the number of top-quality embryos produced. However, no clinical benefit was apparent in terms of live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Emre Şükür
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ulubaşoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Ceylan İlhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yenimahalle State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bülent Berker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Sönmezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cem Somer Atabekoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ruşen Aytaç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Batuhan Özmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Bildik G, Akin N, Esmaeilian Y, Hela F, Yildiz CS, Iltumur E, İncir S, Karahuseyinoglu S, Yakin K, Oktem O. Terminal differentiation of human granulosa cells as luteinization is reversed by activin-A through silencing of Jnk pathway. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:93. [PMID: 33042587 PMCID: PMC7511402 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms underlying luteinization (terminal differentiation of granulosa and theca cells after ovulation) and luteolysis (demise of corpus luteum) are poorly understood in human ovary. Here we report that activin-A, after binding to its cognate receptors induces a functional luteolytic state and reverses luteinization phenotype by downregulating the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes, LH receptor and VEGF and reducing estradiol (E2) progesterone (P4) production and upregulating FSH receptor and cyclin D1 expression in human primary luteinized granulosa cells. Further, this action of activin-A involves downregulation of JNK signaling pathway and is opposite to that of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which acts as a luteotropic hormone and improves luteal function through the activation of JNK pathway in the same cell type. Reversal of luteinization phenotype in luteal granulosa cells by activin-A potentially makes this hormone an attractive candidate for use under certain clinical situations, where induction of luteolysis and rapid reduction of endogenous sex steroid levels are beneficial such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in which the ovaries hyper-respond to gonadotropin stimulation by producing too many growing follicles along with development of ascites, pleural effusion, and hemo-concentrations as a result of increased vascular permeability and leakage of intravascular volume into third spaces. Our work unveils a previously undefined role for activin-A and JNK signaling pathway in human corpus luteum biology, that might have a direct clinical impact in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Bildik
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nazli Akin
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBL), Department of Pathology/Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Yashar Esmaeilian
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Francesko Hela
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Sultan Yildiz
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Iltumur
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Said İncir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory, Koc University Hospital, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sercin Karahuseyinoglu
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Koc University School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University Hospital and School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- The Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University Hospital and School of Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
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Bar Hava I, Yafee H, Omer Y, Humaidan P, Ganer Herman H. GnRHa for trigger and luteal phase support in natural cycle frozen embryo transfer - A proof of concept study. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:282-287. [PMID: 32741721 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to explore whether ovulation induced by a GnRH analogue (GnRHa), followed by daily GnRHa luteal support provides an efficient platform for natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET). In this cohort study, included were normo-ovulatory women who underwent NC-FET cycles, under the age of 40, with an antral follicle count > eight. Ovulation was triggered with triptorelin (0.2 mg Decapeptyl; Ferring), and luteal support was initiated two days later, using a Nafarelin inhaler (Synarel, Pfizer), 200 μg twice daily. Main outcome measures were luteal estradiol and progesterone levels (three to five days following ovulation), implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, early pregnancy loss rate, and live birth rate. Fifty-one patients treated between 2017 and 2018 were included. Mid luteal progesterone levels among study patients, were non-significantly different between patients who achieved pregnancy and those who did not, but differed significantly on day 14 following ovulation (86.0 ± 31.3 vs. 9.8 ± 9.5 nmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001). Twenty-three patients achieved a clinical pregnancy (45.1 %); interestingly, there were no chemical pregnancies. Three pregnancies ended in an early abortion at 6-7 weeks gestation, and 20 pregnancies continued as ongoing pregnancies (39.2 %). One patient had a late abortion at 16 weeks gestation, and 14 had a live birth. In conclusion, in this proof of concept study, inducing ovulation with a bolus of GnRHa in NC-FET, followed by repeated daily GnRHa administration, resulted in satisfactory luteal phase steroid levels and high ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Bar Hava
- The Fertility Center from A to Z, Affiliated with Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Yafee
- The Fertility Center from A to Z, Affiliated with Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yeela Omer
- The Fertility Center from A to Z, Affiliated with Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Denmark; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Hadas Ganer Herman
- The Fertility Center from A to Z, Affiliated with Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O.B 39040, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Andersen CY, Kelsey T, Mamsen LS, Vuong LN. Shortcomings of an unphysiological triggering of oocyte maturation using human chorionic gonadotropin. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:200-208. [PMID: 32654823 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Final maturation of follicles has, in connection with ovarian stimulation and infertility treatment, traditionally been achieved by the administration of a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) bolus trigger of 5,000 to 10,000 IU. This trigger serves two purposes: induce oocyte maturation; and serve as luteal phase support owing to its long half-life. It now appears that the hCG bolus trigger is unable to support both these two purposes optimally. In particular, after an hCG trigger, the early luteal phase is hormonally abnormal and different from conditions observed in the natural menstrual cycle: the timing of the initiation of hCG and progesterone rise is much faster after an hCG trigger than in a natural menstrual cycle; the maximal concentrations of hCG and progesterone considerably exceed those naturally observed; and the timing of the peak progesterone concentration after an hCG trigger is advanced several days compared with the natural cycle. Furthermore, the hCG trigger without any follicle-stimulating hormone activity may induce oocyte maturation less efficiently than the combined luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone surge normally seen. Collectively, the endometrium is likely to be advanced after an hCG trigger, and the implantation potential is probably not optimal. The precise effect on pregnancy rates after the different progressions of hCG and progesterone concentrations during the early luteal phase has not yet been determined, but more individualized methods using more physiological approaches are likely to improve reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Thomas Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lan Ngoc Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Friis Wang N, Skouby SO, Humaidan P, Andersen CY. Response to ovulation trigger is correlated to late follicular phase progesterone levels: A hypothesis explaining reduced reproductive outcomes caused by increased late follicular progesterone rise. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:942-948. [PMID: 30927415 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between progesterone (P4) levels on the day of hCG or GnRH trigger and on the day of oocyte retrieval in IVF/ICSI cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER A significant positive correlation between P4 levels on the day of trigger and the day of oocyte retrieval is seen; HCG trigger induces a steeper P4 increase than GnRHa trigger. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FSH induces LH receptor (LHR) expression on granulosa cells, and LHR produces progesterone when exposed to LH-like activity. FSH per se also to some extent induces P4 secretion. Late follicular phase progesterone rise has been associated with reduced reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is based on data from a previously published RCT conducted from 2009 to 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 384 participants were enrolled; 199 received 5000 IU hCG and 185 received buserelin 0.5 mg for triggering ovulation. P4 was measured on the day of ovulation induction and on the day of oocyte retrieval. FSH consumption and number of retrieved follicles were recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant linear relationship between P4 on the day of ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval was seen in the hCG trigger group (P < 0.00001) as well as in the GnRHa trigger group (P < 0.00001). The P4 ratio (the increase in P4 between ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval) was significantly higher in the group of patients with <5 follicles compared to those with 5-15 and >15 follicles (P < 0.0001). The FSH consumption per follicle was significantly higher in the group of patients with <5 follicles compared to those with 5-15 and >15 follicles (P < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the study demonstrates a significant correlation between P4 levels before and after ovulation trigger, it does not demonstrate a causal relation to the number of LHRs present on granulosa cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study support the proposed hypothesis that follicles exposed to high levels of FSH during ovarian stimulation will respond with an inappropriately high LHR expression. This in turn causes a high P4 output in response to the trigger. This study further expands our understanding of the underlying mechanisms affecting reproductive outcomes in relation to ovarian stimulation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors received no specific funding for this work and disclose no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Friis Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - S O Skouby
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, Herlev, Denmark
| | - P Humaidan
- Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, Skive, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Bildik G, Akin N, Seyhan A, Esmaeilian Y, Yakin K, Keles I, Balaban B, Ata B, Urman B, Oktem O. Luteal granulosa cells from natural cycles are more capable of maintaining their viability, steroidogenic activity and LH receptor expression than those of stimulated IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:345-355. [PMID: 30520979 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there any differences in the molecular characteristics of the luteal granulosa cells (GC) obtained from stimulated versus non-stimulated (natural) IVF cycles that may help explain the defective luteal phase in the former? SUMMARY ANSWER Luteal GC of stimulated IVF cycles, particularly those of agonist-triggered antagonist cycles, are less viable ex vivo, express LH receptor and anti-apoptotic genes at lower levels, undergo apoptosis earlier and fail to maintain their estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) production in comparison to natural cycle GC. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Luteal function is defective in stimulated IVF cycles, which necessitates P4 and/or hCG administration (known as luteal phase support) in order to improve clinical pregnancy rates and prevent miscarriage. The luteal phase becomes shorter and menstruation begins earlier than a natural cycle if a pregnancy cannot be achieved, indicative of early demise of corpus luteum (premature luteolysis). Supra-physiological levels of steroids produced by multiple corpora luteae in the stimulated IVF cycles are believed to inhibit LH release directly via negative feedback actions on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis resulting in low circulating levels of LH and a defective luteal phase. We hypothesized that some defects in the viability and steroidogenic activity of the luteal GC of the stimulated IVF cycles might contribute to this defective luteal phase in comparison to natural cycle GC. This issue has not been studied in human before. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A comparative translational research study of ex vivo and in vitro models of luteal GC recovered from IVF patients undergoing natural versus stimulated IVF cycles was carried out. Luteinized GC were obtained from 154 IVF patients undergoing either natural (n = 22) or stimulated IVF cycles with recombinant FSH and GnRH agonist (long) (n = 44), or antagonist protocol triggered conventionally either with recombinant hCG (n = 46) or with a GnRH agonist (n = 42). GC were maintained in vitro for up to 6 days. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Cellular viability (YO-PRO-1 staining), the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes, pro-apoptotic genes [Bcl-2-associated death promoter (BAD), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and Caspase-3 (CASP3)], anti-apoptotic genes [RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT-1) and Bcl-2-like protein 2 (BCL2-L2)], LH receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (using real-time quantitative PCR at mRNA level and western blot immunoprecipitation assay at protein level) and in vitro E2 and P4 production (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay) were compared in GC among the groups. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Natural cycle GC were significantly more viable ex vivo (88%) compared to their counterparts of the stimulated IVF cycles (66, 64 and 37% for agonist and antagonist cycles triggered with hCG and GnRH agonist respectively, P < 0.01). They were also more capable of maintaining their vitality in culture compared to their counterparts from the stimulated IVF cycles: at the end of the 6-day culture period, 74% of the cells were still viable whereas only 48, 43 and 22% of the cells from the agonist and antagonist cycles triggered with hCG and agonist respectively, were viable (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes (AKT-1 and BCL2-L2) was significantly lower, while that of pro-apoptotic genes (BAD, BAX and CASP3) was significantly higher in the stimulated cycles, particularly in the agonist-triggered antagonist cycles, compared to natural cycle GC (P < 0.01 for long protocol and antagonist hCG trigger, P < 0.001 for agonist trigger). The expression of steroidogenic enzymes (stAR, SCC, 3β-HSD and aromatase) and VEGF was significantly higher in the agonist and hCG-triggered antagonist cycles compared to natural cycle GC. Therefore, in vitro E2 and P4 production in cells from the stimulated IVF cycles was significantly higher than their counterparts obtained from the natural cycles in the first 2 days of culture. However, after Day 2, their viability and hormone production began to decline very rapidly with the most drastic decrease being observed in the agonist-triggered cycles. By contrast, natural cycle GC maintained their viability and produced E2 and P4 in increasing amounts in culture up to 6 days. In vitro P production and the mRNA and protein expression of LH receptor, VEGF and 3β-HSD were most defective in the agonist-triggered antagonist cycles compared to natural and agonist and hCG-triggered antagonist cycles. In vitro hCG treatment of a subset of the cells from the agonist-triggered cycles improved their viability, increased E2 and P4 production in vitro and up-regulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic gene BCL-L2 together with steroidogenic enzymes stAR, SCC, 3B-HSD, LH receptor and VEGF. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The limitations include analysis of luteinized GC only might not reflect the in vivo mechanisms involved in survival and function of the whole corpus luteum; GC recovered during oocyte retrieval belong to a very early stage of the luteal phase and might not be representative; effects of ovulation triggered with hCG may not equate to the endogenous LH trigger; the clinical characteristics of the patients may vary among the different groups and it was not possible to correlate stimulation-related molecular alterations in luteal GC with the clinical outcome, as no oocytes have been utilized yet. Therefore, our findings do not conclusively rule out the possibility that some other mechanisms in vivo may also account for defective luteal function observed in stimulated IVF cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Ovarian stimulation is associated with significant alterations in the viability and steroidogenic activity of luteal GC depending on the stimulation protocol and mode of ovulation trigger. Reduced survival and down-regulated expression of 3B-HSD, LH receptor and VEGF leading to compromised steroid production in stimulated cycles, and particularly in the agonist-triggered cycles, may at least in part help explain why the luteal phase is defective and requires exogenous support in these cycles. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Health Sciences of Koc University and Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), equally funded by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Development Research Infrastructure Support Program. All authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Bildik
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazli Akin
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Seyhan
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yashar Esmaeilian
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ipek Keles
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Basak Balaban
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Ata
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Urman
- American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey.,American Hospital Women's Health Center, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Koc University, Davutpasa, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey
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Progesterone use in assisted reproductive technology. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 69:74-84. [PMID: 32616441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone is the main hormone in the luteal phase. It plays a key role in preparing the uterus for a possible pregnancy, and in maintaining it after it has occurred. In assisted reproduction treatments, there is usually a luteal phase deficiency, so it is necessary to supplement this critical phase to obtain the best results, not only of implantation but also of ongoing pregnancy. Among all the available options, exogenously administered progestogens are the most used, as they have proven their efficacy and safety. This review will address the most relevant aspects of luteal phase support with progesterone in the different scenarios an embryo transfer can be performed, such as the stimulated cycle, the artificial cycle, or the natural cycle. Although there is no evidence of the perfect protocol for all patients, recent studies point to the need of individualizing luteal phase support according to the needs of each patient.
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Racca A, Drakopoulos P, Neves AR, Polyzos NP. Current Therapeutic Options for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Drugs 2020; 80:973-994. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Castillo JC, Haahr T, Martínez-Moya M, Humaidan P. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for ovulation trigger - OHSS prevention and use of modified luteal phase support for fresh embryo transfer. Ups J Med Sci 2020; 125:131-137. [PMID: 32366146 PMCID: PMC7721056 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2020.1736696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger greatly impacted modern IVF treatment. Patients at low risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) development, undergoing fresh embryo transfer and GnRHa trigger can be offered a virtually OHSS-free treatment with non-inferior reproductive outcomes by using a modified luteal phase support in terms of small boluses of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), daily recombinant luteinizing hormone LH (rLH) or GnRHa. In the OHSS risk patient, GnRHa trigger can safely be performed, followed by a 'freeze-all' policy with a minimal risk of OHSS development and high live birth rates in the subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycle. Importantly, GnRHa trigger opened the 'black box' of the luteal phase, promoting research in the most optimal steroid levels during the luteal phase. GnRHa trigger allows high-dose gonadotropin stimulation to achieve the optimal number of oocytes and embryos needed to ensure the highest chance of live birth. This review thoroughly discusses how the GnRHa trigger concept adds safety and efficacy to modern IVF in terms of OHSS prevention. Furthermore, the optimal luteal phase management after GnRHa trigger in fresh embryo transfer cycles is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Castillo
- Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
- CONTACT Juan Carlos Castillo Instituto Bernabeu, Av. Albufereta 31, Alicante, 03016, Spain
| | - Thor Haahr
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic Skive, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Humaidan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic Skive, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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Bosch E, Broer S, Griesinger G, Grynberg M, Humaidan P, Kolibianakis E, Kunicki M, La Marca A, Lainas G, Le Clef N, Massin N, Mastenbroek S, Polyzos N, Sunkara SK, Timeva T, Töyli M, Urbancsek J, Vermeulen N, Broekmans F. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa009. [PMID: 32395637 PMCID: PMC7203749 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the recommended management of ovarian stimulation, based on the best available evidence in the literature? SUMMARY ANSWER The guideline development group formulated 84 recommendations answering 18 key questions on ovarian stimulation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI has been discussed briefly in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on fertility problems, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist has published a statement on ovarian stimulation in assisted reproduction. There are, to our knowledge, no evidence-based guidelines dedicated to the process of ovarian stimulation. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for development of ESHRE guidelines. After formulation of key questions by a group of experts, literature searches and assessments were performed. Papers published up to 8 November 2018 and written in English were included. The critical outcomes for this guideline were efficacy in terms of cumulative live birth rate per started cycle or live birth rate per started cycle, as well as safety in terms of the rate of occurrence of moderate and/or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Based on the collected evidence, recommendations were formulated and discussed until consensus was reached within the guideline group. A stakeholder review was organized after finalization of the draft. The final version was approved by the guideline group and the ESHRE Executive Committee. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The guideline provides 84 recommendations: 7 recommendations on pre-stimulation management, 40 recommendations on LH suppression and gonadotrophin stimulation, 11 recommendations on monitoring during ovarian stimulation, 18 recommendations on triggering of final oocyte maturation and luteal support and 8 recommendations on the prevention of OHSS. These include 61 evidence-based recommendations-of which only 21 were formulated as strong recommendations-and 19 good practice points and 4 research-only recommendations. The guideline includes a strong recommendation for the use of either antral follicle count or anti-Müllerian hormone (instead of other ovarian reserve tests) to predict high and poor response to ovarian stimulation. The guideline also includes a strong recommendation for the use of the GnRH antagonist protocol over the GnRH agonist protocols in the general IVF/ICSI population, based on the comparable efficacy and higher safety. For predicted poor responders, GnRH antagonists and GnRH agonists are equally recommended. With regards to hormone pre-treatment and other adjuvant treatments (metformin, growth hormone (GH), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, aspirin and sildenafil), the guideline group concluded that none are recommended for increasing efficacy or safety. LIMITATIONS REASON FOR CAUTION Several newer interventions are not well studied yet. For most of these interventions, a recommendation against the intervention or a research-only recommendation was formulated based on insufficient evidence. Future studies may require these recommendations to be revised. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The guideline provides clinicians with clear advice on best practice in ovarian stimulation, based on the best evidence available. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to promote further studies in ovarian stimulation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The guideline was developed and funded by ESHRE, covering expenses associated with the guideline meetings, with the literature searches and with the dissemination of the guideline. The guideline group members did not receive payment. F.B. reports research grant from Ferring and consulting fees from Merck, Ferring, Gedeon Richter and speaker's fees from Merck. N.P. reports research grants from Ferring, MSD, Roche Diagnositics, Theramex and Besins Healthcare; consulting fees from MSD, Ferring and IBSA; and speaker's fees from Ferring, MSD, Merck Serono, IBSA, Theramex, Besins Healthcare, Gedeon Richter and Roche Diagnostics. A.L.M reports research grants from Ferring, MSD, IBSA, Merck Serono, Gedeon Richter and TEVA and consulting fees from Roche, Beckman-Coulter. G.G. reports consulting fees from MSD, Ferring, Merck Serono, IBSA, Finox, Theramex, Gedeon-Richter, Glycotope, Abbott, Vitrolife, Biosilu, ReprodWissen, Obseva and PregLem and speaker's fees from MSD, Ferring, Merck Serono, IBSA, Finox, TEVA, Gedeon Richter, Glycotope, Abbott, Vitrolife and Biosilu. E.B. reports research grants from Gedeon Richter; consulting and speaker's fees from MSD, Ferring, Abbot, Gedeon Richter, Merck Serono, Roche Diagnostics and IBSA; and ownership interest from IVI-RMS Valencia. P.H. reports research grants from Gedeon Richter, Merck, IBSA and Ferring and speaker's fees from MSD, IBSA, Merck and Gedeon Richter. J.U. reports speaker's fees from IBSA and Ferring. N.M. reports research grants from MSD, Merck and IBSA; consulting fees from MSD, Merck, IBSA and Ferring and speaker's fees from MSD, Merck, IBSA, Gedeon Richter and Theramex. M.G. reports speaker's fees from Merck Serono, Ferring, Gedeon Richter and MSD. S.K.S. reports speaker's fees from Merck, MSD, Ferring and Pharmasure. E.K. reports speaker's fees from Merck Serono, Angellini Pharma and MSD. M.K. reports speaker's fees from Ferring. T.T. reports speaker's fees from Merck, MSD and MLD. The other authors report no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This guideline represents the views of ESHRE, which were achieved after careful consideration of the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. In the absence of scientific evidence on certain aspects, a consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders has been obtained. Adherence to these clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee a successful or specific outcome, nor does it establish a standard of care. Clinical practice guidelines do not replace the need for application of clinical judgment to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. ESHRE makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the clinical practice guidelines and specifically excludes any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose. (Full disclaimer available at www.eshre.eu/guidelines.) †ESHRE Pages content is not externally peer reviewed. The manuscript has been approved by the Executive Committee of ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simone Broer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Preservation, Hopital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Skive, Denmark
| | - Estratios Kolibianakis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1 Dept of ObGyn, Medical School, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michal Kunicki
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Centre, Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Modena Reggio Emilia and Clinica Eugin, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Massin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, University Paris-Est Créteil, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Center for Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sesh Kamal Sunkara
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mira Töyli
- Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Hämeenlinna, Mehiläinen Clinics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janos Urbancsek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University Faculty of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nathalie Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | - Frank Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Is ovarian response associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in GnRH antagonist IVF/ICSI cycles? Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:263-270. [PMID: 32505544 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is there an association between ovarian response and perinatal outcomes? DESIGN A retrospective, single-centre cohort study including all women undergoing their first ovarian stimulation cycle in a gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist protocol, with a fresh embryo transfer that resulted in a singleton live birth from January 2009 to December 2015. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved: one to three (category 1), four to nine (category 2), 10-15 (category 3), or over 15 oocytes (category 4). RESULTS The overall number of patients analysed was 964. No relevant statistical difference was found among neonatal outcomes across the four ovarian response categories. Neonatal weight (in grams) was comparable between all groups (3222 ± 607 versus 3254 ± 537 versus 3235 ± 575 versus 3200 ± 622; P = 0.85, in categories 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found among the ovarian response categories for birth weight z-scores (taking into account neonatal sex and delivery term). The incidence of pre-term birth and low birth weight was comparable across the different ovarian response groups (P = 0.127 and P = 0.19, respectively). Finally, the occurrence of adverse obstetric outcomes did not differ among the ovarian response categories. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the number of oocytes was not associated with neonatal birth weight. CONCLUSIONS No association was found between ovarian response and adverse perinatal outcomes in antagonist IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Future, larger scale and prospectively designed investigations are needed to validate these results.
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Abu-Musa A, Haahr T, Humaidan P. Novel Physiology and Definition of Poor Ovarian Response; Clinical Recommendations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062110. [PMID: 32204404 PMCID: PMC7139860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation (OS) presents a major challenge in assisted reproduction. The Bologna criteria represented the first serious attempt to set clear criteria for the definition of POR. However, the Bologna criteria were questioned because of the persistent heterogeneity among POR patients and the inability to provide management strategies. Based on these facts, a more recent classification, the POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) classification, was developed to provide a homogeneous and refined definition of POR that significantly reduces the heterogeneity of the Bologna criteria definition of POR and helps in the clinical handling and counseling of patients. In this review, we discuss the impact of the POSEIDON classification on the clinical management of patients with POR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Abu-Musa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Correspondence:
| | - Thor Haahr
- The Fertility Clinic Skive Regional Hospital, 7800 Skive, Denmark; (T.H.); (P.H.)
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic Skive Regional Hospital, 7800 Skive, Denmark; (T.H.); (P.H.)
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Montoya-Botero P, Martinez F, Rodríguez-Purata J, Rodríguez I, Coroleu B, Polyzos NP. The effect of type of oral contraceptive pill and duration of use on fresh and cumulative live birth rates in IVF/ICSI cycles. Hum Reprod 2020; 35:826-836. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Are there any differences in the fresh (LB) and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) of women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for IVF/ICSI following pretreatment with different types of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) for different durations as compared to no-OCP?
SUMMARY ANSWER
OCP administration for an interval of 12- to 30-day treatment period and with a 5-day washout period does not affect clinical pregnancy, LB nor cumulative LB in patients undergoing COS for an IVF cycle.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
The use of OCP is an effective way of treatment planning in IVF/ICSI cycles, but published evidence about its effect on pregnancy and LBR is inconsistent, some studies finding decreased rates but others no difference.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This is a retrospective analysis carried out in a University-affiliated tertiary centre between January 2009 and December 2017. Overall, 4116 infertile women between 18 and 45 years, who underwent their first ovarian stimulation cycle in our centre, were included.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Patients were categorised into two groups as receiving OCP (n = 3517) or not (no OCP, n = 599). All patients with OCP pretreatment initiated controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) 5 days post-pill. Overall, two types of OCP were used at the study’s centre: ethinylestradiol (EE) 30 μg/desogestrel 150 μg, a third-generation progesterone; or EE 30 μg/drospirenone 3 mg, a fourth-generation progestin with mild antiandrogenic activity.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
A total of n = 4116 patients were analysed, (OCP n = 3517 and non-OCP n = 599). The use of OCP was independently associated with a small increase in the number of oocytes retrieved after adjusting for age, BMI, use of OCP, cause of infertility, initial dose (IU), type of gonadotropin, stimulation days, total stimulation units (total IU) (β 0.22, 95% CI 0.12–0.31). Cumulative LBRs were comparable between groups OCP versus non-OCP (32.4 versus 31.6%, P = 0.712). Following adjustment for age, BMI, infertility diagnosis, starting and total dose, type of gonadotropin, total days of stimulation, type of insemination, number of oocytes retrieved, day of transfer and number of embryos transferred in a multiple logistic analysis, patients using OCPs had a similar probability of achieving a LB as compared with patients not-using OCPs following fresh embryo transfer (ORadj 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.15) and a similar probability for CLBR after the use of fresh and frozen embryos (ORadj 0.94, 95% CI 0.73–1.21). No differences were observed in ovarian stimulation and clinical outcomes between drospirenone and desogestrel OCP groups.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Limitations are related to the retrospective nature of the study; despite the sample size, the adjustments and the multivariable regression analysis conducted, we cannot exclude the presence of confounding bias. OCP administration was not randomly assigned, not allowing to exclude the presence of selection bias. Lastly, we only used two types of OCP with durations and washout periods as per institution protocol. Therefore, we cannot exclude that longer duration of administration, a different type of OCP or different pill-free interval might have had an alternative effect on LBR or CLBR; thus, the generalizability of this study’s results should be considered with caution.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our study provides reassuring evidence that the use of 12–30 days OCP for cycle programming, prior to IVF, does not decrease the chance of live birth and cumulative live birth rates.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No external funding was used for this study. This research was performed under the auspices of ‘Càtedra d’Investigació en Obstetrícia I Ginecologia’ of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. The authors report no conflict of interest associated with the current study.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NA
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Montoya-Botero
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Conceptum – Unidad de Fertilidad del Country Conceptum, Bogotá 110221, Colombia
| | - Francisca Martinez
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Purata
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
| | - Buenaventura Coroleu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Gran Via de Carles III, 71-75, Barcelona 08022, Spain
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Bosch E, De Vos M, Humaidan P. The Future of Cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:67. [PMID: 32153506 PMCID: PMC7044122 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Societal changes and the increasing desire and opportunity to preserve fertility have increased the demand for effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and have increased the range of scenarios in which ART is now used. In recent years, the "freeze-all" strategy of cryopreserving all oocytes or good quality embryos produced in an IVF cycle to transfer later-at a time that is more appropriate for reasons of medical need, efficacy, or desirability-has emerged as an accepted and valuable alternative to fresh embryo transfer. Indeed, improvements in cryopreservation techniques (vitrification) and the development of more efficient ovarian stimulation protocols have facilitated a dramatic increase in the practice of elective frozen embryo transfer (eFET). Alongside these advances, debate continues about whether eFET should be a standard treatment option available to the whole IVF population or if it is important to identify patient subgroups who are most likely to benefit from such an approach. Achieving successful outcomes in ART, whether by fresh or frozen embryo transfer, is influenced by a wide range of factors. As well as the efficiency of IVF and embryo transfer protocols and techniques, factors affecting implantation include maternal aging, sperm quality, the vaginal and endometrial microbiome, and peri-implantation levels of serum progesterone. The safety of eFET, both during ART cycles and on longer-term obstetric and neonatal outcomes, is also an important consideration. In this review, we explore the benefits and risks of freeze-all strategies in different scenarios. We review available evidence on the outcomes achieved with elective cryopreservation strategies and practices and how these compare with more traditional IVF cycles with fresh embryo transfers, both in the general IVF population and in subgroups of special interest. In addition, we consider how to optimize and individualize "freeze-all" procedures to achieve successful reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Bosch
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ernesto Bosch
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Mizrachi Y, Horowitz E, Farhi J, Raziel A, Weissman A. Ovarian stimulation for freeze-all IVF cycles: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 26:118-135. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Freeze-all IVF cycles are becoming increasingly prevalent for a variety of clinical indications. However, the actual treatment objectives and preferred treatment regimens for freeze-all cycles have not been clearly established.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
We aimed to conduct a systematic review of all aspects of ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles.
SEARCH METHODS
A comprehensive search in Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library was performed. The search strategy included keywords related to freeze-all, cycle segmentation, cumulative live birth rate, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, fertility preservation, oocyte donation and frozen-thawed embryo transfer. We included relevant studies published in English from 2000 to 2018.
OUTCOMES
Our search generated 3292 records. Overall, 69 articles were included in the final review. Good-quality evidence indicates that in freeze-all cycles the cumulative live birth rate increases as the number of oocytes retrieved increases. Although the risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is virtually eliminated in freeze-all cycles, there are certain risks associated with retrieval of large oocyte cohorts. Therefore, ovarian stimulation should be planned to yield between 15 and 20 oocytes. The early follicular phase is currently the preferred starting point for ovarian stimulation, although luteal phase stimulation can be used if necessary. The improved safety associated with the GnRH antagonist regimen makes it the regimen of choice for ovarian stimulation in freeze-all cycles. Ovulation triggering with a GnRH agonist almost completely eliminates the risk of OHSS without affecting oocyte and embryo quality and is therefore the trigger of choice. The addition of low-dose hCG in a dual trigger has been suggested to improve oocyte and embryo quality, but further research in freeze-all cycles is required. Moderate-quality evidence indicates that in freeze-all cycles, a moderate delay of 2–3 days in ovulation triggering may result in the retrieval of an increased number of mature oocytes without impairing the pregnancy rate. There are no high-quality studies evaluating the effects of sustained supraphysiological estradiol (E2) levels on the safety and efficacy of freeze-all cycles. However, no significant adverse effects have been described. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of late follicular progesterone elevation in freeze-all cycles.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles is different in many aspects from conventional stimulation for fresh IVF cycles. Optimisation of ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles should result in enhanced treatment safety along with improved cumulative live birth rates and should become the focus of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Mizrachi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Farhi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Arieh Raziel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Yılmaz N, Ceran MU, Ugurlu EN, Gülerman HC, Engin Ustun Y. GnRH agonist versus HCG triggering in different IVF/ICSI cycles of same patients: a retrospective study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2019; 40:837-842. [PMID: 31791167 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1674262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger results of fresh in vitro fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles in high-responder patients. Thirty-six high-responder patients, undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol combined with GnRHa trigger for final oocyte maturation, were included. All cycles were autologous fresh transfer cycles. Fifteen of 36 patients had previous IVF/ICSI cycles triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and both cycles of these patients were compared. The mean fertilisation rate, blastocyst development and clinical pregnancy rates were 67%, 44.4% and 44.4%, respectively. The hCG and GnRHa trigger cycles of the same patients were compared as two groups (n: 15). 2PN oocyte counts were significantly higher in agonist trigger cycles (p .048). There were no differences in terms of M2 oocyte count and fertilisation rate. The blastocyst formation and clinical pregnancy rates for hCG and GnRHa trigger cycles were 33.3-66.7% and 13.3-46.7%, respectively. These results were found to be 2-fold and 3.5-fold higher, but not statistically significant. GnRHa trigger in combination with LPS is a good option for final oocyte maturation due to its good pregnancy outcomes and virtually eliminating OHSS risks.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger is effective in the induction of oocyte maturation and prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) on IVF cycles using antagonist protocol.What do the results of this study add? The main strength of this study is the comparison of different triggers in different cycles of the same patients. GnRHa trigger in combination with Luteal Phase Support (LPS) is a good option for final oocyte maturation due to its good pregnancy outcomes and virtually eliminating OHSS risks.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We suppose that GnRHa trigger combined with modified LPS is clinically more successful than Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in regard to OHSS prevention and reproductive outcomes on fresh IVF/ICSI cycles. More extensive studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiye Yılmaz
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Health Science University Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ufuk Ceran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baskent University School of Medicine, Konya Medical and Research Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Evin Nil Ugurlu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Park Health Group, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Hacer Cavidan Gülerman
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Health Science University Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yaprak Engin Ustun
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Health Science University Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Wiser A, Klement AH, Shavit T, Berkovitz A, Koren RR, Gonen O, Amichay K, Shulman A. Repeated GnRH agonist doses for luteal support: a proof of concept. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:770-776. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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