Individualized versus standard FSH dosing in women starting IVF/ICSI: an RCT. Part 2: The predicted hyper responder

Comparison of stimulation protocols for dose determination of gonadotropins: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

To date, evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of individualized controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) compared with standard dose COS has been inadequate.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the updated evidence from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the efficacy and safety of individualized COS with different ovarian reserve test biomarkers or clinical experience versus standard dose COS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Terms and descriptors related to COS, individualized or standard, and RCT were combined to search, and only English language studies were included. Conference abstracts and comments were excluded.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs with comparison between different individualized COS strategies and standard starting dose strategy were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviews independently assessed the eligibility of retrieved citations in a predefined standardized manner. Relative risk (RRs) and the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model on R software version 4.2.2.

MAIN RESULTS

Compared with the standard dose COS strategy in pairwise meta-analysis, the individualized COS strategy was associated with a notable lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS; 174/2384 [7.30%] vs 114/2412 [4.73%], RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.93, I2 = 46%), a significantly lower risk of hyperresponse to stimulation (hyperresponse; 476/2402 [19.82%] vs 331/2437 [13.58%], RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57-0.90, I2 = 61%), and a slightly longer ovarian stimulation days (duration of stimulation; WMD 0.20, 95% CI: 0.01-0.40, I2 = 66%). Bayesian network meta-analysis also found that biomarker-tailored strategy had a significantly lower risk of OHSS than standard dose strategy (OHSS; RR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.97, I2 = 47.5%).

CONCLUSION

Compared with standard dose COS strategy, individualized COS strategy could significantly reduce the risks of OHSS and hyperresponse to stimulation, but the duration of stimulation was slightly longer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42023358439.

Live birth rate per fresh embryo transfer and cumulative live birth rate in patients with PCOS under the POSEIDON classification: a retrospective study

Background

Ovarian stimulation (OS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in women with PCOS often results in multiple follicular development, yet some individuals experience poor or suboptimal responses. Limited data exist regarding the impact of poor/suboptimal ovarian response on pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the live birth rate (LBR) per fresh embryo transfer and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per aspiration cycle differ in women with PCOS defined by the Patient-Oriented Strategy Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria.

Methods

A retrospective study involving 2,377 women with PCOS who underwent their first IVF/ICSI cycle at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 was used. Patients were categorized into four groups based on age, antral follicle count, and the number of oocytes retrieved, according to the POSEIDON criteria. The LBR and CLBR were compared among these groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether the POSEIDON criteria served as independent risk factors and identify factors associated with POSEIDON.

Results

For patients <35 years old, there was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate between POSEIDON and non-POSEIDON patients, whereas POSEIDON patients exhibited lower rates of implantation and live birth. POSEIDON Group 1a displayed lower rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. However, no significant differences were observed in the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth between POSEIDON Group 1b and non-POSEIDON groups. For patients ≥35 years old, there were no significant differences in the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth between POSEIDON and non-POSEIDON patients. CLBRs were significantly lower in POSEIDON Groups 1 and 2, compared with the non-POSEIDON groups. The levels of body mass index (BMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and antral follicle count (AFC) were associated with POSEIDON hypo-response. POSEIDON was found to be associated with lower CLBR, but not LBR per fresh embryo transfer.

Conclusions

In patients with PCOS, an unexpected suboptimal response can achieve a fair LBR per fresh embryo transfer. However, CLBR per aspirated cycle in POSEIDON patients was lower than that of normal responders. BMI, basal FSH level, and AFC were independent factors associated with POSEIDON. Our study provides data for decision-making in women with PCOS after an unexpected poor/suboptimal response to OS.

Cluster analysis reveals a homogeneous subgroup of PCOS women with metabolic disturbance associated with adverse reproductive outcomes

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous and complex reproductive endocrinological disease that could lead to infertility. There were many attempts to classify PCOS but it remains unclear whether there is a specific subgroup of PCOS that is associated with the best or worst reproductive outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

METHODS

Infertile PCOS patients who underwent their first cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2019 to December 2021 were included. Basic clinical and laboratory information of each individual were extracted. Unsupervised cluster analysis was performed. Controlled ovarian stimulation parameters and reproductive outcomes were collected and compared between the different clusters of PCOS.

RESULTS

Our analysis clustered women with PCOS into "reproductive", "metabolic", and "balanced" clusters based on nine traits. Reproductive group was characterized by high levels of testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicular stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Metabolic group was characterized by high levels of body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin, and fasting glucose. Balanced group was characterized by low levels of the aforementioned reproductive and metabolic parameters, except for SHBG. Compared with PCOS patients in reproductive and balanced clusters, those in metabolic cluster had lower rates of good quality day 3 embryo and blastocyst formation. Moreover, PCOS patients in the reproductive cluster had greater fresh embryo transfer (ET) cancelation rate and clinical pregnancy rate after fresh ET than metabolic cluster (odds ratio [OR] = 3.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.77-6.44, and OR = 6.19, 95% CI: 1.58-24.24, respectively). And compared with PCOS of metabolic cluster, PCOS of balanced cluster also had higher chance for fresh ET cancelation (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.26-6.35).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that PCOS patients in metabolic cluster may be associated with adverse reproductive outcomes and might need individualized treatment and careful monitoring before and during ART.

Prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious complication associated with assisted reproductive technology. This systematic review aims to identify who is at high risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, along with evidence-based strategies to prevent it and replaces the document of the same name last published in 2016.

Comparison of the perinatal outcomes of expected high ovarian response patients and normal ovarian response patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer in natural/small amount of HMG induced ovulation cycles

BACKGROUND

Due to the high risk of complications in fresh transfer cycles among expected high ovarian response patients, most choose frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). There are currently few researches on whether the FET outcomes of expected high ovarian response patients with regular menstrual cycles are similar to those of normal ovarian response. Therefore, our objective was to explore and compare pregnancy outcomes and maternal and neonatal outcomes of natural FET cycles between patients with expected high ovarian response and normal ovarian response with regular menstrual cycles based on the antral follicle count (AFC).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 5082 women undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles at the Reproductive Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2017, to March 31, 2021. The population was divided into expected high ovarian response group and normal ovarian response group based on the AFC, and the differences in patient characteristics, clinical outcomes and perinatal outcomes between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Regarding clinical outcomes, compared with the normal ovarian response group, patients in the expected high ovarian response group had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (57.34% vs. 48.50%) and live birth rate (48.12% vs. 38.97%). There was no difference in the early miscarriage rate or twin pregnancy rate between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR 1.190) and live birth rate (adjusted OR 1.171) of the expected high ovarian response group were higher than those of the normal ovarian response group. In terms of maternal and infant outcomes, the incidence of very preterm delivery in the normal ovarian response group was higher than that in the expected high ovarian response group (0.86% vs. 0.16%, adjusted OR 0.131), Other maternal and infant outcomes were not significantly different. After grouping by age (< 30 y, 30-34 y, 35-39 y), there was no difference in the incidence of very preterm delivery among the age subgroups.

CONCLUSION

For patients with expected high ovarian response and regular menstrual cycles undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles, the clinical and perinatal outcomes are reassuring. For patients undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles, as age increases, perinatal care should be strengthened during pregnancy to reduce the incidence of very preterm delivery.

Nonlinear relationship between gonadotropin total dose applied and live birth rates in non-PCOS patients: a retrospective cohort study

The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the total dose of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) applied during controlled ovulation stimulation and the live birth rates (LBRs) in non-PCOS population. Many studies have found no difference between the dose of FSH application and pregnancy outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer. However, a recent large retrospective analysis found a negative correlation between live birth rates and increasing dose of FSH. It is still controversial about the association between FSH dose and LBRs. In addition, no studies have yet explored the nonlinear relationship between FSH and LBRs. This cohort study included a total of 11,645 patients who had accepted IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the second hospital of Hebei medical university between December 2014 to December 2019. PCOS was identified by Rotterdam PCOS criteria. We researched the association between FSH total dose and live birth rates (LBRs) using multivariate regression analysis. In addition, a model for nonlinear relationships based on a two-part linear regression was applied. The analysis of threshold effects indicated that LBR increased with every 1000 IU FSH when the concentration of FSH was lower than 1410 IU (OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.05, 2.28]); however, a negative association between FSH dose and LBR (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.89, 0.99]) was found when the FSH total dose was higher than 1410 IU. It is worth noting that the relationship between LBR and FSH dose varied among patients of different ages (OR 0.92 vs 1.06, P for interaction < 0.05).

Individualised gonadotropin dose selection using markers of ovarian reserve for women undergoing in vitro fertilisation plus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI)

BACKGROUND

During a stimulated cycle of in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI), women receive daily doses of gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to induce multifollicular development in the ovaries. A normal response to stimulation (e.g. retrieval of 5 to 15 oocytes) is considered desirable. Generally, the number of eggs retrieved is associated with the dose of FSH. Both hyper-response and poor response are associated with an increased chance of cycle cancellation. In hyper-response, this is due to increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), while poor response cycles are cancelled because the quantity and quality of oocytes is expected to be low. Clinicians often individualise the FSH dose using patient characteristics predictive of ovarian response. Traditionally, this meant women's age, but increasingly, clinicians use various ovarian reserve tests (ORTs). These include basal FSH (bFSH), antral follicle count (AFC), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). It is unclear whether individualising FSH dose improves clinical outcomes. This review updates the 2018 version.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of individualised gonadotropin dose selection using markers of ovarian reserve in women undergoing IVF/ICSI.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trial registers in February 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared (a) different doses of FSH in women with a defined ORT profile (i.e. predicted low, normal, or high responders based on AMH, AFC, and/or bFSH) or (b) an individualised dosing strategy (based on at least one ORT measure) versus uniform dosing or a different individualised dosing algorithm.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and severe OHSS.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 26 studies, involving 8520 women (6 new studies added to 20 studies included in the previous version). We treated RCTs with multiple comparisons as separate trials for the purpose of this review. Meta-analysis was limited due to clinical heterogeneity. Evidence certainty ranged from very low to low, with the main limitations being imprecision and risk of bias associated with lack of blinding. Direct dose comparisons according to predicted response in women Due to differences in dose comparisons, caution is required when interpreting the RCTs in predicted low responders. All evidence was low or very low certainty. Effect estimates were very imprecise, and increased FSH dosing may or may not have an impact on rates of live birth/ongoing pregnancy, OHSS, and clinical pregnancy. Similarly, in predicted normal responders (10 studies, 4 comparisons), higher doses may or may not impact the probability of live birth/ongoing pregnancy (e.g. 200 versus 100 international units (IU): odds ratio (OR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 1.36; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 522 women) or clinical pregnancy. Results were imprecise, and a small benefit or harm remains possible. There were too few events for the OHSS outcome to enable inferences. In predicted high responders, lower doses may or may not affect live birth/ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.46; 1 study, 521 women), severe OHSS, and clinical pregnancy. It is also unclear whether lower doses reduce moderate or severe OHSS (Peto OR 2.31, 95% CI 0.80 to 6.67; 1 study, 521 participants). ORT-algorithm studies Eight trials compared an ORT-based algorithm to a non-ORT control group. It is unclear whether live birth/ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy are increased using an ORT-based algorithm (live birth/ongoing pregnancy: OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.29; I2 = 30%; 7 studies, 4400 women; clinical pregnancy: OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.18; I2 = 18%; 7 studies, 4400 women; low-certainty evidence). However, ORT algorithms may reduce moderate or severe OHSS (Peto OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.84; I2 = 0%; 7 studies, 4400 women; low-certainty evidence). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of severe OHSS (Peto OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.28; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 2724 women; low-certainty evidence). Our findings suggest that if the chance of live birth with a standard starting dose is 25%, the chance with ORT-based dosing would be between 25% and 31%. If the chance of moderate or severe OHSS with a standard starting dose is 5%, the chance with ORT-based dosing would be between 2% and 5%. These results should be treated cautiously due to heterogeneity in the algorithms: some algorithms appear to be more effective than others.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We did not find that tailoring the FSH dose in any particular ORT population (low, normal, high ORT) affected live birth/ongoing pregnancy rates, but we could not rule out differences, due to sample size limitations. Low-certainty evidence suggests that it is unclear if ORT-based individualisation leads to an increase in live birth/ongoing pregnancy rates compared to a policy of giving all women 150 IU. The confidence interval is consistent with an increase of up to around six percentage points with ORT-based dosing (e.g. from 25% to 31%) or a very small decrease (< 1%). A difference of this magnitude could be important to many women. It is unclear if this is driven by improved outcomes in a particular subgroup. Further, ORT algorithms reduced the incidence of OHSS compared to standard dosing of 150 IU. However, the size of the effect is also unclear. The included studies were heterogeneous in design, which limited the interpretation of pooled estimates. It is likely that different ORT algorithms differ in their effectiveness. Current evidence does not provide a clear justification for adjusting the dose of 150 IU in poor or normal responders, especially as increased dose is associated with greater total FSH dose and cost. It is unclear whether a decreased dose in predicted high responders reduces OHSS, although this would appear to be the most likely explanation for the results.

The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization

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.

Factors affecting cumulative live birth rate after the 1st oocyte retrieved in polycystic ovary syndrome patients in women during IVF/ICSI-ET

BACKGROUND

The factors affecting the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrom) patients who received in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) needs more research for a better outcome.

METHODS

Here we carried out a retrospective analysis of 1380 PCOS patients who received IVF/ICSI-ET for the first time from January 2014 to December 2016. We divided them into cumulative live birth group (group A) and non-cumulative live birth group (group B) according to whether there were live births.

RESULTS

The conservative cumulative live birth rate was 63.48%. There were 876 cumulative live births (group A) and 504 non-cumulative live births (group B) according to whether the patients had live births or not. Competition analysis showed that duration of infertility, primary/secondary type of infertility, stimulation protocols, starting dose of gonadotrophins and oocyte retrieved numbers were significantly correlated with CLBR. The Cox proportional risk regression model of PCOS patients showed that stimulation protocols had a significant impact on CLBR. Patients in the GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)-antagonist protocol group and the mild stimulation protocol had lower CLBR than those in the prolonged GnRH-agonist protocol, which was statistically significant. PCOS patients with the starting dose of gonadotrophins greater than 112.5u had lower CLBR than those with less than 100u, which was statistically significant. Women with 11-15 oocytes and 16-20 oocytes had higher CLBR than women with 1-9 oocytes, which was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

When we used Prolonged GnRH-agonist protocol, or the first starting dose of gonadotrophins was 100u-112.5u, or the number of oocytes obtained was 11-15 and 16-20, the CLBR of PCOS patients increased significantly after the 1st oocyte collection.

A reappraisal of ovarian stimulation strategies used in assisted reproductive technology

Ovarian stimulation is a fundamental step in assisted reproductive technology (ART) with the intention of inducing ovarian follicle development prior to timed intercourse or intra-uterine insemination and facilitating the retrieval of multiple oocytes during a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The basis of ovarian stimulation includes the administration of exogenous gonadotropins, with or without pre-treatment with oral hormonal therapy. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist is given in addition to the gonadotropins to prevent a premature rise of endogenous luteinizing hormone that would in turn lead to premature ovulation. With the advancement in technology, various stimulation protocols have been devised to cater for different patient needs. However, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and its serious complications may occur following ovarian stimulation. It is also evident that suboptimal ovarian stimulation strategies may have a negative impact on oogenesis, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity, and reproductive outcomes over recent years. This review describes the various forms of pre-treatment for ovarian stimulation and stimulation protocols, and aims to provide clinicians with the latest available evidence.

Fine-tuning the dose of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa to individualize treatment in ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation cycles: a real-world database analysis

Introduction

Fine-tuning of injectable gonadotropin doses during ovulation induction (OI) or ovarian stimulation (OS) treatment cycles with the aim of using doses low enough to minimize the risk of excessive ovarian response while maintaining optimal efficacy may be facilitated by using an adjustable-dose pen injector. We examined the incidence and magnitude of individualized gonadotropin dose adjustments made during cycles of OI or OS, followed by either timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination, with or without oral medications, and assessed the relationship between patient characteristics and dosing changes using real-world evidence.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records from a large US database of fertility centers. Data from patients who had undergone a first recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa/follitropin alfa) treated OI/OS cycle followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination between 2015 and 2016 were included. Percentages of OI/OS cycles involving r-hFSH-alfa dose adjustments (in increments of ±12.5 IU or greater) with or without oral medications (clomiphene citrate or letrozole) were analyzed.

Results

Of 2,832 OI/OS cycles involving r-hFSH-alfa administration, 74.6% included combination treatment with orals; 25.4% involved r-hFSH-alfa alone. As expected, the starting dose of r-hFSH-alfa was lower for cycles that used r-hFSH-alfa with orals than r-hFSH-alfa only cycles (mean [SD]: 74.2 [39.31] vs 139.3 [115.10] IU). Dose changes occurred in 13.7% of r-hFSH-alfa with orals versus 43.9% of r-hFSH-alfa only cycles. Dose adjustment magnitudes ranged from ±12.5 IU to ±450 IU. The smallest adjustment magnitudes (±12.5 IU and ±25 IU) were used frequently and more often for dose increases than for dose decreases. For r-hFSH-alfa with orals and r-hFSH-alfa only cycles, the smallest adjustments were used in 53.5% and 64.5% of cycles with dose increases and in 35.7% and 46.8% of cycles with dose decreases, respectively.

Discussion

In OI/OS cycles followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination, r-hFSH-alfa dose adjustments were frequent. In cycles that included orals, r-hFSH-alfa starting doses were lower and dose changes were fewer than with r-hFSH-alfa alone. Smaller dose adjustments facilitate individualized treatment with the goal of reducing the risks of multiple gestation, cycle cancellation, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Outcomes of clinical in vitro maturation programs for treating infertility in hyper responders: a systematic review

Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) in subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IVM compared with COS in women with predicted hyperresponse to gonadotropins, we searched the published literature for relevant studies comparing any IVM protocol with any COS protocol followed by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A systematic review was undertaken on 3 eligible prospective studies. Live birth rate was not significantly lower after IVM vs. COS (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of 0.56 [0.32-1.01] overall, 0.83 [0.63-1.10] for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-triggered IVM [hCG-IVM] and 0.45 [0.18-1.13] for non-hCG-triggered IVM [non-hCG-IVM]), irrespective of the stage of transferred embryos. Data from nonrandomized studies generally showed either significantly low or statistically comparable rates of live birth with IVM vs. COS. Most studies have not identified any significant difference between IVM and COS with respect to the rates of obstetric or perinatal complications, apart from a potentially higher rate of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The development of offspring from IVM and COS with in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection appears to be similar. Additional research is needed to identify which patient populations will benefit most from IVM, to define the appropriate clinical protocol, and to develop the optimal culture system.

Treatment algorithms for high responders: What we can learn from randomized controlled trials, real-world data and models

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.

Association between Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Gene Polymorphism and Clinical Outcomes among Young Women with Poor Ovarian Response to Assisted Reproductive Technology

BACKGROUND

Does the presence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene affect ovarian response in infertile young women?

METHODS

This was a case-control study recruiting 1744 infertile women between January 2014 to December 2015. The 1084 eligible patients were stratified into four groups using the POSEIDON criteria. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and LIF SNP genotypes were compared among the groups. The distributions of LIF and FSHR among younger and older patients were compared. Clinical outcomes were also compared.

RESULTS

The four groups of poor responders had different distributions of SNP in LIF. The prevalence of LIF genotypes among young poor ovarian responders differed from those of normal responders. Genetic model analyses in infertile young women revealed that the TG or GG genotype in the LIF resulted in fewer oocytes retrieved and fewer mature oocytes relative to the TT genotypes. In older women, the FSHR SNP genotype contributed to fewer numbers of mature oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

LIF and FSHR SNP genotypes were associated with a statistically significant reduction in ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in younger and older women with an adequate ovarian reserve, respectively.

A real-world study of ART in France (REOLA) comparing a biosimilar rFSH against the originator according to rFSH starting dose

BACKGROUND

Since the first launch of a biosimilar recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), Bemfola®, in Europe in 2014, it has been possible to study in routine clinical care throughout France the effectiveness of a biosimilar rFSH including according to different rFSH starting doses.

METHODS

REOLA was a non-interventional, retrospective, real world study using anonymized data from 17 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centres' data management systems across France including 2,319 ART ovarian stimulation cycles with Bemfola® and 4,287 ART ovarian stimulation cycles with Gonal-f®. For both products, four populations were studied according to starting dose of rFSH: < 150 IU, 150 - 224 IU, 225 - 299 IU and ≥ 300 IU. The primary endpoint was the cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) per commenced ART ovarian stimulation cycle including all subsequent fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers starting during a follow up period of at least 1 year following oocyte retrieval.

RESULTS

A direct relationship of increasing rFSH starting dose with increasing age, increasing basal FSH, decreasing AMH and increasing body mass index was noted. No clinically relevant differences were seen in all outcomes reported, including the cLBR, between Bemfola® and Gonal-f®, but for both drugs, an association was seen with increasing rFSH starting dose and decreasing cLBR.

CONCLUSIONS

The REOLA study demonstrates that the cLBR with Bemfola® is very similar to Gonal-f® across all patient subpopulations. The cLBR is inversely related to the rFSH starting dose irrespective of the drug used, and the REOLA study provides reassurance of the clinical effectiveness of a biosimilar rFSH used in a real world setting.

Evaluation of Female Fertility-AMH and Ovarian Reserve Testing

CONTEXT

Evaluation of the infertile female requires an understanding of ovulation and biomarkers of ovarian reserve. Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) correlates with growing follicles in a menstrual cycle. Increasingly, AMH has been used as a "fertility test." This narrative review describes how to integrate the use of AMH into diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A PubMed search was conducted to find recent literature on measurements and use of serum AMH as a marker of ovarian reserve and in treatment of infertility.

RESULTS

Serum AMH estimates ovarian reserve, helps determine dosing in ovarian stimulation, and predicts stimulation response. As such, AMH is a good marker of oocyte quantity but does not reflect oocyte health or chances for pregnancy. Screening of AMH before fertility treatment should be used to estimate expected response and not to withhold treatment. Low AMH levels may suggest a shortened reproductive window. AMH levels must be interpreted in the context of the endogenous endocrine environment where low follicle-stimulating hormone, due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or hormonal contraceptive use, may lower AMH without being a true reflection of ovarian reserve. In addition, there is an inverse correlation between body mass index and AMH that does not reflect ovarian response.

CONCLUSION

AMH is a useful marker of ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged women. Increased screening of noninfertile women requires a thorough knowledge of situations that may affect AMH levels. In no situation does AMH reflect oocyte health or chances for conception. Age is still the strongest driver in determining success rates with fertility treatments.

A comparative, observational study evaluating dosing characteristics and ovarian response using the recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone pen injector with small-dose dial in assisted reproductive technologies treatment in Asia: IMPROVE study

BACKGROUND

Ovarian stimulation during medically assisted reproduction treatment should be individualized to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. This study assessed whether use of the recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) pen injector allowing small 12.5 IU dose increments resulted in lower r-hFSH dose per oocyte retrieved in a subgroup of patients at risk of OHSS, compared with r-hFSH injection devices allowing only 37.5 IU increments.

METHODS

This multicenter, comparative, observational study evaluated patients from a prospective (study group) and historical (control group) cohort. The study group enrolled 1783 patients using the redesigned r-hFSH pen injector (GONAL-f®, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) from a prospective phase IV, non-interventional, open-label study, conducted in Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. The control group consisted of 1419 patients from a historical study using r-hFSH devices allowing 37.5 IU increments. In the study group, 397 patients were considered at risk of OHSS; this information was unavailable for the control group, so biomarkers and patient characteristics were used to match 123 patients from the study group and control group. Each center adhered to standard practice; starting dose and intra-cycle dose adjustments were allowed at any point. The primary endpoint, amount of r-hFSH (IU) administered per oocyte retrieved, was assessed in matched patients only. Additional outcomes and safety were assessed in the overall populations.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Mean (SD) total dose of r-hFSH administered per oocyte retrieved in patients at risk of OHSS, was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (132.5 [85.2] vs. 332.7 [371.6] IU, P < 0.0001, n = 123). Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rates in the overall study and control groups were 30.0 vs. 20.6%, 50.3 vs. 40.7%, and 43.8 vs. 34.0%, respectively. OHSS incidence was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (27/1783 [1.5%] vs. 57/1419 [4.0%] patients, P < 0.0001). AEs were reported by 5.0% of patients in the study group.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly lower r-hFSH dose per oocyte retrieved and lower OHSS incidence were observed in patients using the redesigned injector compared with patients using other injection devices.

The Essential Role of Body Weight in Adjusting Gn Dosage to Prevent High Ovarian Response for Women With PCOS During IVF: A Retrospective Study

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the major cause of anovulatory infertility. Since women with PCOS are often accompanied by increased body weight and hyper response to controlled ovarian stimulation, individualized gonadotropin (Gn) dose is required to achieve a therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation simultaneously. We aimed to investigate the essential role of body weight in optimizing initial Gn dosage for PCOS patients during in vitro fertilization (IVF). We retrospectively included 409 infertile PCOS patients who used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist fixed protocol and underwent their first cycle of IVF in West China Second University Hospital from January 2019 to June 2021. Baseline characteristics controlled ovarian stimulation parameters, and reproductive outcomes were compared between patients with different body weights and different ovarian responses. Multivariable linear regression analyses were adopted to investigate the relationship between body weight and initial Gn dosage. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to find the optimal cut-off value of body weight in predicting the starting Gn dosage so as to prevent high ovarian response (HOR). We found that luteinizing hormone (LH) level and Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level were lowest in the group with body weight over 70 kg and was highest in the group with body weight less than 50 kg. Increased body weight was significantly correlated to the rise of initial Gn dosage (Beta = 0.399, t = 8.921, p < 0.001). Normal ovarian response (NOR) patients had significantly less fresh cycle cancel rate and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate which outweighed the fewer embryos compared with HOR patients. Using ROC curves, 53.25 kg (sensitivity, 84.2%; specificity, 53.8%) and 70.5 kg (sensitivity, 58.8%; specificity, 93.0%) were identified as the optimal cut-off values to predict the initial Gn dosage of no more than 150 IU and 225 IU, respectively. In conclusion, adjusting the initial Gn dosage based on body weight is crucial to preventing ovarian hyperstimulation while not influencing reproductive outcomes for PCOS patients during IVF.

An Individualized Recommendation for Controlled Ovary Stimulation Protocol in Women Who Received the GnRH Agonist Long-Acting Protocol or the GnRH Antagonist Protocol: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The GnRH agonist long-acting protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol are widely used in ovarian stimulation. Which protocol eliciting higher live birth rate for IVF/ICSI patients with different ages, different ovarian reserves and different body mass index (BMI) has not been studied. However, among these protocols, the one that elicits higher live birth in IVF/ICSI patients with different ages, ovarian reserves and body mass indexes (BMI) has not been identified.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study about 8579 women who underwent the first IVF-ET from January, 2018 to August, 2021. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to improve the comparability between two protocols.

RESULTS

After PSM, significant higher live birth rates were found in the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol compared to GnRH antagonist protocol (44.04% vs. 38.32%) (p<0.001). Stratified analysis showed that for those with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² and were aged ≥ 30 years old, and for those women with BMI < 24kg/m² and were aged ≥30 years whose AMH levels were ≤ 3ng/ml, the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol was more likely to elicit live births [OR (95%CI), 2.13(1.19,3.80)], [OR (95%CI), 1.41(1.05,1.91)]. However, among women with BMI ≥ 24kg/m² and were aged ≥30 years whose AMH levels were ≤ 3ng/ml, the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol had a lower possibility of eliciting live births [OR (95%CI), 0.54(0.32,0.90)]. Also, among women with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² and with age < 30 years and for those with AMH levels between 3 ng/ml and 6 ng/ml, regardless of age, and with BMI<24kg/m2,, the possibility of live births was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI), 1.06(0.60,1.89)], [OR (95%CI), 1.38(0.97,1.97)], [OR (95%CI), 0.99(0.72,1.37)]. Among the women with AMH levels ≤ 3 ng/ml and with were aged < 30years, regardless of BMI, the possibility of live birth was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI), 1.02(0.68,1.54)], [OR (95%CI), 1.43(0.68,2.98)]. Moreover, among women with AMH levels ≥ 6ng/ml, the possibility of live birth was similar between the two protocols [OR (95%CI),1.42(0.75,2.69)], [OR (95%CI),1.02(0.19,5.35)], [OR (95%CI), 1.68(0.81,3.51)], [OR (95%CI), 0.51(0.10,2.55)].

CONCLUSIONS

The suitability of the GnRH agonist long-acting protocol or GnRH antagonist protocol to infertility patients is dependent on specific biological characteristics of the patients.

Cumulative live birth rate after ovarian stimulation with freeze-all in women with polycystic ovaries: does the polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype have an impact?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) differ between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes when a freeze-all strategy is used to prevent OHSS after ovarian stimulation?

DESIGN

A single-centre, retrospective cohort study of 422 women with PCOS or polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), in whom a freeze-all strategy was applied after GnRH agonist triggering because of hyper-response in their first or second IVF/ICSI. Primary outcome was CLBR; multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

Phenotype A (hyperandrogenism + ovulation disorder + PCOM [HOP]) (n = 91/422 [21.6%]); phenotype C (hyperandrogenism + PCOM [HP]) (33/422 [7.8%]; phenotype D (ovulation disorder + PCOM [OP]) (n = 161/422 [38.2%]); and PCOM (n = 137/422 [32.5%]. Unadjusted CLBR was similar among the groups (69.2%, 69.7%, 79.5% and 67.9%, respectively; P = 0.11). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, the phenotype did not affect CLBR (OR 0.72, CI 0.24 to 2.14 [phenotype C]; OR 1.55, CI 0.71 to 3.36 [phenotype D]; OR 0.84, CI 0.39 to 1.83 [PCOM]; P = 0.2, with phenotype A as reference).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with PCOS, hyper-response after ovarian stimulation confers CLBR of around 70%, irrespective of phenotype, when a freeze-all strategy is used. This contrasts with unfavourable clinical outcomes in women with hyperandrogenism and women with PCOS who underwent mild ovarian stimulation targeting normal ovarian response and fresh embryo transfer. The results should be interpreted with caution because the study is retrospective and cannot be generalized to all cycles as they pertain to those in which hyper-response is observed.

The influence of obesity on incidence of complications in patients hospitalized with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of body habitus on risk of complications resulting from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study examining the National Inpatient Sample between January 2012 and September 2015. Patients were women < 50 years of age diagnosed with OHSS, classified as non-obese, class I-II obesity, or class III obesity. Intervention included multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with obesity and binary logistic regression for independent risk factors for complications. Main outcome measures were incidence of (i) any or (ii) multiple complication(s).

RESULTS

Of 2745 women hospitalized with OHSS, 2440 (88.9%) were non-obese, 155 (5.6%) had class I-II obesity, and 150 (5.5%) had class III obesity. Obese women (either class I-II or III) had a higher degree of comorbidity, had lower incomes, and were less likely to have private insurance than non-obese women (all P < 0.001). Obese women had lower rates of OHSS-related complications than non-obese women (any complication: non-obese 65.2%, class I-II 54.8%, and class III 46.7%, P < 0.001; and multiple complications: non-obese 38.5%, class I-II 32.3%, and class III 20.0%, P < 0.001). In the multivariable model, obesity remained independently associated with a decreased risk of complications (class I-II odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.83, P = 0.003; class III odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.44, P < 0.001). Obese women were also less likely to require paracentesis (non-obese 32.8%, class I-II 9.7%, and class III 13.3%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that obesity is associated with decreased OHSS-related complication rates in hospitalized patients.

Do we trust scientific evidence? A multicentre retrospective analysis of first IVF/ICSI cycles before and after the OPTIMIST trial

STUDY QUESTION

Has the practice of individualizing the recombinant-FSH starting dose been superseded after the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) in assisted reproduction technology (ART), the OPTIMIST trial?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The OPTIMIST trial has influenced our ART daily practice to a limited degree, but adherence is still generally poor.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Although the 'one size fits all' approach has been discouraged for decades by most authors, the OPTIMIST study group demonstrated in a large prospective RCT that, in general, dosage individualization does not improve the prospects for live birth, although it may decrease ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk in expected high responders.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective analysis of all first in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2018, before and after the OPTIMIST publication on November 2017.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Two thousand six hundred and seventy-seven patients, between 18 and 42 years old, undergoing their first IVF-ICSI cycle in seven Italian fertility centres, were included. Patients were allocated to three groups according to their ovarian reserve markers: predicted poor ovarian responders (POR), predicted normo-responders (NR) and expected hyper-responders (HRs).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Between 2017 and 2018, there was an overall increase in prescription of the standard 150 IU dose proposed by the OPTIMIST trial and a reduction in the use of a starting dose >300 IU. After subgroup analysis, the decrease in doses >300 IU remained significant in the POR and NR sub-groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The retrospective nature of the study. Physicians need time to adapt to new scientific evidence and a comparison between 2017 and 2019 may have found a greater impact of the Optimist trial, although other changes over the longer time span might have increased confounding. We cannot be sure that the observed changes can be attributed to knowledge of the OPTIMIST trial.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Clinicians may be slow to adopt recommendations based on RCTs; more attention should be given to how these are disseminated and promoted.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No external funding was used for this study. E.P. reports grants and personal fees from MSD, grants from Ferring, from IBSA, grants and personal fees from Merck, grants from TEVA, grants from Gedeon Richter, outside the submitted work. E.S. reports grants from Ferring, grants and personal fees from Merck-Serono, grants and personal fees from Theramex, outside the submitted work. All other authors do not have conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Dose adjustment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during ovarian stimulation as part of medically-assisted reproduction in clinical studies: a systematic review covering 10 years (2007-2017)

BACKGROUND

Individualization of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) starting dose is considered standard clinical practice during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Furthermore, the gonadotropin dose is regularly adjusted during COS to avoid hyper- or hypo-ovarian response, but limited data are currently available to characterize such adjustments. This review describes the frequency and direction (increase/decrease) of recombinant-human FSH (r-hFSH) dose adjustment reported in clinical trials.

METHODS

We evaluated the proportion of patients undergoing ART treatment who received ≥ 1 r-hFSH dose adjustments. The inclusion criteria included studies (published Sept 2007 to Sept 2017) in women receiving ART treatment that allowed dose adjustment within the study protocol and that reported ≥ 1 dose adjustments of r-hFSH; studies not allowing/reporting dose adjustment were excluded. Data on study design, dose adjustment and patient characteristics were extracted. Point-incidence estimates were calculated per study and overall based on pooled number of cycles with dose adjustment across studies. The Clopper-Pearson method was used to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incidence where adjustment occurred in < 10% of patients; otherwise, a normal approximation method was used.

RESULTS

Initially, 1409 publications were identified, of which 318 were excluded during initial screening and 1073 were excluded after full text review for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies (6630 cycles) reported dose adjustment: 5/18 studies (1359 cycles) reported data for an unspecified dose adjustment (direction not defined), in 10/18 studies (3952 cycles) dose increases were reported, and in 11/18 studies (5123 cycles) dose decreases were reported. The studies were performed in women with poor, normal and high response, with one study reporting in oocyte donors and one in obese women. The median day that dose adjustment was permitted was Day 6 after the start of treatment. The point estimates for incidence (95% CI) for unspecified dose adjustment, dose increases, and dose decreases were 45.3% (42.7, 48.0), 19.2% (18.0, 20.5), and 9.5% (8.7, 10.3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlights that, in studies in which dose adjustment was allowed and reported, the estimated incidence of r-hFSH dose adjustments during ovarian stimulation was up to 45%.

Outcome of in-vitro oocyte maturation in patients with PCOS: does phenotype have an impact?

STUDY QUESTION

Does the phenotype of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect clinical outcomes of ART following in-vitro oocyte maturation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) after IVM were significantly different between distinct PCOS phenotypes, with the highest CLBR observed in patients with phenotype A/HOP (= hyperandrogenism + ovulatory disorder + polycystic ovaries), while IVM in patients with phenotype C/HP (hyperandrogenism + polycystic ovaries) or D/OP (ovulatory disorder + polycystic ovaries) resulted in lower CLBRs (OR 0.26 (CI 0.06-1.05) and OR 0.47 (CI 0.25-0.88), respectively, P = 0.03).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

CLBRs in women with hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotypes (A/HOP and C/HP) have been reported to be lower after ovarian stimulation (OS) and ART when compared to CLBR in women with a normo-androgenic PCOS phenotype (D/OP) and non-PCOS patients with a PCO-like ovarian morphology (PCOM). Whether there is an influence of the different PCOS phenotypes on success rates of IVM has been unknown.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study including 320 unique PCOS patients performing their first IVM cycle between April 2014 and January 2018 in a tertiary referral hospital.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Baseline patient characteristics and IVM treatment cycle data were collected. The clinical outcomes following the first IVM embryo transfer were retrieved, including the CLBR defined as the number of deliveries with at least one live birth resulting from one IVM cycle and all appended cycles in which fresh or frozen embryos were transferred until a live birth occurred or until all embryos were used. The latter was considered as the primary outcome. A multivariate regression model was developed to identify prognostic factors for CLBR and test the impact of the patient's PCOS phenotype.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Half of the patients presented with a hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotype (n = 140 A/HOP and n = 20 C/HP vs. n = 160 D/OP). BMI was significantly different between phenotype groups (27.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2 for A/HOP, 27.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2 for C/HP and 23.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2 for D/OP, P < 0.001). Metformin was used in 33.6% of patients with PCOS phenotype A/HOP, in 15.0% of C/HP patients and in 11.2% of D/OP patients (P < 0.001). Anti-müllerian hormone levels differed significantly between groups: 12.4 ± 8.3 µg/l in A/HOP, 7.7 ± 3.1 µg/l in C/HP and 10.4 ± 5.9 µg/l in D/OP patients (P = 0.01). The number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) was significantly different between phenotype groups: 25.9 ± 19.1 COC in patients with phenotype A/HOP, 18.3 ± 9.0 COC in C/HP and 19.8 ± 13.5 COC in D/OP (P = 0.004). After IVM, patients with different phenotypes also had a significantly different number of mature oocytes (12.4 ± 9.3 for A/HOP vs. 6.5 ± 4.2 for C/HP vs. 9.1 ± 6.9 for D/OP, P < 0.001). The fertilisation rate, the number of usable embryos and the number of cycles with no embryo available for transfer were comparable between the three groups. Following the first embryo transfer, the positive hCG rate and LBR were comparable between the patient groups (44.7% (55/123) for A/HOP, 40.0% (6/15) for C/HP, 36.7% (47/128) for D/OP, P = 0.56 and 25.2% (31/123) for A/HOP, 6.2% (1/15) for C/HP, 26.6% (34/128) for D/OP, respectively, P = 0.22). However, the incidence of early pregnancy loss was significantly different across phenotype groups (19.5% (24/123) for A/HOP, 26.7% (4/15) for C/HP and 10.2% (13/128) for D/OP, P = 0.04). The CLBR was not significantly different following univariate analysis (40.0% (56/140) for A/HOP, 15% (3/20) for C/HP and 33.1% (53/160) for D/OP (P = 0.07)). When a multivariable logistic regression model was developed to account for confounding factors, the PCOS phenotype appeared to be significantly correlated with CLBR, with a more favourable CLBR in the A/HOP subgroup (OR 0.26 for phenotype C/HP (CI 0.06-1.05) and OR 0.47 for phenotype D/OP (CI 0.25-0.88), P = 0.03)).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

These data should be interpreted with caution as the retrospective nature of the study holds the possibility of unmeasured confounding factors and misassignment of the PCOS phenotype. Moreover, the sample size for phenotype C/HP was too small to draw conclusions for this subgroup of patients.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Caucasian infertile patients with a PCOS phenotype A/HOP who undergo IVM achieved a higher CLBR than their counterparts with C/HP and D/OP. This is in strong contrast with previously reported outcomes following OS where women with PCOS and hyperandrogenism (A/HOP and C/HP) performed significantly worse. For PCOS patients who require ART, the strategy of OS followed by an elective freeze-all strategy remains to be compared with IVM in a prospective fashion; however, the current data provide support for IVM as a valid treatment option, especially in the most severe PCOS phenotypes (A/HOP). Our data suggest that proper patient selection is of utmost importance in an IVM programme.

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.

The POSEIDON stratification - moving from poor ovarian response to low prognosis

Poor ovarian response remains one of the most challenging tasks for an IVF clinician. In this review, we aim to highlight the ongoing research for optimizing the prognosis in poor ovarian response patients. The newly introduced POSEIDON criteria argue that the first step is to move from a poor response to a poor prognosis concept, while improving identification and stratification of the different sub-types of poor prognosis patients prior to ovarian stimulation. The immediate marker of success is the ability of the ovarian stimulation to retrieve the number of oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid blastocyst for transfer in each patient. This surrogate marker of success should not replace live birth as the most important outcome, but it should be approached as a useful tool for clinicians to evaluate their strategy for achieving live birth in the shortest timespan possible in the individual patient/ couple.

Do Strategies Favoring Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Have an Impact on Differences in IVF Success Rate, Multiple Pregnancy Rate, and Cost per Live Birth Between Fertility Clinics?

The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to establish whether strategies favoring frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) have an impact on differences in cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), weighted mean cost per live birth, and multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) between fertility clinics. Data were extracted from the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Italian National Registry and refer to classical IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles performed in 2018 in public funded Lombardy region fertility clinics. Propensity to FET cycles was expressed with the so-called freezing tendency index (FTI): [(No. of FETs + No. of transfers of embryos obtained from frozen-thawed oocytes) / (No. of fresh ETs + No. of canceled IVF cycles + Numerator)] × 100. Fertility clinics were divided according to their FTI: group A (FTI: 0-20%); group B (FTI: 20-40%); and group C (FTI: 40-60%). Groups A, B, and C included 6, 8, and 8 fertility clinics, respectively. The CLBR (95% CI) per started COH cycle was 13.1% (11.8-14.5%) in group A, 19.6% (18.6-20.7%) in group B, and 27.8% (26.8-28.9%) in group C (p < 0.0001). The weighted mean live birth cost was 32,770 ± 10,662 € in group A, 25,863 ± 11,510 € in group B, and 20,426 ± 3788 € in group C (p < 0.0001). The MPR (95% CI) was 15.4% (12.1-19.4%) in group A, 10.2% (8.7-12.1%) in group B (p = 0.0065), and 6.3% (5.2-7.6%) in group C (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, our results suggest that strategies favoring FET cycles are associated with an increased CLBR, a decreased weighted mean cost per live birth, and a decreased MPR.

Do basal Luteinizing Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone/Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Ratio Have Significance in Prognosticating the Outcome of In vitro Fertilization Cycles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Context:

Tonic hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) appears to impact both fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Aim:

Whether high basal day 2/3 serum LH levels and day 2/3 LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Assisted Reproductive Technique Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at a tertiary care institute, on PCOS patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using GnRH antagonist protocol with human chorionic gonadotropin trigger between January 2014 to December 2019.

Methods and Material:

Data related to patient's age, body mass index, day 2/3 serum FSH, serum LH, day 2/3 LH/FSH ratio, and infertility treatment-related variables were collected from the patient record files. IVF cycle characteristics, number of oocytes retrieved, number of embryos transferred were also recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was calculated.

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical software SPSS IBM version 24.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation , and range values were calculated. To compare the difference between the groups, the paired t-test was applied for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

High basal day 2/3 LH level and day 2/3 LH/FSH ratio have no statistically significant effect on embryos formed, embryo transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate. However, fertilization rates were significantly less in these groups.

Conclusion:

The elevated basal day 2/3 LH and LH/FSH ratio do not impair the outcome of GnRH antagonist protocol treated IVF/ICSI cycles in PCOS women.

Oocyte or embryo number needed to optimize live birth and cumulative live birth rates in mild stimulation IVF cycles

RESEARCH QUESTION

How many oocytes or embryos are needed to optimize the live birth rate (LBR) per cycle and cumulative LBR (CLBR) following mild stimulation IVF (MS-IVF) in women with uncompromised ovarian reserve?

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a 4-year database of five fertility centres. The study population included women with normal/high ovarian reserve, who underwent autologous MS-IVF (daily ≤150 IU gonadotrophin) with fresh and subsequent frozen embryo transfer(s) (FET) from surplus embryos. Only the first cycle of each patient was included. Cycles with >150 IU daily average of gonadotrophin were excluded. 'Freeze-all embryo' (FAE) cycles were analysed separately.

RESULTS

A total of 862 consecutive cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 592 were eligible for fresh embryo transfer, 239 had non-elective 'freeze-all' cycles. Median age (25-75th percentile) of women who had fresh embryo transfer was 35 (32-37) years, median antral follicle count 19 (14-28) and anti-Müllerian hormone 19.2 (13-28.9) pmol/l. LBR/fresh cycle and CLBR inclusive of FAE cycles in the <35, 35-37, 38-39 and 40-42 year age groups were 37.8% and 45.1%, 36.0% and 41.6%, 18.4% and 29.1%, and 8.9% and 18.1%, respectively. The LBR following fresh embryo transfer plateaued after nine oocytes (40.3%) or four embryos (40.8%). The CLBR optimized when 12 oocytes (42.9%) or nine embryos (53.8%) were obtained. The LBR per oocyte peaked in women under 35 years when <5 oocytes were retrieved (11.4%), then declined with age and with higher oocyte yield. There were no cases of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

CONCLUSION

Nine oocytes, or four embryos, can optimize fresh transfer cycle LBR in MS-IVF. The CLBR are optimized with 12 oocytes, or nine embryos in predicted normal responders, while safeguarding against OHSS.

Mild versus conventional ovarian stimulation for IVF in poor, normal and hyper-responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mild ovarian stimulation has emerged as an alternative to conventional IVF with the advantages of being more patient-friendly and less expensive. Inadequate data on pregnancy outcomes and concerns about the cycle cancellation rate (CCR) have prevented mild, or low-dose, IVF from gaining wide acceptance.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

To evaluate parallel-group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on IVF where comparisons were made between a mild (≤150 IU daily dose) and conventional stimulation in terms of clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in patients described as poor, normal and non-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) hyper-responders to IVF.

SEARCH METHODS

Searches with no language restrictions were performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane central, Pre-Medicine from January 1990 until April 2020, using pre-specified search terms. References of included studies were hand-searched as well as advance access articles to key journals. Only parallel-group RCTs that used ≤150 IU daily dose of gonadotrophin as mild-dose IVF (MD-IVF) and compared with a higher conventional dose (CD-IVF) were included. Studies were grouped under poor, normal or hyper-responders as described by the authors in their inclusion criteria. Women with PCOS were excluded in the hyper-responder group. The risk of bias was assessed as per Cochrane Handbook for the included studies. The quality of evidence (QoE) was assessed according to the GRADE system. PRISMA guidance was followed for review methodology.

OUTCOMES

A total of 31 RCTs were included in the analysis: 15 in the poor, 14 in the normal and 2 in the hyper-responder group. Live birth rates (LBRs) per randomisation were similar following use of MD-IVF in poor (relative risk (RR) 0.91 (CI 0.68, 1.22)), normal (RR 0.88 (CI 0.69, 1.12)) and hyper-responders (RR 0.98 (CI 0.79, 1.22)) when compared to CD-IVF. QoE was moderate. Cumulative LBRs (5 RCTs, n = 2037) also were similar in all three patient types (RR 0.96 (CI 0.86 1.07) (moderate QoE). Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was significantly less with MD-IVF than CD-IVF in both normal (RR 0.22 (CI 0.10, 0.50)) and hyper-responders (RR 0.47 (CI 0.31, 0.72)), with moderate QoE. The CCRs were comparable in poor (RR 1.33 (CI 0.96, 1.85)) and hyper-responders (RR 1.31 (CI 0.98, 1.77)) but increased with MD-IVF among normal responders (RR 2.08 (CI 1.38, 3.14)); all low to very low QoE. Although fewer oocytes were retrieved and fewer embryos created with MD-IVF, the proportion of high-grade embryos was similar in all three population types (low QoE). Compared to CD-IVF, MD-IVF was associated with less gonadotrophin use and lower cost.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This updated review provides reassurance on using MD-IVF not only for the LBR per cycle but also for the cumulative LBR, with moderate QoE. With risks identified with 'freeze-all' strategies, it may be time to recommend mild-dose ovarian stimulation for IVF for all categories of women i.e. hyper, poor and normal responders to IVF.

Individualized follitropin delta dosing reduces OHSS risk in Japanese IVF/ICSI patients: a randomized controlled trial

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study aimed to establish the efficacy and safety of ovarian stimulation with a follitropin delta individualized fixed-dose regimen based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and body weight versus conventional follitropin beta dosing in Japanese women.

DESIGN

This randomized, controlled, assessor-blind, multicentre, non-inferiority trial was conducted in 347 Japanese IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients. They were randomized to individualized follitropin delta (AMH <15 pmol/l: 12 µg/day; AMH ≥15 pmol/l: 0.10-0.19 µg/kg/day; minimum 6 µg/day; maximum 12 µg/day) or conventional follitropin beta (150 IU/day for the first 5 days, with potential subsequent dose adjustments). The primary end-point was the number of oocytes retrieved with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin (-3.0 oocytes).

RESULTS

The primary trial objective was met, as non-inferiority was established for number of oocytes retrieved for individualized follitropin delta dosing compared with conventional follitropin beta dosing (9.3 versus 10.5; lower boundary of 95% confidence interval -2.3). The occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was reduced to approximately half with individualized compared with conventional dosing, with an incidence of 11.2% versus 19.8% (P = 0.021) for OHSS of any grade and 7.1% versus 14.1% (P = 0.027) for moderate/severe OHSS. The live birth rate per started cycle was 23.5% for individualized dosing and 18.6% for conventional dosing.

CONCLUSIONS

Dosing with individualized follitropin delta in Japanese women is non-inferior to conventional dosing with follitropin beta for number of oocytes retrieved. The individualized approach shows a favourable benefit-risk profile, providing a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in the incidence of OHSS, without compromising live birth rates.

A Novel Nomogram for Individualized Gonadotropin Starting Dose in GnRH Antagonist Protocol

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is one of the most vital parts of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). At present, no matter what kinds of COS protocols are used, clinicians have to face the challenge of selection of gonadotropin starting dose. Although several nomograms have been developed to calculate the appropriate gonadotropin starting dose in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol, no nomogram was suitable for GnRH antagonist protocol. This study aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for individualized gonadotropin starting dose in GnRH antagonist protocol. Single-center prospective cohort study was conducted, with 198 women aged 20-45 years underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET cycles. Blood samples were collected on the second day of the menstrual cycle. All women received ovarian stimulation using GnRH antagonist protocol. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictive factors of ovarian sensitivity (OS). A nomogram for gonadotropin starting dose was developed based on the multivariate regression model. Validation was performed using concordance statistics and bootstrap resampling. A multivariate regression model based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, antral follicle count (AFC), and body mass index (BMI) was developed and accounted for 59% of the variability of OS. An easy-to-use predictive nomogram for gonadotropin starting dose was established with excellent accuracy. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.833 (95% CI, 0.829-0.837). Internal validation using bootstrap resampling further showed the good performance of the nomogram. In conclusion, gonadotropin starting dose in antagonist protocol can be predicted precisely by a novel nomogram.

Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Alfa Dose Adjustment in US Clinical Practice: An Observational, Retrospective Analysis of a Real-World Electronic Medical Records Database

PURPOSE

To determine the pattern of dose adjustment of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa) during ovarian stimulation (OS) for assisted reproductive technology (ART) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective analysis of data from an electronic de-identified medical records database including 39 clinics in the USA. Women undergoing OS for ART (initiated 2009-2016) with r-hFSH-alfa (Gonal-f^® or Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject^®) were included. Assessed outcomes were patients' baseline characteristics and dosing characteristics/cycle.

RESULTS

Of 33,962 ART cycles, 13,823 (40.7%) underwent dose adjustments: 23.4% with ≥1 dose increase, 25.4% with ≥1 dose decrease, and 8.1% with ≥1 increase and ≥1 decrease. Patients who received dose adjustments were younger (mean [SD] age 34.8 [4.58] years versus 35.9 [4.60] years, p<0.0001) and had lower BMI (25.1 [5.45] kg/m² versus 25.5 [5.45] kg/m², p<0.0001) than those who received a constant dose. The proportion of patients with non-normal ovarian reserve was 38.4% for those receiving dose adjustment versus 51.9% for those with a constant dose. The mean (SD) number of dose changes/cycle was 1.61 (0.92) for cycles with any dose adjustment, 1.72 (1.03) for cycles with ≥1 dose increase, 2.77 (1.00) for cycles with ≥1 dose increase and ≥1 decrease (n=2,755), and 1.88 (1.03) for cycles with ≥1 dose decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose adjustment during OS is common in clinical practice in the USA and occurred more often in younger versus older patients, those with a high versus non-normal ovarian reserve or those with ovulation disorders/polycystic ovary syndrome versus other primary diagnoses of infertility.

The Frequency of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Thromboembolism with Originator Recombinant Human Follitropin Alfa (GONAL-f) for Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Systematic Review

Background

Recombinant human follitropin alfa (r-hFSH) is used for ovarian stimulation as part of medically assisted reproduction. There is a risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) with r-hFSH treatment, and an increased risk for thromboembolic events in the presence of pregnancy with OHSS.

Objectives

To report the frequency of OHSS and thromboembolism with originator follitropin alfa (GONAL-f) based on the Global Safety Database of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and a systematic review of published data.

Data Sources

Reports of OHSS and thromboembolism were obtained from the Global Safety Database of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany from 20 October 1995 to 19 October 2018. The systematic review was based on MEDLINE and Embase searches from inception to 19 October 2018.

Study Eligibility Criteria

Patients receiving GONAL-f for ovulation induction or ART, with a starting dose within the range included in the prescribing information and providing information on the occurrence of OHSS and/or thromboembolism.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Matches

In the Global Safety Database of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany there were an estimated 16,525,975 treatment cycles since 20 October 1995; 1110 reported cases of OHSS and 80 reported cases of thromboembolic events (reporting rates 6.7 and 0.48 per 100,000 treatment cycles, respectively). The systematic review identified 45 studies (5186 patients exposed to GONAL-f; 5240 treatment cycles). There were 272 reports of OHSS (5190 [5.19%] per 100,000 treatment cycles), including 10 cases of severe OHSS (191 [0.19%] per 100,000 treatment cycles).

Limitations

There may be the potential for under-reporting of safety outcomes in the literature, and under-reporting is a well-known phenomenon in spontaneous reporting databases.

Conclusion and Implications of Key Findings

Our analyses demonstrate low rates of OHSS and thromboembolism with GONAL-f.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01512-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

GnRH triggering may improve euploidy and live birth rate in hyper-responders: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Despite the increasing use of GnRHa to trigger final oocyte maturation in segmented IVF cycles, the effects of trigger modality on chromosomal competence and embryo quality remain controversial. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare euploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes among hyper-responding women using hCG versus GnRHa trigger.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 333 hyper-responders, defined as >15 oocytes retrieved, who underwent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) in segmented IVF cycles using either GnRHa or urinary hCG trigger. Live birth rate (LBR) was the primary outcome of interest. Implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and euploidy rate were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

GnRH triggering was associated with improved IR (70.5 vs. 53.2%, p = 0.0475), LBR (51.3 vs. 33.8%, p = 0.0170) compared to hCG. A greater number of oocytes were retrieved (21.9 vs 18.4%, p < 0.001) and euploid embryos produced (2.8 vs. 2.1, p = 0.0109) after GnRHa triggering, while higher euploidy rates were only observed among women <35-years-old (62.0 vs. 51.7%, p = 0.0307) using GnRHa trigger. Higher OHSS rates were observed after hCG triggering (10.6 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSION

Hyper-responders who received GnRHa trigger experienced improved pregnancy outcomes and lower rates of OHSS compared to hCG triggering. The higher number of oocytes retrieved and euploid embryos produced may reflect an improved developmental competence using GnRHa triggering due to physiologic induction of both LH and FSH surge or other undefined mechanisms that improve embryo development. However, higher overall euploid rates were only observed among women <35-years-old using the GnRHa trigger. Further prospective studies are required to validate this observation and evaluate the specific influence of different ovulation triggers on gamete developmental competence among hyper-responder women.

Serum microRNA profiling for the identification of predictive molecular markers of the response to controlled ovarian stimulation

Objective

To identify potential microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of poor, normal and hyperresponse to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS).

Methods

In the present study, we assessed 40 serum samples from patients undergoing COS. We used ten samples to standardize miRNAs detection in the serum. The remaining 30 samples were split into three groups depending on the patient's response to COS: poor response (PR group, n=10), normal response (NR group, n=10), and hyperresponse (HR group, n=10). Aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified using a large-scale expression analysis platform. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to assess the biological processes potentially modulated by the identified miRNAs.

Results

Twenty-two miRNAs were detected only in the PR or HR groups when compared with the NR group. From those, 11 presented poor dissociation curves and were excluded from further analysis. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that the selected 11 miRNAs target several genes involved in GnRH, estrogen and prolactin signaling, oocyte maturation, female pregnancy, and meiosis.

Conclusion

The large-scale analysis of miRNA expression identified distinct miRNA profiles for poor and hyperresponse to COS, which potentially modulate key processes for human assisted reproduction. All evidence suggests that the serum microRNA profiling may discriminate patients who will respond in an exacerbated manner from those who will respond insufficiently to COS. Further studies may validate these miRNAs, enabling the individualization of treatment and more successful outcomes.

ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI†

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.

Do female age and body weight modify the effect of individualized FSH dosing in IVF/ICSI treatment? A secondary analysis of the OPTIMIST trial

INTRODUCTION

The OPTIMIST trial revealed that for women starting in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, no substantial differences exist in first cycle and cumulative live birth rates between an antral follicle count (AFC)-based individualized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) dose and a standard dose. Female age and body weight have been suggested to cause heterogeneity in the effect of FSH dose individualization. The objective of the current study is to evaluate whether these patient characteristics modify the effect of AFC-based individualized FSH dosing in IVF/ICSI treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A secondary data-analysis of the OPTIMIST trial. Women initiating IVF/ICSI treatment were classified as predicted poor (AFC 0-7), suboptimal (AFC 8-10) or hyper responders (AFC >15), and randomly allocated to a standard FSH dose (150 IU/d) or an individualized FSH dose (450, 225 or 100 IU/d for predicted poor, suboptimal and hyper responders, respectively). In each predicted response category, logistic regression models with interaction terms were used to evaluate the presence of effect modification. The first cycle was analyzed, and the primary outcomes were first complete cycle live birth rate (including fresh plus frozen-thawed embryo transfers) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risks.

RESULTS

No effect modification was revealed in the predicted poor (n = 234) and suboptimal (n = 277) responders. In the predicted hyper responders (n = 521), the effect of the individualized FSH dose on the first cycle live birth rate was modified by female age (P = 0.02) and the effect on OHSS risks was modified by body weight (P = 0.02). A dose reduction from 150 to 100 IU/d generally decreased the OHSS risks in predicted hyper responders, but also reduced the chance of a live birth in young women, and had no beneficial impact on OHSS risks in women with a relatively low body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with a predicted hyper response undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, female age and body weight seem to modify the effect of FSH dose individualization. Although a reduced FSH starting dose generally decreases the OHSS risks, it may also reduce the chance of a live birth, specifically for young women. Future studies could consider these findings when investigating the optimal approach to reduce OHSS risks while maintaining the probability of a live birth for predicted hyper responders in IVF/ICSI treatment.

Predicting the cumulative chance of live birth over multiple complete cycles of in vitro fertilization: an external validation study

STUDY QUESTION

Are the published pre-treatment and post-treatment McLernon models, predicting cumulative live birth rates (LBR) over multiple complete IVF cycles, valid in a different context?

SUMMARY ANSWER

With minor recalibration of the pre-treatment model, both McLernon models accurately predict cumulative LBR in a different geographical context and a more recent time period.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous IVF prediction models have estimated the chance of a live birth after a single fresh embryo transfer, thereby excluding the important contribution of embryo cryopreservation and subsequent IVF cycles to cumulative LBR. In contrast, the recently developed McLernon models predict the cumulative chance of a live birth over multiple complete IVF cycles at two certain time points: (i) before initiating treatment using baseline characteristics (pre-treatment model) and (ii) after the first IVF cycle adding treatment related information to update predictions (post-treatment model). Before implementation of these models in clinical practice, their predictive performance needs to be validated in an independent cohort.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

External validation study in an independent prospective cohort of 1515 Dutch women who participated in the OPTIMIST study (NTR2657) and underwent their first IVF treatment between 2011 and 2014. Participants underwent a total of 2881 complete treatment cycles, with a complete cycle defined as all fresh and frozen thawed embryo transfers resulting from one episode of ovarian stimulation. The follow up duration was 18 months after inclusion, and the primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Model performance was externally validated up to three complete treatment cycles, using the linear predictor as described by McLernon et al. to calculate the probability of a live birth. Discrimination was expressed by the c-statistic and calibration was depicted graphically in a calibration plot. In contrast to the original model development cohort, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and body weight were available in the OPTIMIST cohort, and evaluated as potential additional predictors for model improvement.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Applying the McLernon models to the OPTIMIST cohort, the c-statistic of the pre-treatment model was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.59-0.64) and of the post-treatment model 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69-0.74). The calibration plot of the pre-treatment model indicated a slight overestimation of the cumulative LBR. To improve calibration, the pre-treatment model was recalibrated by subtracting 0.35 from the intercept. The post-treatment model calibration plot revealed accurate cumulative LBR predictions. After addition of AMH, AFC and body weight to the McLernon models, the c-statistic of the updated pre-treatment model improved slightly to 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64-0.68), and of the updated post-treatment model remained at the previous level of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.69-0.73). Using the recalibrated pre-treatment model, a woman aged 30 years with 2 years of primary infertility who starts ICSI treatment for male factor infertility has a chance of 40% of a live birth from the first complete cycle, increasing to 72% over three complete cycles. If this woman weighs 70 kg, has an AMH of 1.5 ng/mL and an AFC of 10 measured at the beginning of her treatment, the updated pre-treatment model revises the estimated chance of a live birth to 30% in the first complete cycle and 59% over three complete cycles. If this woman then has five retrieved oocytes, no embryos cryopreserved and a single fresh cleavage stage embryo transfer in her first ICSI cycle, the post-treatment model estimates the chances of a live birth at 28 and 58%, respectively.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of gonadotropin dose individualization on basis of the AFC were nested within the OPTIMIST study. The strict dosing regimens, the RCT in- and exclusion criteria and the limited follow up time of 18 months might have influenced model performance in this independent cohort. Also, consistent with the original model development study, external validation was performed using the optimistic assumption that the cumulative LBR in couples who discontinue treatment without a live birth would have been equal to that of those who continue treatment.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

After national recalibration to account for geographical differences in IVF treatment, the McLernon prediction models can be introduced as new counselling tools in clinical practice to inform patients and to complement clinical reasoning. These models are the first to offer an objective and personalized estimate of the cumulative probability of a live birth over multiple complete IVF cycles.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No external funds were obtained for this study. M.J.C.E., D.J.M. and S.B. have nothing to disclose. J.A.L, S.C.O, T.C.v.T. and H.LT. received an unrestricted personal grant from Merck BV. B.W.M. is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548) and reports consultancy for ObsEva, Merck and Guerbet. F.J.M.B. receives monetary compensation as a member of the external advisory board for Merck BV (the Netherlands) and Ferring pharmaceutics BV (the Netherlands), for consultancy work for Gedeon Richter (Belgium) and Roche Diagnostics on automated AMH assay development, and for a research cooperation with Ansh Labs (USA).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Ovarian stimulation for preimplantation genetic testing

A narrative review of the management of controlled ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing is presented. An electronic search was performed to identify research publications that addressed ovarian stimulation and preimplantation genetic testing published until December 2017. Studies were classified in decreasing categories: randomized controlled trials, prospective controlled trials, prospective non-controlled trials, retrospective studies and experimental studies. The aim of controlled ovarian stimulation has shifted from obtaining embryos available for transfer to yielding the maximum embryos available for biopsy to increase the odds of achieving one euploid embryo available for transfer, without the distress of inducing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or inadequate endometrium receptivity as vitrification and deferred embryo transfer usually will be planned. The present narrative review summarizes all treatment-related variables as well as stimulation strategies after controlled ovarian stimulation that could help patients undergoing an in vitro fertilization cycle coupled with preimplantation genetic testing, including the number of oocytes needed to achieve one healthy live birth, oral contraceptive pill usage, the role of mild ovarian stimulation or random-start stimulation, the stimulation protocol and type of gonadotropin of choice, the novel progesterone protocols, agonist or dual trigger as a final oocyte maturation trigger, the accumulation of oocytes/embryos and the optimal interval before proceeding with a subsequent controlled ovarian stimulation or the optimal medication to link stimulation cycles. The discussion is being presented according to how questions are posed in clinical practice. The aim of ovarian stimulation has shifted from obtaining embryos available for transfer to yielding the maximum embryos available for biopsy to increase the odds of achieving one euploid embryo available for transfer.

Follicle stimulating hormone or clomiphene citrate in intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation for unexplained subfertility: a role for treatment selection markers?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can women be identified, on the basis of baseline patient characteristics, as having better chances of an ongoing pregnancy with FSH instead of clomiphene citrate as stimulation agent in intrauterine insemination for unexplained subfertility?

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized controlled superiority trial; the SUPER study. Between July 2013 and March 2016, couples with unexplained subfertility undergoing intrauterine inemination (IUI) were allocated to an FSH or clomiphene citrate group. Female age, body mass index, duration of subfertility, primary versus secondary subfertility, antral follicle count and total motile count were assessed. For each of these factors, a logistic regression model was developed to assess if different estimated effects of FSH versus clomiphene citrate on ongoing pregnancy occurred within strata of each factor.

RESULTS

A total of 684 couples received 2259 IUI cycles; 338 couples were allocated to FSH, of which 84 conceived leading to ongoing pregnancy and 346 couples were allocated to clomiphene citrate, of which 71 conceived leading to ongoing pregnancy. None of the treatment selection markers was associated with better ongoing pregnancy chances after IUI with FSH compared with clomiphene citrate.

CONCLUSION

In couples with unexplained subfertility undergoing IUI, no baseline treatment selection markers could be identified to determine whether ovaries should be stimulated with FSH or clomiphene citrate.

An AMH-based FSH dosing algorithm for OHSS risk reduction in first cycle antagonist protocol for IVF/ICSI

The study assessed the impact of an AMH algorithm for FSH dosing in 589 patients to maintain pregnancy rates while minimizing OHSS rates in 1st antagonist cycles for IVF. Patients with low AMH < 12 pmol/L (n = 203) had maximal stimulation with corifollitropin, patients with AMH 12-32 pmol/L (n = 256) had standard stimulation with 150 IU/day of rFSH and patients with AMH > 32 pmol/L (n = 130) had minimal stimulation with 112 IU/day of HP-hMG. The proportion of patients with targeted (5-14) number of oocytes at retrieval was: Low AMH 42%, intermediate AMH 76% and high AMH 67% (p < 0.001). Low responses (≤ 4 oocytes) was found in 55%, 16% and 26% (p < 0.001) in the low, intermediate and high AMH group, respectively. Excessive responses (≥15 oocytes) was found in 2.5%, 6.2% and 6.1% in the low, intermediate and high AMH groups, respectively. Despite the high proportion of low responses, the ongoing pregnancy rates in the high AMH group was 41% per started cycle. A total of 14 patients had OHSS preventive actions like agonist triggering (n = 12) and/or cryopreservation of all embryos (n = 4) and all avoided OHSS. Three (0.5%) patients were admitted to hospital with severe OHSS, and all occurred after hCG triggering and all cases were late OHSS in relation to pregnancy. All were in the high AMH group after aspiration of 10-15 follicles. The conclusion is that among high AMH patients, low dose HP-hMG will limit the mean number of oocytes, without compromising pregnancy rates. The OHSS risk will be low, but as long as transfer after hCG triggering is used OHSS will occur unless a cut-off for OHSS preventive actions as low as 10-15 follicles is used.

A randomized controlled trial of AMH-based individualized FSH dosing in a GnRH antagonist protocol for IVF

STUDY QUESTION

Does an individualized serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) based FSH dosing algorithm used in a GnRH antagonist protocol increase the proportion of patients with an intended number of oocytes (5–14) retrieved compared with a standard regimen?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The AMH-based individualized algorithm did not increase the proportion of patients with an intended oocyte retrieval.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Individualizing treatment for ovarian stimulation by serum AMH or antral follicle count can theoretically improve the ratio between benefits and risks. Current data suggest that there may be a reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but without improved pregnancy or live birth rates. Only two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the potential of AMH-based algorithms to optimize the FSH dosing in ovarian stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A dual-center open-label investigator-driven RCT was conducted between January 2013 and November 2016. Eligibility was assessed in 269 women and 221 were randomized 2:1 between individualized and standard dosing groups. Women with pretreatment serum AMH > 24 pmol/L had 100 IU/day of recombinant FSH (rFSH); AMH 12–24 pmol/L had 150 IU/day of rFSH, and AMH < 12 pmol/L had maximal stimulation with corifollitropin 100 or 150 mg depending on bodyweight ±60 kg. The standard group had 150 IU/day of rFSH irrespective of pretreatment AMH. All patients followed the GnRH-antagonist protocol.

The sample size calculation assumed that individualized dosing by AMH would reduce the proportion of unintended oocyte yield (outside the 5–14 range) by 50%, from 35 to 17.5%. In a 2:1 randomization this required 216 patients: 144 in the individualized and 72 patients in the standard group (80% power, 5% significance).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All women had a presumed ovulatory normal menstrual cycle, were aged 25–38 years, weighed < 75 kg, had pretreatment AMH 4–40 pmol/L, did their first IVF or ICSI cycle and had two ovaries accessible to oocyte retrieval. Recruitment was conducted from both participating sites. Women were excluded if diagnosed with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis grade III/IV, hydrosalpings on ultrasound, recurrent miscarriages (≥3), FSH > 12 IU/L or major medical disorders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After randomization 149 women were allocated to the individualized group and 72 to the standard group. The primary outcome of women with an intended (5–14) number of oocytes retrieved was similar in the individualized (n = 105) versus the standard (n = 55) rFSH treatment group (72% [95% CI 64–79%] versus 78% [95% CI 67–86%], respectively, P = 0.68, between group standardized mean difference (SMD) −6%, 95% CI: −19–8%). In the high AMH stratum of the individualized group, significantly more women (n = 13) had an unintended low number of oocytes (<5) retrieved (38% [95% CI: 23–55%]) compared with the standard group (6% [95% CI 0.3–24%], P = 0.029, between group SMD 32%, 95% CI: 9–56%). Conversely, in the low pretreatment AMH stratum, individualized dosing using corifollitropin reduced the proportion of unintended low responders to 24% (95% CI: 12–40%) compared with 47% (95% CI: 26–69%) in the standard group, P = 0.10, between group SMD −23% (95% CI: −54–8%). OHSS was diagnosed in four women (two in each study arm), and all cases were mild. Daily luteal phase questionnaire reporting showed similar wellbeing in terms of abdominal distention, abdominal pain, dyspnea and occurrence of bleeding between groups. The cumulative live birth rate per started cycle was similar (32 and 35%) comparing the individualized with the standard group.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study was powered for showing differences only in the distribution of oocyte retrieval when comparing individualized and standard groups, therefore additional results should be viewed with caution. In addition, there was a change of AMH assay halfway through the study period and the possibility that corifollitropin being introduced to a subgroup of the intervention has introduced confounding cannot be ruled out.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS

In the expected high responder AMH stratum, 100 IU/day is an insufficient rFSH dose in a high proportion of patients. Further research might explore the 125 IU/day dose for the high AMH segment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None for the submitted work. ICMJE declared personal interests for two of the authors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

EUDRACT registration number: 2012-004969-40.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

27 November 2012.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLLMENT

10 January 2013.