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Fernández-Sánchez M, Fatemi H, García-Velasco JA, Heiser PW, Daftary GS, Mannaerts B. Incidence and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high responders after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger in "freeze-all" approach. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2205952. [PMID: 37156263 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2205952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high responders (25-35 follicles with a diameter of ≥12 mm on day of triggering) who received a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to trigger final follicular maturation. METHODS We used individual data from women who participated in four different clinical trials and were high responders to ovarian stimulation in a GnRH antagonist protocol in this retrospective combined analysis. All women were evaluated for signs and symptoms of OHSS using identical criteria based on Golan's system (1989). RESULTS High responders (n = 77) were of different ethnicities. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between women with or without signs and symptoms of OHSS. Mean ± standard deviation baseline data were: age, 32.3 ± 3.5 years; anti-Müllerian hormone, 42.4 ± 20.7 pmol/L; antral follicle count, 21.5 ± 9.2. Before triggering, duration of stimulation was 9.5 ± 1.6 days and the mean number of follicles with a diameter of ≥12 mm and ≥17 mm was 26.5 ± 4.4 and 8.8 ± 4.7, respectively. Mean serum estradiol (17,159 pmol/l) and progesterone (5.1 nmol/l) levels were high at 36 h after triggering. Overall, 17/77 high responders (22%) developed signs and symptoms of mild OHSS which lasted 6-21 days. The most frequently prescribed medication was cabergoline to prevent worsening of OHSS. No severe OHSS occurred and no OHSS cases were reported as serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS High responders receiving GnRH agonist for triggering should be informed that they may experience signs and symptoms of mild OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Fundacion IVI, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - H Fatemi
- ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - J A García-Velasco
- Fundacion IVI, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Reproductive Medicine Department, IVIRMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P W Heiser
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
| | - G S Daftary
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
| | - B Mannaerts
- Reproductive Medicine & Maternal Health, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Kastrup, Denmark
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Ganer Herman H, Horowitz E, Mizrachi Y, Farhi J, Raziel A, Weissman A. Prediction, assessment, and management of suboptimal GnRH agonist trigger: a systematic review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:291-303. [PMID: 35306603 PMCID: PMC8956771 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to identify baseline patient demographic and controlled ovarian stimulation characteristics associated with a suboptimal response to GnRHa triggering, and available options for prevention and management of suboptimal response. METHODS PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched for keywords related to GnRHa triggering, and peer-reviewed articles from January 2000 to September 2021 included. RESULTS Thirty-seven studies were included in the review. A suboptimal response to GnRHa triggering was more likely following long-term or recent oral contraceptive use and with a low or high body mass index. Low basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol serum levels were correlated with suboptimal oocyte yield, as was a low serum LH level on the day of triggering. A prolonged stimulation period and increased gonadotropin requirements were correlated with suboptimal response to triggering. Post-trigger LH < 15 IU/L best correlated with an increased risk for empty follicle syndrome and a lower oocyte retrieval rate. Retriggering with hCG may be considered in patients with suboptimal response according to post-trigger LH, as in cases of failed aspiration. CONCLUSION Pre-treatment assessment of patient characteristics, with pre- and post-triggering assessment of clinical and endocrine cycle characteristics, may identify cases at risk for suboptimal response to GnRHa triggering and optimize its utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadas Ganer Herman
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yossi Mizrachi
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Farhi
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arieh Raziel
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Oocyte competence is independent of the ovulation trigger adopted: a large observational study in a setting that entails vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1419-1427. [PMID: 33661465 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess whether the GnRH-agonist or urinary-hCG ovulation triggers affect oocyte competence in a setting entailing vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer. METHODS Observational study (April 2013-July 2018) including 2104 patients (1015 and 1089 in the GnRH-a and u-hCG group, respectively) collecting ≥1 cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) and undergoing ICSI with ejaculated sperm, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy, comprehensive-chromosome-testing, and vitrified-warmed transfers at a private clinic. The primary outcome measure was the euploid-blastocyst-rate per inseminated oocytes. The secondary outcome measure was the maturation-rate per COCs. Also, the live-birth-rate (LBR) per transfer and the cumulative-live-birth-delivery-rate (CLBdR) among completed cycles were investigated. All data were adjusted for confounders. RESULTS The generalized-linear-model adjusted for maternal age highlighted no difference in the mean euploid-blastocyst-rate per inseminated oocytes in either group. The LBR per transfer was similar: 44% (n=403/915) and 46% (n=280/608) in GnRH-a and hCG, respectively. On the other hand, a difference was reported regarding the CLBdR per oocyte retrieval among completed cycles, with 42% (n=374/898) and 25% (n=258/1034) in the GnRh-a and u-hCG groups, respectively. Nevertheless, this variance was due to a lower maternal age and higher number of inseminated oocytes in the GnRH-a group, and not imputable to the ovulation trigger itself (multivariate-OR=1.3, 95%CI: 0.9-1.6, adjusted p-value=0.1). CONCLUSION GnRH-a trigger is a valid alternative to u-hCG in freeze-all cycles, not only for patients at high risk for OHSS. Such strategy might increase the safety and flexibility of controlled-ovarian-stimulation with no impact on oocyte competence and IVF efficacy.
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Mizrachi Y, Horowitz E, Farhi J, Raziel A, Weissman A. Ovarian stimulation for freeze-all IVF cycles: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 26:118-135. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Freeze-all IVF cycles are becoming increasingly prevalent for a variety of clinical indications. However, the actual treatment objectives and preferred treatment regimens for freeze-all cycles have not been clearly established.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
We aimed to conduct a systematic review of all aspects of ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles.
SEARCH METHODS
A comprehensive search in Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library was performed. The search strategy included keywords related to freeze-all, cycle segmentation, cumulative live birth rate, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, fertility preservation, oocyte donation and frozen-thawed embryo transfer. We included relevant studies published in English from 2000 to 2018.
OUTCOMES
Our search generated 3292 records. Overall, 69 articles were included in the final review. Good-quality evidence indicates that in freeze-all cycles the cumulative live birth rate increases as the number of oocytes retrieved increases. Although the risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is virtually eliminated in freeze-all cycles, there are certain risks associated with retrieval of large oocyte cohorts. Therefore, ovarian stimulation should be planned to yield between 15 and 20 oocytes. The early follicular phase is currently the preferred starting point for ovarian stimulation, although luteal phase stimulation can be used if necessary. The improved safety associated with the GnRH antagonist regimen makes it the regimen of choice for ovarian stimulation in freeze-all cycles. Ovulation triggering with a GnRH agonist almost completely eliminates the risk of OHSS without affecting oocyte and embryo quality and is therefore the trigger of choice. The addition of low-dose hCG in a dual trigger has been suggested to improve oocyte and embryo quality, but further research in freeze-all cycles is required. Moderate-quality evidence indicates that in freeze-all cycles, a moderate delay of 2–3 days in ovulation triggering may result in the retrieval of an increased number of mature oocytes without impairing the pregnancy rate. There are no high-quality studies evaluating the effects of sustained supraphysiological estradiol (E2) levels on the safety and efficacy of freeze-all cycles. However, no significant adverse effects have been described. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of late follicular progesterone elevation in freeze-all cycles.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles is different in many aspects from conventional stimulation for fresh IVF cycles. Optimisation of ovarian stimulation for freeze-all cycles should result in enhanced treatment safety along with improved cumulative live birth rates and should become the focus of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Mizrachi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Farhi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Arieh Raziel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Abbara A, Clarke SA, Dhillo WS. Novel Concepts for Inducing Final Oocyte Maturation in In Vitro Fertilization Treatment. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:593-628. [PMID: 29982525 PMCID: PMC6173475 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six of the population and increasingly couples require treatment with assisted reproductive techniques. In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is most commonly conducted using exogenous FSH to induce follicular growth and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce final oocyte maturation. However, hCG may cause the potentially life-threatening iatrogenic complication "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" (OHSS), which can cause considerable morbidity and, rarely, even mortality in otherwise healthy women. The use of GnRH agonists (GnRHas) has been pioneered during the last two decades to provide a safer option to induce final oocyte maturation. More recently, the neuropeptide kisspeptin, a hypothalamic regulator of GnRH release, has been investigated as a novel inductor of oocyte maturation. The hormonal stimulus used to induce oocyte maturation has a major impact on the success (retrieval of oocytes and chance of implantation) and safety (risk of OHSS) of IVF treatment. This review aims to appraise experimental and clinical data of hormonal approaches used to induce final oocyte maturation by hCG, GnRHa, both GnRHa and hCG administered in combination, recombinant LH, or kisspeptin. We also examine evidence for the timing of administration of the inductor of final oocyte maturation in relationship to parameters of follicular growth and the subsequent interval to oocyte retrieval. In summary, we review data on the efficacy and safety of the major hormonal approaches used to induce final oocyte maturation in clinical practice, as well as some novel approaches that may offer fresh alternatives in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Elias RT, Pereira N, Artusa L, Kelly AG, Pasternak M, Lekovich JP, Palermo GD, Rosenwaks Z. Combined GnRH-agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin trigger improves ICSI cycle outcomes in patients with history of poor fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:781-788. [PMID: 28444614 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0917-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a combined GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger in improving ICSI cycle outcomes in patients with poor fertilization history after standard hCG trigger in prior ICSI cycles. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. Patients with a fertilization rate of <20% in at least two prior ICSI cycles who subsequently underwent another ICSI cycle with hCG trigger were compared to those who underwent another ICSI cycle with a combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger. Oocyte maturity, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were compared. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore the association between combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger (vs hCG trigger alone) and fertilization rate. RESULTS A total of 427 patients with mean age of 37.3 ± 1.94 years and mean baseline fertilization rate of 17.9 ± 2.03% were included, of which 318 (74.5%) and 109 (25.5%) patients underwent a subsequent ICSI cycle with hCG and combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger, respectively. The baseline parameters of the male and female partner were similar. The mean fertilization rate in the combined trigger group was 16.4% (95% CI: 7.58-25.2%) higher than the hCG trigger group, even after adjustment for confounders. Patients in the combined trigger group had higher oocyte maturity (82.1 vs 69.8%), higher clinical pregnancy (27.5 vs 5.67%), and higher live birth rates (20.2 vs 3.46%) compared to the hCG trigger group. CONCLUSIONS Combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger in ICSI cycles increase oocyte maturity, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates in patients with a history of poor fertilization after standard hCG trigger alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony T Elias
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - Nigel Pereira
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Lisa Artusa
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Amelia G Kelly
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Monica Pasternak
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jovana P Lekovich
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA
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Adjuvant gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist trigger with human chorionic gonadotrophin to enhance ooplasmic maturity. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:568-574. [PMID: 27567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates whether an adjuvant gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) improves fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle outcomes in patients with poor fertilization history after standard HCG trigger alone. This study compared 156 patients with <40% fertilization rate in a prior ICSI cycle with standard HCG trigger who underwent another ICSI cycle with a combined 2 mg GnRHa and 1500 IU HCG ovulatory trigger. There was no difference in the baseline demographics, ovarian stimulation outcomes or sperm parameters of the groups. More mature oocytes were retrieved in the combined trigger group compared with the HCG trigger group: 12 (9-14) versus 10 (7-12); P = 0.01. The fertilization rate in the combined trigger group (59.2%) was higher than the HCG group (35.3%); P = 0.01. The odds of clinical pregnancy and live birth were 1.8 and 1.7 times higher, respectively, when comparing the former group to the latter; P = 0.03. The results suggest that combined GnRHa and HCG trigger in ICSI cycles is a reasonable approach to increase oocyte maturity, specifically ooplasmic maturity, thereby increasing fertilization and improving ICSI cycle outcomes in patients with a history of poor fertilization after standard HCG trigger alone.
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