Related Experiment Videos
Growth hormone for in vitro fertilization.
K Harper1, M Proctor, E Hughes
1c/o Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, National Women's Hospital, Claude Rd, Epsom, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND, 1003.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|August 15, 2003
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) adjuvant therapy shows a potential increase in livebirth rates for women with a history of poor response in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish GH
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes can be improved with growth hormone (GH) therapy.
- Research interest exists in GH's effect on poor responders undergoing ovulation induction and IVF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of GH or growth hormone-releasing (GRF) therapy in improving livebirth rates for women undergoing IVF.
- To evaluate effectiveness in both patients with no prior poor response and those with a history of poor response.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Biological Abstracts up to February 2003.
- Included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided outcome data for intervention and control groups.
- Assessed trial quality independently, focusing on randomization, follow-up, and co-intervention.
Main Results:
- Nine RCTs involving 401 couples were included; 3 focused on non-poor responders and 6 on previous poor responders.
- Routine GH use did not significantly affect livebirth rates in non-poor responders.
- In previous poor responders, GH or GRF therapy showed a trend towards increased livebirths, with GH alone demonstrating a significant increase in a subset of trials.
Conclusions:
- GH use in previous poor responders may significantly improve livebirth rates, though based on limited data from three small trials.
- Further research is essential to confirm the role of GH in IVF for poor responders.
- GH should currently be considered only within the context of clinical trials.