The leuprolide flare regime for in-vitro fertilization/gamete intra-fallopian transfer and embryo cryopreservation

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are now well established as adjuvant agents for in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) but several different modes of usage have been proposed. Our experience with 328 cycles of leuprolide used in a flare regime is reviewed. An endocrinologically proven flare effect was associated with a reduction of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) usage (10 versus 16 ampoules) and a lower cycle cancellation/conversion rate (7.4 versus 11.3%). Overall, satisfactory rates of oocyte recovery (93%, mean number of oocytes 7.0), clinical pregnancy (24.4% per oocyte recovery) and pregnancy from frozen/thawed embryo transfers (14%) were achieved. The flare protocol appears to be a satisfactory choice for the majority of subjects but careful monitoring is required to avoid the potential for ovarian hyperstimulation.