The time interval between hCG priming and oocyte retrieval in ART program: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Optimizing outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) is crucial for patient success.
• The timing between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and oocyte retrieval is a modifiable factor in ART protocols.
• Understanding the impact of this interval on oocyte maturation and subsequent pregnancy rates is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between varying hCG priming-to-oocyte retrieval intervals and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.
• To determine if a longer interval positively influences key ART success metrics.
• To identify optimal timing strategies for improved ART efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to November 2010.
• Searched multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.
• Extracted data by independent reviewers and calculated Risk Ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Five RCTs involving 895 participants were analyzed.
• A significantly higher oocyte maturation rate was observed in the longer interval group (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.62-0.73).
• No significant differences were found in fertilization, implantation, or pregnancy rates between short and long interval groups.

Conclusions:

• Extending the interval between hCG priming and oocyte retrieval enhances oocyte maturation rates.
• The prolonged interval did not lead to improvements in fertilization, implantation, or pregnancy rates.
• Further large-scale, multicenter RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.