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Luteal-phase protocol in poor ovarian response: a comparative study with an antagonist protocol
Yan Wu1,2, Fu-Chun Zhao3, Yong Sun2
11 Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 30, 2017
Summary
The luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol (LP group) offers comparable clinical pregnancy and implantation rates to the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol (AN group) for women with poor ovarian response. This study suggests LP protocol is a viable option for improving fertility outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Infertility Treatments
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Poor ovarian response (POR) presents a significant challenge in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- Optimizing ovarian stimulation protocols is crucial for improving pregnancy rates in women with POR.
- Comparing different stimulation protocols can identify more effective strategies for this patient group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of the luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol (LP group) versus the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol (AN group) in women diagnosed with poor ovarian response.
- To evaluate clinical pregnancy and implantation rates between the two protocols in a retrospective cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 274 women with poor ovarian response undergoing ART between January 2013 and December 2015.
- Patients were divided into two groups: LP group (n=108) receiving human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and AN group (n=166) receiving hMG plus a GnRH antagonist.
- Ovarian stimulation, ovulation induction with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and embryo transfer procedures were standardized.
Main Results:
- Both LP and AN groups retrieved a similar mean number of oocytes (3.5 ± 2.5 vs. 3.5 ± 2.9) and high-quality embryos (1.7 ± 1.2 vs. 1.7 ± 1.5).
- Clinical pregnancy rates were comparable: 26.2% in the LP group versus 25% in the AN group.
- Implantation rates were also similar: 15.5% in the LP group versus 16.3% in the AN group.
Conclusions:
- The luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol is a viable option for women experiencing poor ovarian response.
- The LP protocol demonstrates comparable clinical pregnancy and implantation rates to the established GnRH antagonist protocol.
- This suggests that the LP protocol can be effectively applied to improve fertility outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
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