Ovulation Induction Using Clomiphene Citrate Using Stair - Step Regimen versus Traditional Regimen in Polycystic...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Infertility Treatment
• Clinical Trial Research

Background:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility.
• Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a first-line treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS.
• Traditional CC protocols may require multiple cycles for dose adjustment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the stair-step protocol (SSP) using clomiphene citrate (CC) for PCOS patients.
• To compare the SSP with the traditional CC regimen in terms of ovulation and pregnancy rates.
• To assess the treatment duration and side effects associated with the SSP.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 infertile women diagnosed with PCOS.
• Patients were assigned to either the SSP group (n=30) or the traditional protocol group (n=30).
• The SSP involved escalating CC dosage within the same cycle, while the traditional group had dose increments in subsequent cycles, with ultrasonography for monitoring.

Main Results:

• Ovulation rates (66.7% vs. 50%) and pregnancy rates (26.7% vs. 15.7%) were comparable between the SSP and traditional groups.
• The SSP significantly reduced treatment duration compared to the traditional protocol (17.23 vs. 53 days).
• No significant differences in systemic side effects were observed; CC 100 mg was the most effective dose for ovulation.

Conclusions:

• The stair-step protocol (SSP) provides an effective and significantly faster treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS patients.
• SSP achieves similar ovulation and pregnancy outcomes as traditional methods without adverse effects.
• This protocol optimizes treatment efficiency for infertile women with PCOS.