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Related Experiment Videos

'Curing' empty follicle syndrome

G Ndukwe1, S Thornton, S Fishel

  • 1Nottingham University Research and Treatment Unit in Reproduction (NURTURE), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, UK.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|January 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS) may stem from drug issues, not clinical dysfunction. A novel rescue method involves re-administering human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to successfully retrieve mature oocytes.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Infertility Treatment
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS) is a challenging condition in assisted reproduction.
  • Previous understanding attributed EFS to clinical dysfunction.
  • The role of medication quality in EFS was not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a novel method for rescuing Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS).
  • To provide evidence suggesting EFS may be a drug-related issue.
  • To establish a reliable diagnostic marker for EFS confirmation.

Main Methods:

  • Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) levels were measured 36 hours post-HCG administration.
  • EFS was confirmed if beta-HCG concentrations remained below 10 mIU/ml.

Related Experiment Videos

  • A second administration of a different batch of HCG was used to retrieve oocytes from the intact ovary.

    • Main Results:

    • Three patients with confirmed EFS were treated using the novel method.
    • Successful oocyte retrieval and fertilization were achieved in all three cases.
    • Resulting embryos were transferred, leading to pregnancies and live birth in one case.

    Conclusions:

    • The study suggests Empty Follicle Syndrome is likely a drug-related problem, specifically with the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) preparation.
    • A novel protocol utilizing beta-HCG levels and a secondary HCG administration can successfully rescue EFS.
    • This approach offers a potential solution for patients experiencing EFS during assisted reproductive technology cycles.