Prospective study of a modified gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol in an in vitro fertilization program.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if pituitary suppression is still maintained if GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) is discontinued as gonadotropin stimulation is begun in a long protocol.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
An outpatient IVF-GIFT program.


METHODS
One hundred seventy-three patients entering an IVF-GIFT program.


METHODS
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in long protocol was either discontinued or continued as gonadotropin stimulation was begun.


METHODS
Luteinizing hormone (LH), E2, and P levels, egg numbers, fertilization rate, number of embryos transferred, day of gonadotropin stimulation, and pregnancy rates (PRs).


RESULTS
Pituitary suppression was maintained although GnRH-a was discontinued as gonadotropin stimulation was begun. No spontaneous LH surge was seen, and PRs were increased in the IVF patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that the advantages gained from use of GnRH-a in the long protocol are not compromised by its early discontinuation.
Pantos
K
K
Infertility Centre of Athens, Greece.
Meimeth-Damianaki
T
T
Vaxevanoglou
T
T
Kapetanakis
E
E
D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015181:Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D002064:Buserelin