Elevated progesterone levels in the late follicular phase do not predict success of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of subtle elevation in P levels in late follicular phase on the outcome of IVF-ET cycles, using GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and hMG +/- FSH protocol.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of data.


METHODS
Fifty-four patients who completed 63 IVF-ET cycles were treated with midluteal GnRH-a, followed by hMG +/- pure FSH. Depending on serum P levels on the day of hCG administration, patients were divided in two groups. In group 1, P levels were < or = 0.9 ng/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.180) and in group 2, the levels were > 0.9 ng/mL.


RESULTS
Luteinizing hormone levels, on the day of hCG administration, as measured by RIA, were suppressed completely. In cycles with subtle P rise (71%), we observed a significantly higher serum E2 concentration, greater number of mature follicles, and greater number of oocytes retrieved. There were no differences between the two groups in fertilization rate, number of embryos transferred, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and miscarriage or delivery rates.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that in IVF-ET cycles, when pretreated with GnRH-a, P levels may increase on the day of hCG administration despite LH suppression and such elevation may not affect adversely the final outcome.
Abuzeid
M I
MI
Hurley Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Flint, Michigan 48503, USA.
Sasy
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D011374:Progesterone; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide