Premature progesterone elevation does not alter oocyte quality in in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify whether premature P elevation during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF-ET affects adversely oocyte-embryo quality.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
We studied 102 fertile donors undergoing 106 oocyte retrievals and 117 recipients undergoing 162 ET.


METHODS
Donors underwent COH with a time-release GnRH agonist and hMG. All recipients had inactive or absent ovaries and were primed with E2 and P.


METHODS
Measurement of LH, P and E2; characteristics of COH; cleavage, pregnancy, and implantation rates.


RESULTS
According to donors' plasma P levels on the day of hCG, two groups were defined: P < or = 0.9 ng/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.18), group A, and P > 0.9 ng/mL, group B. Similar results of cleavage (65% and 72%), clinical (30% and 29%), and ongoing pregnancy (20% and 18%), and implantation (14% and 15%) rates were observed in both groups, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of difference in cleavage, pregnancy, and implantation rates between both groups suggests that preovulation increase in P production does not alter oocyte-embryo quality. Hence, the reported adverse effects on IVF outcome of pre-hCG elevation of P is likely to reflect an impaired endometrial receptivity in the high P group.
Fanchin
R
R
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France.
Righini
C
C
Olivennes
F
F
de Ziegler
D
D
Selva
J
J
Frydman
R
R
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018587:Oocyte Donation; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide