title: A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of two recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone preparations in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) preparations, follitropin-alpha (Gonal-F; Ares Serono, Geneva, Switzerland) and follitropin-beta (Puregon; Organon, Oss, the Netherlands), for superovulation in patients undergoing IVF-ET.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blind, single-center trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient tertiary referral center for assisted reproductive techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four infertile women undergoing IVF-ET.
  
  
  METHODS
  After down-regulation with buserelin acetate, patients were randomized to receive follitropin-alpha or follitropin-beta, 150 IU/d for 6 days; after that, dosages were adjusted according to the ovarian response.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cumulative dose of r-hFSH; duration of r-hFSH treatment; number of follicles of > or =11 mm and of 14 mm on day 7 of r-hFSH treatment and on the day of hCG administration; number of oocytes retrieved; number of viable embryos; and number of pregnancies (biochemical, ectopic, miscarried) and clinical pregnancies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences in any efficacy measures between the two preparations. The incidence of systemic adverse events was comparable in the two groups. Local reactions at the injection site were significantly more common and more severe with follitropin-beta than with follitropin-alpha
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Follitropin-alpha and follitropin-beta have comparable efficacy in patients undergoing IVF-ET.
authors.affiliation: Bourn Hall Clinic, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brinsden
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Akagbosu
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Gibbons
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lancaster
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gourdon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Engrand
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Loumaye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D002064:Buserelin