A prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in three different in vitro fertilization protocols.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the following IVF protocols: a short protocol and long protocols starting on day 2 or day 21. All protocols used recombinant FSH (rFSH) for ovarian stimulation.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
An assisted reproduction unit at a university center.


METHODS
Patients undergoing IVF (n = 150) were treated according to one of the three treatment protocols allocated by a random method.


METHODS
All patients used buserelin acetate and rFSH. Patients began the long protocol on day 2 (group 1) or day 21 (group 2) of the cycle. Patients in group 3 began the short protocol on day 2 of the cycle.


METHODS
Ovarian response, implantation rates, and pregnancy rates (PRs).


RESULTS
Patients treated with the short protocol (group 3) were stimulated in a shorter time, required less rFSH, and achieved higher E(2) levels. The numbers of follicles, oocytes, and embryos were similar in all three groups. The implantation rates were similar in groups 1 and 2 (11.8% and 13.3%, respectively), and both were higher than in group 3 (4.1%). Clinical PRs per oocytes retrieved were 19.6%, 18.6%, and 8.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The implantation rate was significantly higher with the long protocols than with the short protocol, with a tendency for a higher PR as well.
Ravhon
A
A
Wolfson Family Clinic and Flick Laboratories, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Science, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. aravhon@bezeqint.net
Lawrie
H
H
Ellenbogen
A
A
Lavery
S
S
Trew
G
G
Winston
R
R
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D002064:Buserelin