Cetrotide confirmatory trial of cetrorelix/0.25 mg in 26 women undergoing ovarian stimulation with recombinant follicle stimulating hormones for IVF, ICSI and embryo transfer (ET).
BACKGROUND
There have been numerous double-blind, randomised, dose-finding studies of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist Ganirelix (Org 37462) and the Gn-RH antagonist Cetrorelix.


METHODS
We performed a clinical trial with 26 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with the recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by applying rec. FSH in a flexible daily dose, depending on the estradiol levels of the patient, from day 3 of the cycle onwards in a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol. A single dose of 0.25 mg was injected daily subcutaneously from day 7 of the cycle onwards until the day of HCG application. The recombinant FSH dose was adjusted according to ovarian response. Fifteen patients were treated for IVF and nine for ICSI. In two patients egg retrieval was not performed. Estradiol and LH levels were measured on the day of HCG application.


RESULTS
The mean number of recovered oocytes in the 24 patients was 5.5. A fertilisation rate of 64% was achieved in the IVF group and 69% in the ICSI group. In Germany a maximum of three embryos per patient is permitted to be transferred. Pregnancy occurred in ten patients: 5 IVF patients and 5 ICSI patients. In this small group of IVF patients a 33% pregnancy rate per follicular puncture and a 50% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer resulted. The ICSI group showed a 55% pregnancy rate per follicular puncture and a 62% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
Within an IVF/ET, ICSI programme the Gn-RH-antagonist Cetrorelix in combination with rec. FSH gave optimal pregnancy results.
Mettler
L
L
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Kiel, Germany.
Brandenburg
K
K
D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; C062876:cetrorelix