[Luteal phase support in assisted reproductive cycles using either vaginal (Crinone 8) or intramuscular (Prontogest) progesterone: results of a prospective randomized study].
BACKGROUND
To compare local tolerance and patients  compliance to intravaginal and intramuscular progesterone administration.


METHODS
Ninety-nine patients have been randomised to receive either intravaginal Crinone, 90 mg/day (n=51) or intramuscular Prontogest 50 mg/day (n=48) for luteal supplementation in IVF/ICSI cycles. Local and systemic side effects as well as pattern of menstrual bleeding were reported on a self administered questionnaire. Progesterone levels were evaluated pre-treatment, in the mid-luteal phase and the day of pregnancy test.


RESULTS
Patients  age, BMI, duration and causes of infertility were comparable in the two treatment groups. All parameters of ovarian response as well as pregnancy rates did not show significative difference in the two groups. A significative larger number of patients assigned to intravaginal support were free from side effects. Furthermore side effects, when reported, resulted significantly more severe in the intramuscular group. In the non pregnant patients menstrual flow appeared significantly earlier in those treated with vaginal progesterone (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Crinone 8 is a good alternative to parental progesterone for luteal support in ART cycles. It is well tolerated but it is linked to an earlier appearance of menstrual flow in non conceptional cycles.
Anserini
P
P
Dipartimento di Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Università degli Studi, Genova, Italy.
Costa
M
M
Remorgida
V
V
Sarli
R
R
Guglielminetti
E
E
Ragni
N
N
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011446:Prospective Studies
C400424:Crinone; D005782:Gels; D011374:Progesterone