A prospective randomized study comparing intramuscular progesterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of i.m. P and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) for luteal phase support, in patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
Patients undergoing IVF-ET in our Centers.


METHODS
The inclusion criteria were the use of GnRH down-regulation and aged <40 years.


METHODS
A total of 300 cycles were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg every 3 days) or P (50 mg daily).


METHODS
The outcomes of IVF in both study groups were evaluated for biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy.


RESULTS
No difference was found in the main outcome parameters considered.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the results of the study encourage the use of 17-HPC for luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-ET program, more studies are necessary to support the hypothesis that it can replace i.m. P-in-oil.
Costabile
L
L
"GENESIS" Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Therapy, Rome, Italy. cdigerl@box2.tin.it
Gerli
S
S
Manna
C
C
Rossetti
D
D
Di Renzo
G C
GC
Unfer
V
V
D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; D011374:Progesterone