Comparison of the efficacy and safety of two formulations of micronized progesterone (Ellios and Utrogestan) used as luteal phase support after in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and the tolerability of two different vaginal formulations of micronized progesterone, Ellios and Utrogestan, used for luteal phase support after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Fertility center in a university hospital. PATIENT(S(: One hundred twenty-three women who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) stimulated cycles from October 1998 to March 2000, who had at least six follicles of > or =14 mm on the day of hCG administration.


METHODS
Patients received Ellios pessaries (2 times 200-mg pessary/day) or Utrogestan capsules (2 x 100-mg capsules, two times a day). Progesterone was administered from the day of oocyte pickup (day 0) until menses or up to 10 weeks in pregnant patients.


METHODS
Progesterone levels, pregnancy rate, and tolerability tested by patient questionnaire.


RESULTS
The progesterone levels on days 0, 9, 16 were not statistically different between the two formulations. The pregnancy rate were similar in groups 1 and 2 (25.5% vs. 18.6%), whereas tolerance was significantly better in group 1 versus group 2 (vaginal discharge: 43% vs. 82%).


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of the two formulations of progesterone is comparable, although the patient tolerance for Ellios is better.
Germond
Marc
M
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Maternité du CHUV, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. marc.germond@chuv.hospvd.ch
Capelli
Paola
P
Bruno
Giuliana
G
Vesnaver
Sara
S
Senn
Alfred
A
Rouge
Nathalie
N
Biollaz
J
J
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone