title: Inhibin A/B in HMG or recombinant FSH ovarian stimulation with cetrorelix medication.
abstract: The inhibins are valuable factors in the assessment of the quality of an ovarian stimulation cycle. In spite of good clinical results with recombinant FSH and multiple dose LHRH- antagonist (Cetrotide((R))) administration, there remains a theoretical concern that in cycles stimulated with recombinant FSH, devoid of any LH activity, not enough endogenous LH is available to guarantee good follicle maturation. A total of 287 serum samples from 41 patients was assessed: 20 patients received ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH, 21 patients with HMG and multiple dose Cetrotide administration. Inhibin A and B were measured on cycle days 2 and 6, the day of HCG administration, the day of embryo transfer as well as 7 and 14 days after the transfer. The two patient groups were similar with regard to age, amount of gonadotrophins required and number of follicles >18 mm and 15-18 mm. Inhibin A and B concentrations were comparable throughout the stimulation, thus indicating the equality of ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH/HMG and midcyclic antagonist administration. Higher inhibin B concentrations throughout the stimulation were correlated with a higher oocyte yield. The small number of pregnancies prevented assessment of the relationship between inhibin B values and pregnancy rate.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck, Klinik für Frauenheilkunde, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Jörg B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Engel
authors.forename: Ricardo E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Felberbaum
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reissmann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kose
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Diedrich