Subcutaneous versus intramuscular administration of human chorionic gonadotropin during an in vitro fertilization cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm that hCG levels in follicular fluid and serum would be comparable between i.m. and s.c. administration of purified hCG.


METHODS
In a prospective study, serum and follicular fluid levels of hCG after an i.m. or s.c. injection of 10,000 IU of hCG were evaluated 36 hours after injection, that is, at the time of oocyte retrieval.


METHODS
This study was carried out in a university-affiliated IVF program.


METHODS
Forty women undergoing oocyte retrieval were entered into the study at the time of egg retrieval, that is, 36 hours after hCG administration.


METHODS
S.c. or i.m. injection of hCG.


METHODS
Serum and follicular fluid concentrations of hCG were evaluated 36 hours after injection at the time of oocyte retrieval.


RESULTS
There was a significantly higher serum hCG level in the s.c. group (348.6 +/- 98 IU/L) vs. the i.m. group (259.0 +/- 115 IU/L) and a significantly higher follicular fluid hCG level in the s.c. vs. the i.m. group (233.5 +/- 85 vs. 143.4 +/- 134 IU/L).


CONCLUSIONS
After purified hCG administration via the s.c. route, both serum and follicular fluid levels are greater compared with the i.m. route.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston IVF, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. jstelling@pol.net
James R
JR
Stelling
Emily T
ET
Chapman
David
D
Frankfurter
Doria H
DH
Harris
Selwyn P
SP
Oskowitz
Richard H
RH
Reindollar
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone