Follitropin-alpha versus human menopausal gonadotropin in an in vitro fertilization program.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of recombinant FSH and urinary-derived hMG for ovarian stimulation during IVF.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of data from IVF cycles conducted over 15 months.


METHODS
University hospital IVF unit.


METHODS
Three hundred twenty-four women undergoing their first to sixth IVF cycle.


METHODS
After pituitary down-regulation, patients received recombinant FSH or hMG, according to personal choice. After hCG administration, patients underwent oocyte retrieval, oocyte fertilization, and embryo transfer.


METHODS
Implantation rate and clinical ongoing pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval.


RESULTS
Patients who chose recombinant FSH were slightly younger than those who chose hMG (34.1 vs. 35.1 years, respectively). Although more embryos were transferred in the hMG group (3.6 vs. 3.2), the ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly higher in the recombinant FSH group (ongoing pregnancy rate, 50.0% vs. 36.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Recombinant FSH is more effective than hMG for ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles. This increased efficacy, which is achieved with fewer ampoules, is likely to offset the higher acquisition costs of recombinant FSH.
Goldfarb
James M
JM
Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, USA. goldfaj2@ccf.org
Desai
Nina
N
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D015292:Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit; D006728:Hormones; D008596:Menotropins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone