Human chorionic gonadotropin for in vitro oocyte maturation: does it improve the endometrium or implantation?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) priming on endometrial receptivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro maturation.


METHODS
The study was a randomized, controlled trial. After a withdrawal bleed, on day 8-10 of the cycle, women were randomized to receive 10,000 IU hCG or none 36 hours before immature oocyte retrieval. Oocytes were matured and fertilized, and up to 3 embryos were transferred. Prior to transfer, endometrial thickness, uterine artery pulsatility index and subendometrial bloodflow were determined.


RESULTS
There was no difference in endometrial thickness (10.1 vs. 10.4 mm), uterine artery pulsatility index (2.45 vs. 2.65) or absent subendometrial bloodflow (23% vs. 18%) between the treatment and control groups. Higher numbers of embryos were produced in the treatment group (7.0 vs. 3.6), resulting in more pregnancies, although the implantation rates (16.7 vs. 16.0%) were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Preretrieval hCG priming does not improve the ultrasound parameters of endometrial receptivity or the implantation rate, although more embryos are generated.
Buckett
William M
WM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada. william.buckett@muhc.mcgill.ca
Chian
Ri-Cheng
RC
Tan
Seang Lin
SL
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin