Luteal phase support in in vitro fertilization: meta-analysis of randomized trials.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if luteal phase support improves the pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.


METHODS
A meta-analysis of randomized trials of luteal phase support was carried out with the main outcome measure being the pregnancy rate per cycle.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine trials were evaluated. Eighteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Five main themes were identified: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus progesterone; progesterone versus progesterone and hCG; progesterone versus placebo; hCG versus placebo, and hCG versus progesterone versus no support.


CONCLUSIONS
Luteal phase support is definitely indicated in IVF treatment cycles. This meta-analysis favored hCG above progesterone as luteal phase support with respect to pregnancy rates. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to determine a definite consensus with respect to the duration of luteal phase support in IVF cycles.
Nosarka
Saleema
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa. hkr@sun.ac.za
Kruger
Thinus
T
Siebert
Igno
I
Grové
Debbie
D
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003340:Corpus Luteum Maintenance / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone