Prospective, randomized trial comparing cetrorelix acetate and ganirelix acetate in a programmed, flexible protocol for premature luteinizing hormone surge prevention in assisted reproductive technologies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and efficacy of single-dose cetrorelix acetate (3 mg) and daily ganirelix acetate (0.25 mg) in the inhibition of premature LH surge in women undergoing cycle-programmed ovarian stimulation before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).


METHODS
Prospective, open-label, randomized, comparative study.


METHODS
Sixteen ART centers in the United States.


METHODS
One hundred eighty-five infertile patients undergoing ART.


METHODS
Single injection of cetrorelix (3 mg SC) or daily dose of ganirelix (0.25 mg SC) was administered when the lead follicle was > or =14 mm. Daily cetrorelix (0.25 mg) was administered if the criteria for hCG administration were not met 4 days after receiving 3 mg of cetrorelix.


METHODS
Percentage of patients who did not have a premature LH surge, defined as LH <10 IU/L on the day of hCG administration. The IVF and embryo transfer (ET) outcomes were assessed.


RESULTS
No patient in either treatment group had a premature LH surge. There were no statistically significant differences between treatments for any IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or ET outcomes, including pregnancy rate (PR). However, cetrorelix required significantly fewer injections than ganirelix. Similar safety profiles were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cetrorelix and ganirelix effectively prevented LH surges in oral contraceptive (OC) pill-programmed, flexible protocols, with similar safety profiles and PRs; however, cetrorelix required significantly fewer injections, increasing patient convenience.
Wilcox
John
J
Huntington Reproductive Center, Pasadena, California, USA.
Potter
Daniel
D
Moore
Marva
M
Ferrande
Lee
L
Kelly
Eduardo
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; C061018:ganirelix; C062876:cetrorelix