Letrozole vs. clomiphene citrate in patients with ovulatory infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) in ovulatory patients with borderline male factor infertility, early stage endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.


METHODS
Prospective quasi-randomized trial.


METHODS
University infertility clinic.


METHODS
Forty-six consecutive patients with ovulatory infertility were recruited. Twenty-five patients (67 cycles) were given CC and 21 patients (52 cycles) were given letrozole. Both drugs were given orally on days 3-7 of menses.


METHODS
Letrozole, CC, ovulation induction, IUI, timed intercourse.


METHODS
Number of follicles, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
The median serum E2 concentration on the day of hCG administration in the letrozole and CC groups were 191.5 pmol/L and 476.0 pmol/L, respectively. The median endometrial thickness on the day of hCG were 8 mm in both groups. Ovulation occurred in 81% (42/52) of the letrozole-treated and 85% (57/67) of the CC-treated patients. Pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle was 9% (5/52) in the letrozole group and 12% (8/67) in the CC group.


CONCLUSIONS
Letrozole and CC have comparable effectiveness in ovulatory patients with borderline male factor infertility, early stage endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Karaelmas, Zonguldak, Turkey. ulkubayar@yahoo.com
Ulkü
U
Bayar
H Alper
HA
Tanriverdi
Aykut
A
Barut
Ferruh
F
Ayoğlu
Oya
O
Ozcan
Erdal
E
Kaya
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000858:Anovulation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000077289:Letrozole; D009570:Nitriles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014230:Triazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D002996:Clomiphene; D000077289:Letrozole