Serum cetrorelix concentrations do not affect clinical pregnancy outcome in assisted reproduction.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the potential association between serum cetrorelix levels and clinical pregnancy outcome in patients who had undergone assisted reproduction cycles with a GnRH antagonist cetrorelix acetate 3-mg injection.


METHODS
Retrospective case-control study.


METHODS
University-affiliated private-assisted reproduction center.


METHODS
130 IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection first cycles, treated with the same cetrorelix acetate protocol, in two matched groups according to whether the cycle resulted in clinical pregnancy (n = 56) or not (n = 74).


METHODS
Cetrorelix acetate administration at 3 mg in a sandwich protocol.


METHODS
Serum cetrorelix concentrations on the day of hCG administration with regard to clinical pregnancy outcome, pre- versus post-hCG percent change in serum E(2) levels and implantation rates.


RESULTS
The cetrorelix serum concentrations were in the range of 0.29 to 5.12 ng/mL. The comparisons between groups with and without clinical pregnancy revealed comparable serum cetrorelix levels. There was no significant correlation between the serum cetrorelix concentrations and percent change in pre- versus post-hCG serum E(2) levels. Serum cetrorelix levels were comparable among patients with various implantation rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a wide range of serum cetrorelix levels could be detected during a GnRH antagonist cycle, these levels were comparable in patients with and without clinical pregnancies.
Bukulmez
Orhan
O
Center for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas, USA. Obukul@parknet.pmh.org
Carr
Bruce R
BR
Doody
Kathleen M
KM
Doody
Kevin J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D004958:Estradiol; C062876:cetrorelix