Different ovarian stimulation protocols for women with diminished ovarian reserve.
OBJECTIVE
To review the available treatments for women with significantly diminished ovarian reserve and assess the efficacy of different ovarian stimulation protocols.


METHODS
Literature research performed among studies that have been published in the Pubmed, in the Scopus Search Machine and in Cohrane database of systematic reviews.


RESULTS
A lack of clear, uniform definition of the poor responders and a lack of large-scale randomized studies make data interpretation very difficult for precise conclusions. Optimistic data have been presented by the use of high doses of gonadotropins, flare up Gn RH-a protocol (standard or microdose), stop protocols, luteal onset of Gn RH-a and the short protocol. Natural cycle or a modified natural cycle seems to be an appropriate strategy. Low dose hCG in the first days of ovarian stimulation has promising results. Molecular biology tools (mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) have been also considered to assist the management of this group of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The ideal stimulation for these patients with diminished ovarian reserve remains a great challenge for the clinician, within the limits of our pharmaceutical quiver.
Loutradis
D
D
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens University Medical School, Sirinon 62, P. Faliro, 175 61, Athens, Greece. loutradi@otenet.gr
Drakakis
P
P
Vomvolaki
E
E
Antsaklis
A
A
D000728:Androgens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D006062:Gonadotropins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013006:Growth Hormone; D001241:Aspirin