The effect of luteal phase support protocol on cycle outcome and luteal phase hormone profile in long agonist protocol intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: a randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of luteal phase support protocol on cycle outcome and luteal phase hormone profile, in long agonist protocol intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.


METHODS
Prospective randomized trial.


METHODS
Private infertility center.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy-four women undergoing first ICSI cycles were randomized after ovum pickup into three groups of luteal support.


METHODS
Group I received IM P (P(4)) only, group II received P(4) + oral E(2) valerate, group III received P(4) + hCG.


METHODS
Pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate, rates of multiple pregnancy and miscarriage, and midluteal serum E(2) and P(4), and midluteal E(2):P(4) ratio.


RESULTS
The PR and implantation rates were significantly higher in group II compared to group I and the miscarriage rate was significantly lower in group II compared with group I. Midluteal E(2) was significantly higher in group II compared with group I. The decline in E(2) after ovum pickup was lowest in group II, highest in group I. The midluteal E(2):P(4) ratio was significantly higher in group II compared with groups I and III.


CONCLUSIONS
The E(2) luteal phase supplementation in long GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) protocol ICSI cycles resulted in better cycle outcome and better luteal phase hormone profile.
Ghanem
Mohamad E
ME
Mansoura Integrated Fertility Center, Mansoura, Egypt. meghanem87@gmail.com
Sadek
Ehab E
EE
Elboghdady
Laila A
LA
Helal
Adel S
AS
Gamal
Anas
A
Eldiasty
Amany
A
Bakre
Nagwa I
NI
Houssen
Maha
M
D000328:Adult; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004967:Estrogens