Effect of Piroxicam on ART Outcome: A Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
One of the most important factors affecting success rates in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) besides the number of oocytes retrieved and high quality embryos derived from them is the technical aspects of embryo transfer. It seems that pretreatement with uterine relaxants can be helpful in preventing un- pleasant cramps which can have an adverse effect on ART outcome. In this respect, some drugs such as prostaglandin inhibitors or sedatives have been evaluated but not confirmed yet remain controversial. This study was performed in order to assess the effect of administrating Piroxicam prior to embryo transfer on pregnancy rates in ART cycles.


METHODS
This pilot study was performed from August 2010 through December 2011 on 50 infertile women in ART cycles. Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) with a long gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue protocol were used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups of 25 patients after obtaining written consent. Group A received a 10 mg Piroxicam capsule 30 minutes before embryo transfer and group B was the control group with no treatment. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA).


RESULTS
Pregnancy rate was 34% (n=17) totally, with 32% (n=8) in group A and 36% (n=9) in group B (p=0.75). Uterine cramps were experienced by 4 women (16%) in group B, while none were reported by women in group A (p=0.037).


CONCLUSIONS
It seems that Piroxicam administration 30 minutes prior to embryo transfer can- not increase pregnancy rates, but can prevent or reduce uterine cramps after the procedure.
Department of Infertility, Vali-e-Asr Hospital , Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farnaz
F
Sohrabvand
Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fedyeh
F
Haghollahi
Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Vali-e-Asr Hospital , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Masoomeh
M
Maasomi
Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mamak
M
Shariat
Assisted Reproductive Techniques; Embryo Transfer; Piroxicam; Pregnancy Rate