Luteal phase support with GnRH-a improves implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles with endometrium of <or=7 mm on day of egg retrieval.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for luteal phase in a group of patients with thin endometrium (<or=7 mm) after IVF treatment.

METHODS

One-hundred-and-twenty women were eligible for this study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (n = 60) received triptorelin 0.1 mg on the day of ovum pickup (OPU), on the day of embryo transfer (ET) and three days thereafter, and group B (n = 60) received placebo. The primary outcomes were implantation and pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

Although there was no significant difference in the number of good quality embryos transferred in both groups, the implantation and pregnancy rate were significantly higher in the GnRH-a - treated group compared with placebo controls. Furthermore, Estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P) levels and endometrial thickness were significantly more elevated in patients who received GnRH-a for luteal phase support.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of GnRH-a at the time of OPU significantly improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with thin endometrium (<or=7 mm).