1,500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin administered at oocyte retrieval rescues the luteal phase when gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is used for ovulation induction: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the reproductive outcome with a small bolus of hCG administered on the day of oocyte retrieval after ovulation induction with a GnRH agonist (GnRHa).

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized trial.

SETTING

Three hospital-based IVF clinics.

PATIENT(S): Three hundred five IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients after a GnRH antagonist protocol.

INTERVENTION(S): Ovulation induction was performed with either 10,000 IU hCG or 0.5 mg GnRHa (buserelin) supplemented with 1,500 IU hCG on the day of oocyte retrieval.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Reproductive outcome in the two groups.

RESULT(S): No significant differences were seen regarding positive hCG/ET rate (48% and 48%), ongoing pregnancy rate (26% and 33%), delivery rate (24% and 31%), and rate of early pregnancy loss (21% and 17%) between the GnRHa and 10,000 IU hCG groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION(S): A small bolus of hCG in the GnRHa group secured the luteal phase, resulting in a comparable reproductive outcome in the two groups. However, a nonsignificant difference of 7% in delivery rates justifies further studies to refine the use of GnRHa for ovulation induction.