Effect of Luteal Phase Support Comparing Early (Day 1) and Late (Day 4) Initiation with Pregnancy Rates

Journal für Reproduktionsmedizin und Endokrinologie - Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology 2011; 8 (4): 288-290

Volltext (PDF)    Summary    Praxisrelevanz    Abbildungen   




Keywords: IVF,  Lutealphase,  Progesteron,  Schwangerschaftsrate,  Östrogen,  Estrogen,  luteal phase support,  pregnancy rate,  progesterone

Even though luteal phase support is a standard method in fertility treatment the ideal time to start supplementation is still unknown. Therefore we evaluated different (early and late) initiation points of luteal phase support in a prospective randomized trial. 1111 Women undergoing an IVF/ICSI treatment in a private IVF clinic have been randomized after egg retrieval into two groups of luteal support. Group one initiated luteal phase support on day one after egg retrieval, group two initiated luteal phase support on day 4 after retrieval. Patients received either a classical long (agonist) or antagonist ovarian stimulation protocol. Main outcome measure was the on going pregnancy rate. As a secondary outcome measure we evaluated the early or late begin in the long versus antagonist protocol. There have been no significant differences between the two study groups concerning pregnancy rates (early: 29.3%/late: 31.2%; p = 0.55). Furthermore there where no differences in pregnancy rates within patients receiving a GNRH agonist protocol (early: 30.0%/ late: 32.9%; p = 0.48) as well as within patients applying a GNRH antagonist protocol (early: 26.9%/late: 32.1%; p = 0.38). Starting luteal phase support on day one compared to day 4 makes no difference concerning pregnancy rates no matter which kind of stimulation protocol is being used