Endocrine profiles after triggering of final oocyte maturation with GnRH agonist after cotreatment with the GnRH antagonist ganirelix during ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization
In a randomized multicenter study, the efficacies of two different GnRH
agonists were compared with that of hCG for triggering final stages of
oocyte maturation after ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro
fertilization. Ovarian stimulation was conducted by recombinant FSH
(Puregon), and the GnRH antagonist ganirelix (Orgalutran) was
coadministered for the prevention of a premature LH rise. Luteal support
was provided by daily progestin administration. Frequent blood sampling
was performed at midcycle in the first 47 eligible subjects included in
the current study, who were randomized for a single dose of 0.2 mg
triptorelin (n = 17), 0.5 mg leuprorelin (n = 15), or 10,000 IU hCG (n =
15). Serum concentrations of LH, FSH, E2, and progesterone (P) were
assessed at variable intervals. LH peaked at 4 h after both triptorelin
and leuprorelin administration, with median LH levels of 130 and 107
IU/liter (P < 0.001), respectively. LH levels returned to baseline after
24 h. Subjects receiving hCG showed peak levels of 240 IU/liter hCG 24 h
after administration. A rise in FSH to 19 IU/liter (P < 0.001) was noted
in both GnRH agonist groups 8 h after injection. Within 24 h the areas
under the curve for LH and FSH were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in
both GnRH agonist groups compared with that for hCG. E2 and P levels were
similar for all groups up to the day of oocyte retrieval. Luteal phase
areas under the curve for P and E2 were significantly elevated (P < 0.001)
in the hCG group. The mean (+/-SD) numbers of oocytes retrieved were 9.8
+/- 5.4, 8.7 +/- 4.5, and 8.3 +/- 3.3; the percentages of metaphase II
oocytes were 72%, 85%, and 86%; and fertilization rates were 61%, 62%, and
56% in the triptorelin, leuprorelin, and hCG group, respectively (P = NS
for all three comparisons). These findings support the effective induction
of final oocyte maturation in both GnRH agonist groups. In summary, after
treatment with the GnRH antagonist ganirelix for the prevention of
premature LH surges, triggering of final stages of oocyte maturation can
be induced effectively by a single bolus injection of GnRH agonist, as
demonstrated by the induced endogenous LH and FSH surge and the quality
and fertilization rate of recovered oocytes. Moreover, corpus luteum
formation is induced by GnRH agonists with luteal phase steroid levels
closer to the physiological range compared with hCG. This more
physiological approach for inducing oocyte maturation may represent a
successful and safer alternative for in vitro fertilization patients
undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation
