IVF Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about IVF, including details on in vitro fertilization, infertility, treatment, procedure, pregnancy, success rates. | ||||||||
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Expected poor responders on the basis of an antral follicle count do not benefit from a higher starting dose of gonadotrophins in IVF treatment: a randomized controlled trial.Klinkert ER, Broekmans FJ, Looman CW, Habbema JD, te Velde ER Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.r.klinkert@azu.nl BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of doubling the starting dose of gonadotrophins on the ovarian response in IVF patients with a low antral follicle count (AFC). METHODS: Fifty-two patients with an AFC of <5 follicles of 2-5 mm diameter before starting their first IVF cycle participated in this randomized controlled trial. They were randomized by opening a sealed envelope, receiving either 150 IU (group I, n = 26) or 300 IU (group II, n = 26) of rFSH as a starting dose. The main outcome measures of the study were number of oocytes, poor response (<4 oocytes at retrieval or cancellation due to insufficient follicle growth) and ongoing pregnancy (12 weeks of gestation). RESULTS: The groups were comparable regarding patient characteristics and outcome of the IVF treatment. The median number of oocytes collected was 3 for both groups (P = 0.79). The difference in the mean number of oocytes was 0.3 oocytes in favour of group I (P=0.69). Sixty-five per cent of the patients in group I experienced a poor response and 62% in group II. The ongoing pregnancy rate was 8% in group I and 4% in group II (P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Expected poor response patients, defined as patients with an AFC <5, are likely not to benefit from a higher starting dose of gonadotrophins in IVF. Published 18 February 2005 in Hum Reprod, 20(3): 611-5.
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