GnRH agonis short protocol versus GnRH antagonist flexible protocols in poor responder undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment.

Abstract

Background: poor response can be broadly defined as unsatisfactory ovarian response despite adequate ovarian stimulation. Aim of the work: : T o compare the short agonist and flexible antagonist protocols in the management of poor responders to standerd long down regulation protocol. Design: Randomized prospective comparative study. Setting: private IVF center (Engab). Patients and methods: One hundred poor-responder (IVF) (ICSI), who responded poorly to the standerd long down-regulation protocol in their first treatment cycle. Intervention(s): Peak serum E2 was assayed on the day of hCG administration. Main O utcome Measure(s): primary outcome: number of gonadotropins ampoules used, peak E2 at the triggering day, number of oocytes retrieved, number of metaphase II oocytes, fertilization rate, embryo quality and number of embryos transferred.cycle cancellation. Secondary Outcome: pregnancy rate , miscarriage rate. Results: GnRH-antagonist protocol shows increasednon significantpregnancy rate and decreased-non significant-miscarriage rate than agonist short protocol, however agonist short protocol appears to be more effective than the GnRH-antagonist protocol in terms of number of gonadotropins ampules, peak E2 level, fertilization rate, and top-quality embryos transferred in poor-responder. Conclusion: T he probability of pregnancy might be better with the use of the antagonist protocol, also flexible antagonist protocol is a simpler and more patient friendly method of ovarian stimulation compared with the short agonist protocol.