A computerized decision support system for ovarian stimulation by gonadotropins

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized decision support system for ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins.

Design: Retrospective and prospective randomized studies.

Setting: Private and university teaching hospital.

Patient(s): Women undergoing ovarian stimulation to treat infertility.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy rate.

Result(s): In the retrospective study, computer-generated decisions were compared with clinicians' decisions in 118 stimulated cycles in 53 patients. In 90% of cases, the choice of FSH regimens and adjustments to dosages were identical. In the prospective study, the computer-generated decisions achieved a pregnancy rate per cycle of 18% (15 of 82 cycles), compared with 16% (13 of 82 cycles) achieved by clinicians.

Conclusion(s): A computerized decision making system was as effective as skilled clinicians in achieving pregnancy by using ovarian stimulation with FSH.