Clinical efficacy of highly purified hMG versus recombinant FSH in IVF/ICSI cycles: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background/aims: To compare the effectiveness of highly purified hMG (Menopur) with recombinant FSH (Gonal-F) in IVF/ICSI patients who underwent ovarian hyperstimulation with pituitary suppression.

Methods: A literature search of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (PubMed), Medline and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed using the key words 'highly purified hMG' and 'recombinant FSH.' Only prospective randomized controlled trials were included when they compared IVF/ICSI outcomes after administration of Menopur versus Gonal-F. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was ongoing pregnancy/live birth.

Results: Ongoing pregnancy rate per started cycle (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.96-1.26) or per embryo transfer (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.99-1.29), as well as live birth rate per embryo transfer (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.98-1.33), is similar between the Menopur and the Gonal-F group.

Conclusion: The combined data presented in this meta-analysis do not support a clinical superiority of Gonal-F over Menopur.