[Ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to describe the ovulation rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, treated with ovulation induction/intra-uterine insemination and follitropin alfa by gonadotrophins at a second attempt.

Methods: An observational, national and multicentre study was carried out: 51 French physicians (endocrinologists, gynaecologists) participated. Eligible patients were followed according to the usual clinical practices. The primary endpoint was the number of ovulations (spontaneous or triggered). Quality of life evaluation (by FertiQoL), compliance, and patient satisfaction were secondary endpoints.

Results: A total of 202 patients (mean age: 29.9 years; mean infertility: 2.9 years) were included: 78.4% met the Rotterdam definition. The ovulation rate was 93.3% (95% confidence interval [89.8; 96.8]%). At 12 weeks of gestation, 38 patients had an ongoing pregnancy. A difference of 10 points of the mean total FertiQoL score was observed between the two attempts. No patient reported missing injection. More than 9 in 10 patients said they were satisfied to very satisfied with the use of the pen injector for administration of follitropin alfa. Eight patients (4.0%) had hyperstimulation leading to cycle cancellation, and two patients (1.1%) reported ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Conclusions: At the second cycle of follitropin alfa stimulation, a high rate of ovulations, satisfactory compliance and tolerance profile associated with a change in quality of life were reported.

Keywords: Assistance médicale à la procréation; Assisted reproductive technologies; Gonadotrophin; Gonadotrophine; Ovarian stimulation; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Stimulation ovarienne; Syndrome des ovaires polykystiques.