Use of buserelin and low-dose human menopausal gonadotropin for in vitro fertilization in women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was (i) to assess the value of using a low dose of hMG (75 IU/day) to achieve ovarian stimulation in women who have previously shown an exaggerated response to a standard dose of 150 IU human menopausal gonadotropin/day in a desensitization (group I) or flare-up (group II) protocol and (ii) to determine whether the choice of GnRH-a regimen in a subsequent cycle, namely, a desensitization or flare-up protocol, influenced the effectiveness of the low dose of hMG.

Results: In group I, 75% (12/16) and 57% (8/14) of the subsequent desensitization and flare-up protocols, respectively, were cancelled because of inadequate ovarian response. Similarly, the cancellation rates in group II were 10 of 10 and 7 of 11 (64%), respectively. The total cancellation rate (groups I and II together) with the desensitization protocol was higher than that using the flare-up protocol (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The simple use of a reduced dose of hMG (75 IU/day) for subsequent in vitro fertilization in women to minimize the risk of the development of ovarian hyperstimulation is of limited benefit since a large proportion then shows an inadequate response. This is particularly pronounced with a subsequent desensitization protocol which does not utilize endogenous gonadotropins to initiate follicular development.