Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin supplementation initiated at the onset of ovarian stimulation can improve oocyte quality without impairing endometrial receptivity: Case series

Abstract

Whether continuous low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) supplementation during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) can improve oocyte and embryo quality is still controversial in clinical practice. We report the first case series of inadvertent COH in luteal-phase stimulation in the presence of endogenous or exogenous low-dose hCG. Patients were diagnosed with infertility. The first two cases had inadvertent COH during preexisting pregnancy, and one of which produced more high-quality embryos (5 vs 1) in the presence of low hCG. Both cases had a live birth. The third case had 7 repeated failures of IVF, during which a total of 55 oocytes were obtained, but only 3 developed into transferable embryo. However, supplementation of 330 IU hCG per day from the onset of COH resulted in the recovery of one high-quality embryo and subsequent delivery of a healthy baby following fresh embryo transfer in eighth attemption. In conclude, supplementation with low-dose hCG from the onset of ovarian stimulation can improve oocyte quality without impairing endometrial receptivity.