Low-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Articles

The impact of HCG in IVF Treatment: Does it depend on age or on protocol?

Objectiveto evaluate the effect of the addition of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) throughout the early follicular phase in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) conducted with two difference regimens. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and short GnRH-agonist protocol were applied in two in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. MethodsClinical study conducted during the period 2014–2016 in two IVF clinics in a cohort of 240 women. In the first group 1 (124 women), a GnRH antagonist protocol with HMG and addition of low dose (100IU/day) h CG was applied. The other group 2 consisted of 116 women who underwent a short GnRH- agonist protocol with HMG and addition of low dose (100IU/day) h CG. ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The group 2 found to be associated with greater number of follicles and oocytes. The pregnancy rates were 12.1% and 26.7% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p=0.004). For patients over 40 years, the number of follicles and oocytes retrieved were significant higher in group 2.The pregnancy rate in group 2 was higher than in group 1 (21, 6% vs 5%, p=0.017). ConclusionsAdvanced age women are likely to achievepregnancy using the GnRH Short than GnRH antagonist, when HMG/hCG is used, while HMG–hCG gonadotropins have the same potentialas Recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH)–hCG used in GnRH short protocol.

Low dose human chorionic gonadotropin administration at the time of gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonist trigger versus 35\u2009h later in women at high risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome \u2013 a prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial

BackgroundOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome remains a serious complication during in vitro fertilization cycles if high dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used to trigger ovulation in high responder patients. Though much of this risk is mitigated with trigger using gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) agonist alone, it may result in lower birth rates. GnRH-agonist trigger and adjuvant low dose hCG has been proposed to improve birth rates, but timing of this hCG support to corpus luteum function has never been fully described. In this randomized, prospective trial, we explore differences in live birth rates and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-responder patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) receiving low dose hCG at the time of GnRH-agonist (dual trigger) or hCG adjuvant at the time of oocyte retrieval. Does the timing of hCG support make a difference?ResultsThirty-four subjects high-responder patients were randomized to receive low-dose hCG at the time of GnRH-agonist trigger (Group 1) and 37 received low-dose hCG at the time of oocyte retrieval (Group 2). There were no differences in the baseline characteristics and outcome of ovarian stimulation between the two groups. There were no differences in the live birth rates between Group 1 and Group 2 by intention-to-treat (14/34, 41.2% versus 21/37, 56.8%, p = 0.19) or per-protocol (14/26, 53.8% versus 19/31, 61.3%, p = 0.57) analyses. There was a slightly higher incidence of OHSS in Group 2 compared to Group 1 although the difference was not statistically significant (3/31, 9.7% versus 1/26, 3.8%). All the cases of OHSS in Group 2 were moderate while the one case of OHSS in Group 1 was mild.ConclusionsFor high responder patients receiving GnRH-agonist trigger, low dose hCG supplementation allowed high pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer, regardless of whether it was given at the time of trigger or at oocyte retrieval. Dual trigger may be preferable to reduce the risk of OHSS.

The Effect of Dual Trigger of Oocyte Maturation with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist and Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Pregnancy Rate in Women at Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Background: the purpose of this study was to compare rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the pregnancy outcome after using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) alone and GnRHa in combination with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, dual trigger) for final oocyte maturation in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Patients and Methods: the study included 150 female patients with high risk of OHSS occurrence who were allocated by the Computer-based randomization method into two groups with 75 patients in each arm, Group I received GnRHa trigger and Group II received dual trigger (GnRHa + low-dose (1500 IU) hCG trigger). Results: Our study showed that the incidence of OHSS was higher after dual trigger than GnRHa trigger but with no statistically significant difference (8.0 vs 1.33 %, p >0.05). There were 6 cases of OHSS developed with dual trigger group (Group II) (3 were mild early OHSS, 2 were moderate early and one case was severe late OHSS). In contrast, there was only one case of severe late OHSS seen in Group I. Conclusion: Dual trigger for final oocyte maturation using GnRHa and low-dose hCG is associated with increased the incidence of early OHSS compared to GnRH alone. However, dual trigger appears to be a safe approach with a satisfactory pregnancy outcome. Also, the dual trigger improves the oocyte maturation, the number of yield embryos and the quality of embryos.

The Effect of Dual Trigger of Oocyte Maturation with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist and Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Pregnancy Rate in Women at Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

The Effect of Dual Trigger of Oocyte Maturation with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist and Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Pregnancy Rate in Women at Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Effect of Low-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on the Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and in Vitro Fertilization Outcome

Background & aim: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but most potentially life-threatening disorder in women under in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the prevention of OHSS and IVF outcome. Methods: This single-blind non-randomized clinical trial was performed from October 2008 to November 2012 in Motahari Hospital, Urmia, Iran. Overall, 202 infertile women undergoing IVF treatment were divided into two groups based on OHSS risk factors. Then, 87 women with serum estradiol level of 5000-8000 pg/ml received 5000 units of intramuscular hCG, and 115 women with serum estradiol level of > 8000 pg/ml, who were at high risk for OHSS, received 1600 units of hCG. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS, version 16. Results: There were no significant differences in age, infertility duration, infertility factor, quality of embryo, pregnancy rate and number of abortions and OHSS rate between the groups (P>0.05). The group that received 1600 units of hCG was in a better condition regarding the mean number of ova (11.45±5.41 versus 9.24±4.24; P=0.01), mean number of good quality ova (11.10± 5.47 versus 8.68± 4.03; P=0.001), and mean number of embryos (7.38± 4.24 versus 5.53± 2.85; P=0.001). There was no significant difference in the rate of OHSS incidence and cancellation of embryo transfer between the two groups (1600 and 5000 units). Conclusion: Overall, the current study indicated that prescribing 1600 units of hCG in women who are at risk of hypersensitivity reaction may induce similar or perhaps better results regarding the quantity and quality of ova and embryos, however, OHSS risk is not completely eliminated by using a lower dose of hCG. It is therefore suggested to perform randomized clinical trials with greater sample size to verify these results.

Dual trigger of triptorelin and HCG optimizes clinical outcome for high ovarian responder in GnRH-antagonist protocols.

In this paper, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to the high ovarian responders in GnRH-antagonist protocols of IVF/ICSI cycles. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether dual triggering of final oocyte maturation with a combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can improve the clinical outcome compared with traditional dose (10000IU) HCG trigger and low-dose (8000IU) HCG trigger for high ovarian responders in GnRH-antagonist in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles. Our study included 226 couples with high ovarian responders in GnRH-antagonist protocols of IVF/ICSI cycles. Standard dosage of HCG trigger (10000 IU of recombinant HCG) versus dual trigger (0.2 mg of triptorelin and 2000 IU of recombinant HCG) and low-dose HCG trigger (8000IU of recombinant HCG) were used for final oocyte maturation. Our main outcome measures were high quality embryo rate, the number of usable embryos, the risk of OHSS, duration of hospitalization and incidence rate of complications. Our evidence demonstrated that dual trigger is capable of preventing severe OHSS while still maintaining excellent high quality embryo rate in in high ovarian responders of GnRH-antagonist protocols.

The effects of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin combined with human menopausal gonadotropin protocol on women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

To investigate the effects of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) protocol on cycle characteristics and outcomes of infertile women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). A retrospective cohort study. Tertiary-care academic medical centre. Forty-six infertile patients with HH and seventy-one infertile patients with tubal factor (TF) infertility undergoing IVF. In the study group, all 46 HH patients were given low-dose hCG (50-300IU/d) in combination with HMG daily from cycle day 3. Meanwhile, a control group consisting of 71 patients with tubal factor infertility was set up, where the infertile women were given triptorelin 3.75mg on cycle day 3 for desensitization and started stimulation with HMG only 5weeks later. Transvaginal ultrasound and serum sex steroids were used for monitoring the development of follicles. Ovulation was triggered by hCG 5000IU when dominant follicles matured. Viable embryos were transferred on the third day after ovum pickup or cryopreserved for later transfer. The primary outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes included hCG day P4, ratio of E2/follicle count, number of oocytes retrieved, number of viable embryos, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and cumulative pregnancy rate. With lower basal FSH, LH and E2, HH patients showed longer HMG stimulation duration (13 (10-22) d vs 12 (8-18) d, P<.001) and higher HMG dose (2960±560 IU vs 2663±538 IU, P=.005). Whilst the antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles with diameters greater than 10mm on trigger day and oocytes retrieved were less in the HH group, the number of follicles with diameters greater than 14mm and viable embryos were comparable. The ratio of E2/follicle count (>10mm) and E2/follicle count (>14mm) were distinctively higher in the HH group (1056±281 vs 830±245, P<.001; 1545±570 vs 1312±594pmol/L, P=.037; respectively). The clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and cumulative pregnancy rate per woman were comparable between the two groups. Comparison among the subgroups with different hCG dosage showed that HMG duration shortened with the increase of daily hCG dose (14.84±2.88 vs 13.96±2.63 vs 12.96±1.30days, P=.037). No significant differences were detected in outcomes between fresh embryo transfer (ET) group and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) group. Low-dose hCG combined with HMG is a feasible protocol for HH women undergoing ovarian stimulation in IVF, providing favourable cycle characteristics and pregnancy rates. Low-dose hCG reduces HMG duration, whilst the hCG dose and embryo quality are not positively correlated. The outcomes of FET are comparable to ET, which provides a greater chance of success from IVF in the low responders with HH.

Number of Oocytes Retrieved as a Criterion for “Freeze-All” Strategy versus a Single “Rescue” Bolus of Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Following GnRH Agonist for Ovulation Triggering: A Pilot Study

Aim: To evaluate the number of oocytes retrieved as a criterion - when to use a “freeze-all” or low-dose “rescue human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)” strategy. Methods: A retrospective study. Instead of the classic hCG trigger, an E2 level of ≥3,000 pg/mL was used to trigger ovulation with GnRH agonist. The decision whether to “freeze all” or perform fresh embryo transfer (ET) with a bolus of hCG was made based on a maximum number of 20 oocytes retrieved. Beyond this cut off, a “freeze-all” strategy was implemented. Below this cut-off value, a fresh ET using a single bolus of 62.5 µg hCG on day 3 following oocyte pick-up was performed. The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rates and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Results: E₂ and progesterone levels increased after the rescue hCG bolus administration (E₂ from 643.4 ± 311.1 to 1,086.1 ± 574.7 pg/mL, p = 0.003 and progesterone from 13.1 ± 4.8 to 39.2 ± 28.7 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). The clinical pregnancy rates were 25% in the freeze-all group and 32% in the rescue hCG group (p = 0.57). OHSS was not reported in either group. Conclusions: Both strategies seem to be efficacious and safe. An upper limit of 20 retrieved oocytes appears to be safe for applying a rescue hCG strategy.

The dual trigger study: Rationale and study design of a prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial comparing pregnancy rates after co-administration of low dose hCG at the time of GnRH agonist trigger or 35h later for the prevention of OHSS.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of controlled ovarian stimulation. The use of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for the trigger of oocyte maturation is effective in the prevention of OHSS although it may result in a lower pregnancy rate. The use of adjuvant low dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at the time of trigger or at the time of oocyte retrieval may improve pregnancy rates. The goal of this dual trigger study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of low dose hCG administered at the time of GnRH agonist trigger or 35 h later as well as the potential impact on pregnancy rates. The population will consist of 82 women undergoing IVF treatment who are at risk of developing OHSS. This study will be a single center prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. The randomization schedule will be administered by the Investigational Drug Services of the University. After controlled ovarian stimulation, induction of oocyte maturation will be achieved using a GnRH agonist and patients will be randomized to receive either low dose hCG 1000 IU at the time of trigger and placebo at oocyte retrieval (Study group) or placebo at the time of trigger and hCG 1500 IU at the time of oocyte retrieval (Control group). The main outcomes will be live birth rates and incidence of OHSS. Two ancillary studies will include a quality of life survey and serum assessment of independent corpus luteum function.

Role of Low-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Follicular Phase for Thin Endometrium in Frozen Embryo Replacement Cycles in in vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Patients: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTIntroductionOne of the most challenging problems inin vitro fertilization(IVF) is patient with thin endometrium. The objective of the study was to ascertain whether daily human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 7 days with estrogen in hormone replacement frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles during follicular phase can increase the endometrial thickness (ET) and reduce the cancellation of cycles.Materials and methodsTwenty-five infertile patients with resistant thin endometrium who had antagonist protocol and planned for frozen embryo replacement were recruited. These patients had prior attempts to thicken their endometrium which had failed. All the patients received estrogen daily from D2/3 of cycle. On day 8 or 9 of estrogen administration, 200 IU of hCG was given daily for 7 days. After 7 days on hCG priming (D14/15), ET was measured and progesterone was started accordingly. Identification of an intrauterine gestational sac with fetal heart beat by transvaginal ultrasonography constituted clinical pregnancy.ResultsMean ET increased significantly from 5.84 to 7.61 mm (p &lt; 0.01). About 72% of patients had more than 20% improvement in their ET after hCG priming. About 76% achieved an ET more than 7 mm. Overall, 50% became pregnant. The ongoing pregnancy rate was 40%.ConclusionA total of 200 IU hCG endometrial priming for 7 days in the proliferative phase of hormone replacement cycles for FET is a highly promising approach to thicken thin endometrium with failed prior attempts.How to cite this articleNigam S, Shankar K, Varma TR. Role of Low-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Follicular Phase for Thin Endometrium in Frozen Embryo Replacement Cycles inin vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Patients: A Pilot Study. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(3):101-105.

Low-dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Stimulation Test as a Prognostic Incontinent Indicator in Boys With Bladder Exstrophy-epispadias Complex

To investigate the effect of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration on structural changes in the lower urinary tract in boys with urinary incontinence in the setting of bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC). We prospectively evaluated 30 patients (median age 7.5 years) with BEEC and randomly divided them into 2 groups. Patients in the HCG group were administered 250 IU HCG intramuscularly 3 times per week during a 4-week period. The other 15 patients served as the control group. The patients were followed up for a mean duration of 4 years. Incontinence rate, hormonal changes, penile length, prostate size, and bladder capacity were evaluated using 3D sonography or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and uroflowmetry studies before and after HCG administration. The incontinence score improvement was significantly higher in the HCG group (P = .01). A significant increase was detected in the health-related quality of life score of both patients and parents at the final follow-up (P < .001). The total prostate size (P < .0001) and bladder capacity (P < .0001) increased significantly in all patients of the HCG group. Basal serum testosterone level increased significantly after the first (P = .001) and last (P < .001) injections with no significant increase 3 months after the last injection (P > .05). No major side effect was found following the administration of HCG, with no need for open surgical bladder neck reconstruction. Our preliminary results suggest the role of low-dose HCG in boys with BEEC suffering from urinary incontinence. The data also reveal the role of prostate enlargement in the improvement of urinary incontinence. Chronic treatment with HCG increases bladder capacity that may facilitate future reconstructive surgery.

GnRH agonist with low-dose hCG (dual trigger) is associated with higher risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome compared to GnRH agonist alone.

The purpose of this study was to compare rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) alone and GnRHa in combination with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, dual trigger) for final oocyte maturation in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic center. Study population included 108 women who received GnRHa trigger and 66 women who received dual trigger (GnRHa + low-dose [1000IU] hCG trigger). The main outcome measure was OHSS. Secondary outcomes included total oocyte yield and oocyte maturity. The incidence of early OHSS was significantly higher after dual trigger than GnRHa trigger (8.6 vs 0%). Moreover, four of the six patients that developed OHSS developed severe OHSS. Logistic modeling revealed that the combination of age, BMI, baseline AFC, and E2 >4000pg/mL was predictive of OHSS with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 and was superior to each factor alone. Adjusted analyses revealed that dual trigger was associated with a higher number of total oocytes (adjusted OR 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.18, 1.38) and percentage of mature oocytes (AOR 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 1.17) obtained compared to GnRHa trigger alone. Dual trigger for final oocyte maturation using GnRHa and low-dose hCG is associated with a significantly increased risk of severe OHSS compared to GnRH alone. However, dual trigger may be associated with a modest increase in oocyte yield, both in terms of number and maturity.

The benefit of individualized low-dose hCG support for high responders in GnRHa-triggered IVF/ICSI cycles

BackgroundTo assess the pregnancy outcome and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) incidence in high responders receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger plus individualized support of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Such support includes 500–1000 IU hCG given at trigger and, if serum estradiol (E2) dropped to below 800 pg/mL before the 6th day after oocyte retrieval, an additional rescue dose of 300 IU hCG. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of potential high responders aged from 28 years to 40 years at a tertiary fertility center in Taiwan. By means of chart review, we assessed the pregnancy outcome and OHSS incidence in high responders receiving GnRHa trigger plus individualized low-dose hCG support. The main outcomes were measured by ongoing pregnancy rate and OHSS incidence (SPSS), in which statistical significance was determined by Chi-square test. ResultsModerate to severe OHSS did not develop in any patient receiving GnRHa trigger plus individualized low-dose hCG support. In fact, a satisfactory ongoing pregnancy rate (46.9%) was noted in patients receiving GnRHa trigger plus individualized low-dose hCG support. ConclusionOur study suggested that GnRHa trigger combined with individualized low-dose hCG support appears to be a safe approach with a satisfactory pregnancy outcome.

Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin alone can complete follicle maturity: successful application to modified natural cycle in vitro fertilization

To investigate the feasibility of utilizing low-dose hCG alone to complete follicle maturity in a natural cycle, without the need for antecedent exogenous FSH stimulation. Case series. Academic fertility program. Normally ovulatory women with infertility thought to be predominantly due to male factor. Modified natural IVF cycles were conducted as follows: natural ovulatory cycles were monitored with serial ultrasound examinations and serum E2 determinations. When the lead follicle reached preovulatory status according to cycle day, ultrasound, and E2 levels, 0.25mg of the GnRH antagonist ganirelix acetate was administered along with 200 IU of hCG. These medications were repeated daily for 2 to 3days with further serial monitoring. A trigger dose of 10,000 IU of hCG was followed by follicle aspiration, IVF, and ET in a standard manner. Follicle maturity, live births, documentation of the feasibility of this new approach. In all cases, E2 levels rose and the dominant follicle continued to increase in size in response to low-dose hCG after GnRH antagonist administration. Follicle aspiration yielded one or more mature oocytes. Invitro fertilization and ET resulted in live births. Low-dose hCG can be used to complete follicle maturity in a natural cycle without the need for antecedent exogenous FSH stimulation. This finding may have strong clinical utility in modified natural cycle IVF.

Risk factors for a suboptimal response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger during in vitro fertilization cycles

To identify risk factors for a suboptimal response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Retrospective cohort study. Academic medical center. All 424 patients undergoing fresh IVF cycles (n = 500) between August 2007 and June 2013 in whom a GnRH agonist was used as all or part of the ovulation trigger. GnRH-antagonist-based IVF cycles triggered with leuprolide acetate alone or in combination with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin. Suboptimal response to GnRH-agonist trigger, as defined by a serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level <15 mIU/mL on the morning after trigger. The rate of suboptimal response to the GnRH-agonist trigger was 5.2%. Patients with a suboptimal hormone response had lower follicle-stimulating hormone (<0.1 vs. 3.48) and LH (<0.1 vs. 2.51) levels on day 2 of the cycle start, lower LH (0.109 vs. 0.596) on the day of trigger, and required longer stimulation and more gonadotropins than those with an adequate response. Suboptimal responders were also more likely to have irregular menses and be on long-term oral contraception. Patients with an undetectable LH on the day of trigger had a 25% chance of a suboptimal LH surge. In our study cohort, limiting the use of the GnRH-agonist trigger alone to patients with a trigger day LH ≥0.5 would have reduced the rate of suboptimal response from 5.2% to 0.2%. Long-term hormonal contraception use is an independent risk factor for suboptimal response to GnRH-agonist trigger. Patients with very low endogenous serum LH levels on the day of LH trigger are at increased risk for a suboptimal GnRH-agonist trigger response. Understanding the at-risk phenotype and using trigger day LH as a marker for increased risk of suboptimal GnRH-agonist trigger response can be helpful for individualizing treatment and selecting a safe and efficacious trigger medication for patients undergoing IVF.

Infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia exhibit defects in the DNA mismatch repair pathway

OBJECTIVE: Use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger for final oocyte maturation is the most effective strategy to reduce the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF. However, concerns persist regarding GnRHa trigger and ART outcomes. Use of a combination GnRHa and low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) co-trigger has been reported to reduce OHSS and preserve IVF outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of final oocyte maturation method (GnRHa v co-trigger) on OHSS, oocyte yield and maturity. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Autologous IVF cycles using a GnRH antagonist protocol at Penn Fertility Care from 1/2008 through 4/2014 with either GnRHa alone or GnRHa and low-dose hCG for oocyte maturation were included. Primary outcome was OHSS by Golan criteria; secondary outcomes were total oocytes retrieved and oocyte maturity. Logistic, linear and Poisson regression models were used to compare outcomes by trigger group and predict OHSS, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Demographics and ovarian reserve measures were similar in the groups. After adjusting for age, AFC and PCOS diagnosis, more mature oocytes were retrieved after co-trigger v GnRHa alone (RR 1.18 [CI 1.11.27], p<0.01 and 1.14 [CI 1.02-1.29], p1⁄40.03). Early OHSSwas more common after co-trigger (8.6% v 0%, p<0.01); with the majority (4/6, 67%) developing severe OHSS. Age<35, BMI and AFC were predictive of OHSS. Clinical pregnancy rate after day 5 transfer did not differ.

Gnrh agonist with low-dose hCG co-trigger is associated with higher risk of severe OHSS than GnRH agonist alone

Use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger for final oocyte maturation is the most effective strategy to reduce the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF. However, concerns persist regarding GnRHa trigger and ART outcomes. Use of a combination GnRHa and low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) co-trigger has been reported to reduce OHSS and preserve IVF outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of final oocyte maturation method (GnRHa v co-trigger) on OHSS, oocyte yield and maturity.

Low dose human chorionic gonadotropin may be a cost effective alternative to human menopausal gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization cycles

The addition of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) activity to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) augments folliculogenesis. Administering LH using human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) during IVF cycles adds to cost. We sought to explore if low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a viable alternative to hMG, by comparing the effect of hCG versus hMG on ovarian stimulation and pregnancy rates.

Trigger of oocyte maturation with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and improves IVF outcome

10,000 IU hCG has been routinely used for the induction of oocyte maturation in the IVF treatment, but there is no solid scientific evidence to support whether 10,000 IU hCG is really needed to induce oocyte maturation. In this study, we compared the risk of OHSS development, oocyte maturation rate and IVF success rate in the high-risk patients after 5,000 IU hCG vs 10,000 IU hCG triggers in donor or non-donor IVF cycles.

Concomitant Intramuscular Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Preserves Spermatogenesis in Men Undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy results in decreased serum gonadotropins and intratesticular testosterone, and impairs spermatogenesis, leading to azoospermia in 40% of patients. However, intratesticular testosterone can be maintained during testosterone replacement therapy with co-administration of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin, which may support continued spermatogenesis in patients on testosterone replacement therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of hypogonadal men treated with testosterone replacement therapy and concomitant low dose human chorionic gonadotropin. Testosterone replacement consisted of daily topical gel or weekly intramuscular injection with intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin (500 IU) every other day. Serum and free testosterone, estradiol, semen parameters and pregnancy rates were evaluated before and during therapy. A total of 26 men with a mean age of 35.9 years were included in the study. Mean followup was 6.2 months. Of the men 19 were treated with injectable testosterone and 7 were treated with transdermal gel. Mean serum hormone levels before vs during treatment were testosterone 207.2 vs 1,055.5 ng/dl (p <0.0001), free testosterone 8.1 vs 20.4 pg/ml (p = 0.02) and estradiol 2.2 vs 3.7 pg/ml (p = 0.11). Pretreatment semen parameters were volume 2.9 ml, density 35.2 million per ml, motility 49.0% and forward progression 2.3. No differences in semen parameters were observed during greater than 1 year of followup. No impact on semen parameters was observed as a function of testosterone formulation. No patient became azoospermic during concomitant testosterone replacement and human chorionic gonadotropin therapy. Nine of 26 men contributed to pregnancy with the partner during followup. Low dose human chorionic gonadotropin appears to maintain semen parameters in hypogonadal men on testosterone replacement therapy. Concurrent testosterone replacement and human chorionic gonadotropin use may preserve fertility in hypogonadal males who desire fertility preservation while on testosterone replacement therapy.