Low Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Influence on the Endometrium

Influence of Ovarian Stimulation With 200 IU of hCG, (Administered in the Late Follicular Phase Among ICSI Patients Undergoing a GnRH-antagonist Protocol), on the Endometrium on the Day of Oocyte Pick-up

The purpose of the present study is to assess the influence of the administration of low dose hCG on the endometrium. The study is a randomised trial where 2 groups of patients, undergoing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol for in vitro fertilization, are studied. In addition to the histological findings, by analysing the correlation of the morphological pattern and gene expression profile of human endometrium on the day of oocyte retrieval in patients of both treatment groups, the investigators want to study the implantation potential.

Patients undergo a standard antagonist protocol for in-vitro fertilisation, and are stimulated with recombinant gonadotropins. Histology and gene expression is studied on the endometrium.

Patients undergo an antagonist protocol for in-vitro fertilisation and are stimulated with recombinant gonadotropins. When the patient has an estradiol value of 600 ng/L or more and when the patient has at least 6 follicles of 12 mm, the administration of gonadotropins is stopped and replaced by low dose human chorionic gonadotropins. Histology and gene expression is studied on the endometrium

Inclusion Criteria: < 36 years on day of randomisation FSH < 12 in the early follicular phase Normal ultrasound scan BMI between 18 and 29 (both inclusive) Randomisation at outpatient clinic Exclusion Criteria: Endometriosis ≥ grade 3 PCO syndrome Poor responder Endocrine or metabolic abnormalities

Blockeel C, De Vos M, Verpoest W, Stoop D, Haentjens P, Devroey P. Can 200 IU of hCG replace recombinant FSH in the late follicular phase in a GnRH-antagonist cycle? A pilot study. Hum Reprod. 2009 Nov;24(11):2910-6. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dep253. Epub 2009 Jul 17.