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Micronized Progesterone vs Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonist in Freeze-all IVF Cycles.

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Infertility
IVF
Preimplantation Diagnosis
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT04108039
Lead Sponsor
Institut Universitari Dexeus
Brief Summary

To examine whether the number of euploid embryos following ovarian stimulation with micronized progesterone is equivalent as compared with the number of embryos after ovarian stimulation with the use of a GnRH antagonist in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF or intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI).

Detailed Description

The pre-ovulatory surges of GnRH and LH are activated by increased concentrations of circulating estradiol, but ovulation is blocked when progesterone concentrations are elevated, due to a central inhibition of the GnRH surge. Although traditionally GnRH has been traditionally considered the drug of choice to control endogenous LH in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles, recently, micronized progesterone has been shown to be an effective oral alternative for preventing premature LH surges during COS in women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments, with excellent results, whereas their safety during pregnancy is well-established. This novel protocol, has several advantages (good tolerance, user convenience, and cost reduction), that are very attractive when it comes to establishing a convenient user regimen in combination with a ''freeze all'' strategy. However, the comparative efficacy of this novel protocol with the more universal use of GnRH-antagonist protocol for the treatment of IVF patients in terms of embryo ploidy has never been evaluated up to date. The current study aims, for the first time, to examine whether the number of euploid embryos following ovarian stimulation with micronized progesterone is equivalent as compared with the number of embryos after ovarian stimulation with the use of a GnRH antagonist in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI.

If efficacy would prove to be similar, with no impact on the chromosomal constitution of embryos, there will be obvious advantages for the preferential use of micronized progesterone over the antagonist protocol: oral administration is preferred over subcutaneous injection, and total cost of medication would be lower. This would be particularly interesting for the future in all "freeze all" protocols such as women undergoing ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation, preimplantation genetic screening and oocyte donation programs.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
44
Inclusion Criteria
  • Infertile patients
  • Age 36-40 years old
  • BMI 18-30 kg/m2
  • Undergoing preimplantation genetic screening cycles
  • Planned to undergo at least two treatment cycles, to accumulate embryos to increase the chance of obtaining euploid embryos for transfer
  • Willing to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria
  • Age> 41
  • Severe male factor requiring TESE (testicular sperm extraction)
  • Low ovarian reserve (AMH < 1.2 ng/ml)
  • Administration of any other drug potentially interfering with the treatment.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SEQUENTIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
GnRH antagonistGnRh antagonistIn the antagonist cycle, LH suppression will be accomplished by subcutaneous (SC) injections of 0.25 mg of Cetrorelix or Ganirelix starting in the presence of follicles \>14mm or E2 levels \>400 pg/ml and continuing until ovulation triggering.
Micronized progesteroneMicronized progesteroneIn the progesterone cycle, endogenous LH suppression will be accomplished by oral administration of micronized progesterone (200 mg) once a day at bed time, from stimulation day 1 and continuing until ovulation triggering.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of euploid embryos as compared between the 2 ovarian stimulation cycles15-45 days following oocyte retrieval procedure

Number of euploid embryos between oocytes received from the antagonist GnRh protocol or the micronized progesterone protocol.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of mature oocytes9-20 days from initiation of ovarian stimulation

The outcome will be evaluated on the day of oocyte retrieval

Incidence of premature LH rise9-20 days from initiation of ovarian stimulation
Ultrasound ovarian follicles diameter measurement9-20 days from initiation of ovarian stimulation

During the regular follicular scan, two diameters of each ovarian follicle will be recorded: the maximum diameters in the transverse and longitudinal scan planes.

Endocrine profile at specific intervalsStimulation day 0, day 6, day 8, day of final oocyte maturation and day +1 after oocyte maturation (actual day may vary between 9-15)

To evaluate the difference in the mean serum progesterone levels (measured in ng/mL) at the predefined intervals treatment days.

Duration of stimulation9-20 days from initiation of ovarian stimulation

Total days of ovarian stimulation. The outcome will be evaluated on the of final oocyte maturation.

Fertilization rate1 day after oocyte retrieval

The outcome will be evaluated the day after the of oocyte retrieval

Total dose of gonadotropins9-20 days from initiation of ovarian stimulation

Total units of recombinant FSH. The outcome will be evaluated on the day of final oocyte maturation.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institut Universitari Dexeus

🇪🇸

Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

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