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A Non-inferiority Trial on Pain Relief During Oocyte Retrieval

Phase 4
Completed
Conditions
Infertility
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02494180
Lead Sponsor
Kwong Wah Hospital
Brief Summary

The objective of the trial is to compare fentanyl and midazolam vs diazepam and pethidine in terms of the pain levels and post-operative side effects of TUGOR

Detailed Description

In-vitro fertilization / embryo transfer (IVF / ET) is a well-established method to treat various causes of infertility. It involves multiple follicular development, retrieval of oocytes and embryo transfer after fertilization. Egg retrieval at the majority of IVF units is performed through the transvaginal route under ultrasound guidance (TUGOR) \[1\]. During TUGOR, the needle has to pass through the mucosa in the vaginal vault in order to puncture the follicles in the ovary. The procedures are generally short, lasting about 20-30 minutes but are still painful without anaesthesia or analgesia.

Intravenous sedation with or without local anaesthesia is the most widely used method. Conscious sedation is a safe and cost-effective method of providing analgesia and anesthesia for TUGOR. \[2\] It is easy to administer in cooperative and motivated patients. It has a relatively low risk for adverse effects on oocyte and embryo quality and pregnancy rates. \[3\] Paracervical block (PCB) in conjunction with conscious sedation during TUGOR was shown to significantly reduce the pain during TUGOR when compared to PCB alone \[4\].

A Cochrane review on various methods of sedation and analgesia for pain relief during TUGOR has shown no single method or delivery system appeared superior for pregnancy rates and pain relief. \[5\] Most of the methods seemed to work well and the effect was usually enhanced by addition of another method such as pain relief with paracervical block. \[6\]

The investigators' reproductive centre has recently aligned with the Assisted Reproduction Centre of the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The investigators are using 0.1mg fentanyl and 5mg midazolam intravenously for pain relief in TUGOR at Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) whereas 5mg diazepam and 25mg pethidine intravenously are being used in HKU. The investigators would like to compare fentanyl and midazolam vs diazepam and pethidine in terms of pain levels and post-operative side effects of TUGOR in this prospective non-inferiority randomized double-blinded trial. The investigators postulate there are no differences in the pain levels between two groups but the postoperative side effects may be different.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
170
Inclusion Criteria
  • presence of both ovaries;
  • body mass index less than 30
  • written informed consent and
  • Chinese
Exclusion Criteria
  • IVF cycle converted from ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination cycles;
  • patient requests general anaesthesia for TUGOR;
  • history of drug sensitivity to lignocaine/fentanyl/midazolam/diazepam/pethidine;
  • less than 3 dominant follicles present;
  • dominant follicles present in one ovary only and
  • TUGOR performed on one side only.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
A: intravenous fentanyl, midazolamMidazolamgroup A will be given intravenous 0.1mg fentanyl and 5mg midazolam prior oocyte retrieval
B: intravenous pethidine, diazepampethidinegroup B will be given intravenous 25mg pethidine, 5mg diazepam prior oocyte retrieval
A: intravenous fentanyl, midazolamfentanylgroup A will be given intravenous 0.1mg fentanyl and 5mg midazolam prior oocyte retrieval
B: intravenous pethidine, diazepamDiazepamgroup B will be given intravenous 25mg pethidine, 5mg diazepam prior oocyte retrieval
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain Level After Oocyte Retrievalwill be assessed within 4 hours of oocyte retrieval

The pain level will be scored using visual analogue scale 0-10, 0 = no pain, 10 =most painful

Pain Level During Oocyte Retrievalwill be assessed within 4 hours of oocyte retrieval

The pain level will be scored using visual analogue scale 0-10, 0 = no pain, 10 =most painful

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Patient's Satisfaction on Pain Reliefwithin 4 hours after retrieval

satisfaction on pain relief will be scored at 0-10 (10 being most satisfied)

Patient's Satisfaction on Oocyte Retrievalwill be assessed within 4 hours of oocyte retrieval

satisfaction will be scored from 0-3 (0=excellent, 1=satisfactory, 2=fair, 3=unsatisfactory)

Percentage of Participants With Side Effects by Typewill be assessed within 4 hours of oocyte retrieval

side effects will be scored by yes or no

Clinical Pregnancy Ratewill be assessed within ten weeks of oocyte retrieval

presence of intrauterine sac in ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test

Sedation Levelimmediately after retrieval

S = sleeping, easily aroused; 1 = awake and alert; 2 = occasionally drowsy, easy to arouse; 3 = frequently drowsy, arousable, drifts off to sleep during conversation; 4 = somnolent, minimal or no response to stimuli

Ongoing Pregnancy Ratewill be assessed within ten weeks of oocyte retrieval

positive fetal heart pulsation seen in ultrasound at eight weeks of gestation

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