Luteal phase support with GnRH-a improves implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles with endometrium of ≤7 mm on day of egg retrieval

Background

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for luteal phase in a group of patients with thin endometrium (≤7 mm) after IVF treatment.

Methods: One-hundred-and-twenty women were eligible for this study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (n = 60) received triptorelin 0.1 mg on the day of ovum pickup (OPU), on the day of embryo transfer (ET) and three days thereafter, and group B (n = 60) received placebo. The primary outcomes were implantation and pregnancy rates.

Results: Although there was no significant difference in the number of good quality embryos transferred in both groups, the implantation and pregnancy rate were significantly higher in the GnRH-a – treated group compared with placebo controls. Furthermore, Estradiol (E₂), progesterone (P) levels and endometrial thickness were significantly more elevated in patients who received GnRH-a for luteal phase support.

Conclusions: The administration of GnRH-a at the time of OPU significantly improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with thin endometrium (≤7 mm).

Keywords:

• Luteal phase support
• GnRH-a
• implantation
• IVF
• endometrium

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