Does 75 IU difference improve the cycle performance in poor responders? Comparison of daily 375 versus 450 IU gonadotrophin doses

Abstract

Objective. To compare the efficacy on the cycle performance of 375 versus 450 IU/day gonadotrophin on the microdose flare-up protocol in poor responders.

Study design. A total of 91 poor responder patients who were treated with the microdose flare-up protocol were enrolled in this study. Group 1 (n = 40) was stimulated with 375 IU/day gonadotrophin. Group 2 (n = 51) was stimulated with 450 IU/day gonadotrophin. Main outcome measurements were accepted as the results of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Results. Baseline characteristics are similar between the two groups. Higher number of oocyte cumulus complexes and lower total gonadotrophin requirement were noted in Group 1 compared with Group 2. Number of metaphase II oocytes and implantation rates were similar between the groups. A trend toward higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rate was observed in Group 1 but these results did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions. Total gonadotrophin costs are lower using the 375 IU/day gonadotrophin compared to the 450 IU/day in poor responders. Additional 75 IU/day does not give any improvement neither embryology nor pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords:

• Microdose flare-up
• gonadotrophin dose
• poor responder
• intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.