Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimens: a review of the available evidence for clinical practice. Produced on behalf of the BFS Policy and Practice Committee

References

• Abdelmassih, V., Salgueiro, R., Abdelmassih, C., & Carizza, C. (2006). Less miscarriage rate using LH (rLH) in nGnRH agonists long protocols. Human Reproduction, 21, i7.
   Google Scholar
• Agrawal, R., Holmes, J., & Jacobs, H.S. (2000). Follicle-stimulating hormone or human menopausal gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization cycles: a meta-analysis. Fertility & Sterility, 73, 338–343.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Al-Inany, H.G., Youssef, M.A., Aboulghar, M., Broekmans, F., Sterrenburg, M., Smit, J., & Abou-Setta, A.M. (2011). Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists for assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 19, CD008046.
   Google Scholar
• Al-Inany, H., Aboulghar, M.A., Mansour, R.T., & Serour, G.I. (2005). Optimizing GnRH antagonist administration: meta-analysis of fixed versus flexible protocol. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 10, 567–570.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Al-Inany, H.G., Abou-Setta, A.M., Aboulghar, M.A., Mansour, R.T., & Serour, G.I. (2008). Efficacy and safety of human menopausal gonadotrophins versus recombinant FSH: a meta analysis. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 16, 81–88.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Andersen, A.N., Devroey, P., & Arce, J.C. (2006). Clinical outcome following stimulation with highly purified hMG or recombinant FSH in patients undergoing IVF: a randomized assessor-blind controlled trial. Human Reproduction, 21, 3217–3227.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Balasch, J., Peñarrubia, J., Fábregues, F., Vidal, E., Casamitjana, R., Manau, D., et al. (2003). Ovarian responses to recombinant FSH or HMG in normogonadotrophic women following pituitary desensitization by a depot GnRH agonist for assisted reproduction. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 7, 35–42.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Balasch, J., Vidal, E., Peñarrubia, J., Casamitjana, R., Carmona, F., Creus, M., et al. (2001). Suppression of LH during ovarian stimulation: analysing threshold values and effects on ovarian response and the outcome of assisted reproduction in down-regulated women stimulated with recombinant FSH. Human Reproduction, 16, 1636–1643.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Balen, A.H., Hayden, C.J., & Rutherford, A.J. (1999). What are the clinical benefits of recombinant gonadotrophins? Clinical efficacy of recombinant gonadotrophins. Human Reproduction, 14, 1411–1417.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Banga, F.R., Lambalk, C.B., Huirne, J.A., van Wely, M., & van der Veen, F. (2011). Comparison of oral contraceptive pill pre-treated GnRH antagonist versus long agonist protocols in IVF, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction, 26, i1–i353.
   Google Scholar
• Barnhart, K., Dunsmoor-Su, R., & Coutifaris, C. (2002). Effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization. Fertility & Sterility, 77, 1148–1155.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Barrenetxea, G., Agirregoikoa, J.A., Jimeenez, M.R., de Larruzea, A.L., Ganzabal, T., & Carbonero, K. (2008). Ovarian response and pregnancy outcome in poor responder women: a randomized controlled trial on the effect of luteinizing hormone supplementation on in vitro fertilization cycles. Fertility & Sterility, 89, 546–553.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Biljan, M.M., Mahutte, N.G., Dean, N., Hemmings, R., Bissonnette, F., & Tan, S.L. (1998). Effects of pre-treatment with an oral contraceptive on the time required to achieve pituitary suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and on subsequent implantation and pregnancy rates. Fertility & Sterility, 70, 1063–1069.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Bosch, E., Labarta, E., Crespo, J., Simón, C., Remohí, J., & Pellicer, A. (2011). Impact of luteinizing hormone administration on gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles: An age-adjusted analysis. Fertility & Sterility, 95, 1031–1036.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bosch, E., Vidal, C., Labarta, E., Remohi, J., & Pellicer, A. (2008). Highly purified HMG versus recombinant FSH in ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonist – a randomised study. Human Reproduction, 23, 2346–2351.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Coomarasamy, A., Masoud, A., Cheema, D., van der Veen, F., Bossuyt, P.M.M., & van Wely, M. (2008). Urinary hMG versus recombinant FSH for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation following an agonist long down-regulation protocol in IVF or ICSI treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction, 23, 310–315.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Daya, S., Gunby, J., Hughes, E.G., Collins, J.A., & Sagle, M.A. (1995). Follicle-stimulating hormone versus human menopausal gonadotropin for in vitro fertilization cycles: a meta-analysis. Fertility & Sterility, 64, 347–354.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• De Placido, G., Alviggi, C., Perino, A., Strina, I., Lisi, F., Fasolino, A., et al.; Italian Collaborative Group on Recombinant Human Luteinizing Hormone. (2005). Recombinant human LH supplementation versus recombinant human FSH (rFSH) step-up protocol during controlled ovarian stimulation in normogonadotrophic women with initial inadequate ovarian response to rFSH. A multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Human Reproduction, 20, 390–396.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• European and Israeli Study Group on Highly Purified Menotrophin versus Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone. (2002). Efficacy and safety of highly purified menotrophins versus recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: a randomized compa rative trial. Fertility & Sterility, 78, 520–528.
   Google Scholar
• European Recombinant Human, L.H. Study Group. (1998). Recombinant human luteinizing hormone (LH) to support recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced follicular development in LH- and FSH-deficient anovulatory women: a dose-finding study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 83, 1507–1514.
   Google Scholar
• Fábreques, F., Creus, M., Peñarrubia, J., Manau, D., Vanrell, J.A., & Balasch, J. (2006). Effect of recombinant human luteinizing hormone supplementation on ovarian stimulation and the implantation rate in down-regulated women of advanced reproductive age. Fertility & Sterility, 85, 925–931.
   Google Scholar
• Ferraretti, A.P., Gianaroli, L., Magli, M.C., D’Angelo, A., Farfalli, V., & Montanaro, N. (2004). Exogenous luteinizing hormone in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction techniques. Fertility & Sterility, 82, 1521–1526.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Filicori, M., Cognigni, G.E., Samara, A., Melappioni, S., Perri, T., Cantelli, B., et al. (2002). The use of LH activity to drive folliculogenesis: exploring uncharted territories in ovulation induction. Human Reproduction Update, 8, 543–557.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Filicori, M., Cognigni, G.E., Taraborrelli, S., Spettoli, D., Ciampaglia, W., & de Fatis, C.T. (1999). Low-dose human chorionic gonadotrophin therapy can improve sensitivity to exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with secondary amenorrhea. Fertility & Sterility, 72, 1118–1120.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Garcia-Velasco, J.A., Bermejo, A., Ruiz, F., Martinez-Salazar, J., Requena, A., & Pellicer, A. (2011). Cycle scheduling with oral contraceptive pills in the GnRH antagonist protocols the long protocol: a randomized, controlled trial. Fertility & Sterility, 96, 590–593.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Garcia-Velasco, J.A., Isaza, V., Requena, A., Martínez-Salazar, F.J., Landazábal, A., Remohí, J., et al. (2000). High doses of gonadotrophins combined with stop versus non-stop protocol of GnRH analogue administration in low responder IVF patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Human Reproduction, 15, 2292–2296.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Goldfarb, J.M. & Desai, N. (2003). Follitropin-alpha versus human menopausal gonadotrophin in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertility & Sterility, 80, 1094–1099.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Griesinger, G., Kolibianakis, E.M., Venetis, C., Diedrich, K., & Tarlatzis, B. (2010). Oral contraceptive pretreatment signifi cantly reduces ongoing pregnancy likelihood in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles: an updated meta-analysis. Fertility & Sterility, 94, 2382–2384.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Griesinger, G., Schultze-Mosgau, A., Dafopoulos, K., Schroeder, A., Schroer, A., von Otte, S., et al. (2005). Recombinant luteinizing hormone supplementation to recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone induced ovarian hyperstimulation in the GnRH-antagonist multiple-dose protocol. Human Reproduction, 20, 1200–1206.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hompes, P.G.A., Broekmans, F.J., Hoozemans, D.A., & Schats, R. (2008). Effectiveness of highly purified menopausal gonadotrophin vs. recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in first-cycle in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmatic sperm injection patients. Fertility & Sterility, 89, 1685–1693.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hughes, E.G., Fedorkow, D.M., Daya, S., Sagle, M.A., Van de Koppel, P., & Collins, J.A. (1992). The routine use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists prior to in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Fertility & Sterility, 58, 888–896.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Huirne, J.A. & Lambalk, C.B. (2001). Gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-receptor antagonists. Lancet, 358, 1793–1803.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Huirne, J.A., Homburg, R., & Lambalk, C.B. (2007). Are GnRH antagonists comparable to agonists for use in IVF?Human Reproduction, 22, 2805–2813.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Huirne, J.A., Hugues, J.N., Pirard, C., Fischl, F., Sage, J.C., Pouly, J.L., et al. (2006). Cetrorelix in an oral contraceptive-pretreated stimulation cycle compared with buserelin in IVF/ICSI patients treated with r-hFSH: a randomized, multicentre, phase IIIb study. Human Reproduction, 21, 1408–1415.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Huirne, J.A., Lambalk, C.B., van Loenen, A.C., Schats, R., Hompes, P.G., Fauser, B.C., & Macklon, N.S. (2004). Contemporary pharma cological manipulation in assisted reproduction. Drugs, 64, 297–322.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Humaidan, P., Bungum, M., Bungum, L., & Yding Andersen, C. (2004). Effects of recombinant LH supplementation in women undergoing assisted reproduction with GnRH agonist down-regulation and stimulation with recombinant FSH: an opening study. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 8, 635–643.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Jansen, C.A., van Os, H.C., Out, H.J., & Coelingh Bennink, H.J. (1998). A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (Puregon) and human menopausal gonadotrophins (Humegon) in non-down-regulated in-vitro fertilization patients. Human Reproduction, 13, 2995–2999.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Keene, J.L., Matzuk, M.M., & Boime, I. (1989). Expression of recombinant human choriogonadotropin in Chinese hamster ovary glyco sylation mutants. Molecular Endocrinology, 3, 2011–2017.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Kilani, Z., Dakkak, A., Ghunaim, S., Cognigni, G.E., Tabarelli, C., Parmegiani, L., & Filicori, M. (2003). A prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing highly purified hMG with recombinant FSH in women undergoing ICSI: ovarian response and clinical outcomes. Human Reproduction, 18, 1194–1199.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kolibianakis, E.M., Venetis, C.A., Kalogeropoulou, L., Papanikolaou, E., & Tarlatzis, B.C. (2011). Fixed versus flexible gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration in in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled trial. Fertility & Sterility, 95, 558–562.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Larizgoitia, I., Estrada, M.D., & Garcia-Altes, A. (2000). Recombinant FSH as adjuvant in assisted reproduction: some data on the efficacy and efficiency of recombinant FSH urinary FSH. Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research (CAHTA), 1–16.
   Google Scholar
• Levi-Setti, P.E., Cavagna, M., & Bulletti, C. (2006). Recombinant gonadotrophins associated with GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix) in ovarian stimulation for ICSI: comparison of r-FSH alone and in combination with r-LH. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 126, 212–216.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lisi, F., Rinaldi, L., Fishel, S., Caserta, D., Lisi, R., & Campbell, A. (2005). Evaluation of two doses of recombinant luteinising hormone supplementation in an unselected group of women undergoing follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization. Fertility & Sterility, 83, 309–315.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Maheshwari, A., Gibreel, A., Siristatidis, C.S., & Bhattacharya, S. (2011). Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist protocols for pituitary suppression in assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10, CD006919.
   Google Scholar
• Marci, R., Caserta, D., Dolo, V., Tatone, C., Pavan, A., & Moscarini, M. (2005). GnRH antagonist in IVF poor-responder patients: results of a randomized trial. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 11, 189–193.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Marrs, R., Meldrum, D., Muasher, S., Schoolcraft, W., Werlin, L., & Kelly, E. (2003). Randomized trial to compare the effect of recombinant human FSH (follitropin alfa) with or without recombinant human LH in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 8, 175–182.
   Google Scholar
• Mochtar, M.H., Van der Veen, F., Ziech, M., van Wely, M., & Musters, A. (2007). Recombinant luteinizing hormone (rLH) for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted re productive cycles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 18, CD005070.
   Google Scholar
• Nardo, L.G., Fleming, R., Howles, C.M., Bosch, E., Hamamah, S., Ubaldi, F.M., et al. (2011). Conventional ovarian stimulation no longer exists: welcome to the age of individualized ovarian stimulation. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 23, 141–148.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health. (2004). Fertility: assessment and management for people with fertility problems. Clinical Guideline. London, UK: RCOG Press.
   Google Scholar
• Ng, E.H., Lau, E.Y., Yeung, W.S., & Ho, P.C. (2001). HMG is as good as recombinant human FSH in terms of oocyte and embryo quality: a prospective randomized trial. Human Reproduction, 16, 319–325.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nyboe Andersen, A., Humaidan, P., Fried, G., Hausken, J., Antila, L., Bangsbøll, S., et al. (2008). Recombinant LH supplementation to recombinant FSH during the final days of controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Hum Reprod, 23, 427–434.
   Google Scholar
• Pandian, Z., McTavish, A.R., Aucott, L., Hamilton, M.P.R., & Bhattacharya, S. (2010). Interventions for'poor responders’ to controlled ovarian hyper stimulation (COH) in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20, CD004379.
   Google Scholar
• Rashidi, B.H., Sarvi, F., Tehrani, E.S., Zayeri, F., Movahedin, M., & Khanafshar, N. (2005). The effect of HMG and recombinant human FSH on oocyte quality: a randomized single-blind clinical trial. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 120, 190–194.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sallam, H.N., Garcia-Velasco, J.A., Dias, S., Arici, A., & Abou-Setta, A.M. (2006). Long-term pituitary down-regulation before in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 25, CD004635.
   Google Scholar
• Sauer, M.V., Thornton, M.H. II, Schoolcraft, W., & Frishman, G.N. (2004). Comparative efficacy and safety of cetrorelix with or without mid-cycle recombinant LH and leuprolide acetate for inhibition of premature LH surges in assisted reproduction. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 9, 487–493.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Shoham, Z. (2002). The clinical therapeutic window for luteinizing hormone in controlled ovarian stimulation. Fertility & Sterility, 77, 1170–1177.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Smulders, B., van Oirschot, S.M., Farquhar, C., Rombauts, L., & Kremer, J.A.M. (2010). Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or estrogen pre-treatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 20, CD006109.
   Google Scholar
• Strehler, E., Abt, M., El-Danasouri, I., De Santo, M., & Sterzik, K. (2001). Impact of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and humanmenopausal gonadotropins on in vitro fertilization outcome. Fertility & Sterility, 75, 332–336.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sullivan, M.W., Stewart-Akers, A., Krasnow, J.S., Berga, S.L., & Zeleznik, A.J. (1999). Ovarian responses in women to recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH): a role for LH in the final stages of follicular maturation. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 84, 228–232.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tarlatzis, B., Tavmergen, E., Szamatowicz, M., Barash, A., Amit, A., Levitas, E., & Shoham, Z. (2006). The use of recombinant human LH (lutropin alfa) in the late stimulation phase of assisted reproduction cycles: a double-blind, randomized, prospective study. Human Reproduction, 21, 90–94.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Templeton, A. & Morris, J.K. (1998). Reducing the risk of multiple births by transfer of two embryos after in vitro fertilization. New England Journal of Medicine, 339, 573–577.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Van Den Wijngaard, L., Van Wely, M., Van Voorst, S., Van Mello, N.M., Koks, C.A., Van Der Veen, et al. (2011). Patient's preference for GnRH-agonists or GnRH-antagonists in IVF or ICSI- a discrete choice experiment. Human Reproduction, 26, i1–i353.
   Google Scholar
• van Wely, M., Kwan, I., Burt, A.L., Thomas, J., Vail, A., Van der Veen, F., & Al-Inany, H.G. (2012). Recombinant versus urinary gonadotrophin for ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology cycles. Human Reproduction Update, 18, 111.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• van Wely, M., Westergaard, L.G., Bossuyt, P.M., & van der Veen, F. (2003). Effectiveness of human menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproductive cycles: a meta-analysis. Fertility & Sterility, 80, 1086–1093.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Westergaard, L.G., Erb, K., Laursen, S.B., Rex, S., & Rasmussen, P.E. (2001). Human menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in normogonadotrophic women down-regulated with a gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonist who were undergoing in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a prospective randomized study. Fertility & Sterility, 76, 543–549.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar