Published in:
01-06-2010 | Original Article
Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) for ovulation induction in Japanese patients with anti-estrogen-ineffective oligo- or anovulatory infertility: results of a phase II dose–response study
Published in: Reproductive Medicine and Biology | Issue 2/2010
Login to get accessAbstract
Purpose
To determine the optimal regimen of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) for ovulation induction (OI) in Japanese women with amenorrhea I or anovulatory infertility.
Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, dose-finding study, women aged 20–39 years were enrolled. Patients underwent a chronic low-dose step-up regimen with starting doses of r-hFSH of 37.5 IU (group L; n = 62), 75 IU (group M; n = 62) or 150 IU (group H; n = 60). Primary endpoint was time to achieve a dominant follicle with mean diameter ≥18 mm. Secondary endpoints included percentage of patients producing a dominant follicle ≥18 mm, achieving ovulation, and biochemical pregnancy.
Results
Median time to achieve a dominant follicle ≥18 mm was 14 days (group L; 87.7%), 10 days (group M; 98.4%), and 8 days (group H; 94.5%). In group M, ovulation occurred in 95.1% of patients, with pregnancy in 18.0%, compared with 86.0% and 15.8% in group L, and 50.9% and 9.1% in group H, respectively. Twelve patients developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (nine in group H). Most adverse events in groups L and M were mild in severity.
Conclusions
A starting dose of 75 IU r-hFSH was associated with a favorable efficacy and safety profile for OI in Japanese women.