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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 7/2016

01-07-2016 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

The endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed euploid blastocyst transfer: a prospective randomized trial comparing clinical results from natural modified cycle and exogenous hormone stimulation with GnRH agonist

Authors: Ermanno Greco, Katarzyna Litwicka, Cristiana Arrivi, Maria Teresa Varricchio, Alina Caragia, Alessia Greco, Maria Giulia Minasi, Francesco Fiorentino

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 7/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate two methods of endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer: modified natural and artificial cycle with GnRH-agonist pituitary suppression.

Methods

In this prospective, controlled randomized trial, a total of 236 patients undergoing infertility treatment were randomized in 1:1 ratio; 118 received a frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer in a modified natural cycle and 118 in an artificial cycle with GnRH-agonist pituitary suppression. In the artificial protocol, GnRH-agonist combined with estradiol valerate was administered. In the natural protocol, only final oocyte maturation was induced using human chorionic gonadotropin administration. The primary end-points were the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates; the secondary end-points were the cost-benefit in terms of drug cost and the number of visits and the woman psychological distress caused by the treatment.

Results

No significant differences were found in clinical pregnancy, implantation, and miscarriage rates between protocols. The number of clinical and ultrasound controls and the number of laboratory dosages and venous samplings were similar in both study groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in the anxiety and depression values before the start of treatment, on the days of progesterone administration, the blastocyst transfer, and pregnancy test.

Conclusions

The findings of this study evidence that in case of frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer, both protocols are equally effective in terms of clinical outcomes, cost-benefit, and patient compliance. The choice of endometrial preparation protocol should be based on women menstrual and ovulatory characteristics or otherwise on patient need for cycle planning.

Trial registration

www.​clinicaltrials.​gov with number NCT02378584
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Metadata
Title
The endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed euploid blastocyst transfer: a prospective randomized trial comparing clinical results from natural modified cycle and exogenous hormone stimulation with GnRH agonist
Authors
Ermanno Greco
Katarzyna Litwicka
Cristiana Arrivi
Maria Teresa Varricchio
Alina Caragia
Alessia Greco
Maria Giulia Minasi
Francesco Fiorentino
Publication date
01-07-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-016-0736-y

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