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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Luteal blood flow in patients undergoing GnRH agonist long protocol

Authors: Akihisa Takasaki, Isao Tamura, Fumie Kizuka, Lifa Lee, Ryo Maekawa, Hiromi Asada, Toshiaki Taketani, Hiroshi Tamura, Katsunori Shimamura, Hitoshi Morioka, Norihiro Sugino

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Background

Blood flow in the corpus luteum (CL) is closely related to luteal function. It is unclear how luteal blood flow is regulated. Standardized ovarian-stimulation protocol with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa long protocol) causes luteal phase defect because it drastically suppresses serum LH levels. Examining luteal blood flow in the patient undergoing GnRHa long protocol may be useful to know whether luteal blood flow is regulated by LH.

Methods

Twenty-four infertile women undergoing GnRHa long protocol were divided into 3 groups dependent on luteal supports; 9 women were given ethinylestradiol plus norgestrel (Planovar) orally throughout the luteal phase (control group); 8 women were given HCG 2,000 IU on days 2 and 4 day after ovulation induction in addition to Planovar (HCG group); 7 women were given vitamin E (600 mg/day) orally throughout the luteal phase in addition to Planovar (vitamin E group). Blood flow impedance was measured in each CL during the mid-luteal phase by transvaginal color-pulsed-Doppler-ultrasonography and was expressed as a CL-resistance index (CL-RI).

Results

Serum LH levels were remarkably suppressed in all the groups. CL-RI in the control group was more than the cutoff value (0.51), and only 2 out of 9 women had CL-RI values < 0.51. Treatments with HCG or vitamin E significantly improved the CL-RI to less than 0.51. Seven of the 8 women in the HCG group and all of the women in the vitamin E group had CL-RI < 0.51.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing GnRHa long protocol had high luteal blood flow impedance with very low serum LH levels. HCG administration improved luteal blood flow impedance. This suggests that luteal blood flow is regulated by LH.

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Title: Luteal blood flow in patients undergoing GnRH agonist long protocol
Authors: Akihisa Takasaki
Isao Tamura
Fumie Kizuka
Lifa Lee
Ryo Maekawa
Hiromi Asada
Toshiaki Taketani
Hiroshi Tamura
Katsunori Shimamura
Hitoshi Morioka
Norihiro Sugino
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-4-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Luteal blood flow in patients undergoing GnRH agonist long protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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