研究開発・学会発表

【発表の概要】

【Introduction】hCG is frequently used for luteal support in fresh IVF cycles. hCG induces progesterone secretion from ovaries after oocyte retrieval and modulates endometrium for implantation in fresh cycles. On the other hand, hCG is not usually used for transfer of cryopreserved-thawed embryos in estrogen/progesterone replacement cycles because ovulation is suppressed. However, the several studies recently showed that LH/CG receptor is present in human endometrium and that hCG can directly induce decidualization of endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Thus, we evaluated prospectively whether hCG supplementation is beneficial for cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in estrogen/progesterone replacement cycles.

【Material & Methods】One hundred seventy three cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cycles in estrogen/progesterone replacement protocol were divided into two groups randomly. Transdermal oestradiol  (Estraderm M) was used in combination with vaginal progesterone suppository for hormonal replacement. Embryo transfer was performed on day 17 and / or day 20 of hormone replacement therapy cycle in both groups. In group A, hCG 3000IU was administrated on day 17, 20, 23. In group B, hCG was not used.

【Result】There was no significant difference in the average of patient’s age, average of previous ART cycles and average number of embryo transfer between the two groups. The rates of pregnancy and implantation per embryo were 37.2%, 25.3% in the group A and 35.6%, 21.7% respectively in the group B. The pregnancy rate and the implantation were similar in the two groups.

【Conclusion】hCG supplementation is not beneficial for cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in estrogen/progesterone replacement cycles.