Luteal Phase Support in in vitro Fertilization: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Vol. 60, No. 2, 2005

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Original Article

Luteal Phase Support in in vitro Fertilization: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Saleema Nosarka, Thinus Kruger, Igno Siebert, Debbie Grové

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa

Address of Corresponding Author

Gynecol Obstet Invest 2005;60:67-74 (DOI: 10.1159/000084546)

Key Words

Luteal phase support
In vitro fertilization
Pregnancy rate, meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine if luteal phase support improves the pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Design: A meta-analysis of randomized trials of luteal phase support was carried out with the main outcome measure being the pregnancy rate per cycle. Results: Fifty-nine trials were evaluated. Eighteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Five main themes were identified: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus progesterone; progesterone versus progesterone and hCG; progesterone versus placebo; hCG versus placebo, and hCG versus progesterone versus no support. Conclusion: Luteal phase support is definitely indicated in IVF treatment cycles. This meta-analysis favored hCG above progesterone as luteal phase support with respect to pregnancy rates. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to determine a definite consensus with respect to the duration of luteal phase support in IVF cycles.

Author Contacts

Dr. S. Nosarka
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
PO Box 19081
Tygerberg 7505 (South Africa)
Tel. +27 21 938 4661, +27 21 938 9209, Fax +27 21 932 2455, E-Mail hkr@sun.ac.za

Article Information

Received: June 15, 2004
Accepted after revision: October 5, 2004
Published online: March 23, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 7, Number of References : 28

Medline Abstract (ID 15785074)

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