ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by ovaries in response to HCG administration is one of the main mechanisms of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome. Since Dopamine/dopamine receptor2 (Dp-r2) pathway activity -mediated by VEGF/ Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR- 2) signaling-, is associated with angiogenic events, dopamine agonists were used for the management of severe forms of OHSS. In order to assess the effects of Cabergoline on angiogenesis in the human endometrium, and subsequently its impacts on the implantation rate this study was conducted. METHODS: This historical cohort study was conducted based on existing data of 115 patients (20-40 years) whom underwent assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and with a high probability for developing OHSS between March 2007 and September 2008. Forty five cases received Cabergoline were compared to 70 control subjects. The statistical methods used were: Unpaired t-test for continuous variables and the chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test if required) for categorical variables. RESULTS: None of the patients (treatment or control group) developed OHSS. The etiologies of infertility and administration of GnRH agonist or antagonist protocols were similar in two groups (p>0.2). Number of transferred embryos and zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT) did not differ between the two groups (p≥0.06). Implantation rate in treatment (3.1%) and control (6.6%) subjects was similar (p=0.4). No significant difference was observed in fertilization rate, chemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancies between the two groups (p>0.5). CONCLUSION: Cabergoline can be safely administered in ART protocols to prevent OHSS, without compromising ART outcomes.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of adding Estradiol (E2) supplementation to progesterone (P) on improvement of pregnancy outcomes in poor responder patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial, 118 poor responder patients, older than 38 years without contraindications of estradiol consumption from Infertility clinic of a university hospital were randomly divided (by computerized software) into two groups. Control group (59 patients) received only P and intervention group (59 patients) received P and E2 (4 mg/d). Supplementation was done with 4 mg E2 in the luteal phase. Fertilization rate, implantation rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, abortion rate, ongoing pregnancy, multiple pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates were documented for those who completed the study protocol in each group (per protocol analysis) and compared between groups. RESULT: Fifty five patients in control group and 53 patients in intervention group successfully completed the study protocol. Treatment outcomes were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSION: For poor responder women who underwent IVF, addition of E2 to P supplementation could not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes.