A prospective randomized study comparing intramuscular progesterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of i.m. P and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) for luteal phase support, in patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Patients undergoing IVF-ET in our Centers. PATIENT(S) The inclusion criteria were the use of GnRH down-regulation and aged <40 years. INTERVENTION(S) A total of 300 cycles were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg every 3 days) or P (50 mg daily). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The outcomes of IVF in both study groups were evaluated for biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy. RESULT(S) No difference was found in the main outcome parameters considered. CONCLUSION(S) Although the results of the study encourage the use of 17-HPC for luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-ET program, more studies are necessary to support the hypothesis that it can replace i.m. P-in-oil.