A comparative study of fixed-dose, step-down, and low-dose step-up regimens of human menopausal gonadotropin for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose, the step-down, and the low-dose step-up regimens of hMG for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN:

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING:

Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.

PATIENT(S):

Thirty-seven women with PCOS.

INTERVENTION(S):

The fixed-dose, the step-down. and the low-dose step-up regimens were administered.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

The number of growing follicles and serum hormone levels.

RESULT(S):

Serum FSH levels on the day of hCG administration were significantly higher in the fixed-dose regimen group than in the step-down and the low-dose step-up regimen groups, and the number of growing follicles (> or =11 mm) in the low-dose step-up regimen group was significantly smaller than in the fixed-dose regimen group. On the 7th day after hCG administration, the maximal diameter of the ovaries in the low-dose step-up regimen group was significantly smaller than in the fixed-dose and the step-down regimen groups, and the risk of excessive ovarian enlargement (> or =70 mm) was significantly lower in the low-dose step-up regimen group than in the fixed-dose regimen group.

CONCLUSION:

The low-dose step-up regimen of hMG for patients with PCOS may be the safest protocol among the three stimulation regimens for reducing multiple follicular development.

• Authors: K Andoh, H Mizunuma, X Liu, T Kamijo, K Yamada, Y Ibuki
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 70 Issue 5 Pg. 840-6 (Nov 1998) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9806564 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hormones
• Menotropins

Topics

• Adult
• Analysis of Variance
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Hormones (blood)
• Humans
• Menotropins (therapeutic use)
• Ovarian Follicle (diagnostic imaging)
• Ovulation Induction (methods)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Outcome
• Pregnancy Tests
• Ultrasonography