Comparison of Long and Short GnRH-a/hMG Ovarian Stimulation Protocols in Assisted Reproduction

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of long and short GnRH-a/hMG ovarian stimulation protocols in assisted reproduction.

Design: A retrospective review.

Setting: The study was conducted in a University Hospital in Northern Thailand. Patients: A group of 141 consecutive patients who underwent 186 cycles of ovu lation induction for assisted conception at the Infertility Clinic, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai University Hospital, from January 1990 to August 1992.

Main outcome measures : Cycle cancellation rates, amount of hMG used, duration of treatment, estradiol levels on the day of hCG injection, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, preclinical and clinical pregnancy rates, abortion rates and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Results: The long protocol required significantly more hMG, longer duration of treatment, had a higher incidence of OHSS, higher fertilization and abortion rates. No statistically significant differences in cycle cancellation rates, numbers of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy rates were found. Conclusion: Short protocol may be more preferable than long protocol in terms of patients' expense, convenience and side-effects. (Thai J Obstet Gynaecol 1993; 5: 91-98.)