Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2001 Jan;44(1):36-42.

The Efficacy of Recombinant Human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rhFSH) in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

• Kim JH
• Kim SH
• Park EJ
• Hong SH
• Chae HD
• Kang BM
• Jang YS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) versus highly purified urinary human FSH (uhFSH-HP) in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
METHODS
Ninety-three women with tubal infertility, stage I/II endometriosis or unexplained infertility were admitted to this study. After pituitary desensitization using GnRH agonist, rhFSH (n=45) or uhFSH-HP (n=48) was administered with a step-down regimen in all patients.
RESULTS
Patient's characteristics were comparable in both groups. Low responders were 20 in rhFSH group and 22 in uhFSH-HP group. The total dose of administered FSH was significantly lower in rhFSH group than that in uhFSH-HP grup (p<0.001). The days of stimulation were also significantly shorter in rhFSH group than those in uhFSH-HP group (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in IVF results such as the numbers of oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, grade I/II embryos, embryos transferred between the two groups. There were also no differences in clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. Even in the low responder subgroup, COH using rhFSH was also associated with significant decreases in the total dose of FSH and the duration of stimulation required. IVF results and pregnancy outcomes were comparable in rhFSH and uhFSH-HP groups.
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that the total dose of FSH and the duration of stimulation can be reduced by using rhFSH.

Keyword

recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH); highly purified urinary human FSH (uhFSH-HP); controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)

MeSH Terms

Abortion, Spontaneous
Embryo Transfer*
Embryonic Structures*
Endometriosis
Female
Fertilization in Vitro*
Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human*
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Humans*
Infertility
Oocytes
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Pregnancy Rate
Pregnancy, Multiple
Urofollitropin
Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Urofollitropin