The SUPER study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing follicle-stimulating hormone and clomiphene citrate for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination. Issue 5 (25th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Danhof, NA; van Wely, M; Koks, CAM; Gianotten, J; de Bruin, JP; Cohlen, BJ; van der Ham, DP; Klijn, NF; van Hooff, MHA; Broekmans, FJM; Fleischer, K; Janssen, CAH; Rijn van Weert, JM; van Disseldorp, J; Twisk, M; Traas, M; Verberg, MFG; Pelinck, MJ; Visser, J; Perquin, DAM; Boks, DES; Verhoeve, HR; van Heteren, CF; Mol, BWJ; Repping, S; van der Veen, F; Mochtar, MH
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 7:Issue 5(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-05-25
• Subjects: Unexplained subfertility -- mild male factor subfertility -- intra uterine insemination -- ovarian stimulation -- clomiphene citrate -- follicle stimulating hormone; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015680
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To study the effectiveness of four cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation (OS) by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or by clomiphene citrate (CC), and adherence to strict cancellation criteria. Setting: Randomised controlled trial among 22 secondary and tertiary fertility clinics in the Netherlands. Participants: 732 women from couples diagnosed with unexplained or mild male subfertility and an unfavourable prognosis according to the model of Hunault of natural conception. Interventions: Four cycles of IUI–OS within a time horizon of 6 months comparing FSH 75 IU with CC 100 mg. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy conceived within 6 months after randomisation, defined as a positive heartbeat at 12 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes are cancellation rates, number of cycles with a monofollicular or with multifollicular growth, number of follicles >14 mm at the time of ovulation triggering, time to ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth and multiple pregnancy. We will also assess if biomarkers such as female age, body mass index, smoking status, antral follicle count and endometrial aspect and thickness can be used as treatment selection markers. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Academic Medical Centre and from the Dutch Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects (CCMO NL 43131-018-13). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings. Trial registration number: NTR4057.