IVF Lite: a smart IVF programme based on mild ovarian stimulation for good prognosis patients. Issue 2 (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gianaroli, Luca; Vitagliano, Amerigo; Ferraretti, Anna P.; Azzena, Silvia; Terzuoli, Gaia; Perruzza, Davide; Ambrosini, Guido; Tabanelli, Carla; Magli, M. Cristina
• Is Part Of: Reproductive biomedicine online. Volume 45:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 256
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: IVF Lite -- Live birth rate -- Mild ovarian stimulation -- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome -- Ovarian stimulation costs -- Safety; Human reproductive technology -- Periodicals; Human embryo -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; 616.692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-6483

Abstract

Abstract: Research question: The IVF Lite programme is based on mild ovarian stimulation including up to three fresh/frozen embryo transfers within 12 months. Is it effective and safe in good prognosis patients? Design: Single-centre prospective study on infertile patients at their first IVF attempt (female age ≤38 years, anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations >1.5 ng/ml and/or FSH ≤10 mIU/ml). Induction of multiple follicular growth was based on a fixed protocol consisting of clomiphene citrate (100 mg/day) from day 3 to 7 of the menstrual cycle and 150 IU of recombinant FSH on days 5, 7 and 9. In case of low follicular recruitment (fewer than four follicles), the cycle was cancelled. The IVF Lite programme was considered complete after a live birth delivery or up to three embryo transfers within 12 months. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) per couples that completed the programme. Results: A total of 369 patients completed the IVF Lite programme, with 239 live births; 132 patients delivered after one embryo transfer (35.8%), 70 after a second embryo transfer (cLBR 54.7%), and 37 after a third attempt (cLBR 64.8%). No cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or clinical complications occurred. Spontaneous dropout rate from the programme was 4.5%. The cLBR per intention to treat was 46.8%. Conclusions: The IVF Lite programme proved to be effective and safe in good prognosis patients with a good response to clomiphene citrate stimulation. It was well tolerated and implied low gonadotrophin consumption. Two-thirds of the patients achieved a live birth at the completion of the programme. Graphical Abstract: Image, graphical abstract