Evaluating different strategies for poor ovarian response management: a retrospective cohort study and literature review. Issue 1 (27th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pantou, Agni; Giannelou, Polina; Grigoriadis, Sokratis; Maziotis, Evangelos; Tzonis, Panagiotis; Koutsouni, Anastasia; Pappa, Charikleia; Philippou, Anastassios; Koutsilieris, Michael; Pantos, Konstantinos; Simopoulou, Mara; Sfakianoudis, Konstantinos
• Is Part Of: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 1500:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2021-05-27
• Subjects: poor ovarian response -- ovarian stimulation -- conventional stimulation -- mild stimulation -- embryo accumulation -- natural cycle; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0077-8923

Abstract

Abstract: This retrospective study compares four different strategies for managing poor ovarian response (POR), namely, conventional stimulation (300 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer (CONVF), mild stimulation (150 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer (MILDF), mild stimulation embryo banking (MILDB), and embryo banking in natural cycles (NATB). In total, 796 POR patients were considered eligible. Statistical analysis revealed a shorter duration of stimulation and a lower required amount of gonadotropins in MILDF compared with CONVF (9.34 ± 1.17 versus 10.37 ± 1.14; 1402 ± 176 versus 3110 ± 343, P < 0.001). Comparing MILDF and MILDB, a higher number of available oocytes and embryos was observed in MILDB (2.36 ± 1.15 versus 6.58 ± 1.11; 1.72 ± 1.02 versus 3.51 ± 0.61, P < 0.001). Moreover, the MILDB presented with a lower number of required oocyte retrievals and a higher number of oocytes per oocyte retrieval compared with NATB (3.90 ± 1.56 versus 7.15 ± 1.80; 1.95 ± 0.74 versus 0.89 ± 0.20, P < 0.001). Data indicate that MILDF is equally efficient and associated with a shorter duration of stimulation and a lower required amount of gonadotropins compared with CONVF. Embryo accumulation may be more efficient compared with a fresh embryo transfer. MILDB may be a more efficient approach compared with NATB. To conclude, embryo accumulation following mild stimulation appears to form the optimal strategy for POR management. More studies are needed to verify these conclusions. Abstract : This retrospective study compares four different strategies for managing poor ovarian response (POR), namely conventional stimulation (300 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer, mild stimulation (150 IUs) IVF–fresh embryo transfer, mild stimulation embryo banking, and embryo banking in natural cycles in 796 POR patients. Embryo accumulation following mild stimulation appears to be an efficient strategy for POR management. More studies are required to verify these conclusions.