Double HCG trigger improves recovery of oocytes in women with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation: A pilot study. Issue 1 (7th June 2021) - Tesarik, Jan
Abstract: Objective: To examine whether adding a second HCG trigger, 12.5 h after the first (36.5 h before ovarian puncture), can facilitate recovery of oocytes in women with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation. Methods: A total of 85 women aged 35–42 years, with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation and who had experienced a total failure of oocyte recovery after the standard HCG ovulation trigger 36.5 h before ovarian puncture, were subsequently treated by the same protocol but with the addition of a second HCG trigger 12.5 h later. The recovered oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and all available embryos were transferred 3 days later. Results: The double trigger enabled recovery of cumulus oophorus cells from most of the follicles in the women who experienced failure of total recovery of oocytes after a single trigger. Fifteen patients became pregnant, and no signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were observed. Nine women delivered a healthy child. Conclusion: In women aged 35–42 years with a paucifollicular response to ovarian stimulation, a double HCG trigger appears to improve the rate of oocyte recovery. The conclusion of this pilot study needs to be confirmed by larger prospective trials. Abstract : A second HCG injection, 12.5 h after the first and 24 h before follicle aspiration, improves recovery of oocytes from women with poor ovarian reserve.