GnRH antagonist for endometrial priming in an oocyte donation programme: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist be used in egg donation recipients with ovulatory cycles for the purpose of achieving synchronization between the donor s and recipient s cycle? DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial to compare 7-day dosage of GnRH antagonist for endometrial priming in an oocyte donation programme with a single dose of long-acting GnRH agonist. A total of 563 women were randomized in a private single centre, and 473 women underwent embryo transfer. Ongoing pregnancy rate was the primary end point. Analysis was adjusted for embryonic stage at the time of embryo transfer; data collected included days on the waiting list; number of fresh-vitrified oocytes collected; and oocyte donor s age at the time of retrieval. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups in per intention-to-treat analysis: adjusted OR 1.42 (CI 0.97 to 2.09); per treatment received: adjusted OR 1.43 (CI 0.97 to 2.09); per embryo transfer: adjusted OR for ongoing pregnancy rate 1.47 (CI 1.01 to 2.13), P = 0.047. CONCLUSIONS: For women with ovulatory cycles undergoing oocyte donation, the outcomes are similar between GnRH antagonist and down-regulated hormone replacement protocols.