BACKGROUND: The study aim was to analyse the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing recombinant FSH and urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins [hMG, urinary purified FSH (FSH-P) and highly purified FSH (FSH-HP)] in an IVF/ICSI programme. METHODS: All published truly RCTs using a long protocol of GnRH agonists for down-regulation, were reviewed. Data of pregnancy rate per started cycle were extracted, and odds ratios (OR) calculated using a fixed effect model. Subgroup analysis was carried out to compare recombinant FSH (rFSH) with each product (hMG alone, FSH-P alone and FSH-HP alone). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rate per started cycle between rFSH and urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.94-1.22). Subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rate per started cycle between rFSH versus hMG (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63-1.05), rFSH versus FSH-P (OR 1.24; 95% CI 0.98-1.58) and rFSH versus FSH-HP (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.94-1.40). There was no significant heterogeneity of treatment effect across the trials. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of clinical superiority in clinical pregnancy rate for rFSH over different urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins. Additional factors should be considered when choosing a gonadotrophin regimen, including the cost, patient acceptability, safety and drug availability.
BACKGROUND: The study aim was to analyse the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing recombinant FSH and urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins [hMG, urinary purified FSH (FSH-P) and highly purified FSH (FSH-HP)] in an IVF/ICSI programme. METHODS: All published truly RCTs using a long protocol of GnRH agonists for down-regulation, were reviewed. Data of pregnancy rate per started cycle were extracted, and odds ratios (OR) calculated using a fixed effect model. Subgroup analysis was carried out to compare recombinant FSH (rFSH) with each product (hMG alone, FSH-P alone and FSH-HP alone). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rate per started cycle between rFSH and urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.94-1.22). Subgroup analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rate per started cycle between rFSH versus hMG (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63-1.05), rFSH versus FSH-P (OR 1.24; 95% CI 0.98-1.58) and rFSH versus FSH-HP (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.94-1.40). There was no significant heterogeneity of treatment effect across the trials. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of clinical superiority in clinical pregnancy rate for rFSH over different urinary-derived FSH gonadotrophins. Additional factors should be considered when choosing a gonadotrophin regimen, including the cost, patient acceptability, safety and drug availability.
Authors: Carlo Alviggi; Alberto Revelli; Paola Anserini; Antonio Ranieri; Luigi Fedele; Ida Strina; Marco Massobrio; Nicola Ragni; Giuseppe De Placido Journal: Reprod Biol Endocrinol Date: 2007-12-04 Impact factor: 5.211
Authors: Richard P Dickey; John E Nichols; Michael P Steinkampf; Benjamin Gocial; Melvin Thornton; Bobby W Webster; Sandra M Bello; Jack Crain; Dennis C Marshall Journal: Reprod Biol Endocrinol Date: 2003-10-03 Impact factor: 5.211