Marcus J Davenport1, Beverley Vollenhoven2, Alon J Talmor3. 1. Junior Doctor, Monash Health. 2. Deputy Head of Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University; Head of Department (Gynaecology), Monash Health; Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University; and Consultant, Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. 3. Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University; and Consultant, Monash IVF, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: In vitro fertilization (IVF) has evolved dramatically in recent decades; however, clinical practices have been slow to adopt these advancements, particularly regarding final oocyte maturation and the timing of embryo transfer. Concerns still exist over the ability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and elective embryo cryopreservation to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) without compromising pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This review investigates IVF outcomes associated with GnRH-agonist triggering and elective embryo cryopreservation. The safety and efficacy of GnRH-agonist triggering are compared with conventional human chorionic gonadotropin triggering, and frozen embryo transfers are weighed against fresh transfers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted using OVID (MEDLINE) and PubMed databases. The search strategy included keywords such as "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or OHSS," "GnRH-agonist triggering," "cryopreservation or freeze-all," and "IVF outcomes." A total of 214 articles were considered for review. RESULTS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist triggering reduces OHSS incidence without compromising oocyte retrieval and fertilization rates in donor and autologous cycles. However, GnRH-agonist triggering causes a luteal phase deficiency in autologous cycles, deleteriously compromising pregnancy rates. Elective embryo cryopreservation overcomes this deficiency, reducing the risk of OHSS and may improve neonatal and obstetric outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist triggering should be considered in all donor cycles. It should also be selectively considered in autologous cycles in combination with elective cryopreservation of all viable embryos.
IMPORTANCE: In vitro fertilization (IVF) has evolved dramatically in recent decades; however, clinical practices have been slow to adopt these advancements, particularly regarding final oocyte maturation and the timing of embryo transfer. Concerns still exist over the ability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and elective embryo cryopreservation to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) without compromising pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This review investigates IVF outcomes associated with GnRH-agonist triggering and elective embryo cryopreservation. The safety and efficacy of GnRH-agonist triggering are compared with conventional human chorionic gonadotropin triggering, and frozen embryo transfers are weighed against fresh transfers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted using OVID (MEDLINE) and PubMed databases. The search strategy included keywords such as "ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or OHSS," "GnRH-agonist triggering," "cryopreservation or freeze-all," and "IVF outcomes." A total of 214 articles were considered for review. RESULTS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist triggering reduces OHSS incidence without compromising oocyte retrieval and fertilization rates in donor and autologous cycles. However, GnRH-agonist triggering causes a luteal phase deficiency in autologous cycles, deleteriously compromising pregnancy rates. Elective embryo cryopreservation overcomes this deficiency, reducing the risk of OHSS and may improve neonatal and obstetric outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist triggering should be considered in all donor cycles. It should also be selectively considered in autologous cycles in combination with elective cryopreservation of all viable embryos.
Authors: Anderson Sanches de Melo; Camilla Teles Vidal de Paula; Thiago Lopes Dos Santos; Victor Antonio Costa Faria; Marcelo Augusto Feres Rufato; Rebecca Pontelo Barboza; Jorge Barreto Journal: JBRA Assist Reprod Date: 2022-04-17