[Predictive factors of success in ovulation induction with recombinant FSH: results of Indigo study].

INTRODUCTION

Although ovulation induction is commonly used to treat infertility, few data are available concerning this treatment. Therefore, the aim of this prospective observational study was to describe medical practices and to identify predictive outcome factors of ovarian stimulation by recombinant FSH (r-hFSH), administrated with a self-injector pen.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

At the time of the prescription of ovarian stimulation followed by sexual intercourse (SI) or artificial insemination (HAI) with a normal husband sperm, 370 gynaecologists consecutively sent from January to November 2005, for a maximum of six patients (1398 patients in total), a form dealing with the assessment of infertility factors prior to stimulation (n=1340), then a monitoring form of the treated cycle (n=1227) and when a pregnancy was obtained, a follow-up form at 12 weeks of amenorrhea (n=254). Each patient had to complete an autoquestionnaire about the use of the pen (n=1044).

RESULTS

Seventy percent of the contributing gynaecologists had only a private practice. The mean age of patients was 31.9+/-4.8 years. Dealing with infertility exploration prior to stimulation, 9% did not have tubal assessment. Although it was the first stimulation attempt for 52% of cases, 91% of patients found the pen easy to manipulate. The mean duration of r-hFSH administration was 8.8+/-3.7 days and the mean daily dose was 75.4+/-29.4 IU. Ultrasound and hormonal monitoring was performed for 88% of patients. The cycle cancellation rate was 11%. The hCG administration was performed on cycle day 13+/-3. An HAI was programmed in 60% of patients and SI in 40%. The pregnancy rates for positive betahCG, ongoing and multiple pregnancies were, respectively, 22.7, 18 and 16% (twins 14%; 2% of triplets or more 2%). Three prognosis factors were independently related to ongoing pregnancy rate: age<35 years, previous pregnancy obtained by treatment and presence of ovulatory disorders.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

This observatory of ovarian stimulation out of FIV allowed to describe medical practices of gynaecologists: infertility assessment prior to ovarian stimulation, used FSH doses, ultrasound and hormonal monitoring, and it outlined three predictive factors of outcome: age, previous pregnancy obtained by treatment and presence of ovulatory disorders.