Outcomes from ovarian hyperstimulation following the sole administration of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in the context of in vitro fertilization: report of two cases and review of the literature

Objective: To report the outcomes from two cases of ovarian stimulation following the sole administration of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Design: A case study was conducted. Setting: National Referral Unit of Reproductive Medicine. Patients: Two infertile women undergoing IVF participated in the study. Interventions: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using a long protocol. GnRHa (Buserelin) was started in the luteal phase, in a dose of 600 mu g/day, for 12 days. Main outcome measures: Number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, number of embryos transferred, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth. Results: Both women underwent egg retrieval and transfer of good quality embryos. One of them conceived and recently gave birth to a healthy full-term baby. Conclusions: The ovarian hyperstimulation after the sole administration of GnRHa is a rare condition. Oocyte retrieval may be a reasonable treatment under these circumstances instead of cycle cancellation. As far as it is known, this is the third case reported of a live birth following the sole administration of GnRHa in the context of IVF.