Dual trigger with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin improves in vitro fertilization outcome in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether dual trigger with leuprolide acetate plus recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) improves in vitro fertilization outcome in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles. MethodsA total of 156 patients diagnosed with mild male factor, unexplained or tubal factor infertility were enrolled in the study. All subjects were allocated into one of two groups: the dual trigger group (leuprolide acetate 500g + recombinant hCG 250g) and the standard group (recombinant hCG 250g) according to the selected trigger method. Oocyte trigger was performed when at least three follicles >17 mm were observed. Pregnancy rate, number of collected oocytes, number of metaphase II oocytes, number of grade-A embryos, cycle cancellation rate, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome rate were the main outcome measures for the study. ResultsThe mean number of grade-A embryos (1.6 1.5 vs 1.1 +/- 1.4, P=0.01) and of metaphase II oocytes (7.9 +/- 4.6 vs 6.3 +/- 5.8, P=0.02) was significantly higher in the dual-trigger group. Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the dual-trigger group than in the standard group (54.8 vs 37.5%, P=0.006). Two cases of mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were observed in each group. ConclusionThis novel and more physiological trigger approach using 500g leuprolide acetate plus 250g recombinant hCG may lead to an increase in the number of metaphase II oocytes, grade-A embryos, and may improve pregnancy rates.