Early or late response in poor responders: does it make a difference in cycle outcome?

Ovarian response to stimulation mainly determines the length of stimulation. However, there is no clarity in the literature regarding the optimal duration required to achieve oocyte maturity in patients with the poor ovarian response (POR) defined by Bologna criteria. Therefore, a total of 267 cycles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected retrospectively. Group A constitute of patients with a stimulation period < 9 d (n = 70); and group B included patients with a stimulation period ≥ 9 d (n = 133). The results showed that antral follicle count (5.72 ± 1.82 vs. 5.10 ± 1.78, p = 0.023), serum oestradiol level on hCG day (1286.88 ± 778.18 pg/mL vs. 820.14 ± 479.04 pg/mL, p = 0.001), and total gonadotropin dose used (2949.53 ± 727.92 IU vs 2020.94 ± 415.17 IU, p = 0.0001) were higher in group B when compared to group A. Although the number of total (5.47 ± 3.32 vs 3.86 ± 2.15, p = 0.0001) and mature oocytes retrieved (4.34 ± 2.88 vs 2.84 ± 1.67, p = 0.0001) were higher in group B, no significant difference was observed in the pregnancy rates between groups (25.6 vs 15.7%, p > 0.05). In conclusion, no deleterious effect of a shorter duration of stimulation on cycle outcome was seen in patients with POR.

Pregnancy rate in IVF patients with unexpected poor response to ovarian stimulation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether an unexpected poor response (cases with ≤3 oocytes) leads to a reduction in the pregnancy rate in IVF cycles compared to a suboptimal response (controls with 4-9 oocytes) in women with adequate ovarian reserve.

METHODS

A nested case-control study performed in a retrospective cohort of couples undergoing IVF at the Infertility Unit of the ASST Lariana. Cases and controls had adequate ovarian reserve and were matched 1:1 for female age and number of previous cycles. Cumulative clinical pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval was the main outcome.

RESULTS

Overall, 113 cases and 113 matched controls were included; the median number of available oocytes was 2 and 6, respectively. The cumulative pregnancy rate per cycle was significantly reduced in cases compared to controls with a crude odds ratio = 0.45 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.28-0.82]. A binomial logistic model indicated that an increase in one oocyte increases the odds for cumulative pregnancy rate per cycle by 1.27 in women with 9 oocytes or less. The cumulative pregnancy rates per cycle in cases and controls, according to female age were respectively: 29% versus 54% in patients aged <35 years (p = 0.036); 22% versus 43% in patients aged 36-39 years (p = 0.048) and 11% versus 13% in patients 40-45 years old (p = 0.72). Patients belonging to older age groups showed decreasing probability of cumulative clinical pregnancy rates both among cases and controls group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of available oocytes significantly affects the probability of success in IVF cycles with unexpected impaired ovarian response.

Effect of rLH Supplementation during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for IVF: Evidence from a Retrospective Analysis of 1470 Poor/Suboptimal/Normal Responders Receiving Either rFSH plus rLH or rFSH Alone

We retrospectively studied a real-life population of 1470 women undergoing IVF, with poor/suboptimal/normal ovarian responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), comparing the cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) when COS was performed using rFSH alone or rFSH + rLH in a 2:1 ratio. Overall, we observed significantly higher cLBR in the rFSH alone group than in the rFSH + rLH group (29.3% vs. 22.2%, p < 0.01). However, considering only suboptimal/poor responders (n = 309), we observed comparable cLBR (15.6% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.95) despite the fact that patients receiving rFSH + rLH had significantly higher ages and worse ovarian reserve markers. The equivalent effectiveness of rFSH + rLH and rFSH alone was further confirmed after stratification according to the number of oocytes retrieved: despite basal characteristics were still in favor of rFSH alone group, the cLBR always resulted comparable. Even subdividing patients according to the POSEIDON classification, irrespective of differences in the baseline clinical characteristics in favor of FSH alone group, the cLBR resulted comparable in all subgroups. Despite the retrospective, real-life analysis, our data suggest that rLH supplementation in COS may represent a reasonable option for patients with predictable or unexpected poor/suboptimal ovarian responsiveness to FSH, those matching the Bologna criteria for poor responsiveness, and those included in the POSEIDON classification.

Reliability of AMH and AFC measurements and their correlation: a large multicenter study

PURPOSE

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are correlated with the ovarian response, but their reliability and reproducibility are questionable. This large multicenter study describes their distribution, inter-cycle and inter-center variability, and their correlation.

METHODS

A total of 25,854 IVF cycles among 15,219 patients were selected in 12 ART centers. Statistical distribution of AMH and AFC was studied by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro goodness of fit test. The reproducibility of AFC and AMH was measured using a mixed model regressing the logarithmic transformation of AFC with age.

RESULTS

The distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by a wide dispersion of values, twice more important for AFC, and a logarithmic distribution. The faster decline in AMH than in AFC with age suggests that their correlation changes with age. AMH and AFC showed a very low proportion of concordance in the range of expected poor responders according to Bologna cutoffs. The heterogeneity for AMH and AFC across centers was small, but much larger across patients within each center. Concerning the patients with several successive cycles, the reproducibility for AMH seemed much better than for AFC. Comparing respective performances of AMH and AFC for the prediction of ovarian response depended on the local conditions for measuring these indicators and on the reproducibility of results improved over time.

CONCLUSION

Distribution of AMH and AFC was characterized by the wide dispersion of values, and a logarithmic distribution. Establishing cutoffs or a direct relationship AMH/AFC without considering age seems hazardous. Correlation between AMH and AFC was very poor in the range of poor responders.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration before in vitro fertilization on the live birth rate in poor ovarian responders according to the Bologna criteria: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) pre-treatment before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on the live birth rate in infertile women with poor ovarian response (POR) defined according to the Bologna criteria.

DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Nine reproductive medical centers in China.

POPULATION

A total of 821 participants with POR defined according to the Bologna criteria were enrolled in the study between April 2016 and December 2018.

METHODS

Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either DHEA (n = 410) or placebo (n = 411) treatments for 4-12 weeks prior to IVF-ET, in a 1:1 ratio.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Live birth rate after the first embryo transfer.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (8.8%) of 410 women in the DHEA group and 37 (9.0%) of 411 women in the placebo group had a live birth, with no significant difference observed between groups (relative risk, 0.98, 95% CI, 0.63-1.51; p = 0.911). There were no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes, and the rates of clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and cumulative live births between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

DHEA administration prior to IVF-ET had no beneficial effect on the live birth rate relative to placebo in women with POR defined according to the Bologna criteria.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

No benefit was found in poor ovarian responders who received DHEA administration prior to IVF.

Four consecutive minimal ovarian stimulation (TetraStim) is a feasible alternative to increase the number of oocytes and improve live birth rates in poor responders who do not accept oocyte donation

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience using four consecutive minimal COS (TetraStim) followed by oocyte retrieval and vitrification to increase the number of oocytes in patients with POR for whom oocyte donation is not an option.

METHODS

We performed an observational study evaluating 128 poor responders submitted to TetraStim instead of oocyte donation cycles. Patients were submitted to four consecutive minimal COS started at luteal phase, oocyte retrieval, oocyte vitrification/warming, ICSI, endometrial priming and embryo transfer. We evaluated the number of vitrified oocytes, survival rate after warming, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, number of embryos transferred, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate.

RESULTS

The mean age was 38.1 ± 3.1 years. A total of 791 oocytes were recovered (6.1 ± 2.7/patient), 682 (86.2%) Metaphase II (5.3 ± 2.4/patient) were vitrified, 95.3% survived warming (5.1 ± 2.3/patient), 82% showed normal fertilization after ICSI (4.2 ± 2/patient), 79.2% reached cleavage stage (3.3 ± 1.6/patient), 313 cleavage stage embryos were transferred to 115 patients (2.7 ± 0.7/patient) and 14.7% of the patients had surplus embryos that were vitrified. Clinical pregnancy rate per patient was 31.3% and live birth rate per patient was 22.6%.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first study that demonstrates that TetraStim can be an effective alternative for patients with POR with an indication to perform IVF with donated oocytes, but do not agree to use. TetraStim is a feasible alternative to increase the number of oocytes and embryos and improve pregnancy rates with no dropouts and very low cycle cancelation rate. However, randomized controlled studies must be performed to compare TetraStim with other treatments.

Randomised controlled trial on the effect of clomiphene citrate and gonadotropin dose on ovarian response markers and IVF outcomes in poor responders

STUDY QUESTION

Does the gonadotropin (GN) starting dose and the addition of clomiphene citrate (CC) during the early follicular phase influence oocyte yield in poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The number of retrieved oocytes was similar regardless of the starting dose of GN (150 versus 450 IU) with or without the addition of CC (100 mg from Day 3 to 7 versus placebo).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

ART in poor responders is a challenge for patients and clinicians. So far, randomised controlled studies addressing interventions have shown that neither the GN dose nor the addition of oral medication has any significant effect on the clinical outcome of ART in poor responders. There is limited knowledge about the effect of GN starting dose in combination with CC during the early follicular phase of ovarian stimulation on ovarian response markers and ART outcome.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This single-centre randomised double-blinded clinical trial was conducted from August 2013 until November 2017. Using the Bologna criteria, 220 of 2288 patients (9.6%) were identified as poor responders and 114 eligible participants underwent ovarian stimulation in a GnRH-antagonist protocol for ART.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The participants were equally randomised to one of four treatment arms: Group A (n = 28) received 100 mg CC (Day 3-7) and a starting dose of 450 IU HMG, Group B (n = 29) received 100 mg CC and a starting dose of 150 IU HMG, Group C (n = 30) received placebo and a starting dose of 450 IU HMG and Group D (n = 27) received placebo and a starting dose of 150 IU HMG. Serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone were measured on Day 1 and 5 and on the day of ovulation induction. Available embryos were cultured up to the blastocyst stage and were always transferred in the same cycle. The primary outcome was the number of oocytes collected after ovarian stimulation. Other outcome measures were response to ovarian stimulation, embryo development and obstetrical outcome.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

All study participants (n = 114) fulfilled at least two of the Bologna criteria for poor responders. Median age of the study population was 38.5 years. There were 109 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval. The number of oocytes retrieved was similar among the groups (±SD; 95% confidence intervals); A: 2.85 (±0.48; 2.04-3.98), B: 4.32 (±0.59; 3.31-5.64); C: 3.33 (±0.52; 2.45-4.54); D: 3.22 (±0.51; 2.36-4.41); P overall = 0.246. However, ovarian stimulation with 150 IU plus CC resulted in a higher number of blastocysts compared to ovarian stimulation with 450 IU plus CC (±SD; 95% confidence intervals); A: 0.83 (±0.15; 0.58-1.2), B: 1.77 (±0.21; 1.42-2.22); P overall = 0.006. Mean FSH serum levels were lower in the groups with a starting dose of 150 IU. Adding CC did not affect mean serum FSH levels. There were no differences in estradiol concentrations among the groups. Endometrial thickness was lower in the groups receiving CC. The overall live birth rate (LBR) was 12.3%, and the cumulative LBR was 14.7%.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The trial was powered to detect differences in neither the number of blastocysts nor the LBR, which would be the preferable primary outcome of interventional trials in ART.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

We found that ovarian stimulation with 150 IU gonadotrophin in combination with 100 mg CC produced more blastocysts. The effect of adding CC to GN on LBR in poor responders remains to be proven in randomised trials. High GN doses (450 IU) resulted in high FSH serum levels but increased neither the estradiol levels nor the number of retrieved oocytes, implying that granulosa cell function is not improved by high FSH serum levels. Lower starting doses of GN lead to a reduction of costs of medication. The small but significant difference in blastocyst formation and the lower FSH levels in the treatment groups receiving less GN may be an indication of better oocyte quality with higher developmental competence.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The costs for the HMG used for ovarian stimulation were provided by IBSA Switzerland. The study was also supported by the Repronatal Foundation, Basel, Switzerland. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01577472.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

13 April 2012.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT

August 2013.

Live birth rates in different subgroups of poor ovarian responders according to Bologna and POSEIDON group classification criteria

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to compare the live birth rates (LBRs) according to Bologna criteria or Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) group classifications to determine the important predictive factors for LBR in patients with POR.

BASIC PROCEDURES

In this cross-sectional study, the database of Royan Institute (Tehran, Iran) from December 2015 to December 2017 was evaluated and the fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles outcomes for all the patients with at least one POR after standard controlled ovarian stimulation were collected. The patients divided into five subgroups according to Bologna criteria and four groups on the basis of POSEIDON group classification.

MAIN FINDING

812 patients with POR diagnosis were assessed which 517 (63.6%) of them were underwent embryo transfer (ET) during the last treatment cycle. According to Bologna criteria, 41 patients were not included in any subgroup and the patients in Bologna group II had highest LBR (19.8%). In terms of POSEIDON classification, all of the patients were classified into subgroups and the women in POSEIDON group III had the highest LBR (27%). According to multivariable regression analysis, the significant independent predictive factors for LBR were the number and morphology (good and excellent) of the embryos transferred, and POSEIDON group III classification.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the POSEIDON group classification could be more comprehensive and practical than Bologna criteria for categorizing POR patients and predicting their outcome. Moreover, the number and morphology of transferred embryos were the most important prognostic factors for live births in these patients.

The POSEIDON stratification - moving from poor ovarian response to low prognosis

Poor ovarian response remains one of the most challenging tasks for an IVF clinician. In this review, we aim to highlight the ongoing research for optimizing the prognosis in poor ovarian response patients. The newly introduced POSEIDON criteria argue that the first step is to move from a poor response to a poor prognosis concept, while improving identification and stratification of the different sub-types of poor prognosis patients prior to ovarian stimulation. The immediate marker of success is the ability of the ovarian stimulation to retrieve the number of oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid blastocyst for transfer in each patient. This surrogate marker of success should not replace live birth as the most important outcome, but it should be approached as a useful tool for clinicians to evaluate their strategy for achieving live birth in the shortest timespan possible in the individual patient/ couple.

Endometrial scratching for poor responders based on the Bologna criteria in ICSI fresh embryo transfer cycles: a preliminary retrospective cohort study

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of endometrial injury on pregnancy outcomes in patients with a poor ovarian response (POR), based on the Bologna criteria, who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

Material and Methods

Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. All patients in the endometrial scratching group (group 1, n=32) and control group (group 2, n=36) underwent office hysteroscopy in the early follicular phase of the cycle before controlled ovarian stimulation. Group 1 also underwent endometrial scratching. The main outcome measure was the ongoing pregnancy rate.

Results

The study groups had similar baseline demographics, including age, body mass index, duration of infertility, number of ICSI cycles, and hormone levels. However, the antral follicle count was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (4.2±1.9 vs 3.3±1.8; p<0.05). There were no significant group differences in ovarian stimulation characteristics (ovarian stimulation time, trigger day endometrial thickness, number of metaphase II oocytes), number of embryos transferred, or the ratio of embryo transfer on days 3 and 5. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in the rates of chemical pregnancy (25% vs 19.4%), clinical pregnancy (15.6% vs 11.1%) or ongoing pregnancy (9.4% vs 8.3%) (p>0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Endometrial scratching did not improve pregnancy outcomes for patients meeting the Bologna criteria for a POR to ICSI cycles using fresh embryo transfer and the GnRH antagonist protocol.

Natural Cycle Results in Lower Implantation Failure than Ovarian Stimulation in Advanced-Age Poor Responders Undergoing IVF: Fertility Outcomes from 585 Patients

To compare pregnancy rate and implantation rate in poor responder women, aged over 40 years, who underwent natural cycle versus conventional ovarian stimulation. This is a retrospective single-center cohort study conducted at the GENERA IVF program, Rome, Italy, between September 2012 and December 2018, including only poor responder patients, according to Bologna criteria, of advanced age, who underwent IVF treatment through Natural Cycle or conventional ovarian stimulation. Between September 2012 and December 2018, 585 patients were included within the study. Two hundred thirty patients underwent natural cycle and 355 underwent conventional ovarian stimulation. In natural cycle group, both pregnancy rate per cycle (6.25 vs 12.89%, respectively, p = 0.0001) and pregnancy rate per patient101 with at least one embryo-transfer (18.85 vs 28.11% respectively, p = 0.025) resulted significant reduced. Pregnancy rate per patient managed with conventional ovarian stimulation resulted not significantly different compared with natural cycle (19.72 vs 15.65% respectively, p = 0.228), but embryo implantation rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent natural cycle rather than patient subjected to conventional ovarian stimulation (13 vs 8.28% respectively, p = 0.0468). No significant difference could be detected among the two groups in terms of abortion rate (p = 0.2915) or live birth pregnancy (p = 0.2281). Natural cycle seems to be a valid treatment in patients over 40 years and with a low ovarian reserve, as an alternative to conventional ovarian stimulation.

Meta-analysis of GnRH-antagonists versus GnRH-agonists in poor responder protocols

PURPOSE

Considering the insufficient evidence supporting an ideal protocol for poor responder management in IVF/ICSI cycles, the aim of the current meta-analysis was to compare GnRH-antagonist versus GnRH-agonist protocols in poor responders, evaluating effectiveness and safety.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was conducted using Medcalc 16.8 version software. Standardized mean differences (SMD), odds ratios (OR), and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined appropriately. The Cochran Q statistic and the I² test were used to assess studies' heterogeneity.

RESULTS

GnRH-agonists were shown to correlate with fewer cancelled IVF/ICSI cycles (p = 0.044, OR = 1.268 > 1, 95% CI 1.007, 1.598), a larger number of embryos transferred (p = 0.008, SMD = - 0.230, 95% CI - 0.400, - 0.0599), and more clinical pregnancies (p = 0.018, OR = 0.748 < 1, 95% CI 0.588, 0.952). However, GnRH-antagonists resulted in a significantly shorter duration of ovarian stimulation (p = 0.007, SMD = - 0.426. 95% CI - 0.736, - 0.115). The number of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved in both protocols did not differ statistically (p = 0.216, SMD = - 0.130, 95% CI - 0.337, 0.0763 and p = 0.807, SMD = - 0.0203, 95% CI - 0.183, 0.142, respectively). Moreover, a high heterogeneity among studies was observed regarding duration of ovarian stimulation (I² = 90.6%), number of oocytes (I² = 82.83%)/mature oocytes retrieved (I² = 70.39%), and embryos transferred (I² = 72.83%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the present meta-analysis, agonist protocols could be suggested as a first choice approach, in terms of effectiveness. Due to the high studies' heterogeneity, results should be considered with caution. Accordingly, larger cohort studies and meta-analyses like the present one will enhance the robustness of the emerging results to identify the ideal protocol for poor responders.

Efficacy of the delayed start antagonist protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation in Bologna poor ovarian responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with a poor ovarian response (POR) represent the most difficult group of population to deal with in the clinical fertility practice. Bologna criteria are the first uniform definition of POR. Choosing a suitable controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol which could give adequate oocytes to maximize the chance of obtaining at least one euploid blastocyst is crucial in the management for such patients. The delayed start antagonist protocol is a novel COS protocol designed for POR patients, however, its real efficacy is controversial compared to conventional protocols. The present study aims to summarize all available studies on this topic and perform a meta-analysis to explore the real treatment effect of this novel protocol in terms of reproductive outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from database establishment to June 2019 were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared delayed start antagonist protocol (Del) to conventional controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols (Con) in terms of reproductive outcomes, were included. The RevMan 5.3 was used to perform statistical analysis. The primary outcomes were the cycle cancellation rate, the clinical pregnancy rate and the miscarriage rate.

RESULTS

5 RCTs yielding 514 patients were eligible, of which 5, 5, 4 studies were included in analyzing the cycle cancellation rate, the clinical pregnancy rate, and the miscarriage rate respectively. Synthesized data of meta-analysis showed: delayed start antagonist protocol introduced a lower risk of cycle cancellation [risk ratio (RR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.45, 0.90), P = 0.01; 5 RCTs, 514 women (Del:Con = 256:258); I² = 0%; with rates of 16.02% (Del) vs. 26.36% (Con)], an increased chance to get clinical pregnancy [RR = 2.30, 95% CI (1.38, 3.82), P = 0.001; 5 RCTs, 514 women (Del:Con = 256:258); I² = 0%; with rates of 16.80% (Del) vs. 7.36% (Con)], and a comparable miscarriage rate [RR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.24, 1.23), P = 0.15; 4 RCTs, 58 women (Del:Con = 41:17) I² = 17%; with rates of 19.51% (Del) vs. 35.29% (Con)] compared to conventional COS protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed start antagonist protocol was a potentially valuable alternation for poor ovarian responders. However, future RCTs with large sample size and more scientific design are needed to verify its validity and draw a sound conclusion.

The Conundrum of Poor Ovarian Response: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Despite recent striking advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART), poor ovarian response (POR) diagnosis and treatment is still considered challenging. Poor responders constitute a heterogeneous cohort with the common denominator of under-responding to controlled ovarian stimulation. Inevitably, respective success rates are significantly compromised. As POR pathophysiology entails the elusive factor of compromised ovarian function, both diagnosis and management fuel an ongoing heated debate depicted in the literature. From the criteria employed for diagnosis to the plethora of strategies and adjuvant therapies proposed, the conundrum of POR still puzzles the practitioner. What is more, novel treatment approaches from stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma intra-ovarian infusion to mitochondrial replacement therapy have emerged, albeit not claiming clinical routine status yet. The complex and time sensitive nature of this subgroup of infertile patients indicates the demand for a consensus on a horizontally accepted definition, diagnosis and subsequent effective treating strategy. This critical review analyzes the standing criteria employed in order to diagnose and aptly categorize POR patients, while it proceeds to critically evaluate current and novel strategies regarding their management. Discrepancies in diagnosis and respective implications are discussed, while the existing diversity in management options highlights the need for individualized management.

Update on the management of poor ovarian response in IVF: the shift from Bologna criteria to the Poseidon concept

Despite the considerate progress to which assisted reproduction technology (ART) has been subject since 1978, some issues remain unresolved. Notably, the clinical management of patients with a poor ovarian response is still a challenge in everyday practice, frustrating to both the patient and the fertility expert. Poor ovarian responders (PORs) embody 9–24% of patients undergoing ovarian stimulation, meaning that up to one in four patients conceals a poor reproductive prognosis. The last decade has witnessed the attempts of the medical community to standardize diagnosis of POR with the developing of the Bologna Criteria and the subsequent evolution of the low prognosis patient elaborated in the POSEIDON classification. The aim of this article is to summarize all evidence concerning etiology and management of poor ovarian response, including the most recent advances and future prospects in this regard.

Cumulative live birth rates in low-prognosis women

STUDY QUESTION

Do cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) over multiple IVF/ICSI cycles confirm the low prognosis in women stratified according to the POSEIDON criteria?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The CLBR of low-prognosis women is ~56% over 18 months of IVF/ICSI treatment and varies between the POSEIDON groups, which is primarily attributable to the impact of female age.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The POSEIDON group recently proposed a new stratification for low-prognosis women in IVF/ICSI treatment, with the aim to define more homogenous populations for clinical trials and stimulate a patient-tailored therapeutic approach. These new criteria combine qualitative and quantitative parameters to create four groups of low-prognosis women with supposedly similar biologic characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study analyzed the data of a Dutch multicenter observational cohort study including 551 low-prognosis women, aged <44 years, who initiated IVF/ICSI treatment between 2011 and 2014 and were treated with a fixed FSH dose of 150 IU/day in the first treatment cycle.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Low-prognosis women were categorized into one of the POSEIDON groups based on their age (younger or older than 35 years), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level (above or below 0.96 ng/ml), and the ovarian response (poor or suboptimal) in their first cycle of standard stimulation. The primary outcome was the CLBR over multiple complete IVF/ICSI cycles, including all subsequent fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers, within 18 months of treatment. Cumulative incidence curves were obtained using an optimistic and a conservative analytic approach.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The CLBR of the low-prognosis women was on average ~56% over 18 months of IVF/ICSI treatment. Younger unexpected poor (n = 38) and suboptimal (n = 179) responders had a CLBR of ~65% and ~68%, respectively, and younger expected poor responders (n = 65) had a CLBR of ~59%. The CLBR of older unexpected poor (n = 41) and suboptimal responders (n = 102) was ~42% and ~54%, respectively, and of older expected poor responders (n = 126) ~39%. For comparison, the CLBR of younger (n = 164) and older (n = 78) normal responders with an adequate ovarian reserve was ~72% and ~58% over 18 months of treatment, respectively. No large differences were observed in the number of fresh treatment cycles between the POSEIDON groups, with an average of two fresh cycles per woman within 18 months of follow-up.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Small numbers in some (sub)groups reduced the precision of the estimates. However, our findings provide the first relevant indication of the CLBR of low-prognosis women in the POSEIDON groups. Small FSH dose adjustments between cycles were allowed, inducing therapeutic disparity. Yet, this is in accordance with current daily practice and increases the generalizability of our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The CLBRs vary between the POSEIDON groups. This heterogeneity is primarily determined by a woman's age, reflecting the importance of oocyte quality. In younger women, current IVF/ICSI treatment reaches relatively high CLBR over multiple complete cycles, despite reduced quantitative parameters. In older women, the CLBR remains relatively low over multiple complete cycles, due to the co-occurring decline in quantitative and qualitative parameters. As no effective interventions exist to counteract this decline, clinical management currently relies on proper counselling.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No external funds were obtained for this study. J.A.L. is supported by a Research Fellowship grant and received an unrestricted personal grant from Merck BV. S.C.O., T.C.v.T., and H.L.T. received an unrestricted personal grant from Merck BV. C.B.L. received research grants from Merck, Ferring, and Guerbet. K.F. received unrestricted research grants from Merck Serono, Ferring, and GoodLife. She also received fees for lectures and consultancy from Ferring and GoodLife. A.H. declares that the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Groningen received an unrestricted research grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals BV, the Netherlands. J.S.E.L. has received unrestricted research grants from Ferring, Zon-MW, and The Dutch Heart Association. He also received travel grants and consultancy fees from Danone, Euroscreen, Ferring, AnshLabs, and Titus Healthcare. B.W.J.M. is supported by an National Health and Medical Research Council Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548) and reports consultancy work for ObsEva, Merck, and Guerbet. He also received a research grant from Merck BV and travel support from Guerbet. F.J.M.B. received monetary compensation as a member of the external advisory board for Merck Serono (the Netherlands) and Ferring Pharmaceuticals BV (the Netherlands) for advisory work for Gedeon Richter (Belgium) and Roche Diagnostics on automated AMH assay development, and for a research cooperation with Ansh Labs (USA). All other authors have nothing to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

DuoStim - a reproducible strategy to obtain more oocytes and competent embryos in a short time-frame aimed at fertility preservation and IVF purposes. A systematic review

Recent evidence suggests that follicular development occurs in a wave-like model during the ovarian cycle, where up to three cohorts of follicles are recruited to complete folliculogenesis. This understanding overtakes the previous dogma stating that follicles grow only during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, in in vitro fertilization (IVF), novel protocols regarding ovarian stimulation have been theorized based on the use of gonadotrophins to prompt the growth of antral follicles at any stage of the menstrual cycle. These unconventional protocols for ovarian stimulation aim at a more efficient management of poor-prognosis patients, otherwise exposed to conflicting outcomes after conventional approaches. DuoStim appears among these unconventional stimulation protocols as one of the most promising. It combines two consecutive stimulations in the follicular and luteal phases of the same ovarian cycle, aimed at increasing the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos produced in the short time-frame. This protocol has been suggested for the treatment of all conditions requiring a maximal and urgent exploitation of the ovarian reserve, such as oncological patients and poor responders at an advanced maternal age. At present, data from independent studies have outlined the consistency and reproducibility of this approach, which might also reduce the drop-out between consecutive failed IVF cycles in poor-prognosis patients. However, the protocol must be standardized, and more robust studies and cost-benefit analyses are needed to highlight the true clinical pros and cons deriving from DuoStim implementation in IVF.

Predictors of live birth rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chance of live birth after several oocyte retrieval cycles in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and identify the possible predictors.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 931 patients with DOR who underwent in vitro fertilization at a university hospital in China between January 2012 and December 2014. All data for fresh and the associated frozen-thawed embryo transfer attempts were analyzed. Conditional and cumulative live birth rates (LBRs) were calculated. Mediation and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of live birth.

RESULTS

Conditional LBRs remained around 10.0% in the first five cycles. Conservative cumulative LBRs (CLBRs) reached 22.0% after three cycles and increased to 24.8% after six cycles; optimal CLBRs increased from 12.9% to nearly 50.0% after six cycles. Patient age and the number of good-quality embryos were two key predictors in determining the conditional and conservative LBRs.

CONCLUSION

For patients with DOR, conditional LBR remained constant in the first five cycles, and patients should be encouraged to continue to three or five completed cycles to maximize their chance of live birth. Patient age and the number of good-quality embryos were two key factors to predict live birth.

Novel Physiology and Definition of Poor Ovarian Response; Clinical Recommendations

Poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation (OS) presents a major challenge in assisted reproduction. The Bologna criteria represented the first serious attempt to set clear criteria for the definition of POR. However, the Bologna criteria were questioned because of the persistent heterogeneity among POR patients and the inability to provide management strategies. Based on these facts, a more recent classification, the POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) classification, was developed to provide a homogeneous and refined definition of POR that significantly reduces the heterogeneity of the Bologna criteria definition of POR and helps in the clinical handling and counseling of patients. In this review, we discuss the impact of the POSEIDON classification on the clinical management of patients with POR.

Heterogeneity Among Poor Ovarian Responders According to Bologna Criteria Results in Diverging Cumulative Live Birth Rates

Research Question: Does reproductive outcome differ among the various subgroups of poor ovarian responders according to the Bologna criteria? Design: This was a retrospective, cohort study including poor ovarian responders according to Bologna criteria, undergoing an ICSI cycle from January 2011 until December 2017. Patients were divided into four groups: (1) age ≥ 40 years and abnormal ovarian response test, (2) age ≥ 40 years, abnormal ovarian reserve test and one previous poor response to stimulation, (3) age ≥ 40 years and one previous poor response, (4) abnormal ovarian reserve test and one previous poor response. Result(s): Overall, 846 cycles in 706 Bologna poor ovarian responders were included: 310 cycles in group 1, 169 in group 2, 52 in group 3, and 315 in group 4. There were significant differences in age, antral follicle count, antimüllerian hormone, cycle cancellation rates, and number of retrieved oocytes between the four groups. Live birth and cumulative live birth rate differed significantly between groups and were highest in Group 4 [Live birth rate: 7.4% (1) vs. 4.1% (2) vs. 5.8% (3) vs. 13.4% (4), p = 0.001 and Cumulative live birth rate: 8.3% (1) vs. 4.1 % (2) vs. 9.6% (3) vs. 16.8% (4) p < 0.001]. The multivariate GEE analysis revealed that the number of MIIs and the Bologna criteria pattern were the variables which were significantly associated with cumulative live birth rate. Conclusion(s): Poor ovarian responders represent a heterogeneous population. The young subpopulation has a better clinical prognosis in terms of fresh and cumulative live birth rate.

Stop GnRH-Agonist Combined With Multiple-Dose GnRH-Antagonist Protocol for Patients With "Genuine" Poor Response Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for IVF

Objective: To examine whether the Stop GnRH-agonist combined with multiple-dose GnRH-antagonist protocol may improve conventional IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle in poor ovarian response (POR) patients. Design: Cohort historical, proof of concept study. Setting: Tertiary, University affiliated Medical Center. Patient(s): Thirty POR patients, defined according to the Bologna criteria, who underwent a subsequent Stop GnRH-agonist combined with multiple-dose GnRH-antagonist controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol, within 3 months of the previous failed conventional IVF/ICSI cycle, were included. For the purposes of this study, we eliminated a bias in this selection by including only "genuine" poor responder patients, defined as those who yielded up to 3 oocytes following COH with a minimal gonadotropin daily dose of 300 IU. Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of oocytes retrieved, number of top-quality embryos, COH variables. Result(s): The Stop GnRH-agonist combined with multiple-dose GnRH-antagonist COH protocol revealed significantly higher numbers of follicles >13 mm on the day of hCG administration, higher numbers of oocytes retrieved, and top-quality embryos (TQE) with an acceptable clinical pregnancy rate (16.6%). Moreover, as expected, patients undergoing the Stop GnRH-agonist combined with multiple-dose GnRH-antagonist COH protocol required significantly higher doses and a longer duration of gonadotropins stimulation. Conclusion(s): The combined Stop GnRH-ag/GnRH-ant COH protocol is a valuable tool in the armamentarium for treating "genuine" poor ovarian responders. Further, large prospective studies are needed to elucidate its role in POR and to characterize the appropriate patients subgroup (before initiating ovarian stimulation) that may benefit from the combined Stop GnRH-ag/GnRH-ant COH protocol.

Luteal phase after conventional stimulation in the same ovarian cycle might improve the management of poor responder patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria: a case series

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical contribution of luteal-phase stimulation (LPS) to follicular-phase stimulation (FPS) in a single ovarian cycle (DuoStim) for poor responder patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria.

DESIGN

Observational study (years 2015-2017) including women satisfying ≥2 of the following characteristics: maternal age ≥40 years and/or ≤3 oocytes retrieved after previous conventional stimulation and/or reduced ovarian reserve (i.e., antral follicle count <7 follicles or antimüllerian hormone <1.1 ng/mL). The LPS was started regardless of the outcome of the FPS.

SETTING

Private in vitro fertilization center.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 100 of 297 patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria chose to undergo DuoStim.

INTERVENTION(S)

The FPS and LPS with the same antagonist protocol and agonist trigger, intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated sperm, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies, and vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The contribution of LPS to the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per intention-to-treat (ITT).

RESULT(S)

Patients (100) underwent FPS (maternal age, 42.1 ± 1.4 y; previous in vitro fertilization cycles with ≤3 collected oocytes, 0.7 ± 0.9; antral follicle count, 3.8 ± 1.2 follicles; and antimüllerian hormone, 0.56 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Ninety-one patients completed DuoStim. All patients were included in the analysis. More oocytes were obtained after LPS with similar developmental and chromosomal competence as paired FPS-derived ones. The CLBR per ITT increased from 7% after FPS to 15% after DuoStim. Conversely, the CLBR per ITT among the 197 patients that chose a conventional controlled ovarian stimulation strategy was 8%, as only 17 patients who were not pregnant returned for a second stimulation after the first attempt (drop-out rate, 81%).

CONCLUSION(S)

The LPS-derived oocytes increased the CLBR per ITT in a single ovarian cycle in patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria. The DuoStim strategy is promising to manage this thorny population of patients, especially to avoid discontinuation after a first failed attempt.

The effect of intra-ovarian androgen priming on ovarian reserve parameters in Bologna poor responders

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the effects of long-term androgen priming in Bologna criteria poor ovarian reserve (POR) patients undergoing IVF?

DESIGN

This open-label pilot study was conducted at IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It included consecutive patients aged 18-41 years who fulfilled Bologna criteria for POR undergoing intra-ovarian androgen priming and ultra-long down-regulation with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), followed by stimulation with gonadotrophins and GnRH antagonist co-treatment for IVF (n = 30). Priming consisted of low-dose recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG) 260 IU every second day plus letrozole 2.5 mg/day, both for 8 weeks; priming stopped on the first day of ovarian stimulation. The primary endpoint was serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration 8 weeks after priming. Secondary endpoints included antral follicle count (AFC) (2-10 mm), serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), testosterone and progesterone levels.

RESULTS

Circulating testosterone, progesterone, oestradiol and HCG levels remained unchanged during androgen priming; the mean AMH level decreased steadily from 0.49 ng/ml (baseline) to 0.33 ng/ml (8 weeks). AFC was 4-5 throughout the study. A mean of 1.1 ± 0.9 good transferable embryos were obtained; embryo transfer was performed in 15 patients; no ongoing pregnancies were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term intra-ovarian androgen priming in the current set-up had no significant effect on hormone levels, AFC and recruitable follicles after ovarian stimulation in Bologna POR patients undergoing IVF. Further studies are needed to explore other androgen priming protocols and the clinical value of priming regimens in IVF.

"Delayed start" gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol in Bologna poor-responders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To evaluate the effectiveness of delay start protocol in improving the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in poor responders according to Bologna's criteria. Only randomized controlled trial (RCT) of infertile women undergoing a single IVF/ICSI cycle with ovarian stimulation protocol based on daily injections with delay start protocol or a conventional antagonist protocol were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO before starting the data extraction (CRD42019128284). Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, number of oocytes, number of MII oocytes, stimulation length, gonadotropin amount and cancellation rate were considered as secondary outcomes. Four randomized controlled trials were included with a total number of 380 participants. 189 patients were included in the delayed start protocol and 191 were allocated to the comparison group. The results showed a significant higher clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in patients allocated to the intervention. Data from all studies failed to detect a statistical difference between groups in terms of ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), miscarriage rate (MR), Total-Oocyte, MII-Oocyte and Total-Embryos. Gonadotropin amount (GA) was significantly lower in the intervention group in comparison to controls, with no difference in stimulation length (SL) and cancelled cycle (CC). Delayed start GnRH-antagonist protocol may reduce GA and improve CPR in poor ovarian responder according to Bologna criteria.

The impact of dehydroepiandrosterone in poor ovarian responders on assisted reproduction technology treatment

One in six couples worldwide will experience at least one infertility problem during their reproductive years. Between 5.6% and 35.1% of women will exhibit poor ovarian response. A variety of methods have been applied to improve ovarian response, including dehydroepiandrosterone. In the ovaries, dehydroepiandrosterone promotes follicular development and granulosa cell proliferation by increasing intraovarian androgen concentrations while simultaneously enhancing the level of follicular insulin-like growth factor-1, which promotes folliculogenesis. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may improve in vitro fertilization outcomes and ovarian response in patients with poor ovarian response. However, a few questions still loom over the effectiveness of dehydroepiandrosterone.

Is corifollitropin alfa effective in controlled ovarian stimulation among all poor ovarian responders? A retrospective comparative study

Several studies have compared the effectiveness of corifollitropin alfa versus daily gonadotropins in poor ovarian responders (PORs) undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), showing conflicting results in terms of IVF outcomes. Given the heterogeneity of patients included in the classification of POR according to 'Bologna criteria', the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of corifollitropin alfa in two different categories of POR distinguished according to patients' antral follicle count (AFC). We retrospectively evaluated 104 infertile POR, split into two groups according to AFC (Group A ≤ 5; Group B > 5) and subgroups according to the ovarian stimulation regimen (corifollitropin alfa plus daily gonadotropins (Subgroup 1) versus daily gonadotropins alone (Subgroup 2)). Outcome measures were total oocytes, MII oocytes, total embryos, follicular output rate (FORT), implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR), and live birth rate (LBR). Subgroup A1 experienced a lower number of total oocytes, MII oocytes, total embryos, and FORT (p < .05) in comparison to Subgroup A2, while no difference was found when comparing Subgroups B1 and B2. No difference was found between subgroups even in terms of IR, CPR, MR, and LBR. In conclusion, corifollitropin alfa may be as effective as daily gonadotropins in POR with AFC > 5 undergoing COS, while it might be inferior to daily gonadotropins in POR with AFC ≤ 5.

Do young women with unexplained infertility show manifestations of decreased ovarian reserve?

PURPOSE

To investigate whether unexplained infertility at a young age demonstrates manifestations of decreased ovarian reserve.

METHODS

A total of 100 women were divided into two equally sized groups. The study group comprised women aged ≤ 37 years diagnosed with unexplained infertility, and the control group included age-matched women with either mechanical factor or severe male factor infertility.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in their basic characteristics. Overall, women with unexplained infertility presented with inferior ovarian reserve results set against women of the control group. The number of ≥ 14-mm follicles on the day of hCG administration was significantly lower in the study compared with the control group (7.0 ± 4.5 vs. 10.4 ± 4.1 follicles, respectively, P < 0.001). Likewise, basal serum FSH was higher in the study compared with the control group (8.4 ± 5.5 vs. 6.4 ± 1.7 IU/L, respectively, P = 0.015), while antral follicle count was lower (10.9 ± 6.6 vs. 16.2 ± 6.6 follicles, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, women with unexplained infertility required a higher total dose of FSH for ovarian stimulation (2,923 ± 1,701 vs. 2,196 ± 941 IU/L, respectively, P = 0.010), but exhibited a lower number of retrieved oocytes (9.3 ± 6.3 vs. 15.6 ± 7.9 oocytes, respectively, P < 0.001), alongside a lower number of achieved embryos (5.3 ± 4.0 vs. 8.0 ± 4.7 embryos, respectively, P = 0.002). Interestingly, the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate was not significantly different between the two groups (44% vs. 58%, respectively, P = 0.163).

CONCLUSIONS

Young women ≤ 37 years of age with unexplained infertility have clear manifestations of sub-optimal ovarian reserve set against controls. Our findings suggest that unexplained infertility at a young age may be a risk factor for developing poor ovarian response, specifically as a quantitative, rather than a qualitative, risk factor.

Modified natural cycle IVF versus conventional stimulation in advanced-age Bologna poor responders

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) differ between modified natural cycle IVF (MNC-IVF) and conventional high-dose ovarian stimulation (HDOS) in advanced-age Bologna poor responders?

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with poor ovarian response (POR) attending a tertiary referral university hospital from 1 January 2011 to 1 March 2017. All women who fulfilled the Bologna criteria for POR and aged ≥40 years who underwent their first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle in the study centre were included.

RESULTS

In total, 476 advanced-age Bologna poor responder patients were included in the study: 189 in the MNC-IVF group and 287 in the HDOS group. OPR per patient were significantly lower in the MNC-IVF group (5/189, 2.6%) compared with the HDOS group (29/287, 10.1%) (P = 0.002). However, after adjustment for relevant confounders (number of oocytes and presence of at least one top-quality embryo), the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the type of treatment strategy (HDOS versus MNC-IVF) was not significantly associated with OPR (odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 0.9-7.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In advanced-age Bologna poor responders, MNC-IVF, which is a more patient-friendly approach, could be a reasonable alternative in this difficult-to-treat group of women.

Comparison of GnRH agonist versus luteal estradiol GnRH antagonist protocol using transdermal testosterone in poor responders

Objective:

Transdermal testosterone has been used in different doses and in different stimulation protocols in poor responders. The aim of the present study is to compare the luteal estradiol/GnRH antagonists protocol versus long GnRH agonists in poor responder patients according to the Bologna criteria, in which transdermal testosterone has been used prior to the stimulation with gonadotropins.

Methods:

In this retrospective analysis, a total of 141 poor responder patients according to the Bologna criteria were recruited. All patients were treated with transdermal testosterone preceding ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins during 5 days. In 53 patients we used the conventional antagonist protocol (Group 1). In 88 patients (GrH pituitary suppression was achieved by leuprolide acetate according to the conventional long protocol (Group 2). We analyzed the ovarian stimulation parameters and IVF outcomes.

Results:

Comparing groups 1 and 2, there were no significant differences between cancellation rates and number of oocytes retrieved. However the total gonadotropin dose used and the mean length of stimulation were significantly lower in group 1 when compared to group 2. There were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes; however, there was a slight increase in the implantation rate in group 1 vis-a-vis group 2, although statistical significance was not achieved.

Conclusion:

TT in poor responder patients can be effective both with the conventional agonist's long protocol and with the conventional antagonist's protocol. However, short regimes with previous estradiol antagonists in the luteal phase facilitate ovarian stimulation by shortening the days of treatment and the consumption of gonadotropins

Dual stimulation using corifollitropin alfa in 54 Bologna criteria poor ovarian responders - a case series

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the reproductive outcomes of Bologna criteria poor responders undergoing dual stimulation (DuoStim) and subsequent cryopreserved embryo transfer?

DESIGN

Case series of patients treated during the period August 2015 to March 2018 in a public fertility clinic. The study included 54 Bologna criteria poor responder IVF patients younger than 42 years receiving a follicular stimulation (DuoStim 1) followed by a luteal phase stimulation (DuoStim 2) within the same cycle, both stimulations being performed with corifollitropin alfa followed by a subsequent cryopreserved embryo transfer cycle. The primary endpoint was the number of oocytes retrieved in DuoStim 1 compared with DuoStim 2. The secondary endpoint was ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) at 12 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

The mean number of oocytes retrieved in DuoStim 1 and DuoStim 2 was 2.4 ± 2.1 versus 3.7 ± 2.6, respectively; thus, a total of 1.2 (95% CI, 0.46-1.96) more oocytes was retrieved in DuoStim 2 compared with DuoStim 1 (P = 0.002). The OPR at 12 weeks was 20% (11/54) in this poor ovarian response population with a mean age of 36.7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Luteal phase stimulation results in more oocytes in poor responders compared with follicular phase stimulation. DuoStim, using corifollitropin alfa followed by individualized FSH dosing, appears to be an alternative to conventional follicular phase stimulation, decreasing the risk of cycle cancellation.

Cumulative live birth rates in more than 3,000 patients with poor ovarian response: a 15-year survey of final in vitro fertilization outcome

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cumulative live birth rates (CLBRs) in women with poor ovarian response (POR) diagnosed according to the Bologna criteria.

DESIGN

A 15-year population-based observational cohort study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Between 2002 and 2016 a total of 3,391 women with POR were followed from their first fresh, nondonor IVF cycle until they had a live birth or discontinued treatment. All IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and cryocycles were included.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Live birth rates per initiated cycle, the conservative and optimistic CLBR for multiple IVF cycles.

RESULT(S)

The CLBRs after six IVF cycles were 14.9% for the conservative and 35.3% for the optimistic estimate. The CLBR decreased from 22% for women ≤30 years to 18.3% for women aged 31-34 years, 17.2% for 35-37 years, 13.5% for 38-40 years, 10.5% for 41-43 years, and 4.4% among women >43 years in the conservative analysis. There was a significant decreased CLBR starting at age 38 years compared with women <35 years. After adjusting for age, antral follicle count, basal FSH level, and IVF cycle number, natural cycles were associated with the lowest CLBR among all the protocols, and this difference was significant compared with the other protocols.

CONCLUSION(S)

For women with POR, the CLBR declined with increasing age. Women with advanced age (≥38 years) achieved a significantly lower CLBR than young poor responders (<35 years). Very low CLBR was associated with women aged >43 years old. Natural cycle IVF is of no benefit for these patients.

Ovarian Reserve Markers to Identify Poor Responders in the Context of Poseidon Classification

It is well-known that poor ovarian reserve is a cause of infertility, poor response to gonadotrophin stimulation and poor success rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Some years ago a consensus was elaborated on precise criteria which can lead to a correct identification of poor responders (the Bologna criteria). More recently, the POSEIDON group has proposed a new stratified classification of patients with low prognosis, also with the aim of providing clinical indications for the management of these patients. A literature search was carried out for studies that investigated the ability of ovarian reserve markers, in particular AMH and AFC, to predict poor ovarian response in IVF cycles; secondly, studies regarding the Bologna criteria and their prognostic value were analyzed and available literature on POSEIDON classification was reported. The most recent markers of ovarian reserve (serum AMH and ultrasound AFC) have shown to provide a direct and accurate measurement of ovarian follicle pool. These markers have generally shown comparable predictive power for ovarian response and a number of retrieved oocytes in IVF cycles. "Abnormal ovarian reserve test" is a very important parameter both in the Bologna criteria and in the POSEIDON classification. Several studies have already been published about the reproductive outcome of patients defined as poor responders according to the ESHRE Bologna criteria: all of them agree on the poor IVF outcome and low pregnancy rate of these patients. Instead, being the POSEIDON classification of very recent publication, the efficacy of the POSEIDON approach in improving management and outcomes of POR patients has yet to be tested and validated with future prospective clinical trials. Prediction of poor response may help clinicians choose the stimulation protocol with the aim of gaining patient compliance and cost reduction, and many efforts have been made by researchers in this sense, including the formulation of the Bologna criteria and of the POSEIDON classification, in which the ovarian reserve markers (AMH and AFC) play a fundamental role.

Future Perspectives of POSEIDON Stratification for Clinical Practice and Research

A total of 50% of patients undergoing IVF treatment has previously been estimated to fulfill the POSEIDON classification criteria; importantly, although the reproductive prognosis differs between patients, POSEIDON patients share the same characteristic of a low ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation-independent of age. POSEIDON patients require focused attention as regards ovarian stimulation in order to increase the chances of having at least one euploid blastocyst for transfer-the success criterion for stimulation set forth by the POSEIDON Group. The key to success seems to be individualization in all steps of treatment. In this perspective article we discuss the future impact of the POSEIDON stratification for daily clinical practice as well as for research.

Management Strategies for POSEIDON Groups 3 and 4

In the POSEIDON classification, patients belonging to groups 3 and 4 share the same common feature of a poor ovarian reserve which independently of age renders them at high risk of a poor reproductive outcome. Overall, POSEIDON groups 1-4 constitute approximately 47% of patients attending assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. With the increasing delay in childbearing, POSEIDON group 4 seems to increase in numbers now in some centers constituting more than 50% of the total POSEIDON population, whereas group 3 patients constitute approximately 10%. Both POSEIDON groups 3 and 4 patients require special attention as regards pre-treatment strategy, ovarian stimulation, adjuvant treatment, and ovulation trigger strategy in order to optimize the probability of having at least one euploid blastocyst for transfer. Although more evidence is needed, recent advances seem to have increased the reproductive outcomes in the poor prognosis patient. The key to success is individualization in all steps of ART treatment. Herein, we review the recent evidence for the management of POSEIDON groups 3 and 4.

Cumulative Live Birth Rates Following Stimulation With Corifollitropin Alfa Compared With hp-hMG in a GnRH Antagonist Protocol in Poor Ovarian Responders

Background: Bologna criteria poor ovarian responders have a very low prognosis. Although, it has been proposed that LH supplementation could be beneficial in women with previous hypo-response to FSH. There are no studies comparing the cumulative live birth rates (LBRs) between corifollitropin alfa (CFA) and highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin (hp-hMG). Objective: To compare cumulative LBRs in Bologna poor ovarian responders undergoing ovarian stimulation with CFA followed by hp-hMG vs. hp-hMG alone in a GnRH antagonist protocol. Design: This is a retrospective cohort study. We included in total 917 poor responders fulfilling the Bologna criteria for poor ovarian response (POR) at a university-affiliated tertiary center from January 2011 until March 2017. Patients were administered either fixed daily doses of 300-450 IU of hp-hMG (group A) or a single dose of 150 μg of CFA followed by daily injections of ≥300 IU of hp-hMG from Day 8 of stimulation until the day of ovulation trigger (group B), in a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. Results: LBRs after fresh embryo transfer (ET) were similar in group A 71/510 (14%) and B 42/407 (10%). Cumulative LBR per cycle was significantly higher in group A (16.9%) compared to group B (11.8%); (P = 0.03). However, logistic regression analysis showed no association between the type of gonadotropin administered and cumulative LBR. Only age was significantly associated with cumulative LBR (OR = 0.93, P = 0.007). Conclusion: Cumulative LBRs are similar in Bologna poor responders stimulated with CFA followed by hp-hMG compared to hp-hMG monotreatment in an antagonist protocol.

Does the "delayed start" protocol with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist improve the pregnancy outcome in Bologna poor responders? a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Recently, a novel approach with delaying the start of controlled ovarian stimulation along with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist pretreatment for 7 days after estrogen priming for further suppression of endogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the early follicular phase, resulting in more FSH-responsive follicles and thus improving synchronous follicular development was introduced. Two clinical trials have examined this strategy and reported controversial results. This study aimed to compare the effect of delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol and standard GnRH antagonist in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at infertility department of Royan Institute from January 2017 to June 2018. Poor ovarian response was defined according to the Bologna criteria. The eligible women were randomly allocated into an experimental and control groups. In experimental group, patients received delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol with estrogen priming followed by early follicular-phase GnRH antagonist treatment for 7 days before ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin and in control group, patients treated with estrogen priming antagonist protocol. IVF/ICSI outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Among all the 250 patients examined 156 women were eligible for study and finally 120 patients were allocated to intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. Demographic characteristics and hormonal profiles of the patients did not differ between groups. The statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between groups regarding the total dose of used gonadotropins (P < 0.001), stimulation duration (P < 0.001), number of retrieved oocytes (P = 0.01) and top quality embryo (P < 0.001) and also cancellation (P = 0.002) and fertilization rates (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of present results the delayed-start protocol in poor responders can improve the fertilization rate and quality of embryos and reduce the cycle cancellation but have no significant effect on clinical pregnancy rate; however, larger randomized clinical trials are required to compare it with other protocols.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT, NCT03134690. Registered 1 May 2017 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrial.gov / NCT03134690.

Pituitary suppression protocol among Bologna poor responders undergoing ovarian stimulation using corifollitropin alfa: does it play any role?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the type of pituitary suppression protocol influence cumulative live birth rate (LBR) in Bologna poor responders treated with corifollitropin alfa (CFA)?

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis including poor responder patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria who underwent their first intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle using a CFA-based ovarian stimulation protocol between 2011 and 2017. The starting dose of CFA was 150 µg. The primary outcome was cumulative LBR, defined as the first delivery of a live born resulting from the fresh and all the subsequent frozen embryo transfers.

RESULTS

A total of 717 cycles were divided into three groups: A (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone [GnRH] antagonist protocol, n = 407), B (long GnRH agonist protocol, n = 224) and C (short GnRH agonist protocol, n = 86). Cumulative LBR did not significantly differ between groups (20.1% versus 17.4% versus 14.0%; P = 0.35). Significantly more patients in Group A had supernumerary embryos cryopreserved (28.3% versus 18.4% versus 11.6%; P < 0.001). Days of additional highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin 300 IU injections following CFA were significantly different between Groups A, B and C (3 versus 5 versus 3 days; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of oocytes retrieved remained an independent predictive factor (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.31) for cumulative LBR.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor responders according to the Bologna criteria in whom CFA is used for ovarian stimulation had comparable cumulative LBR, irrespective of the type of pituitary suppression. An increase in number of oocytes retrieved is an independent variable related to cumulative LBR.

Bologna criteria are predictive for ovarian response and live birth in subsequent ovarian stimulation cycles

PURPOSE

The ESHRE Working Group on Poor Ovarian Response defined a set of variables to define poor responders, named as the Bologna Criteria, but several concerns have been raised regarding their applicability and prognostic significance. In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of the criteria, we retrospectively analyzed the ovarian response and live birth rates in women who had consecutive IVF attempts, according to their fulfillment of the criteria.

METHODS

The study group comprised 1153 and 288 women who had two and three consecutive ovarian stimulation (OS) cycles between May 2010 and January 2017, respectively. We compared the ovarian response and live birth rates in subsequent IVF attempts of Bologna criteria-defined poor responder women and women who did not fulfill the Bologna criteria.

RESULTS

Women who fulfilled the criteria achieved higher rates of poor ovarian response (76.2% vs 14.3% and 60.3% vs 13.4%) and lower live birth rates (14.6% vs 33.3% and 12.9% vs 34.3%) in their second and third OS cycles, respectively (both p < 0.001) compared to women who did not fulfill the criteria. The former group also had lower number of oocytes and lower likelihood of having embryo transfer in their subsequent OS cycles. The criteria were able to predict both ovarian response and clinical outcome in the subsequent cycle in < 40-year-old women, whereas they were predictive only for the ovarian response but not for the clinical outcome in women over 40 years of age, who exhibited very low live birth rates regardless of the fulfillment of the criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that the Bologna criteria are clinically relevant in terms of prediction of ovarian response and clinical outcome in subsequent OS cycles.

Six-week pretreatment with growth hormone improves clinical outcomes of poor ovarian responders undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: A self-controlled clinical study

AIM

The purpose was to explore whether the 6 weeks of growth hormone (GH) pretreatment could increase the live birth rate of poor ovarian responders (POR).

METHODS

This self-controlled, retrospective study was performed among 380 POR who had GH adjuvant (GH+) at a university-affiliated hospital in Guangzhou, China, from October 2010 to April 2016. Growth hormone was injected daily beginning with the previous menstruation and maintained until ovum pickup, for approximately 6 weeks. Clinical variables between the GH+ cycle and the other GH-free (GH-) cycle of each patient were compared. Both cycles were conducted with a similar conventional control ovarian hyperstimulation protocol for in vitro fertilization treatment. One to one case-control matching was performed to adjust essential confounding factors between GH+ cycles and GH- cycles.

RESULTS

GH pretreatment improved embryo quality (1.14 ± 1.50 vs 0.11 ± 0.48, P < 0.05) and decreased miscarriage (18.8% vs 80.0%, P < 0.05) significantly, resulting in an increase in the live birth rate (23.5% vs 3.9%, P < 0.05). The oocyte utilization rate in GH+ cycles was remarkably improved, even with older patients and more failed previous attempts. Significant improvement in embryo quality was shown by an increased number of good-quality embryos and improved oocyte utilization rate after matching.

CONCLUSIONS

The longer term use of low-dose GH administration for 6 weeks could be beneficial for the utilization of oocytes and for finally increasing the live birth rates of POR.

Risk factors for inadequate response to ovarian stimulation in assisted reproduction cycles: systematic review

PURPOSE

Controlled ovarian stimulation is a fundamental part of a successful assisted reproduction treatment, and recognizing patients at risk of a poor response allows the development of targeted research to propose new treatment strategies for this specific group. The objective of this systematic review was to determine risk factors for poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled stimulation in assisted reproduction cycles described in the literature.

METHODS

The primary databases MEDLINE, Cochrane, LILACS, and SciELO were consulted, using specific terms with a restriction for articles in English or Portuguese published in the last 10 years.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that environmental endocrine disruptors, tobacco, genetic mutations, endometriomas, ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, and short menstrual cycles are factors that influence stimulation in assisted reproduction cycles. Further studies are necessary for characterizing patients with prior risk factors.

Conventional versus minimal ovarian stimulation: an intra-patient comparison of ovarian response in poor-responder women according to Bologna Criteria

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is minimal ovarian stimulation (MOS) as effective as conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) in ovarian response and embryo quality in the same 46 poor-responder patients according to the Bologna criteria?

DESIGN

An intra-patient comparison of patients undergoing both protocols. Ovaries were stimulated with either a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol and a combination of recombinant FSH and highly purified human menotrophin (HP-HMG) daily (COS), or with the use of clomiphene citrate 50 mg daily and 150 IU of HP-HMG or recombinant FSH every other day from simulation day 4 (MOS).

RESULTS

After MOS, significantly more good-quality embryos (1.0 ± 1.2 versus 0.3 ± 0.6) (P = 0.002), oocytes (3.2 ± 1.9 versus 2.0 ± 1.8) (P = 0.002), and mature (metaphase II) oocytes (2.6 ± 1.7 versus 1.6 ± 1.7) (P = 0.001) were obtained. In COS cycles, a significantly higher total gonadotrophin dose was needed per good-quality embryo (+2194 IU; 95% CI 618 to 3170).

CONCLUSIONS

In poor responder patients, MOS is a good alternative when COS has failed, or even as a first-line treatment. It offered a significantly greater number of good-quality embryos as well as a higher number of oocytes, using significantly lower doses of gonadotrophins per oocyte and embryo obtained.

Corifollitropin alfa followed by highly purified HMG versus recombinant FSH in young poor ovarian responders: a multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial

STUDY QUESTION

Does administration of corifollitropin alfa followed by highly purified (hp) HMG result in higher ongoing pregnancy rates compared with daily recombinant FSH (rFSH) in young poor responders?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Corifollitropin alfa followed by hp-HMG does not increase ongoing pregnancy rates compared with rFSH in young poor responders, although more supernumerary cryopreserved embryos were obtained with corifollitropin alfa and hp-HMG.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Poor ovarian response remains one of the main therapeutic challenges in women undergoing ovarian stimulation, given that very low live birth rates of 6% have been reported in this particular group of infertile patients. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised that a degree of heterogeneity remains, as the prognostic effect of individual factors is still unclear, particularly for the young poor responder group. The rationale for conducting the current randomized trial was based on the results of a previous pilot study demonstrating promising results with the administration of hp-HMG following corifollitropin alpha in women younger than 40 years of age, fulfilling the 'Bologna' criteria.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A multicenter, phase III, superiority, randomized trial was conducted using a parallel two-arm design. The study included 152 patients younger than 40 years old and fulfilling the 'Bologna' criteria for poor ovarian response, from one tertiary referral centre in Europe and one tertiary referral centre in Asia. Enrolment was performed from March 2013 to May 2016.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Eligible patients were randomized to either administration of 150 μg corifollitropin alfa followed by 300 IU hp-HMG (Group A) or to 300 IU of daily recombinant FSH (Group B) in a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. The randomization sequence was created using a computer generated randomization list stratified by centre, using 1:1 allocation. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate (defined as the presence of an intrauterine gestational sac with an embryonic pole demonstrating cardiac activity at 9-10 weeks of gestation). Secondary outcomes included embryo cryopreservation rates, clinical and biochemical pregnancy rates and number of oocytes retrieved.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Overall, 152 poor ovarian responders defined by the 'Bologna' criteria were included in the study. Using an intention-to treat analysis, the ongoing pregnancy rates did not differ significantly between Group A 11/77 (14.3%) and Group B 11/70 (15.7%), absolute difference: -0.4 (-11.5 to 10.8), OR = 0.9 (0.4-2.4). Biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates and the number of oocytes retrieved were also comparable between the two groups. Nevertheless, more patients in the corifollitropin alfa group had cryopreserved embryos compared to the rFSH group [22 (28.6%) versus 10 (14.3%), OR = 2.4 (1.01-5.5)]. Incidentally, Asian patients had significantly lower cancellation rates compared to European poor responders [2/64 (3.1%) versus 17/83 (20.4%), OR = 0.12 (0.03-0.5)]. This discrepancy could be explained by the fact that Asian women were better prognosis patients than European patients, with significantly lower FSH [9.8 (5.3) versus 11.5 (5.4), P = 0.017] and significantly higher AMH [1.1 (0.9) versus 0.4 (0.3), P-value <0.001] levels.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Ongoing pregnancy rates close to 14% for both treatment groups differ significantly from the hypothesized primary outcome rates used in the power calculation. Therefore, our randomized trial might have been underpowered to detect smaller differences. The use of multiple secondary outcomes and multiple comparisons could have increased a Type 1 error. Finally, although the chance of selection biases remains low given the nature of the infertile population, the open-label design could have been a limitation.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Poor ovarian response represents a challenge and although a specific protocol may have increased the number of cryopreserved embryos, no difference was observed in ongoing pregnancy rates. Our study, being one of the largest RCTs in 'Bologna' criteria poor responders, highlights that baseline characteristics may play a crucial role in clinical prognosis of this population. Given that ovarian stimulation using novel protocols does not seem to significantly increase pregnancy rates even in young women, we suggest that future clinical research should focus on increasing the number of recruitable follicles and on oocyte quality rather than evaluating different stimulation protocols.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

No external funding was used for this study. P.D., N.L.V., N.A.V.H., A.V., M.T.H., M.C., A.T.L. and A.V.V. have no conflict of interest to report. C.B. has received unrestricted research grants from MSD and Ferring as well as honoraria for lectures from Abbott, MSD, Merck and Ferring. P.H has received unrestricted research grants from MSD, Merck and Ferring as well as honoraria for lectures from Merck, MSD and IBSA. H.T. has received unrestricted research grants from MSD, Merck, Ferring, Cook, Roche Diagnostics, Besins International and Goodlife as well as consultation fees for research project in female infertility from Merck Finox, Abbott and ObsEva. N.P.P. has received unrestricted research grants from MSD, Ferring, Roche Diagnostics and Besins International as well as honoraria for lectures from MSD, Merck and Ferring.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The EUDRACT number of the trial was 2013-000583-29 and the study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01816321).

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

19 February 2013.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT ENROLMENT

28 February 2013.

Ovarian Stimulation in Poor Responders: Have We Made Progress?

BACKGROUND

Poor ovarian responders (POR) pose a challenge to a physicians' ability to choose a stimulation protocol that maximizes the number of oocytes harvested and their chances of conception with multiple protocols aimed at improving pregnancy rates in this poor prognosis population. The Bologna criteria standardized the diagnosis of POR and allows for a more homogenous patient population in clinical trials.

METHODS

A structured review of the literature, which encompasses research on Bologna-defined POR, identified several proposed protocols to optimize pregnancy rates in poor responders. In addition, we reviewed the utility of utilizing oocyte quality enhancers such as luteal pre-treatment, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and growth hormone (GH).

CONCLUSION

Controlled ovarian stimulation strategies with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors and clomiphene citrate have shown similar pregnancy outcomes to higher dose gonadotropin in GnRH antagonist protocols. While the standardization of Bologna defined POR has allowed for more comparable patient populations to study the effectiveness of different protocols for ovarian stimulation, there is currently no convincing data that has determined the ideal protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation in this patient population. Further research is needed to identify optimal treatment strategies.

Individualized controlled ovarian stimulation in expected poor-responders: an update

Controlled ovarian stimulation with subsequent multi-follicular development continues to be a keystone in ART. Evidence supports an individualized approach to ovarian stimulation, usually involving combinations of ovarian reserve tests, body mass index and age to tailor the exogenous gonadotropin dose, and potentially adjuvant treatment aiming for high safety and a shortening of time to live birth. While stimulation and trigger concepts have been developed successfully in normo- and hyperresponder patients, the poor responder patient remains difficult to manage. However, recent advances in definition and classification of the expected poor ovarian responder patient might enable a more accurate and clinically useful interpretation of new treatment concepts in a more homogenous study population. In the present review, we discuss the classification of the expected poor ovarian responder patient as well as clinically useful measurements of efficacy for controlled ovarian stimulation, and finally, we discuss the evidence for clinical management of patients with expected poor ovarian response, including adjuvant treatments such as growth hormone, androgens, and LH activity.In conclusion, the best available evidence supports that the treatment of the expected poor ovarian response patient should be individualized in all steps of ART, including the choice of GnRH analogue, the gonadotropin type and dose, ovulation trigger, and the possible use of adjuvant therapies.

Efficacy and safety of follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in ART: a randomized controlled trial in poor ovarian responders

STUDY QUESTION

How does the efficacy and safety of a fixed-ratio combination of recombinant human FSH plus recombinant human LH (follitropin alfa plus lutropin alfa; r-hFSH/r-hLH) compare with that of r-hFSH monotherapy for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients with poor ovarian response (POR)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were comparable between treatment groups and the safety profile of both treatment regimens was favourable.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Although meta-analyses of clinical trials have suggested some beneficial effect on reproductive outcomes with r-hLH supplementation in patients with POR, the definitions of POR were heterogeneous and limit the comparability across studies.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Phase III, single-blind, active-comparator, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. Patients were followed for a single ART cycle. A total of 939 women were randomized (1:1) to receive either r-hFSH/r-hLH or r-hFSH. Randomization, stratified by study site and participant age, was conducted via an interactive voice response system.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women classified as having POR, based on criteria incorporating the ESHRE Bologna criteria, were down-regulated with a long GnRH agonist protocol and following successful down-regulation were randomized (1:1) to COS with r-hFSH/r-hLH or r-hFSH alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was the number of oocytes retrieved following COS. Safety endpoints included the incidence of adverse events, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Post hoc analyses investigated safety outcomes and correlations between live birth and baseline characteristics (age and number of oocytes retrieved in previous ART treatment cycles or serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)). The significance of the treatment effect was tested by generalized linear models (Poisson regression for counts and logistic regression for binary endpoints) adjusting for age and country.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of 949 subjects achieving down-regulation, 939 were randomized to r-hFSH/r-hLH (n = 477) or r-hFSH (n = 462) and received treatment.

Efficacy assessment: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, the mean (SD) number of oocytes retrieved (primary endpoint) was 3.3 (2.71) in the r-hFSH/r-hLH group compared with 3.6 (2.82) in the r-hFSH group (between-group difference not statistically significant). The observed difference between treatment groups (r-hFSH/r-hLH and r-hFSH, respectively) for efficacy outcomes decreased over the course of pregnancy (biochemical pregnancy rate: 17.3% versus 23.9%; clinical pregnancy rate: 14.1% versus 16.8%; ongoing pregnancy rate: 11.0% versus 12.4%; and live birth rate: 10.6% versus 11.7%). An interaction (identified post hoc) between baseline characteristics related to POR and treatment effect was noted for live birth, with r-hFSH/r-hLH associated with a higher live birth rate for patients with moderate or severe POR, whereas r-hFSH was associated with a higher live birth rate for those with mild POR. A post hoc logistic regression analysis indicated that the incidence of total pregnancy outcome failure was lower in the r-hFSH/r-hLH group (6.7%) compared with the r-hFSH group (12.4%) with an odds ratio of 0.52 (95% CI 0.33, 0.82; P = 0.005).

Safety assessment: The overall proportion of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurring during or after r-hFSH/r-hLH or r-hFSH use (stimulation or post-stimulation phase) was 19.9% and 26.8%, respectively. There was no consistent pattern of TEAEs associated with either treatment.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Despite using inclusion criteria for POR incorporating the ESHRE Bologna criteria, further investigation is needed to determine the impact of the heterogeneity of POR in the Bologna patient population. The observed correlation between baseline clinical characteristics related to POR and live birth rate, as well as the observed differences between groups regarding total pregnancy outcome failure were from post hoc analyses, and the study was not powered for these endpoints. In addition, the attrition rate for pregnancy outcomes in this trial may not reflect general medical practice. Furthermore, as the patient population was predominantly White these results might not be applicable to other ethnicities.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In the population of women with POR investigated in this study, although the number of oocytes retrieved was similar following stimulation with either a fixed-ratio combination of r-hFSH/r-hLH or r-hFSH monotherapy, post hoc analyses showed that there was a lower rate of total pregnancy outcome failure in patients receiving r-hFSH/r-hLH, in addition to a higher live birth rate in patients with moderate and severe POR. These findings are clinically relevant and require additional investigation. The benefit:risk balance of treatment with either r-hFSH/r-hLH or r-hFSH remains positive.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. P.H. has received honoraria for lectures and unrestricted research grants from Ferring, Merck KGaA and MSD. D.R. is a former employee of EMD Serono, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. J.S., J.H. and W.C. are employees of EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. T.D.’H. and S.L. are employees of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02047227; EudraCT Number: 2013-003817-16.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

ClinicalTrials.gov: 24 January 2014; EudraCT: 19 December 2013.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT

30 January 2014.

Poor ovarian response as a predictor for live birth in older women undergoing IVF

Women of advanced age present a major challenge for fertility treatments. This study was designed to assess whether poor ovarian response (POR) according to the Bologna criteria is a significant predictor for live birth in women over 40. The outcomes of subsequent IVF cycles were also studied. The results of 1870 fresh IVF cycles in 1212 women were retrospectively analysed. The live birth per cycle was 3.3 times higher (11.61% versus 3.54%, P < 0.001) in good responders with more than three oocytes collected compared with women with less. Ovarian response defined by oocytes collected, but not by the number of follicles, was independently associated with live birth (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 3.54; P = 0.009). The occurrence of POR in subsequent IVF cycles was only 55%. No differences in live births were found in persistent POR compared with women with at least one good response. A single episode of POR in a first IVF cycle in older women has a limited predictive value for the outcomes of subsequent cycles. POR in women aged 40-43 years, defined by the number of oocytes retrieved, is a predictor for live birth in IVF.

Utilization of the Bologna criteria: a promise unfulfilled? A review of published and unpublished/ongoing trials

OBJECTIVE

To study the use of the Bologna criteria (BC) for the definition of poor ovarian responders (POR) in clinical practice and research.

DESIGN

Systematic review of published and unpublished/ongoing trials between January 2012 and August 2017 on POR.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Not applicable.

INTERVENTION(S)

The databases were searched using the relevant medical subject headings including all subheadings. The search was limited to humans and English language. The references of the included studies were cross-searched for possibly missed articles. Only clinical trials providing an evidence level ≥ III were included. Case reports, review, letters, and hypothetical articles were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Extracted studies were divided into two groups: studies in which the BC were used or not.

RESULT(S)

One hundred nine published clinical studies analyzing a total of 30,540 women and 112 unpublished/ongoing trials were identified. The BC were used to define POR in 56 (51%) of the published and 44 (39%) of the unpublished trials. The use of the BC gradually increased from 29% to 53% from 2012 to 2017. Asian researchers were more likely to use the BC compared with European and North American researchers (65%, 49%, and 23%, respectively). Neither the design of the study nor the impact factor of the publishing journal was correlated with the use of the BC.

CONCLUSION(S)

There is still reluctance to use the BC for the definition of POR, which makes it difficult to combine data from small studies and reach a meaningful conclusion.

Age is a major prognosticator in extremely low oocyte retrieval cycles

OBJECTIVE

Clinical prognosis appears to be varied in females with poor ovarian response (POR), and poor responders defined by the Bologna criteria might not be sufficiently homogeneous. The aim of this study was to determine the major predictor of reproductive outcomes in extremely low oocyte retrieval cycles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of fresh in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (n = 858) was analyzed from January 2001 to September 2014. Females from whom zero, one, two, or three oocytes were retrieved following ovarian stimulation were examined. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the association of pregnancy rate with potential confounding variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was subsequently performed to identify factors that affected the occurrence of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in women aged < 40 years, long protocol, and high embryo score in univariate analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors in multivariate analysis, the maternal age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.91], primary or secondary infertility (OR = 1.99), number of matured oocytes retrieved (OR = 0.64), and score of embryos transferred (OR = 1.39) were significantly associated with the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle and per transfer. In the age subgroup analysis, POR females aged < 35 years significantly demonstrated the highest number of matured oocytes, embryo scores, and clinical pregnancy rates compared with POR females aged 35-40 years and ≥ 40 years.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the predictive value of maternal age and embryo quality on the probability of pregnancy in females with extremely low oocyte retrieval cycles. Young females with few eggs collected can still achieve acceptable pregnancy probability as long as they have good-quality embryos. Future randomized control trials for POR using the Bologna criteria should first stratify patients into different age groups.

Live birth rates in various subgroups of poor ovarian responders fulfilling the Bologna criteria

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology published Bologna criteria to generate a definition of poor ovarian responders (PORs). However, there are few data on whether PORs are homogenous for ovarian response or live birth rates (LBRs). In this retrospective study, 821 patients fulfilling Bologna criteria and undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were stratified into four groups: Group A: female age ≥40 with a previous poor response (cycle cancelled or ≤3 oocytes) (105 patients, 123 cycles); Group B: female age ≥40 with an antral follicle count (AFC) < 7 (159 patients, 253 cycles); Group C: AFC <7 with a previous poor response (350 patients, 575 cycles); and Group D: female age ≥40 with an AFC <7 and previous poor response (207 patients, 306 cycles). Cluster data analysis was performed. Although median number of oocytes was higher in Group B (P < 0.001), higher implantation (P = 0.024) and LBR per embryo transfer (P < 0.001) or cycle (P = 0.001) were noted in Group C. We conclude that, once a patient fulfils Bologna criteria, prognosis is poor, with fewer than 10% recorded LBRs per cycle. However, the LBRs are not homogenous and 'young proven' PORs have the most favourable pregnancy outcome.

Evaluation of factors predicting diminished ovarian reserve before and after laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas: a prospective cohort study

Background

Ovarian endometriomas affect a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age who may have a potential risk of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) after ovarian cystectomy. Here, we investigated the risk factors for pre-surgical DOR in patients with ovarian endometriomas and for DOR after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometriomas and evaluated the feasibility of the pre-surgical prediction of post-surgical DOR based on the Bologna criteria.

Methods

A total of 143 patients with ovarian endometriomas who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy from January 2009 to May 2015 at our hospital were prospectively enrolled and evaluated. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations were measured pre-surgically and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. In accordance with the Bologna criteria, the patients whose AMH concentrations were <1.1 ng/mL before surgery and 3 or 6 months after surgery were classified into pre- and post-surgical adverse DOR (aDOR) groups, respectively.

Results

Thirty-one (21.7 %) of 143 patients were classified as pre-surgical aDOR. Patient age and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level were significantly positively correlated with pre-surgical aDOR [odds ratios (ORs), 1.26 and 1.16; p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively]. Among the remaining 112 patients, 38 patients (33.9 %) had post-surgical aDOR 3 and 6 months after surgery. Bilateral cystectomy was positively correlated with post-surgical aDOR (at 3 months: OR, 4.7; p = 0.001; at 6 months: OR, 3.71; p = 0.006); conversely, pre-surgical serum AMH concentrations were negatively correlated with post-surgical aDOR (at 3 months: OR, 0.65; p = 0.005; at 6 months: OR, 0.43; p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point of pre-surgical AMH concentrations for predicting aDOR at 3 and 6 months in the patients undergoing unilateral cystectomy was 2.1 ng/mL. In contrast, the optimal cut-off points at 3 and 6 months in the patients undergoing bilateral cystectomy were 3.0 and 3.5 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the pre-surgical serum AMH concentrations and bilateral cystectomy are significant factors for the risk of aDOR following surgery and that predicting post-surgical aDOR according to the Bologna criteria could be feasible using pre-operative measurements of serum AMH concentrations.