The administration of the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix, to oocyte donors simplifies oocyte donation

Abstract

Background: We report our experience on the efficacy of a new regimen of the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix, and recombinant FSH, Gonal-F, for controlled ovarian stimulation in a donor oocyte programme. Methods and results: Six oocyte donors were commenced on Gonal-F (150 IU) and two on Gonal-F 225 IU daily on day 4 together with cetrorelix 0.25 mg daily on day 8 until the day of administration of hCG. Six premenopausal recipients were down-regulated with intranasal Nafarelin 400 μg twice daily; two women with premature menopause did not require down-regulation for synchronization between donor and recipient cycles. The median (range) of oocytes retrieved and the median (range) fertilization rates were 7 (3-13) and 50% (0-71%) respectively. With the exception of a recipient who had failed fertilization, seven recipients had two embryos transferred. The median (range) number of days of ovarian stimulation, cetrorelix administration and number of Gonal-F ampoules administered for ovarian stimulation were 9 (7-12) days, 5 (3-8) and 18 (14-24) respectively. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle was 50% (4/8) and one of the latter women miscarried at eight weeks gestation. Three women (37.3%) had full term deliveries. Conclusion: This preliminary study has shown that using a combination of cetrorelix and Gonal-F resulted in a high pregnancy rate, reduced the duration of treatment for the donor and simplified oocyte donation.