Myo-inositol therapy for poor-responders during IVF: A prospective controlled observational trial

Abstract

Background: The overall incidence of poor ovarian response in IVF cycles has been reported to be between 9 and 24 %. The management of these patients remains a significant challenge in assisted reproduction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of myo-inositol (MI) on ovarian function in poor responders undergoing ICSI. Methods: The study is a prospective controlled observational trial, that involved 72 poor responders included in an ICSI program and divided into two groups; group A: 38 patients who have been assuming MI (4 g)∈+∈folic acid (FA) (400 μg) for the previous 3 months before the enrollment day; group B: 38 patients assuming FA (400 μg) alone for the same period. COH was carried out in the same manner in the two groups. The main goal was the assessment of oocytes retrieved number and quality; secondary endpoints were the Ovarian Sensitivity Index (OSI: n° oocytes retrieved/total Gonadotropins units∈×∈1000), oestradiol levels on the day of hGC, fertilization rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding oestradiol level, but total rec-FSH units were significantly lower (p∈=∈0.004) and M2 oocytes rate significantly higer (p∈=∈0.01) in group A. The ovarian sensitivity index was higher, reaching a statistical significance (p∈