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Day 6 Estradiol Level Predicts Cycle Cancellation Among Poor Responder Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization—Embryo Transfer Cycles Using a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Flare Regimen

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Abstract

Purpose : To compare two GnRHa flare protocols among poor responders undergoing IVF-ET and to evaluate if a Day 6 estradiol level can predict outcome.

Methods : Retrospective analyses of GnRHa flare IVF cycles among poor responders. Group A (“miniflare,” N = 36) 40 μg GnRHa s.c. b.i.d. from Day 3; Group B (“standard flare,” N = 24) 1 mg GnRHa on Days 2–3; 0.5 mg GnRHa from Day 4. ROC analysis was performed to find a Day 6 estradiol value that is predictive of cycle outcome.

Results : With the standard flare, patients required less gonadotropins and tended to have fewer cancellations and higher pregnancy rates. A Day 6 estradiol level ≤75 pg/mL was predictive of cycle cancellation, but not of pregnancy outcome.

Conclusions : Standard GnRHa flare offers some advantages over the miniflare. Day 6 estradiol ≤75 pg/mL is predictive of cycle cancellation. When the estradiol level is low on Day 6 (no flare), early cancellation should be considered.

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Kovacs, P., Witt, B.R. Day 6 Estradiol Level Predicts Cycle Cancellation Among Poor Responder Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization—Embryo Transfer Cycles Using a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Flare Regimen. J Assist Reprod Genet 19, 349–353 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016014810853

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