No significant differences in pregnancy outcomes with different progesterone formulations

A retrospective analysis, conducted at a large infertility clinic between January 2003 and December 2008, demonstrated that there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes with three different progesterone formulations for women aged 35 to 40 undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures. These data were presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) annual meeting in Atlanta.

The study, conducted at Boston IVF, compared the efficacy of luteal supplementation with a once daily dosing of vaginal progesterone gel (CRINONE^® 8%), a progesterone capsule formulation administered three times daily and intramuscular progesterone given once daily. In all cases, progesterone was started the day following egg retrieval.

In a podium presentation, Brian M. Berger, MD, Boston IVF, Harvard Medical School, reported that all progesterone formulations achieved comparable clinical outcomes. Ongoing pregnancy rates were similar between once daily vaginal progesterone gel (44.2%), progesterone capsule administered three times daily (44.9%) and intramuscular injection given once daily (39.6%).

“Our objective was to compare pregnancy outcomes between three progesterone regimens used for luteal phase support, in a more challenging patient population,” said Dr. Berger. “We clearly showed that all three formulations have similar efficacy. However, we can also conclude that once daily dosing with CRINONE is more convenient and less invasive for patients and, therefore may lead to a better patient experience and compliance.”

http://www.asrm.org/