Long Acting GnRH Antagonist in PCOS Women Undergoing IVF

The Use of a Long Acting GnRH Antagonist (Degarelix) in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation in PCOS Women at a Risk to Developing OHSS Undergoing IVF : a Pilot Study

PCOS is a common endocrinopathy affecting 5-10% of women in their reproductive age characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovaries. This syndrome is a serious problem in IVF since there is a high risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. The introduction of GnRH antagonist in IVF has reduced the incidence of severe OHSS, still maintaining a good ovarian response and pregnancy rate. Recently, a long acting GnRH antagonist, Degarelix, was introduced for prostatic cancer treatment. Furthermore a recent paper reported its use also for the induction of multiple follicular growth in a program of oocyte donation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of GnRH antagonist depot use in a protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in PCOS women at risk of developing OHSS in IVF cycles.

Inclusion Criteria:

• regular menstrual cycle (26-39 days)
• primary infertility
• BMI < 30

Exclusion Criteria:

• women with diabetes and other metabolic disease
• women with heart disease
• women with inflammatory or autoimmune disease