Does DHEA IVF Outcomes in Poor Responders?

Does Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Improve IVF Outcomes in Poor Responders? A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Trial

This study is a RCT to examine whether DHEA is capable of improving results for poor responders to ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment

Poor responders to ovarian stimulation for IVF may be either predicted or evidenced from previous treatment. The ESHRE criteria for poor responders will be used to select candidates for this trial. A power calculation determined that 200 subjects should be recruited to each arm to receive either DHEA or placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 40 years
• Markers for poor ovarian reserve (AMH <7 pmol/L(<1.1 ng/ml) and/or AFC< 7)
• Previous poor response to ovarian stimulation ( ≤3 oocytes with a conventional stimulation protocol)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women > 42 years
• Women with premature ovarian failure / premature menopause (FSH>40 U/L). Women already taking DHEA.
• Patients with a known allergy to the trial drug or any of the active ingredients in the placebo.