The effect of luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration on IVF outcomes in women at risk of OHSS

BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays essential roles in embryo implantation, invasion of trophoblastic tissue, and steroid synthesis in the placenta. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GnRH antagonist administration on pregnancy outcomes in early implantation period. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 94 infertile women undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol who were at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were included. Sixty-seven patients (group I) received Cetrorelix 0.25 mg/daily in the luteal phase for 3 days while in 27 participants (group II), it was not administered. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed based on chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS The pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between two groups (p=0.224). CONCLUSION The present study proposed that luteal phase GnRH antagonist administration does not influence the chance of successful pregnancy outcomes.