Comparison of the effects of Duphaston and Cetrotide on oocyte and embryo quality in women undergoing ICSI: A cross-sectional study

Premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is one of the causes for assisted reproductive technology cycle cancellation, and it is needed to find novel approaches with improved efficacy and safety profile.

To compare the effects of Duphaston and Cetrotide on the prevention of premature LH surge and characteristics of retrieved follicles and embryos in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 200 patients who were administrated recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone from the third day of menstruation cycle were included. When the follicular diameter reached above 13-14 mm, Cetrotide was prescribed in the control group, while in the case group, Duphaston was taken orally from the third day of cycle. The retrieved oocytes were fertilized in vitro by intracytoplasmic sperm. The level of hormones on the third day of menstruation and the characteristic of follicles, oocytes, and embryos were compared between the two groups.

Duphaston successfully inhibits premature LH surge. There was no significant difference in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and LH between the case and control groups (p > 0.05). However, results also showed that Duphaston causes more oocyte retrieval in comparison with Cetrotide (p = 0.04). Although, the number of follicles above 14 mm, mature oocyte, and the total number of viable embryos in the case group was slightly higher, it did not reach a significant difference compared with the control group (p > 0.05).

Duphaston could be used as an appropriate medication instead of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Duphaston prescription not only prevents premature LH surge but also improves the number of retrieved oocytes.