RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (rhFSH) versus highly purified urinary human FSH (uhFSH-HP) in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Ninety-three women with tubal infertility, stage I/II endometriosis or unexplained infertility were admitted to this study. After pituitary desensitization using GnRH agonist, rhFSH (n=45) or uhFSH-HP (n=48) was administered with a step-down regimen in all patients. RESULTS: Patient's characteristics were comparable in both groups. Low responders were 20 in rhFSH group and 22 in uhFSH-HP group. The total dose of administered FSH was significantly lower in rhFSH group than that in uhFSH-HP grup (p<0.001). The days of stimulation were also significantly shorter in rhFSH group than those in uhFSH-HP group (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in IVF results such as the numbers of oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, grade I/II embryos, embryos transferred between the two groups. There were also no differences in clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. Even in the low responder subgroup, COH using rhFSH was also associated with significant decreases in the total dose of FSH and the duration of stimulation required. IVF results and pregnancy outcomes were comparable in rhFSH and uhFSH-HP groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the total dose of FSH and the duration of stimulation can be reduced by using rhFSH.