Does growth hormone stimulation improve live birth outcomes in women with poor prognosis?

This study investigated if growth hormone stimulation (GHS) improves fertility outcomes in women with severe infertility. They found that GHS was associated with a higher live birth rate (LBR) in these women.

Infertility is a growing problem worldwide. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the only solution for some infertile couples. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an ART. Some women have a poor prognosis due to severe infertility. In many cases, ART is not successful for women with poor prognosis. This can be due to a number of factors. These include poorer oocyte (egg) quality or embryo development.

One potential treatment is growth hormone stimulation (GHS). GHS can be used during IVF. It can help stimulate the release of mature oocytes from the ovary. GHS may also support embryonic development and the uterine lining. It is not clear how this works. Some studies suggest that GHS can improve fertility outcomes. Other studies have shown no effect of GHS on FOs. It is unclear if GHS can improve fertility outcomes in women with poor prognosis.

This study included 1,119 women. All patients underwent frozen embryo transfer. Patients were categorized as ‘good prognosis’ (GP; 809) or ‘poor prognosis’ (PP; 310). Patients with PP were treated with (109) or without (201) GHS during IVF. Fertility outcomes evaluated included clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR).

PP women were significantly older than GP women. FOs were similar in PP patients treated with GHS and GP patients (no GHS). In the PP group, GHS treatment was associated with a 2.7-fold higher LBR. 

The authors concluded that GHS was associated with higher LBR in women with poor-prognosis undergoing IVF.

This was a study based on medical records. Some data might have been missing. Controlled trials are needed for stronger evidence.

If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your physician.