This study investigated whether kisspeptin-54 could be used to increase egg yield in women undergoing IVF and at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndome (OHSS). This study concluded that kisspeptin-54 effectively triggered ovulation with a low risk of OHSS.

Fertility drugs are drugs used to stimulate ovulation (when an egg is released into the uterus) in women trying to conceive.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective treatment for fertility, but can result in OHSS (painful, swollen ovaries, which can lead to a serious increase in fluid in the abdomen or chest). The risk of OHSS is low, at 2% of the population, but can occur in up to 25% of patients undergoing IVF. This is due to the drug used to stimulate egg yield, which is called human chorionic gonadotropin.

The hormone kisspeptin-54 has been shown to result in high egg yields during IVF. The use of kisspeptin-54 in women at high risk of OHSS is unclear.

60 patients, all at high risk of OHSS, received a single dose of kisspeptin-54. Five patients received 3.2 nmol/kg, 20 patients received 6.4 nmol/kg, 15 received 9.6 nmol/kg, and 20 received 12.8 nmol/kg. The women were checked for OHSS.

95% of the women yielded more than one mature egg. 90% resulted in an embryo (fertilized egg). The highest egg yield was after 12.8 nmol/kg dose of kisspeptin-54, which was 69% greater than after 3.2 nmol/kg dose. Clinical pregnancy rates were 53% and birth rates were 45% at all doses of kisspeptin-54. The highest pregnancy rates were after 9.6 nnmol/kg dose (77% clinical pregnancy rates and 62% birth rates).

Only three (5%) women were diagnosed with mild, early OHSS, and one (2%) diagnosed with mild, late OHSS. None of the women developed moderate, severe, or critical OHSS. Kisspeptin-54 was well-tolerated in all patients.

The study concluded that kisspeptin-54 is a promising drug to effectively and safely trigger egg yield in women undergoing IVF with a high risk of OHSS.

This was a small study. Further studies should be done including a larger group of patients.

If you are undergoing IVF and at risk of OHSS, you should discuss the results of this study with your doctor.