In a nutshell
This study examined whether letrozole can reduce the rate of multiple births without reducing the rate of pregnancy success in unexplained infertility.
Some background
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether letrozole treatment reduces the rate of multiple pregnancies without reducing the pregnancy success rate.
This study involved 900 women with unexplained fertility. Participants were divided into three groups. 301 women received gonadotropin. 300 women received clomiphene. 299 women received letrozole. The number of women that had multiple gestations was recorded.
The clinical pregnancy rate (presence of a fetal heartbeat) was higher with gonadotropin treatment (35.5%) compared to clomiphene (28.3%) or letrozole (22.4%). Women treated with letrozole had fewer live births (18.7%) compared to gonadotropin (32.2%) or letrozole (23.3%) treatment.
13% of births following letrozole treatment were multiples (twins), as were 9% of births following clomiphene. In comparison, women treated with gonadotropin had a 32% mutliple birth rate. 24 women treated with gonadotropin had twins, while 10 women had triplets.
The bottom line
This study concluded that women treated with ovarian stimulation and letrozole have a lower number of multiple gestations compared to gonadotropin, but not compared to clomiphene treatment. However, letrozole treatment also led to fewer live births overall.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of letrozole treatment for infertility.
Published By :
The New England Journal of Medicine
Date :
Sep 24, 2015
