Objective: To compare the effectiveness of i.m. P and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) for luteal phase support, in patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles.
Design: Prospective, randomized study.
Setting: Patients undergoing IVF-ET in our Centers.
Patient(s): The inclusion criteria were the use of GnRH down-regulation and aged <40 years.
Intervention(s): A total of 300 cycles were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg every 3 days) or P (50 mg daily).
Main outcome measure(s): The outcomes of IVF in both study groups were evaluated for biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy.
Result(s): No difference was found in the main outcome parameters considered.
Conclusion(s): Although the results of the study encourage the use of 17-HPC for luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-ET program, more studies are necessary to support the hypothesis that it can replace i.m. P-in-oil.