PCOS patients can benefit from in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to compare treatment outcome following in vitro maturation (IVM) compared with IVF in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Study design: Retrospective evaluation of treatment in women with PCOS who underwent IVM (108) and IVF (108).

Results: We found a significant difference in outcome between IVM and IVF, with an increase in the number of mature oocytes derived (10.5 ± 6.5 vs. 15.3 ± 8.8, p<0.0001) and the cleavage rate (92.4 ± 13.0 vs. 95.2 ± 11.7, p=0.03) in IVM cycles. Due to the lower implantation rate (16.1% vs. 21.6%, p=0.07) we tend to transfer more embryos in the IVM group (3.4 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0, p<0.0001), but the multiple pregnancy rate in that group was not higher. Importantly, the delivery rate was similar in both groups (26.8% vs. 25%). We also report a yearly change in the success rate of IVM during this period.

Conclusions: IVM treatment for PCOS patients may be a valid alternative treatment to IVF with the advantage of eliminating the risk of OHSS and reducing the cost of medication, whilst maintaining high clinical pregnancy rate.