The effect of HMG and recombinant human FSH on oocyte quality: a randomized single-blind clinical trial

Objective: To compare the effect of HMG and rhFSH on oocyte quality in ICSI cycle. Setting: Vali-e-Asr university teaching hospital. Method: Prospective single-blind randomized clinical trial. Subjects: Sixty women undergoing ovarian stimulation for ICSI were randomized to receive a standard protocol of either HMG or rhFSH in down-regulation cycles. Interventions: Prior to microinjection, each oocyte was assessed regarding the nuclear maturity, morphology of zona plucida, cytoplasmic appearance and polar body morphology. Fertilization rate was followed. Main outcome: The percentage of metaphase II oocytes in HMG and rhFSH groups. Statistical analysis: Statistical analyses were carried out by the Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, chi(2) tests and Student's t-test. Results: No significant differences were found between two groups in regard to the demographic data, the ovarian response and pregnancy/ implantation rates (P > 0.05). The percentage of metaphase II oocytes in HMG and rhFSH groups were 81.3% versus 80.6%, respectively. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between parameters such as, oocyte quality and percentage of metaphase II oocytes between these two groups. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.