Dual trigger does not improve the results of in vitro fertilization cycles in POSEIDON group 3: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to find out how the combined use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) affects the success of IVF in women younger than 35 with diminished ovarian reserve (POSEIDON 3). Material and Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 386 cycles in which embryo transfer occurred: 105 in the dual trigger group and 281 in the r-hCG trigger group. The two groups were compared regarding patient demographics, IVF cycle characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes.Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. When the r-hCG and dual-trigger groups' cycles were compared, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of metaphase II oocytes, the rates of fertilization and implantation, the number of embryos transferred, and the number of embryos frozen were all the same. When comparing the cycle characteristics of the r-hCG and dual-trigger groups, the retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, fertilization rates, implantation rates, number of embryos transferred, and number of cryopreserved embryos were similar. The implantation (46.6% vs. 47.6%, p=0.855), biochemical miscarriage (4.6% vs. 4.8%, 0.955), clinical miscarriage (7.8% vs. 6.7%, p=0.700), and ongoing pregnancy (34.2% vs. 36.2%, p=0.710) rates were similar. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups.Discussion: This study compared dual trigger and r-hCG trigger in women under 35 with diminished ovarian reserve for IVF outcomes. While some research suggested dual trigger benefits, this study found no significant differences in IVF cycle results or pregnancy outcomes between the groups. The limitations of the study include its retrospective design and small sample size. Further well-designed research is needed to recommend routine dual trigger usage for such patients.