BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 GnRH agonists – triptorelin acetate and cetrorelix acetate – in assisted reproduction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 182 females who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF+ET) from March 2014 to July 2014 were involved, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 91 patients received treatment with short-acting triptorelin (group A) and another 91 patients were treated with cetrorelix acetate (group B). Fasting blood was extracted from each patient on the day of administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) were detected using chemiluminescence method. The number of oocytes, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and number of obtained embryos were recorded and compared. Pregnancy outcomes and adverse events were observed and compared. Expression level of FSH receptor (FSHR) in endometrial tissues was measured by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS: Serum level of E2 was significantly lower in group B than in group A (p<0.05). Indices, including the number of oocytes, fertilization rate and cleavage rate, number of obtained embryos, and pregnancy rate, were slightly better in group B than in group A, but no significant differences were found. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was significant higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). FSHR expression level was significantly lower in group B than in group A.

CONCLUSIONS: The effect of cetrorelix acetate is superior to that of short-acting triptorelin in assisted reproduction. Our most important finding is that cetrorelix acetate reduced the incidence of OHSS.

Keywords: Embryo Transfer, Fertilization in Vitro, Receptors, FSH, Triptorelin Pamoate