Researchers reviewed existing studies to compare four different hormone 'trigger' shots used at the end of IVF treatment. These shots help eggs mature before they are retrieved. The study focused on women who are predicted to have a high response to fertility drugs, meaning they produce many eggs, which also puts them at higher risk for a painful complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
The analysis combined data from 632 women across seven previous studies. It compared four trigger strategies: hCG, GnRHa, a dual trigger (both hCG and GnRHa), and a double trigger (two doses). The main goal was to see which method worked best and was safest.
The review found no significant differences between the four methods in key outcomes like the number of eggs retrieved, the number of mature eggs, clinical pregnancy rates, or miscarriage rates. However, using a GnRHa trigger was associated with a much lower risk of developing moderate to severe OHSS compared to using hCG alone.
It's important to be cautious because this was a review of other studies, not a new clinical trial. The most critical outcome for patients—how many treatments resulted in a live birth—was not evaluated in this analysis. The results suggest that for women at high risk of OHSS, a GnRHa trigger may be a safer option, but more research is needed to confirm its effects on having a baby.