GnRH Agonist Versus GNRH Antagonist in IVF: A Comparison of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Infertile Females

Authors

  • Zainab Iftikhar THQ Hospital, Shahkot.
  • Sumbal Altaf Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore.
  • Sumaira Hafeez University Hospital, Limerick, Ireland.
  • Zahra Anwar Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, UK.
  • Bazla Younas Sarwat Anwar Medical Complex, Lahore.
  • Hira Tanveer THQ Hospital, Gujar Khan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd15-2/017

Keywords:

Fertilization, Gonadotrophins, Infertility

Abstract

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and agonists are a major part of in vitro fertilization as they control ovulation and egg development. But there are conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of GnRH agonists and antagonists and the development of OHSS in the literature. This study was conducted to compare the frequency of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in infertile females with GnRH agonists versus GnRH antagonists seeking in vitro fertilization.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, from 4th January 2024 to 4th January 2025. A total of 60 infertile women aged 20-40 years referred for the first IVF/ ICSI were selected for the study, using non-probability, consecutive sampling. Patients in Group A were 30 women administered 500 µg GnRH agonist (Buserelin) subcutaneously every day since the 21st day of the menstrual cycle. Patients in Group B were 30 women administered 0.25 mg GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide) subcutaneously. An estradiol >3000 pg/ml in more than three follicles at 3 months and 6 months was described as OHSS, which was managed by standard procedure. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 25.

Results: The frequency of primary infertility patients in Group A was 16 (53.3%), and secondary infertility was 14(46.7%). The frequency of primary infertility patients in Group B was 19(63.3%), and secondary infertility was 11(36.7%). The mean number of mature follicles of patients in Group A was 14.4±1.27 (1-35). The mean number of mature follicles of patients in Group B was 13.6±1.24 (2-27). The mean E2 level in patients of Group A was 3261.8±134.7 (Range: 1008-4215), and the mean E2 level in patients of Group B was 3500±167.4 (Range: 1000-4890). The frequency of patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in Group A was 2 (6.7%) and in Group B was 8 (26.7%).

Conclusion: GnRH agonist is more effective than GnRH antagonist in terms of frequency of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in infertile women seeking in vitro fertilization.

Author Biographies

  • Zainab Iftikhar, THQ Hospital, Shahkot.

    Department of Gynaecology

  • Sumbal Altaf, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore.

    Assistant Professor, Department of Gynaecology.

  • Sumaira Hafeez, University Hospital, Limerick, Ireland.

    Registrar, Department of Gynaecology.

  • Zahra Anwar, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, UK.

    Specialist Registrar, Department of Gynaecology.

  • Bazla Younas, Sarwat Anwar Medical Complex, Lahore.

    Specialist Registrar, Department of Gynaecology.

  • Hira Tanveer, THQ Hospital, Gujar Khan.

    Department of Gynaecology.

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Published

2026-04-13

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How to Cite

1.
Iftikhar Z, Altaf S, Hafeez S, Anwar Z, Younas B, Tanveer H. GnRH Agonist Versus GNRH Antagonist in IVF: A Comparison of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Infertile Females. PJMD [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 13 [cited 2026 Jun. 23];15(2):195-203. Available from: https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/4517

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