Are all human-derived follicle-stimulating hormone products the same? A systematic review and meta-analysis using direct and adjusted indirect analyses, to determine whether Fostimon® is more efficient than Metrodin-HP®.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Randomized trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews have challenged the claim for superiority of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (recFSH) compared with human-derived FSH (hFSH). Even so, much of the evidence comes from unavailable products. If the efficacy of the currently available Fostimon(®) is superior, the off-market Metrodin-HP(®), then data from the latter should not be used, gauge of the former.

METHODS:

Electronic/hand searches were performed to identify RCTs comparing Fostimon(®) vs. Metrodin-HP(®) or either product with recFSH. Primary outcomes were live-birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), and OPR/LBR. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), abortion rates, and cycle demographics. Data were extracted, allowed for an intention-to-treat analysis, and meta-analyzed using combined direct/adjusted indirect methods.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two RCTs met the inclusion criteria: Fostimon(®) vs. Metrodin-HP(®) (n = 2); Fostimon(®) vs. recFSH (n = 8); and Metrodin-HP(®) vs. recFSH (n = 12). LBR (odds ratio = 1.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.80), OPR/LBR, and CPR were all significantly higher favoring Fostimon(®). OPR, MPR, OHSS, and miscarriage rates were not significantly different. Pooled results for cycle demographics were not reported due to high heterogeneity. Conclusions. Fostimon(®) is superior to Metrodin-HP(®) regarding clinical outcomes. Therefore, care should be taken not to assume that all hFSH products have the same efficacy.

• Authors: Hesham G Al-Inany, Ahmed M Abou-Setta
• Journal: Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (Gynecol Endocrinol) Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 94-101 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 1473-0766 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21591977 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)

Chemical References

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human
• Urofollitropin

Topics

• Female
• Fertilization in Vitro
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human (standards)
• Humans
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Outcome
• Pregnancy Rate
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
• Treatment Outcome
• Urofollitropin (standards)