Recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor does not improve implantation and pregnancy outcomes after assisted reproductive techniques in women with recurrent unexplained implantation failure.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, women (n = 149) with a history of at least two unexplained implantation failures after assisted reproductive techniques received recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor, 150 microg SC twice daily for 7 days, or placebo. The clinical pregnancy rate after ET was significantly lower in patients receiving recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor than in those receiving placebo (17.6% vs.

Recombinant human growth hormone for children born small for gestational age: meta-analysis confirms the consistent dose-effect relationship on catch-up growth.

Background: The optimal treatment regimen of recombinant human GH (r-hGH) for short children born small for gestational age (SGA) is still under discussion.

Methods: A meta-analysis was performed of existing clinical trials that investigated the treatment of r-hGH in short children diagnosed SGA or with intrauterine growth retardation to determine the relationship between the daily r-hGH dose (placebo/no treatment; 0.033 mg/kg/day; 0.

Predictive factors and a corresponding treatment algorithm for controlled ovarian stimulation in patients treated with recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) during assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures. An analysis of 1378 patients.

Background: Identifying parameters that can accurately predict the response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) would be of great benefit in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. An analysis was undertaken with the objective of determining whether specific factors could optimally predict a response to stimulation in ART, and to then develop a corresponding treatment algorithm that could be used to calculate the optimal starting dose of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH; follitropin alfa) for selected patients.

Methods: The overall population consisted of 2280 normo-ovulatory ART patients from 11 randomised clinical trials.

Clinical evidence for an LH 'ceiling' effect induced by administration of recombinant human LH during the late follicular phase of stimulated cycles in World Health Organization type I and type II anovulation.

Background: The objective of these studies was to test the hypothesis that over-dosing with recombinant human LH (rLH) during the late follicular phase would suppress the development of follicles.

Methods: Two double-blind studies were conducted. In study A, WHO I anovulatory patients received treatment with rFSH and rLH.

A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of two recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone preparations in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) preparations, follitropin-alpha (Gonal-F; Ares Serono, Geneva, Switzerland) and follitropin-beta (Puregon; Organon, Oss, the Netherlands), for superovulation in patients undergoing IVF-ET.

Design: Randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blind, single-center trial.

Setting: Outpatient tertiary referral center for assisted reproductive techniques.

Short-term growth hormone administration at the time of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive patients.

Objectives: A 12-week course of recombinant human growth hormone is an effective but expensive therapy for established HIV-related wasting. Wasting in HIV disease is often episodic, coinciding with bouts of acute opportunistic infection. We hypothesized that a short course of growth hormone, targeted at the time of opportunistic infection, might improve protein metabolism thereby reducing lean tissue loss.

Recombinant human interferon-beta in the treatment of condylomata acuminata.

The number of clinic consultations for condylomata acuminata (genital warts) has increased substantially during the last 30 years. Most infections produce benign lesions but a few types may be associated with cervical and penile cancers. Interferons (IFN) have shown antiviral properties to these infections and IFN-beta in particular has demonstrated a specific cytopathic effect in humans.

Assessment of the role of serum luteinizing hormone and estradiol response to follicle-stimulating hormone on in vitro fertilization treatment outcome.

Objective: To analyze the role of serum LH and of E2 secretion on IVF-ET outcome in patients stimulated with FSH.

Design: Using data from three studies, we analyzed ovarian response to FSH and IVF-ET outcome from two standpoints: [1] serum LH and [2] serum E2 on the day of hCG administration divided by the number of retrieved oocytes.

Setting: Twenty-six academic and private clinical centers.