No significant leukocytosis under controlled ovarian stimulation using the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix and recFSH.

Objective: To study the influence of an LHRH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) antagonist protocol (Cetrorelix) and the use of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the development of leukocytosis, compared to the use of urinary HMG (human menopausal gonadotrophin).

Design: Prospective, randomized phase III clinical trial.

Setting: Infertility day clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Patients: Thirty patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment following controlled ovarian stimulation using a multiple dose protocol and the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix.

Main Outcome Measure: Differences in white blood cell (WBC) count before stimulation, during the follicular phase and in the midluteal phase.

Results: Statistically significant increase in WBC count in the HMG group from the start of stimulation to the midluteal phase. No statistically significant increase in the recFSH group, but only a trend towards higher values was observed.

Conclusion: The development of a leukocytosis in controlled ovarian stimulation does not depend on the protocol used. Urinary gonadotrophins seem to have a greater potential to increase WBC count compared to recombinant gonadotrophins.