P-653 Impact of dydrogesterone use in cycles with low progesterone levels on the day of frozen embryo transfer
Authors: Metello J , Claudia T , Ferreira P , Natario I , Santos-Ribeiro S 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Assessing if Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) outcomes in hormonal replacement treatment with dydrogesterone (DYD) for low progesterone levels match those with normal progesterone (P4) values

Summary answer

The live birth rate showed no significant difference between patients with low and normal serum P4 levels in FET, utilizing DYD as rescue therapy

What is known already

The number of IVF/ICSI cycles and frozen embryo transfers (FET) is increasing. The preparation for FET can occur in natural or artificial cycles, showing no significant differences in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Artificial cycles involve exogenous estradiol supplementation, starting after menses, and progesterone (P4) addition post-endometrial proliferation.

Numerous studies consistently indicate that diminished P4 levels are correlated with inferior outcomes in hormonal replacement treatment, showing a potential decrease of up to 30% in ongoing pregnancy rates.

Despite a suggested rescue strategy, evidence supporting its efficacy using an oral route is insufficient.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective cohort study, of single embryo transfers (SET) from FET cycles conducted between July 2019 and March 2022, after artificial endometrial preparation with valerate-estradiol and micronized vaginal P4. In cases of low serum P4 (up to 12,5ng/dl) on the planned transfer day, 10 mg of dydrogesterone (DYD) three times daily was added. Solely blastocyst single embryo transfers (SET) were included. The primary endpoint was the live birth rate&gt; 24 weeks.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

535 FET-SET cycles were analyzed. Patients with an endometrial layer thinner than 7 mm, endocavitary pathology or serum P4 values&lt; 4ng/dl were excluded.

The explanatory variables evaluated were: relevant female characteristics, previous IVF/ICSI cycle and relevant FET cycle parameters (endometrial thickness, serum P4 value on the FET day, days in culture before blastocyst freezing) and use of DYD as rescue therapy.

Statistical analysis was performed using IBM®SPSS® statistics v22.0 and R4.2.2 for Windows.

Main results and the role of chance

Out of the 535 FET cycles analyzed, 136(25.4%) underwent treatment with DYD. There were 337 pregnancies (63%), 207 live births (38.6%) and 130 miscarriages (38.5%).

Serum P4 varied from 4.2-32.3 ng/dl, with an average of 14.93 ng/dl (SD 4.52). The best model to explain serum P4 distribution considered a gamma distribution for P4. Female age on the FET day, female ethnicity and female weight seemed to explain P4 variation.

A sensitivity analysis on the P4 values was performed. The data were divided into 5 groups according to P4 levels and the rate of live birth per quintile was evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups.

Patients with low P4 which had DYD added had no statistical differences regarding deliveries, 40% vs 36% (p = 0,354). The multivariable model revealed that older females at pick up, a thinner endometrial measure and transferring a day 6 blastocyst were negativey associated with live birth (p &lt; 0,05), but not P4 levels or medication with DYD.

A sub-group analyses was performed according to the median value of P4 (9.6 ng/ml) of those to whom DYD was added. No statistically significant differences were identified for biochemical pregnancy 59% vs 60% (p = 1) and live birth rate 34%vs38% (p = 0,653).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This retrospective study lacks an untreated control group, causing inherent heterogeneity. It’s unclear if there’s an upper limit for P4 levels to restrict DYD supplementation or a minimum level rendering this strategy unsuitable. Monitoring DYD’s fetal/neonatal safety is imperative.

Wider implications of the findings

The supplementation with oral DYD in hormonal replacement FET cycles is an easy and cheap strategy in patients with for low P4 levels. The duration of DYD administration should be further evaluated.

Trial registration number

not applicable