The HERA (Hyper-response Risk Assessment) Delphi consensus for the management of hyper-responders in in vitro fertilization

I. Feferkorn*, S. Santos-Ribeiro, F. M. Ubaldi, J. G. Velasco, B. Ata, C. Blockeel, A. Conforti, S. C. Esteves, H. M. Fatemi, L. Gianaroli, M. Grynberg, P. Humaidan, G. T. Lainas, A. La Marca, C. LaTasha, R. Lathi, R. J. Norman, R. Orvieto, R. Paulson, A. PellicerN. P. Polyzos, M. Roque, S. K. Sunkara, S. L. Tan, B. Urman, C. Venetis, A. Weissman, H. Yarali, M. H. Dahan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To provide agreed-upon guidelines on the management of a hyper-responsive patient undergoing ovarian stimulation (OS) Methods: A literature search was performed regarding the management of hyper-response to OS for assisted reproductive technology. A scientific committee consisting of 4 experts discussed, amended, and selected the final statements. A priori, it was decided that consensus would be reached when ≥66% of the participants agreed, and ≤3 rounds would be used to obtain this consensus. A total of 28/31 experts responded (selected for global coverage), anonymous to each other. Results: A total of 26/28 statements reached consensus. The most relevant are summarized here. The target number of oocytes to be collected in a stimulation cycle for IVF in an anticipated hyper-responder is 15–19 (89.3% consensus). For a potential hyper-responder, it is preferable to achieve a hyper-response and freeze all than aim for a fresh transfer (71.4% consensus). GnRH agonists should be avoided for pituitary suppression in anticipated hyper-responders performing IVF (96.4% consensus). The preferred starting dose in the first IVF stimulation cycle of an anticipated hyper-responder of average weight is 150 IU/day (82.1% consensus). ICoasting in order to decrease the risk of OHSS should not be used (89.7% consensus). Metformin should be added before/during ovarian stimulation to anticipated hyper-responders only if the patient has PCOS and is insulin resistant (82.1% consensus). In the case of a hyper-response, a dopaminergic agent should be used only if hCG will be used as a trigger (including dual/double trigger) with or without a fresh transfer (67.9% consensus). After using a GnRH agonist trigger due to a perceived risk of OHSS, luteal phase rescue with hCG and an attempt of a fresh transfer is discouraged regardless of the number of oocytes collected (72.4% consensus). The choice of the FET protocol is not influenced by the fact that the patient is a hyper-responder (82.8% consensus). In the cases of freeze all due to OHSS risk, a FET cycle can be performed in the immediate first menstrual cycle (92.9% consensus). Conclusion: These guidelines for the management of hyper-response can be useful for tailoring patient care and for harmonizing future research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2681-2695
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Volume40
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2023

Funding

FundersFunder number
Merck
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Ferring Pharmaceuticals

    Keywords

    • Hyper-response
    • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
    • Ovarian stimulation

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