The efficacy of intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer in assisted reproductive cycles: Meta-analysis

Objectives A systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intrauterine injection before embryo transfer on the outcome of invitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods Searches of PubMed (R), EMBASE (R), EBSCO, Web of Science (R), SCOPUS (R) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted and analysed. Results The meta-analysis included five RCTs (hCG group n=680; control group n=707). Intrauterine hCG injection significantly increased rates of biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy compared with controls. There were no between-group differences in implantation or miscarriage rates. Conclusion Women undergoing IVF/ICSI may benefit from intrauterine hCG injection before embryo transfer.