PCOS patients can benefit from in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes

Objective: Our aim was to compare treatment outcome following in vitro maturation (IVM) compared with IVF in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Study design: Retrospective evaluation of treatment in women with PCOS who underwent IVM (108) and IVF (108). Results: We found a significant difference in outcome between IVM and IVF, with an increase in the number of mature oocytes derived (10.5 +/- 6.5 vs. 15.3 +/- 8.8, p < 0.0001) and the cleavage rate (92.4 +/- 13.0 vs. 95.2 +/- 11.7, p = 0.03) in IVM cycles. Due to the lower implantation rate (16.1% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.07) we tend to transfer more embryos in the IVM group (3.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.0, p < 0.0001), but the multiple pregnancy rate in that group was not higher. Importantly, the delivery rate was similar in both groups (26.8% vs. 25%). We also report a yearly change in the success rate of IVM during this period. Conclusions: IVM treatment for PCOS patients may be a valid alternative treatment to IVF with the advantage of eliminating the risk of OHSS and reducing the cost of medication, whilst maintaining high clinical pregnancy rate. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.