The aim of this study is to show solid evidences of the efficacy of DHEA in improving the success rates of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients facing poor ovarian reserve.
Poor responders to IVF treatment occurs in 5-24% of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, resulting in the cancellation of the cycle translating in very low pregnancy rate. Current interventions based upon the use of different stimulation regimen do not address the fundamental underlying physiological basis of follicular recruitment and development. The over-riding objective of this proposal is to devise novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of poor responders of IVF treatment through dietary supplementation with Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The investigators hypothesise that DHEA supplementation leads to improvements in ovarian steroidogenesis in poor responders, leading to improved IVF outcome. Specifically, the investigators aim to 1. Conduct a prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of DHEA supplementation in women who are poor responders to IVF treatment. 2. Investigate the effects of DHEA supplementation on ovarian steroidogenesis and biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of ovarian reserves.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
DHEA in 25mg capsule. 1 capsule taken 3 times daily for up to 5 months.
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Clinical pregnancy rate
Time frame: About one month after embryo transfer
The number of oocytes retrieved at oocyte pick-up (OPU)
Time frame: Within 3 weeks after ovarian stimulation
Oocyte quality
Time frame: Within 3 weeks after ovarian stimulation
Number of embryos
Time frame: Within 3 weeks after ovarian stimulation
Quality of embryos at the end of IVF treatment
Time frame: Within 3 weeks after ovarian stimulation
The markers of ovarian reserves (AMH, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], AFC) at the end of DHEA treatment
Time frame: 4 - 5 months after DHEA treatment
Ovarian follicular levels of estradiol, testosterone, DHEA and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) at the time of OPU
Time frame: 1-2 years
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