The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 10(2):423-428

A comparative study of ovulation induction by clomiphene citrate vs letrozole

Hemant Deshpande, Madhukar Shinde, Neha Ellath, Vidya Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare ovulation induction by clomiphene citrate and letrozole in women with ovulatory dysfunction. Methodology: In this open label comparative randomized clinical trial, patients aged 20 to 40 years with infertility diagnosed with ovulatory dysfunction were treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate in the Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD, of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune. Clomiphene citrate (CC) was administered as 50 mg once daily for five days, then increased by 50 mg per cycle up to maximum of 150mg, if ovulation did not occur. Letrozole was administered as 2.5 mg once daily for five days, and then increased by 2.5 mg per cycle up to maximum of 7.5 mg, if ovulation did not occur. Results: Mean age of the patients was 29.8 years and 31.44 years in letrozole and clomiphene citrate group respectively. Ovulation rate (83% vs 63%), endometrial thickness (8.8 ± 1.5 vs 7.1 ± 1.6 mm) and pregnancy rate (63% vs 47%) was found to be significantly higher among patients in letrozole group as compared to clomiphene citrate group. The mean numbers of follicles were significantly lower in the letrozole group. Side effect profile was similar in letrozole and clomiphene citrate group. Conclusion: Our findings show that individuals treated with letrozole had a better clinical outcome than those treated with clomiphene citrate, which has a comparable adverse effect profile.