Administration of beta2-adrenergic agonists during the peri-implantation period does not improve implantation or pregnancy rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles

PURPOSE: The objective of the present investigation was to determine implantation and pregnancy rates in patients undergoing ICSI and treated with beta2-adrenergic agonists, considering the uterine-relaxing action of these agents. METHODS: A total of 225 women undergoing ICSI at the Center for Human Reproduction, "Sinhá Junqueira" Maternity Foundation, entered the study. Patient participation in each group was random, by drawing lots, using a randomization table previously elaborated for the study (2:2:1). The group I (90 women) received 10 mg of terbutaline daily for 15 days starting on the day of oocyte retrieval; group II (90 women) received 20 mg of ritodrine daily during the same period of time as group I; group III (45 patients) received no treatment and was used as control. The evaluation was interrupted in 3 patients of group I and in 30 patients of group II because of a high incidence of side effects. RESULTS: Pregnancy, implantation, and miscarriage rates were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the three groups: 29.88%, 13.25%, and 26.9% for group I; 33.33%, 17.5%, and 10.0% for group II; 28.88%, 15.07%, and 15.38% for group III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not support the routine use of beta2-adrenergic agonists during the peri-implantation period in assisted reproductive technology cycles.