Small doses of LH activity are needed early in ovarian stimulation for better quality oocytes in IVF-ET.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether exogenous LH administration has a beneficial effect on the quality of oocytes, fertilization potential, as well as pregnancy rate in IVF-ET cycles. A randomized trial comparing r-FSH versus r-FSH and LH was employed.


METHODS
Forty-six infertile couples entering IVF-ET for the first time (either tubal or male factor) were divided after prospective randomization into two groups. In both groups the long protocol with GnRH-analogs was used. In group A, ovarian stimulation started with r-FSH (200 IU/day) for the first four days. In group B, the stimulation protocol started with one amp hMG (75 IU FSH + 75 IU LH activity) daily for four days, with simultaneous administration of r-FSH (150 IU/day). The outcome was compared.


RESULTS
Statistical difference was observed in the number of mature oocytes, the number of fertilized oocytes as well as the number of transferable embryos. In all cases, results were statistically significantly better (p < 0.05) in group B. Clinical pregnancy rate, finally, was similar in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The relatively small sample size does not allow a definitive conclusion for the important role of LH during early oocyte maturation. Our results, however, indicate a beneficial effect when small doses of LH are used for ovarian stimulation in IVF-ET cycles. This effect may be more important in cases in which few embryos are available for transfer.
IVF Unit, 1st Department of Ob/Gyn, Athens University Medical School, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Greece. pdrakakis@hol.gr
P
P
Drakakis
D
D
Loutradis
K
K
Kallianidis
A
A
Liapi
S
S
Milingos
A
A
Makrigiannakis
A
A
Dionyssiou-Asteriou
S
S
Michalas
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone