Results with early follicular phase recombinant luteinizing hormone supplementation during stimulation for in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of early follicular phase recombinant LH supplementation on stimulation outcome among women undergoing IVF using the GnRHa long protocol and recombinant FSH.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Private IVF unit.


METHODS
Women under the age of 40 with normal ovarian function undergoing their first or second IVF cycle.


METHODS
All stimulations followed the standard luteal long GnRHa down-regulation protocol. At suppression, patients in the experimental group received 75 IU of rLH daily for 4 days, and recombinant FSH at a fixed starting dose of 150 IU for the first 5 days was started a day later, on day 2 of rLH. In the control group, patients started rFSH at a fixed dose of 150 IU for the first 5 days at suppression.


METHODS
Baseline, stimulation, embryology parameters, and treatment outcome were compared. Of primary interest, recombinant FSH need during stimulation was assessed.


RESULTS
Stimulation, embryology parameters, and treatment outcome were comparable. The amount of gonadotropins used and medication expense were similar in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Early follicular phase recombinant LH supplementation at a daily dose of 75 IU does not improve response to stimulation among normal responder women undergoing IVF.
Kovacs
Peter
P
Kaali Institute, IVF Center, 54 Istenhegyi ut, 1125 Budapest, Hungary. peterkovacs1970@hotmail.com
Kovats
Timea
T
Kaali
Steven G
SG
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012016:Reference Values
D006062:Gonadotropins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone