High basal LH levels in combination with low basal FSH levels are associated with high success rates at assisted reproduction.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations of basal gonadotrophins with pregnancy and delivery rates at IVF/ICSI.


METHODS
A prospective observational study was conducted at a university-affiliated private infertility centre. Patients were 745 women, who underwent 1328 IVF/ICSI treatment cycles. Basal FSH, basal LH and combinations of FSH and LH versus treatment data and pregnancy and delivery rates were measured.


RESULTS
Combinations of FSH and LH gave significantly better information than the LH:FSH ratio, or each gonadotrophin alone: highest mean pregnancy rate (39%) was achieved in women with low FSH (<6.7 U/l) and with high LH levels (>4.9 U/l), whereas pregnancy rate was lowest (22%) in women with high FSH and low LH levels. Pregnancy rates were intermediate (27-28%) if FSH and LH were either both low or both high (P for trend = 0.0004). Associations to delivery rates and measures of ovarian response and embryo quality followed the same pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
Basal LH modifies and improves the information given by basal FSH alone. Low FSH level combined with high LH probably reflects a well-preserved ovarian reserve and is associated with the highest success rates at IVF/ICSI.
Brodin
Thomas
T
Carl von Linné Clinic, Uppsala Science Park, S-751 83 Uppsala, Sweden. thomasbrodin@telia.com
Bergh
Torbjörn
T
Berglund
Lars
L
Hadziosmanovic
Nermin
N
Holte
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone