title: Does exogenous LH in ovarian stimulation improve assisted reproduction success? An appraisal of the literature.
abstract: A review of the scientific literature on the use of exogenous LH in assisted reproductive technology was performed by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane online databases. Scientific evidence was reviewed comparing recombinant FSH-only protocols to protocols supplemented with exogenous LH activity: human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), recombinant LH and mid-follicular human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Studies were further compared based on pituitary suppression with gonadotrophin- releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and agonist protocols. Primary focus was given to randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Data from hypogonadotrophic hypogonadal patients demonstrated the importance of LH activity for success of assisted reproduction treatment. However, the majority of normogonadotrophic patients had adequate endogenous LH to successfully drive ovarian steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation. Exogenous LH supplementation was consistently associated with higher peak oestradiol concentrations. The use of HMG in long GnRH agonist cycles was associated with a 3–4% increase in live birth rate. There was insufficient evidence to make definitive conclusions on the need for exogenous LH activity in GnRH antagonist cycles or the benefit of recombinant LH and HCG protocols. Poor responders and patients 35 years of age and older may benefit from exogenous LH.
authors.affiliation: Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Micah J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Eric D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Levens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008423:Maternal Age; D008596:Menotropins / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D008596:Menotropins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone