title: Improved pregnancy rates with luteinizing hormone supplementation in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Luteinizing hormone (LH) is believed to play a role in follicle maturation during the natural cycle. However, the need for co-treatment with recombinant LH (rLH) for controlled ovarian stimulation is controversial.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective of our study was to determine if pregnancy rates are improved when rLH is used in addition to rFSH for ovarian stimulation. Secondary outcomes were fertilization rate, implantation rate and live birth rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective cohort study was performed of 1565 IVF or ICSI cycles. Outcomes were compared between ovarian stimulation cycles from 2007 when rLH and rFSH was used (n = 765) to 2006 when rFSH only was used (n-800).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improved outcomes were found for rLH + rFSH versus rFSH alone for; pregnancy rate (61% and 54% respectively, p = 0.006), live birth rate (49% and 42% respectively, P = 0.01), fertilization rate (74% versus 72% respectively, p = 0.04 and implantation rate (41% versus 37% respectively, p = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our large retrospective cohort study showed an improved pregnancy rate and live birth rate with rLH supplementation. This was associated with an improved fertilization and implantation rate and therefore may reflect an improvement in oocyte quality and/or uterine receptivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calgary, 1403-29th St., NW, rm 428 North Tower, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 2T9. Nicole.Paterson@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Nicole D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: Shu C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Foong
authors.forename: Calvin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Greene
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009865:Oocytes; D006080:Ovarian Follicle; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone