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.

Design

Randomized, controlled trial.

Setting

Private IVF unit.

Patient(s)

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

Intervention(s)

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.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

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

Result(s)

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

Conclusion(s)

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.

Key Words: Recombinant LH, IVF, ovarian stimulation, pregnancy rate, expense