The Evaluation of Recombinant LH Supplementation in Patients With Suboptimal Response to Recombinant FSH Undergoing ICSI

• Aim

-We aimed to evaluate patients who had In-vitro fertilization treatment and who had COH (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) cycles applying long protocol with GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) analogue with suboptimal response to the rFSH. We evaluated and compared the addition of rLH, increasing the dose of rFSH and the control groups regarding the results of IVF in these patients.

• Material and Methods -Between 01.01.2009-30.04.2011, 137 patients presented with infertility to the unit of Assisted Reproduction Techniques- of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology- Meram Medical Faculty- Selcuk University and were planned for ICSI-ET (intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer) with normal ovarian function, who had long protocol of GnRH analogue and COH (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) with rFSH were included in the study. 52 patients were considered responsive to stimulation and composed the normal control group (Group 1). On the 7th day of stimulation transvaginal ultrasonography was carried out. Patients who had at least 6 follicles about 6-10mm but had no follicle above 10mm and E2 (Oestradiol) level of <250 pg / ml were considered to have suboptimal response to stimulation and were divided into two groups. For Group 2 (n = 50), 75IU / L rLH was added to the treatment, for Group 3 (n = 35), 75IU / L of rFSH was added to the treatment. IVF results were compared between the groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 23-39
• Body mass index between 18 and 30 kg/m2
• Baseline FSH ≤12 IU/l, E2 ≤ 80 pg/ml
• The presence of both ovaries and uterine cavity capable of sustaining a pregnancy
• Who had regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) Confirmed absence of pregnancy and sufficient number of antral follicles on the transvaginal US examination on the 3rd day of menstruation
• Who were having their first or second IVF trial.

Exclusion criteria

• Grade III-IV endometriosis
• Clinically significant condition preventing them from undergoing gonadotrophin treatment
• More than two previous assisted cycles
• Who had a single ovary
• Unexplained gynaecological bleeding
• Polycystic ovary or an ovarian cyst of unknown aetiology
• Previously diagnosed with a space occupying lesion like submucous myoma , polyps, septum, synechia in the uterine cavity
• Have a chromosomal anomaly.