Comparison of the Administration of 150 or 75 IU of Recombinant LH in  Agonist ICSI Cycles Stimulated with Recombinant FSH in Women Aged 35-39: A Comparative Study

Roberto  Matorras; Fermin  Aspichueta; Begoña  Prieto; Rosario  Mendoza; Iker  Malaina; Blanca  Corral; Lorena  Crisol; Alberto  Vendrell; Antonia  Exposito

doi:10.18502/jri.v24i4.14154

Roberto Matorras Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Fermin Aspichueta Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Begoña Prieto Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Rosario Mendoza Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Iker Malaina Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
Blanca Corral Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Lorena Crisol Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
Alberto Vendrell Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
Antonia Exposito Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jri.v24i4.14154

Keywords: Agonist ICSI cycles, Coadministration, Luteinizing hormone, Oocyte, Ovarian stimulation, Pregnancy rate.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess whether the coadministration of 150 IU of recombinant LH instead of 75 IU in women aged 35-39 improves the results in agonist ICSI cycles stimulated with 300 IU of recombinant FSH.

Methods: In this study, two ovarian stimulation protocols coexisted which were identical except in the administered dose of recombinant LH, for which some patients received 150 IU (n=231) and some received 75 IU (n=216). Both groups received 300 IU of recombinant FSH. Gonadotropins were reimbursed by the National Health System. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t test, χ², and ANCOVA. Significance level was established at p=0.05.

Results: The number of retrieved oocytes was slightly higher in the 300/150 group (9.06±5.53 vs. 8.61±5.11), but the differences were not significant. Results were similar with the number of metaphase II oocytes (7.18±4.86 vs. 6.72±4.72) and the number of fertilized oocytes (4.64±3.2 vs. 4.23±2.72). The per-transfer clinical pregnancy rates exhibited close similarity between both groups (32.84% vs. 32.46%), as did the per-transfer live birth rates (29.90% vs. 30.37%) and the implantation rate. The rate of hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as well as the rate of cancellation due to OHHS risk was similar in both groups. There was also no difference in the miscarriage rate. When results were expressed by per started cycle or by oocyte pick-up, the results remained very similar in both groups.

Conclusion: In women aged 35-39 undergoing ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH in agonist cycles, the coadministration of 75 or 150 UI of recombinant LH did not influence pregnancy rates. However, a slight increase in the number of retrieved oocytes should not be disregarded.