A SIMPLE AND EFFICACIOUS CRITERION BASED ON SERUM LH LEVELS TO TIME HCG ADMINISTRATION FOR HUMAN INVITRO FERTILIZATION

Objective-To test the efficacy of a simple criterion-LH level-for admi nistration of hCG in an IVF program. Design-Prospective, with retrospe ctive analysis of other criteria for hCG administration. Setting-Unive rsity hospital IVF program. Patients and Interventions-Eighty-four pat ients, in 110 cycles, were given 150-300 IU at 10-11 A.M. daily beginn ing on day 3 of the cycle. Serum LH measured daily 8:30-9:30 A.M., hCG administered on night of day LH level first exceeded J, defined as mi nimum value + (day 3 value - minimum) x 1/3. Outcome Measures-Pregnanc y (after IVF + ET); serum concentrations of estradiol and LH. Results- Total and ongoing pregnancy per cycle: 35% and 27% respectively. If hC G is administered one day early or late by the J criterion, the pregna ncy rate is reduced. Conclusions-Pregnancies occurred over wide follic le diameter (14-21 mm) and estradiol level (229-2,050 pg/mL) ranges. L H is recommended for timing hCG administration.