DIFFERENT FOLLICLE-STIMULATING-HORMONE LUTEINIZING-HORMONE RATIOS FOROVARIAN STIMULATION

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether reducing the a mount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in gonadotrophic preparations impair s follicular growth in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles during supp ression of endogenous LH levels. A selected group of 20 IVF patients w as randomly divided into two groups. One group was treated with Org 31 338 [follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/LH 3:1], the other group with Metrodin(R) (purified FSH), both during pituitary down-regulation with buserelin. A fixed daily dose of 150 IU FSH i.m. was given. Serum con centrations of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone were determined fr equently and serial ultrasound examinations were performed. Multiple f ollicular growth with concomitant rise of oestradiol levels was observ ed in all cycles. The duration of the stimulation phase was shorter in the group treated with Org 31338 than in the group treated with Metro din. The number of follicles and oocytes and the fertilization rate wa s larger and the mean embryo quality was higher in the Org 31338 group , but the differences did not reach statistical significance. No signi ficant differences were found in hormonal values. In women with normal endocrine profiles, lowering of the LH activity in gonadotrophic prep arations during gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist treatment resu lts in adequate ovarian stimulation. However, a preparation with some LH needed a shorter stimulation than a purified FSH preparation. Wheth er the other beneficial effects of Org 31338 also occur in a larger po pulation needs further investigation.