hCG注射日雌二醇(E_2)增幅及每成熟卵泡E_2水平对控制性促排卵hCG扳机的影响

目的:探讨控制性促排卵(COS)hCG注射日雌二醇(E2)在hCG扳机时的作用。方法:接受长方案垂体降调节IVF/ICSI-ET助孕的不孕症患者1 811例,测量COS周期中E2水平,计算E2增幅[E2增幅=(hCG注射日E2值-hCG注射前日E2值)/hCG注射前日E2值]。按照E2的增幅分为5组:A1组E2增幅≤-10%,A2组E2增幅为-9%~10%,A3组E2增幅为11%~50%,A4组E2增幅为51%~100%,A5组E2增幅100%;另按hCG注射日每卵泡E2水平分为5组:B1组E2≤200 pg/ml,B2组E2为201~300 pg/ml,B3组E2为301~400 pg/ml,B4组E2为401~500 pg/ml,B5组E2500 pg/ml。比较各组间一般临床特征及IVF-ET的临床结局。结果:①A1组hCG注射日直径≥14 mm卵泡数、获卵数及2PN数较其他4组高,hCG注射日直径≥18 mm卵泡比例,较其他4组低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),临床妊娠率偏低,但与其余4组间无统计学差异(P0.05);②A5组hCG注射日P水平、hCG注射日直径≥14 mm卵泡数、获卵数、2PN数、临床妊娠率和胚胎着床率均较其他4组低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);③B2组临床妊娠率和胚胎着床率较其他4组高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:hCG注射日E2增幅介于-9%~100%、每成熟卵泡E2值介于201~300 pg/ml之间是hCG扳机的最佳时机。     

短方案降调节hCG注射日前后血清雌孕激素水平变化及其比值对IVF/ICSI结局的影响

目的:探讨体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)中hCG注射日前后血清雌孕激素水平变化及其比值对妊娠结局的影响。方法:选取行短方案治疗的137例不孕症患者的临床资料,根据hCG注射日每成熟卵泡(B超下直径≥14 mm的卵泡)的E2水平分为3组,A1组E2水平<450 pg/ml,A2组E2水平450~600 pg/ml,A3组E2水平>600 pg/ml;据hCG注射日较前一日E2增幅程度不同亦分为3组,B1组增幅程度<20%,B2组增幅程度20%~30%,B3组增幅程度>30%;另外为探讨hCG注射日雌、孕激素比值对妊娠结局的影响,按hCG注射日E2/P值不同亦分为3组,C1组E2/P<3,C2组E2/P=3~5,C3组E2/P>5;对上述3组的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果:A2组的临床妊娠率高于A3组,A1和A2组的胚胎种植率亦高于A3组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);B1组的临床妊娠率明显高于B2和B3组,B1组的胚胎种植率亦高于B3组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);C3组的临床妊娠率高于C1组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);C2、C3组的胚胎种植率明显高于C1组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:行IVF-ET患者的hCG注射日前后适合水平的血清雌、孕激素及其比值(E2水平在450~600 pg/ml,hCG注射日前后E2增幅<20%及E2/P>5)能获得较好的妊娠结局。     

卵泡评分系统在IVF-ET中的应用

目的 :检验用体外受精 -胚胎移植 (IVF -ET)周期治疗的患者 ,注射hCG日血清E2 浓度及双侧卵泡分值作为指标预测OHSS发生的可行性。方法 :对 4 0例实施IVF ET的患者分别测定注射hCG日血清E2 和双侧卵泡的大小 ,使用卵泡评分系统 ,探讨卵泡分值与血清E2 水平的相关性以及 2种指标在预测早发型OHSS中的价值。结果 :2种指标的相关系数为 0 .939,以E2 作为指标进行预测 ,阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为 4 2 9%和 93 6% ,以卵泡分值为指标 ,阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为 4 0 %和 91 4 %。结论 :卵泡分值与血清E2 水平有良好的相关性 ,二种指标均可预测OHSS的发生     

不同促排卵方案排卵结局和不同受精方式妊娠结局的相关因素探讨

目的:探讨不同促排卵方案的排卵结局和不同受精方式妊娠结局的相关因素。方法:100例需诱发排卵或行宫腔内人工受精(IUI)治疗的不孕症患者,随机分为两组,分别采用hp-hMG或hMG促排。用化学发光法测量基础及治疗各期血清中的性激素水平。结果:两组患者应用促性腺激素的时间和剂量、卵泡数、排卵率、妊娠率无统计学意义。但hCG注射日大卵泡数(1.8±1.3vs2.5±1.9)、E2水平在hp-hMG组显著低于hMG组(577.77vs925.23pmol/ml),而P/E2水平无明显差别。合并两组后LH<4IU/L组的排卵率(100%)、妊娠率(27.5%)明显较LH>4IU/L组(90%和10.0%)增高,当hCG日子宫内膜厚度在8-12mm时妊娠率最高(21.3%);IUI患者hCG注射日E2水平、卵泡数(>14mm)和卵泡破裂数在妊娠组显著高于非妊娠组(E2:1324.00±971.52vs733.97±724.87pmol/L;卵泡数:3.28±2.39vs2.19±1.55;卵泡破裂数:2.2±1.1vs1.2±0.5),而P/E2在妊娠组显著低于非妊娠组(1.25±1.20vs2.62±2.05)。结论:hMG和hp-hMG在促排卵治疗中无论是排卵率、妊娠率均无明显差异,但hp-hMG更为有效;基础LH水平在促排卵治疗中对排卵率和妊娠率有重要作用;hCG注射日的E2和P/E2水平与妊娠率明显相关。     

200例短效长方案ICSI助孕周期注射hCG时机的探讨

目的:探究不同时机注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)行短效长方案卵胞质内单精子注射(ICSI)助孕术患者的临床结局影响。方法:回顾性分析行ICSI助孕术的200例患者,按传统标准的hCG注射日时间(有3个卵泡平均直径≥17 mm)比较推迟2 d(+2组,n=167)、推迟3 d(+3组,n=31)和推迟4 d(+4组,n=2)ICSI助孕过程中的临床参数及妊娠结局。结果:+3组与+2d组比较,平均直径≥20 mm的卵泡数有上升趋势(6.1±2.4 vs 5.4±2.3);hCG注射日最大卵泡的平均直径达到25.0±2.6 mm,两者有统计学差异(P0.05);≥20 mm/≥14 mm比值组间差异更大(0.52±0.16 vs 0.46±0.13,P0.05),P×1 000/E2有降低趋势(0.23±0.12 vs 0.42±1.44),E2/≥14 mm的卵泡数比值有上升趋势(276.73±93.55 vs 246.23±77.03)。卵子回收率、MII卵率、受精率、优质胚胎率、周期取消率、着床率、临床妊娠率、自然流产率、宫外孕率及OHSS发生率均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:对短效长方案患者适度推迟注射hCG时间是值得推行的。     

IVF/ICSI-ET周期hCG注射次日雌二醇(E_2)水平变化的意义

目的:探讨体外受精/卵胞质内单精子注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)周期中hCG注射次日血清雌二醇(E2)水平较hCG注射日的增幅对超促排卵临床结局的预测价值。方法:回顾性分析362例行黄体中期长方案IVF/ICSI-ET患者的临床资料。hCG注射次日E2增幅=(hCG注射次日血清E2水平-hCG注射日E2水平)/hCG注射日E2水平×100%。根据增幅的不同分成4组:A组增幅20%,B组增幅为0.1%~20%间,C组为-20%~0%间,D组增幅-20%。分析4组患者基本临床资料、超促排卵情况以及临床结局各项指标。结果:各组患者的取卵年龄、不孕年限、基础FSH(bFSH)值、降调节剂量、rFSH天数、hCG用量、hCG注射日LH值、2原核(2PN)胚胎数、优质胚胎数、冷冻胚胎数各组间差异均无统计学意义。各组患者的Gn启动剂量、Gn总用量、hCG注射日P值差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),且各值随着E2增幅的降低逐渐升高。A组的临床妊娠率(56.30%)显著高于B、C、D组(40.27%、42.85%和20.00%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。A组的胚胎种植率(33.86%)虽高于B、C、D组(26.23%、28.65%和16.67%),但差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:监测黄体中期长方案垂体降调节IVF/ICSI-ET患者hCG注射次日E2增幅水平对临床结局有预测意义,E2水平在hCG注射次日较hCG注射日增幅高达20%以上时,临床结局较好。     

晚卵泡期孕酮水平提前上升相关因素分析及其发生机制的新探讨

目的:探讨晚卵泡期孕酮(P)水平上升对妊娠结局的影响,分析与P水平上升的相关因素并探讨其潜在机制.方法:回顾性分析1 083例IVF/ICSI患者的临床资料.根据hCG注射日血清P水平结合早发性LH峰将患者分为3组:低孕酮LH正常组(A组)、高孕酮LH正常组(B组)、高孕酮LH峰组(C组);根据hCG注射日卵泡数及E2水平将患者分为:卵巢正常反应组、卵巢高反应组.比较各组患者的临床特征、用药情况和妊娠结局.结果:P水平上升的最佳判断点为1.205 ng/ml. A、B和C组的临床妊娠率分别为51.0％、38.9％和28.6％(P=0.000),胚胎种植率分别为32.2％、24.9％和15.6％(P=0.001).与A组相比,B和C组的Gn使用总量更高(P=0.000)、获卵数更多(P=0.000).与B组相比,C组直径≥18mm的卵泡数更少、E2水平更低、P水平上升更高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).与卵巢正常反应组相比,卵巢高反应组同量用药情况下P水平上升更高.孕酮提前上升的相关因素为体质量指数(BMI)、基础FSH、hCG注射日最大卵泡直径、E2水平、Gn使用总量和Gn启动剂量.结论:晚卵泡期P水平提前上升不利于妊娠结局,但不影响卵母细胞及胚胎质量.卵巢自身反应性与FSH剂量是导致P水平提前上升的关键因素.     

β2糖蛋白I(β2GPI)在卵泡液中的表达水平及其与卵泡发育的关系

目的:探讨β2糖蛋白I(β2GPI)与卵泡发育的关系。方法:选取体外受精/卵胞质内单精子注射(IVF/ICSI)助孕治疗的卵巢功能正常者100例(NC组)、多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者85例(PCOS组),卵巢储备功能低下(DOR)患者62例(DOR组),长方案促排卵,收集人绒毛膜促性腺激素(h CG)注射日血清及取卵日优势卵泡的卵泡液,应用酶联免疫吸附试验法(ELISA)测定各组卵泡液中β2GPI的水平;电化学发光法测定h CG注射日血清E2水平,并对IVF/ICSI周期卵泡液中β2GPI水平与h CG注射日血清E2水平、获卵数以及卵成熟率进行相关性分析。结果:各组卵泡液中β2GPI浓度相比均无统计学差异(P0.05);NC组IVF/ICSI周期中卵泡液中β2GPI的水平与h CG注射日血清E2水平、获卵数及卵成熟率均呈负相关(r=-0.279,P0.05;r=-0.243,P0.05;r=-0.711,P0.01)。结论:卵泡液中β2GPI的水平与卵巢功能无显著相关性,卵泡液中β2GPI的表达水平与IVF/ICSI周期中卵泡的发育存在负相关。     

来曲唑/FSH促排卵中GnRHa与hCG诱发卵泡成熟效果的比较

目的:比较曲普瑞林和hCG在来曲唑(LE)/FSH促排卵行IVF-ET治疗中诱发卵泡成熟的效果。方法:391个IVF-ET治疗周期随机分成促性腺激素激动剂(GnRHa)组(n=267)和hCG组(n=124),所有患者均采用LE/FSH促排卵方案,当主导卵泡平均直径达18～20mm时,GnRHa组患者采用达菲林0.1mg诱导卵泡成熟,hCG组采用hCG10000IU诱导卵泡成熟,比较组间的获卵数、MII卵率、受精率、卵裂率、优胚率、临床妊娠率和中-重度卵巢过度刺激综合症(OHSS)发生率。同时比较两组患者诱导日(d0)、取卵日(d2)、胚胎移植前日(d4)和胚胎移植后第4日(d9)的血清E2、P、LH水平。结果:hCG组Gn使用总量、MII卵率、卵裂率、中-重度OHSS发生率显著高于GnRHa组(P<0.05)。Gn使用天数、获卵数、受精率、种植率、临床妊娠率、流产率组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。GnRHa组d0LH、d2LH、d9LH水平显著高于hCG组(P<0.05),而d2P、d4E2、d4P、d4LH、d9E2、d9P水平显著低于hCG组(P<0.05)。结论:在LE/FSH促排卵方案中可以用GnRHa替代hCG诱导卵泡成熟,而不影响IVF结局,并显著降低OHSS发生率。GnRHa诱导卵泡成熟的IVF周期其黄体期存在黄体功能不全,需适当补充外源性hCG加强黄体支持。     

不同黄体支持方法对体外受精-胚胎移植结果的影响

目的:探讨三种黄体支持方法对体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)结果的影响。方法:回顾性分析195个IVF-ET周期的结果,根据注射hCG当天的血E2水平、B超示直径≥14 mm卵泡数目及所用的黄体支持方法分组。A组:112例,E2<2 000 pg/mL,直径≥14 mm的卵泡数<10个,hCG进行黄体支持;对E2≥2 000 pg/mL,卵泡数目≥10个者,随机分为两组,B组,46例,单用黄体酮进行黄体支持;C组,37例,黄体酮加雌激素进行黄体支持。结果: 三组间妊娠率、种植率、流产率、OHSS发生率差异均无显著性,P>0.05。结论:hCG用于IVF黄体支持并不优于黄体酮,但在一定程度上可避免某些患者由于注射黄体酮产生的痛苦。黄体酮+雌激素进行黄体支持应该是黄体支持较合理的方案,还需进一步研究。     

Factors influencing the success of in vitro fertilization for alleviating human infertility

The program for in vitro fertilization at Bourn Hall began in October 1980. Various types of infertility have been treated during this time using the natural menstrual cycle or stimulation of follicular growth with antiestrogens and gonadotrophins. Follicular growth and maturation are assayed by urinary estrogens and LH, monitored regularly during the later follicular stage. Many patients had an endogenous LH surge; others needed an injection of HCG to induce ovulation. All oocytes were recovered by laparoscopy. Wide variations occurred in the time interval between the start of the LH surge and oocyte recovery and between oocyte recovery and insemination. Embryos taken between ooc one- and the eight-cell stage were replaced into their mother, no standard procedure being adopted for all patients. The results of all treatments including patient's responses during the follicular and luteal phases, oocyte recovery, fertilization, cleavage, replacement, implantation, abortion, and birth and the effect of factors such as replacing two or more embryos, maternal age, and previous obstetric history are described in detail. The incidence of implantation after embryo replacement improved from 16.5% initially to 30% currently. More than 118 babies have been born, and many pregnancies are continuing.     

The outcome of continued treatment of luteinizing hormone-surged cycles in in vitro fertilization with the use of human menopausal gonadotropin

Over a 2-year period 75 patients were treated for 109 cycles with human menopausal gonadotropin for in vitro fertilization. The occurrence of endogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) surges was monitored by daily blood sampling. Forty-six cycles (42%) showed an endogenous LH surge. Instead of canceling the treatment cycle as other programs do, we proceeded to oocyte collection when the surge was detected. Human chorionic gonadotropin was administered routinely to the "surge" patients as soon as the LH surge was determined. The oocyte collection was carried out around 24 hours after the "surge" blood had been drawn, although the beginning of the endogenous LH surge was unable to be pinpointed. Significantly more immature oocytes, lower fertilization rate, and lower cleavage rate were seen in the "surge" patients than in the "nonsurge" patients. In five "surge" cycles laparoscopy for oocyte collection was canceled, but none was canceled because of premature ovulation detected by the immediately preoperative ultrasonography. In four "surge" cycles no potentially fertilizable egg was recovered. This was not significantly different from that of the "nonsurge" group. The pregnancy rate of the "surge" group (4/41 or 9.8% per laparoscopy and 4/34 of 11.8% per embryo transfer) was not statistically different from that of the "nonsurge" group (7/61 or 11.5% per laparoscopy and 7/56 or 12.5% per embryo transfer). This study presents the possibility of proceeding to oocyte collection, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy in patients with endogenous LH surge in in vitro fertilization procedures with the use of human menopausal gonadotropin treatment.     

透明带形态异常卵母细胞在IVF完全受精失败后行补救ICSI的临床结局

目的:研究透明带形态异常卵母细胞的受精、胚胎发育和临床结局。方法:以在IVF完全受精失败(TFF)周期中透明带形态异常的15名患者为研究组(A组),非透明带形态异常的完全受精失败周期的63例患者为对照组(B组),回顾性分析比较患者的一般临床情况、IVF结局及行补救ICSI(R-ICSI)的临床结局。结果:除受精率组间有显著性差异(65.52%vs 78.86%,P<0.01)外,其余各指标(年龄、不孕年限、不孕类型、不孕原因、基础内分泌水平、基础卵泡数、降调节天数、Gn使用天数、Gn使用总量、hCG注射日直径≥16 mm卵泡数、hCG注射日E2、P和LH水平、获卵数、MII卵数、行R-ICSI的受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率、种植率、临床妊娠率和流产率)组间均无统计学差异。结论:IVF完全受精失败周期透明带形态异常卵母细胞行R-ICSI虽受精率较低,但及早发现受精失败并行R-ICSI,可使65.52%的卵子受精,从而改善临床结局。     

Clomiphene-HMG ovarian stimulation in human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

In a program for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, laparoscopies for oocyte aspiration were performed in 40 cycles in 36 normally menstruating women with irreparable tubal diseases (IVF patients) who received clomiphene citrate (CC) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). An intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was given to all patients after completion of follicular maturation. Fourteen cycles in 13 spontaneously ovulating women (control patients), also stimulated with CC and hMG, were adequately monitored to identify the appearance of the spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The follicular maturation was followed by daily ovarian ultrasonographic examination and serum estradiol estimations. Just before the LH surge the diameter of the leading follicle was 20.2 +/- 0.7 (mean +/- S.E.) mm and the serum estradiol concentration per follicle was 384.1 +/- 16.3pg/ml in the control patients. In the IVF patients the former was 20.6 +/- 0.3mm and the latter was 305.8 +/- 13.3pg/ml prior to hCG administration. When the relationship of follicular size to the rates of oocytes recovery, maturation, fertilization and cleavage was examined, larger follicles (3ml less than or equal to follicular fluid volume) showed good results. Of the 152 oocytes that were recovered from these IVF patients, 96 (63.2%) were fertilized and 79 (52.0%) cleaved. Three pregnancies resulted from 35 embryo transfers.     

微刺激促排卵在IVF/ICSI卵巢低反应患者中的应用

目的:探讨微刺激促排卵在IVF/ICSI卵巢低反应患者中的应用。方法:回顾性分析进行IVF/ICSI助孕的卵巢低反应患者共114个周期,根据用药情况分为3组:A组(来曲唑组,34个周期),B组(克罗米芬组,41个周期),C组(短方案组,39个周期)。比较3组患者的一般情况、Gn使用天数及总量、IVF相关指标及助孕结局。结果:①年龄、体质量指数(BMI)、不孕年限、基础内分泌水平组间比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。②A组Gn使用天数及总量、hCG注射日E2水平、优质胚胎率低于C组(P<0.05);hCG注射日LH水平、提前排卵率高于C组(P<0.05);平均获卵数、受精率、卵裂率、着床率、临床妊娠率A组与C组间比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。③B组Gn使用天数及总量、hCG注射日E2水平、平均获卵数、卵裂率均低于C组(P<0.05);hCG注射日LH水平高于C组(P<0.05);提前排卵率、受精率、优质胚胎率、着床率、临床妊娠率B组与C组间均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。④B组Gn使用天数及总量高于A组(P<0.05);其余相关指标组间比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:微刺激方案可以获得与GnRH-a短方案相近的临床效果,同时降低Gn使用总量,减轻患者单周期治疗费用,是卵巢储备功能低下患者较理想的促排卵方案。     

Reduced in-vitro fertilization of human oocytes from patients with raised basal luteinizing hormone levels during the follicular phase

A series of 62 women were managed in the University of Western Australia/PIVET Laboratory in-vitro fertilization programme. In 60 of them follicle growth was stimulated with clomiphene citrate with or without additional human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and in two with hMG alone. Follicles were aspirated at laparoscopy following an hCG trigger injection and occasionally following a spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Oocytes were inseminated with 0.5 X 10(5)-10(5) sperm/ml 3-6 h later. A significant reduction (P less than 0.001) in the fertilization rate of mature oocytes was observed in those patients whose basal serum LH values were greater than 1 SD above the mean. Fifty-nine women subsequently had embryo transfer and of 10 clinical pregnancies, none occurred in those with elevated LH values. Reduced fertilization may be a reflection of premature oocyte maturation or ageing. This may have clinical implications in the management of some patients with unexplained infertility.     

Timing of oocyte retrieval in cycles with a spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge in a large in vitro fertilization program

Forty-four cycles with a spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge among 377 in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients were studied for outcome with different timing of oocyte retrieval. Mean number of preovulatory oocytes per retrieval and per transfer was significantly less in these cycles than in controls. Mean number of preovulatory oocytes per retrieval and per transfer was significantly higher when the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-retrieval interval was greater than 35 hours, compared with less than 24 hours. In cycles with an hCG-retrieval interval of less than 24 hours, percentage of preovulatory oocytes was higher when serum estradiol (E2) decreased by greater than 15% on the morning after hCG administration compared with a plateau or an increase in serum E2. Timing oocyte retrieval after spontaneous LH surge should consider the hCG-retrieval interval and changes in E2 levels after hCG administration; this may avoid cancellation for many patients.     

Reduced in-vitro fertilization of human oocytes from patients with raised basal luteinizing hormone levels during the follicular phase

Summary. A series of 62 women were managed in the University of Western Australia/PIVET Laboratory in-vitro fertilization programme. In 60 of them follicle growth was stimulated with clomiphene citrate' with or without additional human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and in two with hMG alone. Follicles were aspirated at laparoscopy following an hCG trigger injection and occasionally following a spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Oocytes were inseminated with 0·5×10⁵−10⁵ sperm/ml 3–6 h later. A significant reduction ( P <0·001) in the fertilization rate of mature oocytes was observed in those patients whose basal serum LH values were >1 SD above the mean. Fifty-nine women subsequently had embryo transfer and of 10 clinical pregnancies, none occurred in those with elevated LH values. Reduced fertilization may be a reflection of premature oocyte maturation or ageing. This may have clinical implications in the management of some patients with unexplained infertility.     

Use of progestins to inhibit spontaneous ovulation during ovarian stimulation: the beginning of a new era?

Advances in oocyte and embryo cryopreservation for assisted reproduction prompted new approaches to ovarian stimulation. Attention has been paid to progesterone and its derivatives to block the LH surge, as oocyte vitrification removes possible harmful effects of progestins on endometrial receptivity. This review summarizes the current status of progestin use to inhibit ovulation during ovarian stimulation compared with conventional ovarian stimulation. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation is shown to effectively inhibit spontaneous ovulation, without affecting the number of retrieved oocytes and embryo quality. Reproductive outcomes from ovarian stimulation with progestins appear similar to those from conventional ovarian stimulation, although large trials are needed to confirm this. Use of progestins allows better control of LH concentrations, lower costs and easier (oral) administration. Therefore, progestin-primed ovarian stimulation could be the first choice for ovarian stimulation in fertility preservation, oocyte donation and preimplantation genetic testing cycles. So-called ‘non-conventional’ ovarian stimulation protocols (luteal and random-start, double ovarian stimulation), which always require oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, may also use progestins to inhibit the endogenous LH surge. Since the ‘freeze-all’ strategy with delayed transfer is mandatory, high responders undergoing IVF could benefit more from this approach. Economic advantage remains to be demonstrated, as do pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.     

Spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge and cleavage of in vitro fertilized embryos

The importance of monitoring luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion during gonadotropin stimulation remains controversial. In the present study, the authors evaluated the occurrence of spontaneous LH surges in 170 cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin, and correlated the success rate of embryo cleavage to the time interval between the occurrence of the LH surge peak value and the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. LH was quantitated from urine by an avidin-biotin enzyme immunoassay. The results indicated that a spontaneous LH surge occurred in 18% of the cycles. The number of oocytes recovered was not affected by the occurrence of a spontaneous LH surge. In 12% of all cases, the spontaneous LH surge occurred less than 12 hours before the administration of hCG, and in these cases embryo cleavage was not reduced. In 6% of all cases, the spontaneous LH surge occurred over 12 hours before hCG administration, and in these cases embryo cleavage was reduced significantly.