Low LH level does not indicate poor IVF cycle outcomes with GnRh-a single trigger: a retrospective analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Ovarian Stimulation Protocols

Background:

• Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are monitored during controlled ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
• The role of LH levels on the day after a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) single trigger and the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) retriggering remain areas of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes between patients with low and normal serum LH levels following a GnRH-a single trigger.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of hCG retriggering in patients with low LH levels after GnRH-a trigger.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 957 infertile patients undergoing IVF/ICSI.
• Patients were divided into normal (≥10 mIU/mL) and low (<10 mIU/mL) serum LH groups post-GnRH-a trigger.
• Efficacy of hCG retriggering was assessed in 10 patients with low LH levels.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in IVF/ICSI outcomes (egg yield, fertilization, embryo quality, live birth rate) were observed between low and normal LH groups.
• The low LH group exhibited a significantly higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• hCG retriggering showed no significant benefit on cycle outcomes in patients with low LH levels.

Conclusions:

• IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes are comparable between patients with low and normal LH levels after GnRH-a trigger.
• Routine LH testing the day after GnRH-a trigger may not be necessary.
• hCG retriggering is not beneficial for patients with low LH levels post-trigger.