OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of basal serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio on the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed of 134 IVF cycles in patients with PCOS. The cycles were classified into 2 groups according to serum levels of LH and also into 2 groups according to LH/FSH ratio, namely group A1 (LH≤10 IU/L), group A2 (LH>10 IU/L), group B1 (LH/FSH ratio<2), and group B2 (LH/FSH ratio≥2). The clinical characteristics, embryological data and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTSPatients in group A2 showed significantly higher FSH, T level, and LH/FSH ratio with a greater number of oocytes retrieved than those in group A1, but the time for down-regulation, duration of stimulation, AFC, LH and LH/FSH on the first day of stimulation, embryological data and pregnancy outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared with group B1, group B2 showed higher basal LH, E2 level on the day of HCG, more oocytes retrieved and lower dose of gonadotropins used, but the time for down-regulation, duration of stimulation, LH and LH/FSH on the first day of stimulation and pregnancy outcomes were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONA high basal LH level or a high LH/FSH ratio does not produce obvious deleterious effect on the clinical outcomes of IVF-ET in women with PCOS who take oral contraceptives for pretreatment before long GnRH-agonist protocol.