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Infertility, FemaleELH-IVFNCT07128394

Extra Luteinizing Hormone Improve Embryo Quality in IVF Patients With Low LH During Long GnRH-Agonist Treatment

A study testing Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH), Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) in people with Infertility, Female and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), run by Nanjing University at 1 site in China.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether supplementation with exogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) can improve embryo quality in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol who have excessive suppression of LH. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 37 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Infertility, Female, Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
What is being tested?
Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH), Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a)
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
590 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
1 Feb 2024to 30 Nov 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 37 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Women aged 20 to 37 years (inclusive). Diagnosed with infertility and undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment using the long-acting GnRH agonist protocol.
  • Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level <0.5 U/L after pituitary downregulation. Normal uterine cavity as confirmed by hysteroscopy, sonohysterography, or hysterosalpingography within 6 months.
  • Written informed consent provided prior to participation.

Who cannot join

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). History of recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Presence of endometriosis or adenomyosis. History of ovarian surgery. Ovarian cysts ≥3 cm or with suspected malignancy. Poor ovarian reserve (antral follicle count <5, anti-Müllerian hormone <1.1 ng/mL, or baseline FSH >10 IU/L).
  • Chromosomal abnormalities in either partner. Systemic diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Contraindications to ovarian stimulation medications or pregnancy.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008

    Yue Jiang, PhD, +8613814122872, jiangyue85@163.com

    Hui Zhang, PhD, +8618262637731, hellozhanghui@sina.cn

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Exogenous Luteinizing Hormone Supplementation to Improve Embryo Quality in Patients With Excessive LH Suppression During a Long GnRH-Agonist Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether supplementation with exogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) can improve embryo quality in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol who have excessive suppression of LH. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either exogenous LH supplementation or standard care. The primary outcome is embryo quality, and secondary outcomes include pregnancy rates and safety assessments. The study is conducted at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University.

Read the detailed description

Excessive suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) during ovarian stimulation with a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol has been associated with suboptimal follicular development, impaired oocyte maturation, and reduced embryo quality. LH plays a critical role in the final stages of folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and ovulation, and its deficiency during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation may adversely affect the developmental competence of oocytes.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate whether supplementation with exogenous LH can improve embryo quality in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with excessive LH suppression during a long GnRH-a protocol. Eligible participants are women meeting predefined hormonal suppression criteria prior to or during stimulation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either exogenous LH supplementation in addition to standard ovarian stimulation or standard care without LH supplementation.

The primary endpoint is the proportion of high-quality embryos obtained per cycle. Secondary endpoints include clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, live birth rate, and safety outcomes such as incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and adverse events.

The study aims to provide high-quality evidence to guide the optimal management of patients with profound LH suppression during controlled ovarian stimulation. Findings from this trial may contribute to refining stimulation protocols and improving reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Being tested
Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH), Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH), Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a)
Keywords
Luteinizing Hormone, Long GnRH Agonist Protocol, Excessive LH Suppression, Controlled Ovarian Stimulation, In Vitro Fertilization, Embryo Quality
Medical subject headings
Infertility, Female

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH)Drug

    Also called lutropin alfa, Luveris

    Recombinant LH administered subcutaneously in combination with recombinant FSH (rFSH) at a ratio of 2:1 starting on stimulation day, continued throughout controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Dosage adjusted according to follicular growth and serum hormone levels.

  • Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH)Drug

    Also called follitropin alfa, Gonal-F

    Recombinant FSH administered subcutaneously for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after pituitary downregulation with a long-acting GnRH agonist. Dosage adjusted based on follicular development and hormone monitoring.

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a)Drug

    Also called triptorelin, Diphereline

    Long-acting GnRH agonist (3.75 mg) administered subcutaneously on menstrual cycle day 2-4 for pituitary downregulation before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Study groups in NCT07128394
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Recombinant LH Supplementation GroupExperimentalParticipants receive controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using a long-acting GnRH agonist (triptorelin 3.75 mg) for pituitary downregulation, followed by recombinant FSH (rFSH) combined with recombinant LH (rLH) at a ratio of 2:1 starting on stimulation day. rLH administration continues throughout the stimulation phase, with gonadotropin doses adjusted based on follicular growth and hormone monitoring. Trigger is given when 2-3 leading follicles reach ≥18 mm, followed by oocyte retrieval, IVF/ICSI, and embryo quality assessment.
Receives: Drug: Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH); Drug: Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH); Drug: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a)
Conventional rFSH-Only GroupActive comparatorParticipants receive the same long-acting GnRH agonist downregulation and rFSH stimulation protocol as the experimental arm, but without rLH supplementation. Only rFSH is used during COH, with dose adjustments according to follicular development and hormone levels. Trigger, oocyte retrieval, IVF/ICSI, and embryo assessment follow the same procedures as in the experimental arm.
Receives: Drug: Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH); Drug: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Proportion of cycles with no usable embryos

    The number of IVF/ICSI cycles with no transferable embryos divided by the total number of oocyte retrieval cycles, evaluated based on embryo morphology and grading on Day 3 or Day 5-6 after fertilization.

    Measured: 7 days after oocyte retrieval

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Number of high-quality Day 3 embryos

    Count of embryos meeting morphological criteria for high quality on Day 3 after fertilization, as determined by standard embryology scoring.

    Measured: 7 days after oocyte retrieval

  2. Total gonadotropin dose used

    Cumulative dose (IU) of gonadotropins administered from stimulation start to trigger day.

    Measured: At the end of ovarian stimulation (average 8-12 days)

  3. Duration of gonadotropin stimulation

    Number of days from gonadotropin initiation to trigger day.

    Measured: At the end of ovarian stimulation (average 8-12 days)

  4. Number of oocytes retrieved

    Total number of oocytes collected during transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval.

    Measured: At oocyte retrieval (36-38 hours after trigger)

  5. Clinical pregnancy rate

    Proportion of embryo transfer cycles resulting in at least one intrauterine gestational sac with fetal heartbeat, confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound.

    Measured: 30 days after embryo transfer

  6. Early miscarriage rate

    Proportion of clinical pregnancies ending in miscarriage before 12 completed weeks of gestation.

    Measured: Within 12 weeks of gestation

  7. Live birth rate

    Proportion of embryo transfer cycles resulting in the delivery of at least one live-born infant.

    Measured: At delivery (up to 1 year after embryo transfer)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted19 Aug 2025
  2. Study start1 Feb 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group receiving exogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation in addition to the standard long GnRH agonist protocol, or the control group receiving the standard long GnRH agonist protocol without LH supplementation. Both groups will undergo controlled ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) according to the study protocol.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
590 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07128394
Sponsor's protocol ID
SZ-ELH-2025
Other IDs
BJHPA-2023-SZHYXZHQN-006
Acronym
ELH-IVF
Status last verified
Aug 2025
First submitted
13 Aug 2025
Last updated
19 Aug 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to concerns regarding patient privacy, confidentiality, and compliance with local regulations.

Publications

  • Yazici Yilmaz F, Gorkemli H, Colakoglu MC, Aktan M, Gezginc K. The evaluation of recombinant LH supplementation in patients with suboptimal response to recombinant FSH undergoing IVF treatment with GnRH agonist down-regulation. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015 Feb;31(2):141-4. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2014.965675. Epub 2014 Sep 19.

    PubMed 25237892
  • Tesarik J, Mendoza C. Effects of exogenous LH administration during ovarian stimulation of pituitary down-regulated young oocyte donors on oocyte yield and developmental competence. Hum Reprod. 2002 Dec;17(12):3129-37. doi: 10.1093/humrep/17.12.3129.

    PubMed 12456612
  • Wu KK, Papp AC, Manner CE, Hall ER. Interaction between lymphocytes and platelets in the synthesis of prostacyclin. J Clin Invest. 1987 Jun;79(6):1601-6. doi: 10.1172/JCI112995.

    PubMed 3108319
  • Kan O, Simsir C, Atabekoglu CS, Sonmezer M. The impact of adding hp-hMG in r-FSH started GnRH antagonist cycles on ART outcome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2019 Oct;35(10):869-872. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1600667. Epub 2019 Apr 11.

    PubMed 30973022
  • Propst AM, Hill MJ, Bates GW, Palumbo M, Van Horne AK, Retzloff MG. Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin may improve in vitro fertilization cycle outcomes in patients with low luteinizing hormone levels after gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration. Fertil Steril. 2011 Oct;96(4):898-904. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.06.069. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

    PubMed 21839437
  • Tayyar AT, Kahraman S. Comparison between cycles of the same patients when using recombinant luteinizing hormone + recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), human menopausal gonadotropin + rFSH and rFSH only. Arch Med Sci. 2019 May;15(3):673-679. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2017.72408. Epub 2018 Jan 8.

    PubMed 31110533
  • Fleming R, Rehka P, Deshpande N, Jamieson ME, Yates RW, Lyall H. Suppression of LH during ovarian stimulation: effects differ in cycles stimulated with purified urinary FSH and recombinant FSH. Hum Reprod. 2000 Jul;15(7):1440-5. doi: 10.1093/humrep/15.7.1440.

    PubMed 10875848
  • Westergaard LG, Laursen SB, Andersen CY. Increased risk of early pregnancy loss by profound suppression of luteinizing hormone during ovarian stimulation in normogonadotrophic women undergoing assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod. 2000 May;15(5):1003-8. doi: 10.1093/humrep/15.5.1003.

    PubMed 10783342
  • Alviggi C, Clarizia R, Mollo A, Ranieri A, De Placido G. Outlook: who needs LH in ovarian stimulation? Reprod Biomed Online. 2006 May;12(5):599-607. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61186-8.

    PubMed 16790105
  • Li F, Ye T, Kong H, Li J, Hu L, Jin H, Su Y, Li G. Efficacies of different ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in poor ovarian responders classified by the POSEIDON criteria. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 May 29;12(10):9354-9364. doi: 10.18632/aging.103210. Epub 2020 May 29.

    PubMed 32470947

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone (rLH), Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (rFSH) and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) in people with Infertility, Female and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), run by Nanjing University at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Yue Jiang, PhD (+8613814122872, jiangyue85@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Proportion of cycles with no usable embryos (time frame: 7 days after oocyte retrieval). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07128394, which also lists 10 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Aug 2025.

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