ABSTRACT
The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is characterised by an elevated ratio of serum LH to FSH in presence of an intrafollicular deficiency of FSH activity. Ovulation induction by "pure" FSH seems therefore a reasonable approach to longstanding chronic anovulation in infertile patients suffering from PCO. 68 treatment cycles have been conducted in 30 patients with PCO and chronic clomiphene-resistant anovulation. Ovulation has been induced by HCG in 57 of the 68 cycles. The pregnancy rate was 58.6% per patient, the success rate 46.7% per patient. Clinical abortions occurred in 17.6% of the pregnancies obtained. 3 twins and 2 triplets have been delivered at term. A hyperstimulation syndrome (HSS) of grade I (WHO) has been observed in 19.1%, a HSS of grade II (WHO) in 8.8% of the treatment cycles. 46.3% of the 54 analysed cycles presented a premature LH-surge leading to an atresia of the dominant follicle. Considering the high incidence of a premature elevation of endogenous LH, an additional administration of exogenous LH should be avoided. This consideration as well as the good success rate in the present series speak in favour of using "pure" FSH for induction of follicular maturation in clomiphene-resistant PCO.
