Effect of growth hormone adjuvant treatment on oocyte retrieval in patients with poor ovarian response and no viable embryos in previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles

Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of growth hormone (GH) as an adjuvant treatment for enhancing embryo quantity in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) who previously had no viable embryos in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Methods A total of 86 POR patients with no viable embryos in their first IVF cycles were enrolled. Among them, 43 patients in the study group received GH adjuvant treatment during their second IVF cycle, while the remaining 43 patients in the control group did not receive GH. Clinical characteristics were compared between the GH+ and GH− cycles within the study group, and further comparisons were made between the study and control groups regarding clinical characteristics and IVF outcomes. Results Self-controlled analysis showed that GH adjuvant treatment significantly increased the number of oocytes retrieved ( P = 0.010), bipronuclear (2PN) embryos ( P = 0.007), and transferable embryos ( P < 0.001) in the study group. Compared to the control group, study group had a higher number of oocytes retrieved ( P = 0.029) and a higher luteinizing hormone (LH) level on the HCG trigger day ( P = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified LH level on the HCG trigger day in the GH cycle as an independent factor associated with increased oocyte retrieval (OR: 1.149, 95% CI [1.007–1.310], P = 0.038). Conclusion GH adjuvant treatment may improve the number of oocytes retrieved in POR patients who previously had no viable embryos in IVF cycles.