What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?
This is a possible complication of ovulation induction. In its mild form it is of little significance but in its severe form it is potentially dangerous.
Mild OHSS is characterised by some abdominal distension and discomfort and there may be sickness and diarrhoea. The ovaries may enlarge up to 12 cms. In moderate OHSS there may be some excess of fluid in the abdomen.
Severe OHSS is characterised by free fluid in the abdomen that can be detected clinically, even without ultrasound. Occasionally there may be changes in the blood. It is believed that there are about 100,000 cycles of assisted conception annually around the world and about 100 cases of severe OHSS.
The risk of severe OHSS is therefore one in a thousand IVF treatments.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (2000)
- Obstetric outcome of in vitro fertilized pregnancies complicated by severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A multicenter study. (1998)
- The pathophysiology of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome - Views and ideas (1997)
- Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in assisted reproductive technology: Definition of high risk groups (1991)
Management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
The first objective is to prevent OHSS from developing. During treatment cycles, if there is evidence that there is a significant risk that OHSS could occur, the cycle may be abandoned or treatment dosage reduced. When severe OHSS develops, admission to hospital and correction of changes in the blood are required.
Related Reference Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
The first objective is to prevent OHSS from developing. During treatment cycles, if there is evidence that there is a significant risk that OHSS could occur, the cycle may be abandoned or treatment dosage reduced. When severe OHSS develops, admission to hospital and correction of changes in the blood are required.
Related Reference Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
The first objective is to prevent OHSS from developing. During treatment cycles, if there is evidence that there is a significant risk that OHSS could occur, the cycle may be abandoned or treatment dosage reduced. When severe OHSS develops, admission to hospital and correction of changes in the blood are required.
- A novel approach to the treatment of ascites associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (1997)
- Does intravenous administration of human albumin prevent severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome? (1996)
- Decreased incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high risk in-vitro fertilization patients receiving intravenous albumin: A prospective study (1995-01)
- 'Prolonged coasting': An effective method for preventing severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (1995-02)
- Day care management of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome avoids hospitalization and morbidity (1994)
- The use of intravenous albumin in patients at high risk for severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (1993)
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
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