Withholding gonadotropin administration is an effective alternative for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the outcomes of IVF and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after discontinuing gonadotropin therapy in patients at risk of developing OHSS by delaying hCG administration until a drop in serum E2 levels was observed.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
IVF program at a university center.


METHODS
Gonadotropin administration was withheld in 22 patients (group 1) when their serum E2 level was > or = 3,000 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671). Patients continued GnRH analogue injections daily, and hCG was administered when serum E2 levels dropped to < or = 3,000 pg/mL. Outcomes were compared with 26 patients (group 2) in whom embryo transfer was canceled and all embryos cryopreserved for transfer during a subsequent unstimulated cycle.


METHODS
Outcomes of IVF and incidence of OHSS were compared in both groups of patients. In group 1, follicular and hormonal parameters before and after the coasting interval were compared in pregnant versus nonpregnant patients. In addition, serum hormonal profiles were evaluated daily during the coasting period to determine the effects of gonadotropin withdrawal.


RESULTS
Although the mean number of oocytes retrieved was significantly higher in group 2, fertilization rates, miscarriage rates, delivery rates/stimulation cycle, and the incidence of OHSS did not differ significantly between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Withholding gonadotropin administration is an effective alternative to prevent the development of severe OHSS in a high-risk population. Although the risk of cancellation cannot be completely eliminated, this strategy can provide a high pregnancy rate without the need to repeat multiple frozen-thawed cycles.
Benadiva
C A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York 10021, USA.
Davis
O
O
Kligman
I
I
Moomjy
M
M
Liu
H C
HC
Rosenwaks
Z
Z
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000075202:Contraindications; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone