Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: is it really preventable by prophylactic intravenous albumin?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of i.v. albumin in preventing severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients at risk.


METHODS
Retrospective review and data analysis.


METHODS
University-based tertiary referral center for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).


METHODS
Sixty women at high risk of developing severe OHSS after superovulation for ART.


METHODS
One liter of albumin (4.5%) administered i.v. during oocyte retrieval and immediately afterward.


RESULTS
Of the 60 women who had prophylactic i.v. albumin, 5 (8%) developed severe OHSS, which led to hospitalization. Eight (13%) developed moderate OHSS. Forty-seven (78%) did not develop any symptoms. Four of the 5 women who developed severe OHSS had ET and 3 of them (75%) were pregnant (1 twin and 2 singletons).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous albumin administered at oocyte retrieval does not prevent the occurrence of severe OHSS, especially in cases associated with pregnancy. It is important that clinicians are not lured into a false sense of security by the early report, full of promise, on the use of i.v. albumin to prevent severe OHSS.
Ndukwe
G
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Thornton
S
S
Fishel
S
S
Dowell
K
K
Aloum
M
M
D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009865:Oocytes; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013480:Superovulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000418:Albumins; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004958:Estradiol