Changes in vascular endothelial growth factor levels and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women enrolled in an in vitro fertilization program.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate plasma and follicular fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to establish the possible role of this growth factor as a predictive marker of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
University hospital infertility unit.


METHODS
Fifteen women at risk of OHSS and 15 controls.


METHODS
An IM injection of hCG was administered; plasma and follicular fluid samples were collected 34-38 hours after administration of hCG.


METHODS
VEGF levels in plasma and in follicular fluid.


RESULTS
VEGF levels increased after hCG administration in the patients at risk of developing OHSS and in those who developed OHSS. Further, on the day of the oocyte retrieval the increase in the VEGF levels in the plasma of the patients who developed OHSS was statistically significant compared with the increase in the levels in the women who did not. On the same day, the levels of VEGF in follicular fluid were 10 times greater than those in plasma.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma levels of VEGF peak after hCG administration and are related to the risk of developing OHSS.
Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, University of Pisa, Italy. g.artini@obgyn.med.unipi.it
P G
PG
Artini
A
A
Fasciani
M
M
Monti
S
S
Luisi
G
G
D'Ambrogio
A R
AR
Genazzani
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors