Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): diagnosis and management.
OBJECTIVE
To present our experience and the current knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).


METHODS
Retrospective study concerning clinical and laboratory findings of severe OHSS.


METHODS
General ICU at a maternity-surgical hospital.


METHODS
Ten patients suffering from severe OHSS.


METHODS
Supportive and preventive therapeutic measures applied are described.


RESULTS
Admission and discharge data as well as worst values during disease course were recorded. Clinical and laboratory findings showed third space fluid shift leading to weight gain, generalized tissue edema, ascites, hydrothorax, abdominal distension and pain, chest discomfort, hypovolemia, dehydration, ovaries enlargement, electrolyte disturbances, hypoalbuminemia, high hematocrit, urea, and WBC.


CONCLUSIONS
OHSS is an iatrogenic complication of assisted conception of unknown pathogenesis, with potentially life-threatening sequelae due to hemoconcentration such as circulatory shock, ARDS, hepato-renal failure, thromboembolic phenomena, and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Gynecologists and intensivists must be aware of the diagnosis and management of the syndrome because of the widely used reproductive techniques for assisted conception.
Athens University School of Nursing ICU, Agioi Anargyroi Cancer Hospital of Kifissia, Nea Kifissia, Greece. pavlosm@mfa.gr
P
P
Myrianthefs
C
C
Ladakis
V
V
Lappas
S
S
Pactitis
A
A
Carouzou
G
G
Fildisis
G
G
Baltopoulos
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
C115675:Hemaccel; D010952:Plasma Substitutes; D011108:Polymers; D005780:Gelatin; D010100:Oxygen