Dynamics of immunoreactive endothelin plasma levels during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization with and without dietary sodium restriction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlation between immunoreactive endothelin plasma levels and both the number and size of follicles and its relationship with the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in in vitro fertilization cycles, with and without dietary sodium restriction.


METHODS
Randomized study in an assisted reproduction unit of a large teaching hospital. Data of 88 women form the basis of this report (45 ad libitum sodium intake and 43 dietary sodium restriction). Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Immunoreactive endothelin plasma levels neither correlate with the number of follicles, independent of their size, nor with the grade of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Immunoreactive endothelin plasma levels decrease significantly in the luteal phase. These results are the same in both sodium diet groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunoreactive endothelin plasma levels do not correlate with the number and size of follicles and they are not related to the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. These findings are independent of sodium intake.
Beerendonk
C C
CC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catharina Hospital, PO Box 1350, 5602 ZA, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. c.beerendonk@obgyn.azn.nl
Braat
D D
DD
Hop
W C
WC
Merkus
J M
JM
van Dop
P A
PA
D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D016232:Endothelins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000473:pathology; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D010349:Patient Compliance
D016232:Endothelins