Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is associated with reversible impairment of vascular reactivity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if there is a loss of normal peripheral arteriolar vasoconstrictor reactivity in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
National University Hospital, Singapore.


METHODS
Forty-three women undergoing treatment in an IVF program: 22 women with severe OHSS and 21 normal women without OHSS.


METHODS
Measurement and quantification of the cutaneous arteriolar vasoconstrictor response using laser Doppler fluximetry.


METHODS
Changes in blood flow as an index of vasoconstrictor response before and after treatment for OHSS with albumin.


RESULTS
The mean (+/-SE) percentage (%) change in normal control women was -68.3% +/- 4.7. This was significantly different from women with OHSS (-32.3% +/- 11.1). The response in women with OHSS changed significantly after treatment with IV albumin (-60.4% +/- 5.7) and was no different than the control response. The reproducibility of the technique was -13.6% (+/-2.8).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with OHSS have impaired vascular reactivity when compared with normal women.
Foong
Lian-Cheun
LC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University Hospital of Singapore, Singapore. obgflc@nus.edu.sg
Bhagavath
Balasubramanium
B
Kumar
Jothi
J
Ng
Soon-Chye
SC
D000328:Adult; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000503:physiopathology*
D004958:Estradiol