An immunohistochemical study in a fatality due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication occurring in the luteal phase of a menstrual cycle in which ovulation induction or ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction techniques has been performed. Our report concerns the death of a 31-year-old woman with primary infertility on recombinant follicle stimulating hormone therapy (Gonal-F) who developed a fatal adult respiratory distress syndrome. Immunohistochemical investigation of lung and uterine samples was performed utilizing monoclonal antibodies for antisurfactant apoprotein (PE-10) and polyclonal antibodies anti-IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFalpha for lungs, and polyclonal antibodies anti-beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for uterus. The knowledge of macroscopic and histologic findings should be of special interest for all those who perform autopsies in these victims. The exact pathogenesis of OHSS remains a mystery; so for the diagnosis of suspected OHSS, the forensic pathologist must use all the modern laboratory armament to validate the diagnosis in the extremely rare fatal cases due to this syndrome.
Fineschi
Vittorio
V
Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Policlinico Ospedali Riuniti, Via Luigi Pinto no. 1, Foggia, 71100, Italy. vfinesc@tin.it
Neri
Margherita
M
Di Donato
Sabina
S
Pomara
Cristoforo
C
Riezzo
Irene
I
Turillazzi
Emanuela
E
D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*
D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human