Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is defined as supraphysiological stimulation of the ovaries. It is the most serious complication of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction. Exposure of hyperstimulated ovaries to hCG leads to the production of proinflammatory mediators.Chief among these is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but a variety of cytokines are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical features of OHSS. Spectrum ranges from abdominal discomfort to shock and even death.
The term OHSS includes ovarian enlargement accompanied by an overproduction of ovarian hormones and other ovarian vasoactive substances. In cycles of conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF), mild OHSS has been estimated to affect around one-third of cycles, while the combined incidence of moderate or severe OHSS varies from 3.1% to 8%. Pathogenesis Increased vascular…
