Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

BackgroundOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when ovaries are overstimulated and enlarged due to fertility treatments resulting in a shift of serum from the intravascular space to the third space, mainly the abdominal cavity. It is the most serious complication of ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction.Case ReportWe present the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with abdominal bloating and nausea 2 weeks after undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); she was diagnosed by an outside radiology ultrasound as having a ruptured ovarian cyst. A point-of-care emergency ultrasound performed by the emergency physician made the diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This led to more expedient management and obstetrical consultation.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Abdominal bloating and nausea are common presenting complaints in pregnant women. OHSS is a rare but potentially fatal complication of IVF. Recognition and early diagnosis by the emergency physician can lead to appropriate intervention and consultation.     

卵巢过度刺激综合症的临床护理

目的 探讨体外受精-胚胎移植治疗周期中发生的重度卵巢过度刺激综合症的临床观察和护理。方法 对我院1991年至2004年2月共收治107例卵巢过度刺激综合症（OHSS）患者的护理进行分析总结。结果 102例OHSS患者治愈，可继续正常妊娠，5例须中止妊娠，其中有2例合并异位妊娠。结论 加强病情观察与专科护理，积极治疗并发症，可以有效地促进病人的康复。     

Association of ovarian response with picoAMH in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

ObjectiveOur study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a high-sensitivity picoAnti-Müllerian Hormone (picoAMH) for predicting ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.MethodsRetrospective cohort study at a single academic fertility center including all patients with picoAMH ELISA who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The primary outcome was the number of oocytes retrieved, and secondary outcomes included cycle cancellation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Patients were grouped into poor, normal, and hyper-responders based on number of oocytes retrieved.ResultsThe mean AMH and antral follicle count (AFC) were significantly different between normal response vs. hyper response group (p < 0.0001). Only serum AMH and not AFC was significantly increased in patients diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). For prediction of OHSS, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that AMH (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.85) was significantly better than the AFC (AUC = 0.64). The serum AMH cut-off at sensitivity of 80% for predicting OHSS among hyper responders from ROC curve was 3.67 ng/ml. Serum AMH measured by picoAMH ELISA showed superior correlation to number of oocytes retrieved when compared to AFC in the age group over 40 years old (r² = 0.74 and r² = 0.4, respectively)ConclusionThis study shows great utility of picoAMH ELISA for predicting ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Diagnostic performance of picoAMH for prediction of OHSS is superior to the AFC in our cohort.     

中重度卵巢过度刺激综合征患者生活质量调查

目的 调查在体外受精-胚胎移植过程中并发中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合症（OHSS）患者的生活质量现状.方法 选择2011年1月~2012年1月经临床证实的OHSS患者76例为研究组,另选择IVF-ET过程中无明显并发症的患者70例为对照组;使用生存质量量表简表（QOL-BREF）对2组患者的生存质量进行问卷调查,比较2组患者之间的差异.结果 调查组患者在心理领域、生理领域、环境领域和社会关系领域得分均低于对照组（P〈0.05）.结论 临床中应尽量减少OHSS的发生,同时医护人员应重视并减少0HSS对患者生活质量的影响.     

The anovulatory patient. An orderly approach to evaluation and treatment

Ovulatory dysfunction is a leading cause of female infertility in the United States. Fortunately, ovulatory dysfunction is often amenable to treatment. Thorough testing is necessary to identify the exact cause of anovulation before conventional ovulation-inducing therapy is started. Careful patient monitoring is essential to avoid risks such as the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Several newer ovulation-inducing agents are available for use in special situations.     

Bilateral pleural effusion and ascites in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

We describe a pregnant woman with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with bilateral pleural effusion and ascites. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is an iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation, characterized by a massive crossing of a protein-rich fluid from the vascular compartment into the peritoneal, pleural, or to a lesser extent, pericardial cavities. Management is usually conservative, with fluid and electrolytes correction and thromboprophylaxis. Prevention is very difficult, but an age younger than 35 years, low body mass index, polycystic ovarian disease, a high number of follicles, a high plasma oestradiol concentration, pregnancy, hyperandrogenism, and hypothyroidism are predisposing factors.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication that is associated with modern techniques for in vitro fertilization. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiology and to improve the management of this entity. The severe and life-threatening forms of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are still challenging for critical care physicians. This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification, clinical manifestations, and complications of these forms of OHSS. The different therapeutic options currently available are reviewed, and a stepwise approach for the management of these patients is provided.     

超声引导下卵泡穿刺术治疗克罗米芬不敏感多囊卵巢综合征的临床研究

目的:研究超声引导下未成熟卵泡穿刺(IMFP)技术对克罗米芬(CC)不敏感多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者内分泌状态、基础窦卵泡计数、卵巢体积的作用并对治疗前后卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生情况和临床妊娠率进行统计学比较。方法:选择2007年9月至2008年9月在我院生殖中心就诊的CC耐药的PCOS患者67例,随机将患者分为观察组32例和对照组35例,对观察组患者应用少量HMG(尿促性腺素)后,在超声引导下反复进行IMFP,穿刺后检查患者的内分泌状态,基础窦卵泡计数及卵巢体积,达到有效标准后行促排卵治疗,观察OHSS发生情况及临床妊娠率。结果:对32例患者进行了78个周期的穿刺治疗,经过1～3次穿刺后,患者睾酮(T)和黄体生成素/卵泡刺激素(LH/FSH)比值转为正常,24例(75%)卵巢体积恢复正常,27例(84.4%)窦卵泡计数降到10个/每侧卵巢以下,之后在行CC或HMG促排卵后可自然同房或人工授精,末次IMFP后随访观察6个月,观察组临床妊娠14例,临床妊娠率43.8%,2例发生中度OHSS,发生率为6.3%,两组临床妊娠率和OHSS发生率差异有显著性。结论:对CC不敏感PCOS患者行IMFP治疗后,患者卵巢体积缩小,窦卵泡数减少,内分泌高雄状态得到改善,OHSS发生率降低及妊娠率提高。     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A review for emergency clinicians

IntroductionA great deal of literature has recently evaluated the prevention and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the outpatient setting, but there remains a dearth of research evaluating OHSS in the emergency department (ED) and its management.ObjectiveThis narrative review evaluates the underlying pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of OHSS and discusses approaches to patient care in the ED based on current literature.DiscussionOHSS is an iatrogenic complication caused by an excessive response to controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive cycles (ART). OHSS complicates up to 30% of ART cycles, and many of these patients seek initial care in the ED. Risk factors for the development of OHSS include age < 35, history of polycystic ovarian syndrome or previous OHSS, and pregnancy. Emergency physicians will be faced with several complications including ascites, abdominal compartment syndrome, renal dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thromboembolic disease, and hemodynamic instability. Critical patients should be evaluated in the resuscitation bay, and consultation with the primary obstetrics/gynecology team is needed, which improves patient outcomes. This review provides several guiding principles for management of OHSS and associated complications.ConclusionsOHSS occurs in up to 30% of IVF cycles and carries a high morbidity. Effective care of the OHSS patient begins with early diagnosis while evaluating for other diseases and complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to the management of OHSS is essential to optimizing patient care.     

超声对卵巢过度刺激综合征的诊断价值

目的探讨超声对卵巢过度刺激综合征的诊断价值.方法收集我院自1999年来诊治的7例卵巢过度刺激综合征病例进行回顾分析.结果 7例患者的卵巢增大,3例伴腹水,1例腹水伴胸水.结论超声是诊断卵巢过度刺激综合征的首选方法.     

Internal jugular venous thrombosis after in vitro fertilization

Internal jugular vein thrombosis is an uncommon entity with high morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Spontaneous clotting of the internal jugular vein without any known risk factors is virtually unheard of, and intravenous drug use is the most common cause for thrombosis. Assisted reproductive techniques alone or in conjunction with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome seem to predispose patients for thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. We present the case of a patient who, after in vitro fertilization, developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and clotted the internal jugular vein. In the setting of the Emergency Department, the norm should be to "rule out internal jugular venous thrombosis" in pregnant patients who have undergone in vitro fertilization and present with neck pain, with or without swelling or distended collaterals.     

Sonographic monitoring of ovarian volume during LHRH analogue therapy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian disease is characterized by menstrual disorders, infertility, obesity, and large ovaries. Large ovaries with multiple cysts are the direct cause of the high incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation during ovulation induction. Lately, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues have been employed to decrease ovarian steroidogenesis and thus reduce the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation. In this study the ovarian size was ultrasonographically assessed during chronic GnRH analogue treatment, revealing a significant reduction in ovarian volume. This decrease in volume results in a reduced incidence of hyperstimulation, and we think the ultrasonic scanning can be effectively used to assess the success of GnRH treatment.     

系统性心理护理在卵巢过度刺激综合征中的应用效果分析

目的 探讨系统性心理护理在卵巢过度刺激综合征中的应用效果。方法 选取2015年1月至2018年6月南通市妇幼保健院收治的88例卵巢过度刺激综合征患者,按照随机数字表法分成对照组和观察组。对照组给予常规护理干预,观察组除常规护理外增加系统性心理护理干预,1周后比较两组患者的焦虑、抑郁量表评分及治疗指标。结果 干预前两组患者的焦虑、抑郁量表评分差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,干预1周后两组患者的焦虑、抑郁量表评分均有不同程度的改善,但观察组焦虑、抑郁量表评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组白蛋白使用量、放腹水次数及住院时间均少于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 心理干预能够改善卵巢过度刺激综合征患者的不良情绪,提高治疗效果,减少住院时间。     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

A 35 year old woman on the IVF program presented with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after induction of ovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin. This syndrome is a potentially lethal complication of ovarian stimulation with enlargement of the ovaries and transcapillary fluid shifts. This may result in third space collections in the form of ascites, hydrothorax and rarely pericardial effusions, and haemoconcentration with the attendant risks of volume depletion, renal failure and thromboembolic complications. In this patient there was also a unilateral pleural effusion and coexistent supraventricular tachycardia which has not been previously reported. The management is based on pathophysiological considerations.     

卵巢过度刺激综合征的临床治疗与分析

目的 探讨卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)的特征以及防治疗方法 .方法 对我院46例OHSS患者的临床资料采取回顾性分析的方法 .结果 经过治疗,所有患者症状均有所缓解,复查各项生化指标正常.结论 OHSS应高度重视和警惕,早期识别、相应的预防措施及对症支持治疗能减少OHSS发生,保护患者的生命安全.     

Ultrasound in the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is well recognized clinically, usually in association with drug therapy for infertility. The ultrasonic appearance of the ovarian cystic enlargment in ten patients with the findings on follow-up in six patients is described. The role of ultrasound in this condition is shown to be in diagnosis, for staging, and follow-up.     

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and hyperreactio luteinalis are entities in continuum.

Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) and spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are both rare conditions during pregnancy. The clinical presentation of HL and OHSS are comparable and both should be differentiated from ovarian carcinoma. We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who was initially seen with markedly enlarged multicystic ovaries and ascites in the 13th week of a spontaneously conceived pregnancy. Ultrasonographic follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging of the ovaries were employed in order to avoid exploratory laparotomy and rule out ovarian carcinoma. The patient received supportive therapy and delivered a healthy child at term. The increasing use of ultrasonography may lead to more frequent findings of multicystic ovaries in spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Making the distinction between HL and spontaneous OHSS in these cases may be difficult though clinically irrelevant as the approach to treatment is similar in both.     

A “kiss” before conception: triggering ovulation with kisspeptin-54 may improve IVF

A 30-year-old primigravid (G1P000) female with infertility secondary to her partner’s oligospermia and her chronic anovulation presented 13 days after an oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a positive home pregnancy test, abdominal distention, a 5-pound weight gain, nausea, shortness of breath, and reduced urinary frequency. Her IVF cycle included the usual cocktail for gonadotropin stimulation and was uncomplicated, except for excessively stimulated ovaries that led to a peak estradiol level of 6,000 pg/ml and the retrieval of 30 oocytes. Her past history was relevant only for anovulation due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), though her preprocedure body mass index was normal at 21 kg/m². Pelvic ultrasound revealed abundant ascites and enlarged ovaries, at 8 cm average diameter. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentration was 200 mIU/ml; she was hemoconcentrated (hemoglobin 16 g/dl), with normal liver function and coagulation testing. An ultrasound guided, transvaginal paracentesis removed 4 liters of straw-colored fluid, resulting in significant short-term symptom relief.The patient described above has moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), the most serious maternal complication of gonadotropin therapy. OHSS poses a significant risk of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as pregnancy loss. The patient’s risk factors for having OHSS include youth, excessive ovarian stimulation, PCOS, and a likely twin gestation. Signs and symptoms of severe OHSS include abdominal distention, compromised renal function (including renal failure) due to decreased renal perfusion secondary to pressure from tense ascites and decreased intravascular volume, respiratory compromise due to pleural effusion and pulmonary edema, thromboembolism (including stroke) due to hemoconcentration and high estrogen levels, ovarian rupture, electrolyte abnormalities, and liver dysfunction. Although most cases are mild and self limited, severe cases can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or stroke and can require intensive care unit (ICU) admission to prevent death.     

Estimating rates of multiple gestation pregnancies: sample size calculation from the assessment of multiple intrauterine gestations from ovarian stimulation (AMIGOS) trial

Infertility afflicts 15% of couples who wish to conceive. Despite intensive evaluation of both male and female partners, the etiology may remain unknown leading to a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. For such couples, treatment often entails ovulation induction (OI) with fertility medications coupled with intrauterine insemination. Complications of this therapy include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and creation of multiple gestation pregnancies, which can be complicated by preterm labor and delivery, and the associated neonatal morbidity and expense of care for preterm infants. The Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation (AMIGOS) study is designed to assess whether OI in couples with unexplained infertility with an aromatase inhibitor produces mono-follicular development in most cycles, thereby reducing multiple gestations while maintaining a comparable pregnancy success rate to that achieved by OI with either gonadotropins or clomiphene citrate. These results will provide future guidance of therapy for couples with unexplained infertility, and if comparable pregnancy rates are achieved with a substantial reduction in multiple gestations, the public health benefit will be considerable.