Intensive care for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The paper reviews the current data available in the literature on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Today due to the intensive development of high assisted reproductive techniques (ART) using the current superovulation stimulation, the risk of OHSS grows steadily. The clinical symptoms of OHSS appear in the luteal phase of a cycle and in early pregnancy when most females have just left the in vitro fertilization centers. In this connection, physicians of many specialties, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and intensivists should know the clinical manifestations of this syndrome and can correctly render a medical aid. Disputable issues of inpatient therapy for OHSS and the specific features of infusion management and intensive care are discussed.     

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.     

Continuous ascitic recirculation in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Massive ascites, hydrothorax, acute renal failure and thromboembolism are clinical manifestations of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which may complicate the induction of ovulation with exogenous gonadotrophins. We report a case of severe OHSS with ascites formation in excess of five litres per day. Massive ascites and bilateral pleural effusions resulted in respiratory failure. Continuous ascitic recirculation (AR) was commenced after repeated paracentesis and IV fluid therapy failed to improve the patient's condition. The procedure was undertaken for a total of 15 days and rapidly resulted in marked improvement of impaired respiratory function. Febrile episodes occurred on 3 occasions, but we did not observe coagulation disturbances or adverse haemodynamic effects. Continuous AR is a safe and effective treatment of complicated severe OHSS.     

经阴道超声介入预防PCOS不孕症OHSS发生的探讨

目的评价经阴道超声（TVS）引导下小卵泡穿刺术（ASF）对于预防药物治疗多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）不孕症患者发生中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征（OHSS）的有效性。方法在辅助生殖治疗中，于药物促卵泡治疗的早期对有OHSS早期超声指征的25例PCOS患者行ASF。根据阴道超声检测卵巢及卵泡情况，保留3个或以下优势卵泡，对直径小于或等于12mm小卵泡进行穿刺抽吸，随访观察这些患者OHSS症状及体征。结果25例接受治疗的患者均没有发生中、重度OHSS，其中7例患者（28％）成功受孕。结论注射尿促性腺激素后早期进行ASF治疗对防止PCOS患者中、重度OHSS的发生有较大作用，且获得较高的妊娠率。掌握好进行ASF的时机是预防OHSS的重要因素，而早期TVS监测是十分重要的措施。     

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.     

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.     

Emergency ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: case report

Background

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an exaggerated response to ovulation induction therapy. It is a known complication of ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing treatment for infertility. As assisted reproductive technology and the use of ovulation induction agents expands, it is likely that there will be more cases of OHSS presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).

Objectives

OHSS has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, from mild abdominal pain to severe cases where there is increased vascular permeability leading to significant fluid accumulation in body cavities and interstitial space. Severe cases may present to the ED with ascites, pericardial effusions, pleural effusions, and lower extremity edema. Through a case report, we review OHSS with an emphasis on early diagnosis by Emergency Physician (EP)-performed bedside ultrasonography.

Case Report

We present a case of a patient undergoing treatment for infertility who presented to the ED with shortness of breath and abdominal pain. The diagnosis of severe OHSS was made, largely based on EP-performed bedside ultrasonography showing peritoneal free fluid and bilateral pleural effusions, as well as multiple ovarian follicles.

Conclusions

This report reviews the pathophysiology of OHSS, its clinical features, and pertinent diagnostic and management issues. This report emphasizes the importance of early EP-performed bedside ultrasonography.     

中重度卵巢过度刺激综合征90例临床分析

目的探讨辅助生殖技术中的卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)的高危因素及临床监测与治疗。方法对四川省人民医院90例中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 (1)OHSS发生的高危因素:年轻患者、多囊卵巢综合征、过多卵泡数目以及妊娠。(2)妊娠的OHSS患者与未妊娠患者的病程分别为(18.56±12.19)d及(8.28±3.21)d,临床治疗时间及病程明显延长;未妊娠与妊娠患者所使用清白蛋白量为(130.43±24.22)g及(257.39±64.35)g,妊娠患者症状重、清蛋白治疗用量大。(3)扩容及输注清蛋白是治疗OHSS的有效措施,严重患者穿刺引流胸腔积液和腹水可缓解症状。结论 OHSS是辅助生育技术控制性超排卵治疗引起的医源性并发症,应予以正确的防治。     

中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征31例临床分析

目的探讨卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)的临床表现及相应的治疗对策。方法回顾分析本院发生的31例中、重度OHSS临床资料。结果OHSS绝大多数发生在促排卵治疗后,临床表现主要为腹胀、恶心、腹水、胸水、水肿、尿少、血液浓缩、低蛋白血症、氮质血症,经严密监护、输白蛋白或血浆扩容及放腹水等对症治疗后治愈。结论OHSS在严密监护下,经相应的对症治疗可治愈。     

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.     

卵巢过度刺激综合征77例临床分析

目的：探讨多囊卵巢综合征（OHSS）治疗的临床特征和治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析77例OHSS住院患者的临床资料。结果：77例OHSS患者均发生在超促排卵周期的第9～22 d,其中50例患者发生在体外受精胚胎移植（IVF-ET）术后。经过监护、扩容、补液、注射黄体酮及腹腔、胸腔穿刺引流后,患者在6～43d内病情缓解并出院,77例患者妊娠47例,其中一例终止妊娠。结论：OHSS的治疗主要是对症支持治疗,严密监护OHSS的病情发展,扩容是治疗的关键,治疗严重的难以控制的OHSS,终止妊娠是最有效的手段。     

An unusual cause of tachycardia, hypotension, and intraabdominal free fluid: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

We report a case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a 37-year-old female who had recently underwent assisted reproductive technology involving oocyte retrieval. Her emergency department (ED) presentation, clinical course, and a discussion of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are also presented. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a critical diagnosis in emergency medicine, and emergency physicians must consider it in the differential for any female nontrauma patient presenting with hypotension, tachycardia, and abdominal pain.     

A review of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy: unmasking the ''ART'' behind the clot

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is uncommon and is associated with well-defined risk factors in the general population. Increasingly, UEDVTs are being reported during pregnancy, particularly those achieved with the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and in conjunction with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). AIM: We performed this review was to estimate the incidence of UEDVT associated with ART, to examine the risk factors and presentation of UEDVT in pregnancy, and to determine if differences exist between this cohort and the general population. RESULTS: There were 35 published case reports of UEDVT in pregnant women. The incidence of this condition is estimated to be 0.08-0.11% of treatment cycles in women undergoing ART. The development of UEDVT is not always be preceded by OHSS. In addition, commonly associated risk factors for UEDVT were not often reported for UEDVT that developed during pregnancy. Instead the association of UEDVT and ART was common. UEDVT in pregnancy also appears to involve the internal jugular vein more often than the subclavian vein. The reported risk of thrombus extension in this cohort, despite anticoagulation therapy, is also disconcerting. CONCLUSION: Because UEDVT may not be a rare entity during pregnancy in association with the use of ART, clinicians should be better informed of its presentation and clinical course in these women. Once UEDVT develops, appropriate therapeutic anticoagulation should be instituted and patient carefully monitored. The long-term implications and recurrence rate of this condition in pregnancy warrants further prospective studies.     

Age dependent assessment of TFPI levels in follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a multivalent Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitor which plays a central role in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. A significant role of TFPI for the follicular development has been discussed in recent studies, and thrombotic complications during IVF procedure are a common problem. To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these problems, we have measured TFPI levels in human follicular fluid (hFF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). METHODS: Total TFPI concentrations were determined in hFF of 28 women undergoing IVF treatment, 6 of whom developed an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate an age-dependance of TFPI concentrations in hFF. Additionally, TFPI levels in hFF of women developing OHSS were determined as 323+/-66.8 ng/mL (mean+/-SD) in comparison with 279+/-137 ng/mL for non-OHSS patients. Our findings demonstrate that, unlike the decreased TFPI levels found in OHSS patients' blood, there is no statistically significant difference in hFF TFPI levels between OHSS and non-OHSS patients. Furthermore, we could show that the outcome of the IVF procedure is not correlated with TFPI levels in hFF.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): diagnosis and management

Objective: To present our experience and the current knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Design: Retrospective study concerning clinical and laboratory findings of severe OHSS. Setting: General ICU at a maternity-surgical hospital. Patients: Ten patients suffering from severe OHSS. Interventions: Supportive and preventive therapeutic measures applied are described. Measurements and results: Admission and discharge data as well as worst values during disease course were recorded. Clinical and laboratory findings showed third space fluid shift leading to weight gain, generalized tissue edema, ascites, hydrothorax, abdominal distension and pain, chest discomfort, hypovolemia, dehydration, ovaries enlargement, electrolyte disturbances, hypoalbuminemia, high hematocrit, urea, and WBC. Conclusions: OHSS is an iatrogenic complication of assisted conception of unknown pathogenesis, with potentially life-threatening sequelae due to hemoconcentration such as circulatory shock, ARDS, hepato-renal failure, thromboembolic phenomena, and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Gynecologists and intensivists must be aware of the diagnosis and management of the syndrome because of the widely used reproductive techniques for assisted conception. Received: 8 July 1999 Final revision received: 3 January 2000 Accepted: 15 February 2000     

低剂量FSH治疗多囊卵巢综合征的临床效果分析

目的 探讨低剂量FSH治疗多囊卵巢综合征的临床效果。方法 多囊卵巢综合征28例 ,其中常规FSH治疗组12例 ,低剂量FSH治疗组16例。比较两组患者的年龄、不孕年限、E2水平、卵泡数、卵巢过度刺激综合征发生率及妊娠率。结果 常规FSH组和低剂量FSH组的年龄、不孕年限、妊娠率无差异(p>0.05)。低剂量FSH组的E2水平明显低于常规FSH组(p<0.01) ,常规FSH组的卵泡数明显多于低剂量FSH组(p<0.01) ,低剂量FSH组的卵巢过度刺激综合征发生率明显低于常规FSH组(p<0.01)。结论 低剂量FSH方案在降低卵巢过激危险同时可获得较高的妊娠率 ,有可能成为治疗多囊卵巢综合征较理想的治疗方案     

来曲唑与克罗米芬对多囊卵巢综合征患者促排卵效果观察

目的:探讨来曲唑与克罗米芬治疗女性不孕多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)的临床疗效。方法:选择我院2010年9月~2012年8月收治的50例诊断为PCOS的女性不孕症患者,随机分为来曲唑组和克罗米芬组各25例,并进行排卵期护理宣教。结果:来曲唑组患者共完成26个周期的治疗,克罗米芬组患者共完成25个周期的治疗。两组患者卵泡成熟天数、子宫内膜厚度、优势卵泡数、成熟卵泡数、妊娠率和卵泡发育率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),但来曲唑组的排卵率显著高于克罗米芬组(P0.05)。来曲唑组患者未出现异位妊娠和卵巢过度刺激综合征,克罗米芬组有1例发生卵巢过度刺激综合征。结论:来曲唑在治疗PCOS引起的女性不孕症中,可显著提高患者的排卵率。     

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.     

促排卵治疗中绝经期促性腺激素及氯米芬的应用

目的探讨绝经期促性腺激素及氯米芬在促排卵治疗中适宜的治疗方法。方法 2004年8月2008年5月对80例不孕患者实施促排卵治疗。测定血雌激素、黄体生成素水平、阴道B型超声、子宫颈黏液评分及基础体温测定监测排卵,并观察不良反应的发生情况。结果使用氯米芬及绝经期促性腺激素排卵率分别为77.3%和85.6%;卵巢过度刺激综合症发生率为15.0%,大多由使用绝经期促性腺激素方案引起,且起始剂量150U;未破裂卵泡黄素化综合征的发生率为9.0%。结论绝经期促性腺激素和氯米芬治疗排卵障碍性不孕有较好的疗效,绝经期促性腺激素和氯米芬促排卵治疗效果与卵巢的状态及激素水平有关。促性腺激素的使用应强调个体化,以达到较好的治疗效果并降低卵巢过度刺激综合症的发生。     

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.