Hydroxyethylstarch versus human albumin for the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of 6% hydroxyethylstarch and human albumin as colloid solutions for treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

DESIGN

Controlled cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

PATIENT(S): Sixteen patients with severe OHSS.

INTERVENTION(S): Six percent hydroxyethylstarch (6 patients) and human albumin (10 patients).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Urine output, number of abdominal and pleural drainage procedures, complications, duration of hospitalization, and perinatal outcome.

RESULT(S): Patients who received 6% hydroxyethylstarch had higher urine output, needed fewer abdominal and pleural paracenteses, and had a shorter hospital stay than those who received human albumin. In each group, no adverse effects or congenital malformations were observed and the rates of miscarriage were similar.

CONCLUSION(S): These results suggest that 6% hydroxyethylstarch may be superior to albumin as a colloid solution for the treatment of severe OHSS.