Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations in follicular fluid and serum may predict ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictive value of endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) and serum for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

DESIGN

Retrospective, case-control study.

SETTING

University hospital, IVF center.

PATIENT(S): Seventeen women with OHSS and 61 controls.

INTERVENTION(S): None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): FF and serum EG-VEGF and VEGF concentrations, IVF outcome.

RESULT(S): FF and serum EG-VEGF concentrations showed a significant negative correlation with serum E(2) concentration on the day of hCG administration. FF, but not serum, VEGF concentrations also showed a significant negative correlation with serum E(2) concentrations on hCG day. The FF EG-VEGF, FF VEGF, and serum EG-VEFG concentrations were significantly lower in the OHSS group than in the non-OHSS group. There was no significant difference in serum VEGF concentrations. Among FF and serum EG-VEGF and VEGF concentrations, only FF EG-VEGF concentrations were significantly lower in patients with moderate OHSS than in those with mild OHSS.

CONCLUSION(S): FF and serum EG-VEGF concentrations may predict OHSS occurrence. Furthermore, FF EG-VEGF concentrations were significantly correlated with OHSS severity; thus, EG-VEGF appears to be more valuable than VEGF for predicting OHSS.