Conservative management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of a conservative treatment protocol for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) that utilized low-dose dopamine, volume expanders and diuretics.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, open trial.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients met the criteria for diagnosis of severe OHSS during the study period. Two of these were in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients who did not undergo transfer and so were excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 11, 10 (91%) were pregnant. The average time for resolution of the OHSS and discharge from the hospital was 6 days (range, 2-11). Compared to levels at admission, there was no significant difference in those of sodium, potassium or creatinine after resolution of the syndrome. Hemoglobin and hematocrit, however, were significantly reduced (P < .03). There were no cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome or thrombosis. No pregnancies were interrupted.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment of OHSS is an acceptable form of management. Risky and invasive therapies, such as paracentesis, are not warranted.