Comparison of intravenous albumin and transfer of fresh embryos with cryopreservation of all embryos for subsequent transfer in prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of administration i.v. albumin to prevent severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF with a standard policy of cryopreserving all embryos and to assess the impact of the two methods of treatment on pregnancy rates (PRs).

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center for assisted conception.

PATIENTS

Twenty-six patients undergoing IVF treatment cycles who were considered to be at high risk of developing severe OHSS on the basis of their serum E2 concentrations on the day of hCG administration and the number of oocytes collected.

INTERVENTION

In group 1 (n = 13) all the generated embryos were cryopreserved to be transferred subsequently in hormonally manipulated cycles. In group 2 (n = 13) patients received IV infusions of albumin on the day of oocyte retrieval and 5 days later. Patients in group 2 had transfers of fresh embryos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The total dosage of hMG used, total number of follicles developed, number of follicles > 14 mm in diameter, serum E2 concentrations and endometrial thickness on day of hCG administration, number of oocytes retrieved, number and quality of embryos generated, PRs per cycle commenced, and onset and degree of any OHSS developed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the above parameters between the two groups, except for PRs that were significantly higher in patients who had all embryos cryopreserved (38.6% versus 0%).

CONCLUSION

The policy of cryopreserving all generated embryos appears as effective as the administration of i.v. albumin in preventing OHSS in high-risk patients and produces significantly higher PRs.