El coasting es eficaz en la prevención del síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica y no afecta a los resultados de la fecundación in vitro

Short coasting of 1 or 2 days by withholding both gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome without compromising the outcome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of short coasting, by withdrawing both gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, on the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) without compromising pregnancy outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Large urban medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Forty-four women who had been coasted during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

INTERVENTION(S)

When >or=20 follicles >15 mm with serum estradiol (E(2)) level of 4000 pg/mL were detected, both gonadotropins and GnRH agonist were withheld for 1 to 2 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Changes of serum E(2) levels, number of oocytes retrieved, pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S)

The mean serum E(2) level fell from 7915 pg/mL at the onset of coasting to 3908 pg/mL on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. The mean number of oocytes retrieved and fertilization rate were 17.2% and 75.0%, respectively. Eighteen patients became pregnant (43.9%), and the implantation rate was 12.7%. Twenty-eight patients were coasted for 1 day, and 13 were coasted for 2 days. The mean decrease rate of serum E(2) level was 45.3% in 1-day coasting and 26.4% (first day) and 75.3% (second day) in 2-day coasting. The pregnancy outcome was similar between both groups. After coasting, three mild and two severe cases of OHSS occurred.

CONCLUSION(S)

Coasting for 1 or 2 days can be used successfully to prevent OHSS without compromising IVF cycle outcome.

Coasting for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: much ado about nothing?

OBJECTIVE

To review and critique the literature and our own experience regarding coasting as a strategy to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

DESIGN

Identification of relevant clinical literature through PubMed and EMBASE databases, as well as the experience of our institution with this approach.

CONCLUSION(S)

Coasting is a rescue procedure that can be avoided by carefully adjusting the gonadotropin dosage. It is a good alternative that can be used to avoid cycle cancellation in extremely high responders to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, who have a high risk of developing severe OHSS. Even if OHSS develops after coasting, both its incidence and severity will be diminished. Each case should be individually counseled to determine whether the patient should be coasted, and her hypothetical risks and benefits should be evaluated. Until the multifactorial etiopathogenesis of OHSS is completely understood, absolute prevention will not be possible, but coasting is definitely of great benefit.