Severe OHSS: how many cases are preventable?

Predictive performance of peritoneal fluid in the pouch of Douglas measured five days after oocyte pick-up in predicting severe late-onset OHSS: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if the amount of peritoneal fluid (PF) in the Pouch of Douglas at oocyte pick-up (OPU) or OPU + 5 days predict severe late-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART).

STUDY DESIGN

A secondary analysis of a dual-centre RCT on 1050 women referred for their first ART treatment in two public fertility clinics in Denmark and randomized 1:1 to GnRH-antagonist or GnRH-agonist protocol. All women from the two arms who were examined on day of OPU and OPU + 5 days were included in this study (n = 940). The ability of PF in the pouch of Douglas to predict severe late-onset OHSS was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analyses and compared with other known predictors of OHSS. The final models were cross-validated by the leave-one-out method to assess the models' generalizability.

RESULTS

A total of 28 (3%) women developed severe late-onset OHSS. PF in the pouch of Douglas measured on OPU + 5 days predicted severe late-onset OHSS. The optimal cut-off value was 17.5 mm at OPU + 5 days with a 61% sensitivity and 71% specificity (Area under the curve = 0.70 95% CI 0.61-0.80). PF on the day of OPU was not predictive of late on-set OHSS as the adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses showed insignificant results.

CONCLUSION

Although PF in the pouch of Douglas could predict late-onset severe OHSS, the low sensitivity underlines that it is not useful as a sole marker to decide whether to perform blastocyst transfer or to use a freeze-all strategy.

Volume expanders for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of ovarian stimulation which affects 1% to 14% of all in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. A number of clinical studies with conflicting results have reported on the use of plasma expanders such as albumin, hydroxyethyl starch (HES), mannitol, polygeline and dextran as a possible intervention for the prevention of OHSS. Women with very high estradiol levels, high numbers of follicles or oocytes retrieved, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are at particularly high risk of developing OHSS. Plasma expanders are not commonly used nowadays in ovarian hyperstimulation. This is mainly because clinical evidence on their effectiveness remains sparse, because of the low incidence of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the simultaneous introduction of mild stimulation approaches, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols and the freeze-all strategy for the prevention of OHSS.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of administration of volume expanders for the prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment cycles.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched databases including the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and trial registers to September 2015; no date restrictions were used as new comparators were included in this search. The references of relevant publications were also searched. We attempted to contact authors to provide or clarify data that were unclear from trial or abstract reports.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing volume expanders versus placebo or no treatment for the prevention of OHSS in high-risk women undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation as part of any assisted reproductive technique.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected the studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted relevant data. The primary review outcome was moderate or severe OHSS. Other outcomes were live birth, pregnancy and adverse events. We combined data to calculate pooled Peto odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each intervention. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for each comparison, using GRADE methods.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine RCTs (1867 women) comparing human albumin (seven RCTs) or HES (two RCTs) or mannitol (one RCT) versus placebo or no treatment for prevention of OHSS. The evidence was very low to moderate quality for all comparisons. The main limitations were imprecision, poor reporting of study methods, and failure to blind outcome assessment.There was evidence of a beneficial effect of intravenous albumin on OHSS, though heterogeneity was substantial (Peto OR 0.67 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95, seven studies, 1452 high risk women; I² = 69%, very low quality evidence) . This suggests that if the rate of moderate or severe OHSS with no treatment is 12%, it will be about 9% (6% to12%) with the use of intravenous albumin. However, there was evidence of a detrimental effect on pregnancy rates (Peto OR 0.72 95% CI 0.55 to 0.94, I² = 42%, seven studies 1069 high risk women, moderate quality evidence). This suggests that if the chance of pregnancy is 40% without treatment, it will be about 32% (27% to 38%) with the use of albumin.There was evidence of a beneficial effect of HES on OHSS (Peto OR 0.27 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59, I² = 0%, two studies, 272 women, very low quality evidence). This suggests that if the rate of moderate or severe OHSS with no treatment is 16%, it will be about 5% (2% to 10%) with the use of HES. There was no evidence of an effect on pregnancy rates (Peto OR 1.20 95% CI 0.49 to 2.93, one study, 168 women, very low quality evidence).There was evidence of a beneficial effect of mannitol on OHSS (Peto OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.64, one study, 226 women with PCOS, low quality evidence). This means that if the risk of moderate or severe OHSS with no treatment is 52%, it will be about 29% (19% to 41%) with mannitol. There was no evidence of an effect on pregnancy rates (Peto OR 0.85 95% CI 0.47 to 1.55; one study, 226 women, low quality evidence).Live birth rates were not reported in any of the studies. Adverse events appeared to be uncommon, but were too poorly reported to reach any firm conclusions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that the plasma expanders assessed in this review (human albumin, HES and mannitol) reduce rates of moderate and severe OHSS in women at high risk. Adverse events appear to be uncommon, but were too poorly reported to reach any firm conclusions, and there were no data on live birth. However, there was evidence that human albumin reduces pregnancy rates. While there was no evidence that HES, or mannitol had any influence on pregnancy rates, the evidence of effectiveness was based on very few trials which need to be confirmed in additional, larger randomised controlled trials (RCTs) before they should be considered for routine use in clinical practice.

Can steroidal ovarian suppression during the luteal phase after oocyte retrieval reduce the risk of severe OHSS?

Background

Ovarian stimulation in IVF cycle results in luteal supraphysiological steroid concentrations especially for high response patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian steroid hormone suppression in luteal phase after oocyte retrieval for preventing severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk patients with embryo cryopreservation.

Methods

281 patients with high risk of OHSS were enrolled in this study among 4735 infertile women undergoing their first IVF treatment. The subjects were allocated into treatment and control group. The treatment group (n = 161) received letrozole (n = 43), mifepristone (n = 51), cetrotide (n = 39) and three-drug combinations (n = 28) during the luteal phase after oocyte retrieval, respectively. The control group (n = 120) received no medicine. Fertilization rate, good embryo rate, serum steroid concentration, clinical outcome, and incidence of severe OHSS were compared between the two groups.

Results

On days 2, 5 and 8 after oocyte retrieval, serum estradiol levels in the letrozole and three-drug combination therapy group were significantly lower than in the other three groups at the same time (P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significantly difference of serum luteinizing hormone concentration on days 2, 5 and 8 and progesterone concentration on day 8 after oocyte retreival among the five groups (P > 0.05, respectively). Compared with the control group, the incidence of severe OHSS, the paracentesis rate, the duration of hospitalization and the days of luteal phase in each subgroup of treatment groups was not significantly decreased (P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that steroidal ovarian suppression in luteal phase after oocyte retrieval seems to be unable to prevent severe OHSS in high-risk patients with embryo cryopreservation.

Cetrotide administration in the early luteal phase in patients at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A controlled clinical study

The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of Cetrotide administration in the early luteal phase in patients at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), undergoing embryo cryopreservation following superovulation. A total of 135 patients at high risk of OHSS and undergoing embryo cryopreservation were divided into two groups. In the treatment group (n=39), the patients received daily subcutaneous injections of 0.25 mg Cetrotide between days 1 and 5 following ooctye retrieval, and volume expansion and symptomatic treatment were also provided. In the control group (n=96), the patients received routine treatments, including volume expansion therapy. The serum steroid hormone concentrations of the patients were measured on days 2, 5 and 8 following ooctye retrieval, while the incidence of moderate or severe OHSS, self-evaluated clinical symptoms and various clinical indicators were recorded. The serum estradiol (E₂), luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels in the treatment group on days 2, 5 and 8 following oocyte retrieval were not found to differ significantly when compared with the patients in the control group (P>0.05). The incidence of severe OHSS did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). The average length of hospital stay and length of luteal phase were not found to be significantly different between the treatment and control groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, Cetrotide injections in the early luteal phase did not alter the serum steroid levels of patients at high risk of OHSS undergoing embryo cryopreservation, and were unable to reduce the incidence of severe early OHSS. However, further randomized studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of Cetrotide in the prevention of OHSS.

Intra-venous fluids for the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of ovarian stimulation, which affects 1% to 14% of all in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. A number of clinical studies with conflicting results have reported on the use of intravenous fluids such as albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, Haemaccel® and dextran as a possible way for preventing the severe form of OHSS.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of administration of intravenous fluids such as albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, Haemaccel® and dextran in the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in IVF or ICSI treatment cycles.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, to third quarter 2010), MEDLINE (1950 to November 2010), EMBASE (1980 to November 2010) and The National Research Register (to November 2010). The citation lists of relevant publications, review articles, abstracts of scientific meetings and included studies were also searched. The authors were contacted to provide or clarify data that were unclear from the trial reports.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effects of intravenous fluids with placebo or no treatment for the prevention of severe OHSS in high risk women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment cycles.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently scanned the abstracts, identified relevant papers, assessed inclusion of trials and trial quality and extracted relevant data. Validity was assessed in terms of method of randomisation, allocation concealment and outcomes. Where possible, data were pooled for analysis. A separate analysis of studies was performed for human albumin and hydroxyethyl starch versus placebo or no treatment. Other potential intravenous fluids have been identified, such as Haemaccel and dextran, however no randomised controlled studies on their applicability could be found.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine RCTs involving 1660 (human albumin vs placebo) and 487 (HES vs placebo) randomised women, have been included in this review. There was a borderline statistically significant decrease in the incidence of severe OHSS with administration of human albumin (8 RCTs, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99).There was a statistically significant decrease in severe OHSS incidence with administration of hydroxyethyl starch (3 RCTs, OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.40). There was no evidence of statistical difference in the pregnancy rate between both groups of treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence of benefit from intra-venous albumin administration at the time of oocyte retrieval in the prevention or reduction of the incidence of severe OHSS in high risk women undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment cycles. Hydroxyethyl starch markedly decreases the incidence of severe OHSS.

Cabergoline reduces the early onset of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a prospective randomized study

Prophylactic use of cabergoline has been associated with a decrease in the severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). A prospective randomized study was designed to evaluate the potential of cabergoline to decrease the incidence of OHSS in high-risk patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment; 166 patients with oestradiol concentrations over 4000 pg/ml on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration were evaluated. They all received 20 g routine preventive intravenous human albumin on the day of oocyte retrieval. They were then randomized into two groups: group A (n = 83) received 0.5 mg oral cabergoline per day for 3 weeks beginning on the day after oocyte retrieval, and group B (n = 83) received no medication. 'Early' OHSS was defined as being when the onset of the syndrome was initiated during the first 9 days after HCG administration, and 'late' OHSS was defined as being when the onset of the syndrome was initiated from 10 days after HCG administration. In group A, no patients progressed to 'early' OHSS and nine patients (10.8%) developed 'late' OHSS; in group B, 12 patients (15.0%) progressed to 'early' OHSS and three (3.8%) to 'late' OHSS. Although the risk of 'early' OHSS decreased significantly (P < 0.001), the risk of 'late' onset OHSS did not. The two groups presented no changes in pregnancy, implantation or miscarriages rates.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome related to severe ovarian hyperstimulation

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a cause of infertility and fetal loss. Ovarian stimulation can induce previously unknown APS. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS) is uncommon but potentially life-threatening, as well as catastrophic APS. A woman that simultaneously developed a severe OHS and a catastrophic APS is described in this paper. Both entities produced thrombotic cardiac and brain thrombosis. A peculiar mechanism of cardiac ischemia is also described. In spite of the life-threatening risk of this situation, the indication for preventive anti-aggregation and/or anticoagulation is not clear.

Oocyte number per live birth in IVF: were Steptoe and Edwards less wasteful?

As part of a learning exercise to assess the efficiency of oocyte utilization after controlled ovarian stimulation, we compared historical data from the publications of Steptoe and Edwards describing their early experiences in Oldham and at Bourn Hall with retrospective data from IVF and ICSI cycles carried out at Bourn Hall Clinic during the year 2000. For the purpose of analysing the more recent data, patients were subdivided into groups by age (< or = 37 years and > or = 38 years) and by oocyte yield (low, intermediate and high). In patients less than 38 years of age, live birth rates were equivalent in each group, irrespective of the number of oocytes retrieved. Patients who yielded low numbers of oocytes (1-5) utilized an average of 9.6 oocytes per live birth, compared with 25.1 and 51.5 in those who yielded intermediate (6-16) and high (16+) numbers of oocytes. The comparison with historical data suggests that the 'efficiency' of oocyte utilization has not improved significantly since the early 1980s, despite 25 years' experience of controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment.

Reducing the dose of human chorionic gonadotropin in high responders does not affect the outcomes of in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE

The lowest effective hCG dose in high responders during IVF-embryo transfer (ET) has not been established. This study was performed to confirm that a dose of 3,300 IU is sufficient to provide adequate oocyte maturation and fertilization.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of IVF clinical data.

SETTING

Infertility center at a tertiary care university.

PATIENT(S)

Ninety-four IVF cycles were analyzed from high responders based on peak E(2) levels. Demographics were compared including age, diagnosis, and stimulation protocol.

INTERVENTION(S)

On the day of hCG administration, if E(2) levels were >/=2,500 but <4,000 pg/mL, patients received 5,000 IU (group A). For levels between 4,000 pg/mL and 5,500 IU pg/mL, they received 3,300 IU (group B).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Number of oocytes retrieved, proportion of mature oocytes, fertilization rates, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates (PR). The incidence and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was also analyzed.

RESULT(S)

Mean ages were 35.4 +/- 0.7 and 33.2 +/- 0.7 for groups A and B, respectively. Peak E(2) levels differed significantly (2,907 +/- 76 vs. 4,260 +/- 129 pg/mL), as well as the mean number of eggs retrieved (15.9 +/- 0.9 vs. 20.3 +/- 1.2). Proportion of mature eggs (81.6% vs. 81.9%), fertilization rate (70.5% vs. 68.7%), chemical PR (58.7% vs. 58.7%), and clinical PR (50.0% vs. 43.5%) were similar. There was no difference in the incidence of mild, moderate, or severe OHSS.

CONCLUSION(S)

A reduced hCG dose of 3,300 IU results in a similar proportion of mature eggs, similar fertilization rates, and similar PRs compared to 5,000 IU. Reducing the dose of hCG does not eliminate the risk of OHSS in a high-risk group.

Patient-friendly ovarian stimulation

The ultimate goal of successful IVF is the birth of a healthy child with no maternal complications. Advances in ovarian stimulation protocols using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) and high doses of gonadotrophins have resulted in increased oocyte numbers with improved pregnancy and birth rates. However, the efficacy of such therapy is controversial when measured against the potential side effects. These side effects include those arising from oestrogen deprivation during desensitization, complications associated with an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and an increased possibility of multiple births. Additionally, the increased cost due to more frequent monitoring and increased drug dosage negatively impacts on patient care. Thus, refinements in drug regimens are needed not only to address these side effects, but also to target the quality, not the quantity, of oocytes. In studies comparing GnRH antagonist (GnRHnt) to GnRHa, patients receiving GnRHnt underwent a shorter induction using less gonadotrophin, the incidence of OHSS was reduced and they reported a better quality of life. While larger studies are needed to confirm these promising findings, it appears that milder stimulation protocols could represent an interesting option, at least for selected patients.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: strategies for prevention

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious, iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation. The following report is a review of traditional and new strategies to prevent the development of OHSS. Techniques such as reducing the ovarian stimulus, coasting and cryopreservation are discussed. Other more investigative strategies are also summarized, including follicular aspiration, in-vitro maturation of immature oocytes, the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to trigger ovulation and the use of volume expanders such as hydroxyethyl starch. In addition, a review of the internal experience with OHSS at the authors' institution is described. All these preventative approaches are based on current understanding of the physiologic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of OHSS.

Induction of follicular growth and ovulation with urinary and recombinant gonadotrophins

Gonadotrophins have been used since the 1930s. By the 1990s, a pure biological extract of FSH was obtained. The increase in the demand for new assisted reproduction techniques led to the creation of recombinant FSH, 99% pure and highly consistent between batches, with no LH activity, and a high specific activity. In gonadotrophin protocols, follicular growth can be monitored with regular ultrasounds and/or hormonal testing, mainly oestradiol in the follicular phase. In assisted reproduction the adoption of ovulation induction strategies with GnRH analogues, control the endogenous secretion of LH, avoiding cancellations due to an early LH surge, and premature ovulation. Depending on the moment when pituitary suppression starts, there are short, ultra-short and long protocols The use of long protocols not only increases pregnancies and live births, it also allows an easier programming and simplifies IVF treatments. Ovarian stimulation entails some risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies that can be avoided in many cases with an accurate prediction and an active prevention.