Guideline No. 315: Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

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Summary Statements1.The particular follicle-stimulating hormone formulation used for ovarian stimulation does not affect the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I)2.Coasting may reduce the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III)3.Coasting for longer than 3 days reduces in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2)4.The use of either luteinizing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin for final oocyte maturation does not influence the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I)5.There is no clear published evidence that lowering the human chorionic gonadotropin dose will result in a decrease in the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III)6.Cabergoline starting from the day of human chorionic gonadotropin reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at higher risk and does not appear to lower in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates. (II-2)7.Avoiding pregnancy by freezing all embryos will prevent severe prolonged ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients at high risk. (II-2)8.Pregnancy rates are not affected when using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in GnRH antagonist protocols for final egg maturation when embryos are frozen by vitrification for later transfer. (II-2) Recommendations1.The addition of metformin should be considered in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome who are undergoing in vitro fertilization because it may reduce the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-A)2.Gonadotropin dosing should be carefully individualized, taking into account the patient’s age, body mass, antral follicle count, and previous response to gonadotropins. (II-3B)3.Cycle cancellation before administration of human chorionic gonadatropin is an effective strategy for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but the emotional and financial burden it imposes on patients should be considered before the cycle is cancelled. (III-C)4.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist stimulation protocols are recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The risk of severe OHSS in patients on GnRH antagonist protocols who have a very robust ovarian stimulation response can be reduced by using a GnRH agonist as a substitute for human chorionic gonadotropin to trigger final oocyte maturation. (I-B)5.A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol with a GnRH agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation is recommended for donor oocyte and fertility preservation cycles. (III-C)6.Albumin or other plasma expanders at the time of egg retrieval are not recommended for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (I-E)7.Elective single embryo transfer is recommended in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (III-C)8.Progesterone, rather than human chorionic gonadotropin, should be used for luteal phase support. (I-A)9.Outpatient culdocentesis should be considered for the prevention of disease progression in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (II-2B)