Hemodynamics of Uterine Arteries in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome During Culdocentesis: A Preliminary Result

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the effects of culdocentesis on uterine hemodynamics in patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (OHSS). Methods. All women with OHSS underwent transvaginal sonography before and after culdocenteses. All patients were divided according to the amount of ascites removed (Group 1＜1500 ml; Group 2≧1500 ml); then their pulsatility index (PI) and maximum peak systolic velocity (MPSV) of uterine arteries were compared. Results. Uterine PI values decreased significantly after culdocentesis in Group 2(1.42±0.27 vs 1.36±0.28). In contrast, patients in Group 1 had non-significant changes of uterine PI values after culdocentesis. Uterine PI values decreased in 32 of 42 (76.2%) in Group 2 and eight of 12 (66.7%) in Group 1. Uterine MPSV values were not reduced significantly after culdocentesis. PI and MPSV values before and after culdocenteses were similar between both groups. Conclusions. Patients who underwent culdocenteses and had≧1500 ml of ascites removed showed improvement in uterine perfusion. Patients who had lesser amounts of ascites removed showed improvement in uterine perfusion. Patients who had lesser amounts of ascites removed did not experience improvement in uterine perfusion. Patients with persistent ascites had a higher rate of pregnancy than those without persistent ascites.