Overstimulation – OHSS

Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome - OHSS represents one of the biggest complications of treatments of infertility and in vitro fertilization. This condition may end fatally, and it is estimated that this tragic outcome occurs in 3/100 000 initiated cycles of in vitro fertilization, as a result of OHSS. Although in most cases, other than discomfort for the patient, there are no graver consequences, it is unacceptable that a healthy woman, who is being treated for infertility, is exposed to serious health risks. Therefore in Europe have been developed special protocols to prevent this problem, which we apply in our institution, and it is popularly called OHSS free clinic. Nowadays the frequency of this problem varies from 0.5-5% depending on the application of those measures. OHSS occurs most frequently in the procedures of ovarian stimulation for In vitro fertilization, as a consequence of excessive stimulation of the ovaries and consequent excretion of certain substances by the ovaries that cause a disturbance of permeability of blood vessels, outbursts all over her body, and potentially damage of the liver, kidneys and other vital organs. These are still more difficult forms, and more often, there is only a slight abdominal pain with bloating and ovarian enlargement. OHSS can occur in other cases of of ovarian stimulation (described even in spontaneous OHSS cycles), although this is far less common. Pregnancy caused the secretion of its hormones additionally contributes the further development of OHSS-a. Prevention of OHSS must be a priority of any IVF clinic and the treatment of already formed disorder must be energetic, immediate, and if necessary, requires hospitalization and involvement of an anesthesiologist and internist with all the postulates of intensive care.