DAY-CARE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME AVOIDS HOSPITALIZATION AND MORBIDITY

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a dreaded complication of ovulation induction for assisted reproduction treatment. In the past, conservative management has been recommended and this leads to prolonged hospitalization. A total of 18 patients who developed severe OHSS were managed according to two protocols. The first group (n = 8) was managed conservatively with hospitalization, i.v. hydration and supportive therapy. The average duration of hospitalization was 11 days and the patients were uncomfortable throughout. A second group (n = 10) was managed on an out-patient basis with early, ultrasound-guided trans-abdominal paracentesis. While the patient was hydrated intravenously, 1-3 l of fluid were removed over 2-3 h. The duration of hospitalization was between 6 and 7 h and no in-patient stay was required. Prompt relief of symptoms was reported and none of the patients required re-tapping. Pregnancy was achieved in 68% of all patients. Day care management with easy abdominal paracentesis was found to be simple, safe and effective; patients found it more acceptable as it avoided in-patient hospitalization.