Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a complication of fertility treatment in which stimulated ovaries enlarge and fluid leaks from blood vessels into tissues and body cavities.

Vascular endothelial growth factor: A signaling protein that promotes blood-vessel growth and increases vascular permeability. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates ovarian VEGF production, driving the fluid leakage central to the syndrome.
In vitro fertilization: A fertility treatment in which eggs are collected and fertilized outside the body. Ovarian stimulation for egg retrieval is a common setting for this complication.
Controlled ovarian stimulation: The use of fertility medicines to develop multiple ovarian follicles in one treatment cycle. This is the treatment process that can produce the ovarian response underlying the syndrome.
Ovarian cyst: A fluid-filled sac within or on an ovary. A cyst may enlarge an ovary, but it does not by itself imply the systemic fluid leakage of this syndrome.
Human chorionic gonadotropin: A hormone used in fertility treatment to trigger final egg maturation and ovulation. An hCG trigger can intensify ovarian VEGF release and precipitate or prolong symptoms.
Ovarian reserve: The remaining quantity of a person’s eggs and the expected response of the ovaries to stimulation. High reserve can predict an exaggerated response and inform stimulation planning.
Follicle-stimulating hormone: A hormone that promotes growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Injected FSH recruits multiple follicles, increasing the chance of an exaggerated response.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome grading: Clinical classification of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by symptoms, examination, and laboratory findings. Severity grading distinguishes mild discomfort from cases requiring close monitoring or hospital care.
Ascites: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen explains distension and, in severe cases, breathing difficulty.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist: A drug that activates gonadotropin receptors initially and suppresses their signaling with continued use. An agonist trigger can reduce syndrome risk in selected IVF cycles.

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