Multiple transvaginal ascitic fluid aspirations improves the clinical and reproductive outcome in patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment complicated by severe early ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of repeated transvaginal ascitic fluid aspiration on the reproductive outcome in patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment complicated with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. A total of 65 women with severe early OHSS were hospitalised and managed with transvaginal ascitic fluid aspiration either in < 3 occasions (control group; n = 29) or ≥ 3 occasions (multiple aspirations) (study group; n = 36). All patients in both groups received intravenous fluid, human albumin and thromboprophylaxis. Patients in the study group received significantly lower amounts of parenteral fluid (p < 0.05), human albumin (p < 0.01), and LMWH (p < 0.001). In addition, they had significantly lower days of hospitalisation (p < 0.01) as compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the cancellation rate between the two groups, but patients who underwent multiple aspiration had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (82.8% vs 41.7%, p < 001) and significantly lower abortion rate (10.3% vs 40%, p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Repeated transvaginal asitic fluid aspiration even with large amounts is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic patients with severe OHSS. The pregnancy rate increased significantly along with a significant decrease in the abortion rate was observed after multiple aspirations compared with < 3 aspirations.

Keywords::

• Abortion rate
• ascites
• in vitro fertilisation
• ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• pregnancy rate

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.