Plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 may determine the onset of early and late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

BACKGROUND Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening condition associated with ovarian stimulation. Its pathophysiology is unknown and its treatment continues to be empirical. Early (E)- and late (L)-OHSS occur in women at risk, though not in all cases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is related to increased vascular permeability in OHSS. We analysed the dynamics of the VEGF system in E- and L-OHSS. METHODS A prospective cohort of women undergoing IVF-ICSI treatment were divided into groups. E-OHSS: Nonpregnant patients classified as women not at risk (group 1) (n = 11) and patients at risk who did not (group 2) (n = 18) and did (group 3) (n = 8) develop sever…