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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffAbout 1 to 2 percent of women undergoing ovarian stimulation develop a severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Complications of severe OHSS may include:
- Fluid collection in the abdomen (ascites) and sometimes the chest
- Electrolyte disturbances (sodium, potassium, others)
- Blood clots in large vessels, usually in the legs
- Kidney failure
- Twisting (torsion) of an ovary
- Rupture of a cyst in an ovary, which can lead to serious bleeding
- Breathing problems (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Some of these complications may be life-threatening, but OHSS is unlikely to be fatal. Severe OHSS may increase the chance of pregnancy loss, either through miscarriage or termination because of complications.
- Van Voorhis BJ. Outcomes from assisted reproductive technology. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;107:183.
- Manno M, et al. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: The best approaches for prevention and treatment: A mini-review. Current Women's Health Reviews. 2007;3:49.
- Lobo RA. Infertility: Etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Fertility and Sterility. 2006;86(suppl):S178.
- Insler V, et al. Pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
- Insler V, et al. Classification and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
- Luke B, et al. Factors associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and its effect on assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and outcome. Fertility and Sterility. 2010;94:1399.
- Doody KJ. Treatment of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158038. Accessed Dec. 6, 2010.
- Humaidan P, et al. Preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Guidance for the clinician. Fertility and Sterility. 2010;94:389.
- Insler V, et al. Prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
- Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 22, 2010.
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